Ford has announced its new 2015 F-150 is getting a factory-optional snow plow prep package. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as most of the country is dealing with record-breaking temperatures and crazy amounts of snowfall. Now owners of the new aluminum-bodied F-150 can join the fight against accumulation with the professionals.

Normally reserved for heavy duty-series trucks->ke242 like the Super Duty, pushing a snow plow is no easy task. The heavy blade contacting thick snow puts an exorbitant amount of stress on the truck’s frame. Thanks to Ford’s upgraded high-strength steel frame that’s new for 2015, the truck can take the abuse.

The snow plow prep package is offered on all three cab configurations, but must be combined with the 5.0-liter V-8. Ford->ke31 says the EcoBoost engines’ intercoolers would suffer from restricted airflow behind the plow. Surprisingly the option only costs an additional $50 and includes a dedicated slow plow button on the dashboard and extra wiring under the dash. This makes the truck ready for a third party snow plow company to install their product.

Interestingly enough, the package necessitates the deletion of heated seats. Engineers say the added electrical load of the snow plow means something else had to go. Too bad it had to be a comfort item. Regardless, the added capability is a welcomed one to the F-150’s repertoire.

Click 'Continue Reading' for more about the 2015 Ford F-150.

Why it matters

This added capability allows F-150 owners the option of plowing their own snow verses hiring it done or buying a bigger truck. Ford says this setup is still meant for more light-duty operations, say for customers with long driveways or businesses with parking lots to clear. What’s more the nominal purchase price ($50) for the snow plow prep package means will might be a popular option up north.

Of course, that price doesn’t include the third party snow plow, its instillation, or the electronics it takes to run the system. Plows can range in price, with high-end models costing as much as $5,000.

2015 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is all-new for 2015 and comes to market with a new frame sporting high-strength steel and an all-aluminum body. The added lightness brings the truck’s curb weight down as much as 700 pounds over the previous generation. The truck is still offered in regular, extended, and crew cab configurations, with both short and long bed lengths as options.

Ford offers four engine options for the F-150. Those include the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, the venerable 5.0-liter V-8, and the range-topping 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. A six-speed automatic transmission backs up all four engines.

Pricing for the 2015 F-150 starts at $26,615 and ranges up into the mid $50,000 mark.