Espar / Webasto

thejean · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011, 11:03 PM

Hey Guys!

JC here from Calgary. I just bought a 2011 F350 PSD and am loving it so far.

Little worried about next winter though. I commute with this truck and run kids around so need to figure out a way to get the truck up to operating temps (or close to it) on really cold days. Contemplating the Espar or the Webasto.

Few questions:
1. Which is better for our trucks in terms of install, Espar or Websato?
2. Has anyone here installed one in a 2011 PSD?
3. There are many Espar dealers but where is the best place to get a Webasto in Calgary?
4. Is the air heater required as well or is the coolant heater sufficient?

Thanks and maybe I'll bump into some of you folks someday.

Cheers, JC

Digger6 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2011, 09:02 AM

Just go down to Peavey Mart or UFA and buy a circulating heater. Much simpler and much cheaper. Tie it in to the heater hose and be done in 15 mins.

thejean · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2011, 10:46 PM

I have a block heater aleady. Is a circulating heater different? Will it defrost the truck? Reason I want the Espar is because I take a baby to daycare in the mornings and don't want the poor thing to freeze every day. To me, a couple of grand is worth it for her to be comfortable. Plus, having the truck almost at operating temp before you fire up is a good thing when you have a short comuute like I do.

Digger6 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 01:25 PM

Yes very much different. A lot of people call them a tractor heater. You plug it in and it circulates the coolant. The engine block will be warm to the touch. All this for a bout a$100.

thejean · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 02:05 PM

Would it be able to heat the cab as well if you wired the fan to come on simultaneously?

I just worry that it won't get the truck warm enough to avoid cold engine wear and also won't heat the interior. I could try it as a first attempt though.

The other thing is that I race rally cars and will have this truck out in the woods in possible frigid temps so having something that doesn't rely on a plugin would be beneficial.