Does Blade Stiffener Have to be Connected for Safe Usage of Detail K2 Hitch Mount Snowplow

Updated 11/11/2024 | Published 12/10/2021

Question:

Installed on a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. The blade stiffeners dont line up with the Curt hitch. The stiffeners sit a few inches lower than the hitch. Am I doing something wrong?

asked by: Glen T

Expert Reply:

Good question! The blade stiffeners that come with the Detail K2 Snowplow # K2AVAL8422 don't necessarily have to be used. I reached out to my contact at Detail K2 who said that the only time that those stiffeners really need to be used is if you will be pushing a lot of heavy snow. Otherwise you'll be just fine using it on your 2003 GMC Yukon XL without those connected.

The reason why you're having trouble is because those will connect if the receiver is the same height as the crosstube, which for your application the receiver is welded to the bottom of that crosstube.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Todd

11/10/2024

I saw one of these plows with the 2 stabilizers hooked to it and they were bent so bad that you couldn't adjust the threads anymore. What would be the reason for this and what to do to prevent it? I've seen reviews saying not to get the receiver hitch version but instead to get the frame mount version. Thoughts before I buy one?

Jon G.

11/11/2024

@Todd The bent stabilizers are the result of running into too many things that aren't moveable - think curbs and parking stops. The solution is to avoid hitting them. The frame mount version is better for sure. The reason the receiver style is popular though is because it gives you more options to choose from throughout the year like a cargo carrier or bike rack. If you only plan on having something like that for a snowplow then go with the frame mount if it's available for your vehicle. Let me know your year/make/model and I'll be happy to make a different recommendation for you as well!

Todd

11/11/2024

I don't really plan on using it for anything else than a snow plow. Would it be too late to change my order for the DK2 which is receiver hitch mount? How much would the difference in cost be?

Jon G.

11/11/2024

@Todd I just sent a note over on your order to have our customer service team reach out to you to get the details taken care of, including any cost differences.

Jon G.

11/11/2024

@ToddP There are actually a wide variety of price-points that include options for the hitch-mount and options for the frame-mount. I saw you've already canceled your order so I know you're good to go there. The Detail K2 # K2AVAL8826 you were initially looking at will be a bit more cost-effective than most of the frame-mounted options if you already have a front receiver on your truck, but if you're also needing to install a front hitch, like part # C31068, then the pricing will all be about the same. Currently the most cost-effective frame-mount snowplow is a combination of the Detail K2 Rampage II # K2RAMP8219 and the Mounting Kit # K281521, but you might need to remove your front receiver (if you have one) in order to install this bracket kit. All of this is designed to fit a 2013 Ford F-150 so if you have a different vehicle please let me know so I can help you find the right kit.

Helpful Links

snowplow-2013_ford_f-150.htm?furl=-co-fits_2_inch_receiver

snowplow-2013_ford_f-150.htm?furl=-co-requires_custom_brackets