portable heater help
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S.C.
portable heater help
Do anyone know of a good portable heater that will plug into a lighter; it's unseasonably cold here (16-28 degrees), by the time I get to work the truck is just getting warn.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 6
From: N E Ohio
You will not find a 12 volt heater that does much more than warm the hand you hold it in. Most are 300 watt at the most with very low flow fans. Here is a trick I have used in really cold weather - just take a cheap 120 volt ceramic heater and a 12 ga extension cord. Put the heater in the truck and turn it on high about 45 minutes before you go. When you go, turn heater off, unplug from extension cord, and you have a nice warm cab for a while.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,762
From: Burbank, WA
Something else to consider might be a block heater for your engine. You leave it plugged into your household current overnight and it'll have the water in the engine up to about 100F when you start the truck in the morning. It'll start easier and get warm faster so your drive is a lot more comfortable.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 21
From: HUDSON, FL
Jaye, something else to consider is a remote start,i had that in my truck
when i lived in nj turn your defroster on at night & in the morning you hit
the remote start,the truck starts-the defroster comes on & when you
get into the truck the windshield is clear & the truck is nice & warm-it
was good in the summer too with the ac
when i lived in nj turn your defroster on at night & in the morning you hit
the remote start,the truck starts-the defroster comes on & when you
get into the truck the windshield is clear & the truck is nice & warm-it
was good in the summer too with the ac
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 19
From: scotia. NY 12302
the old school remedy was to put a piece of cardboard over part of your radiator. of course, you have to monitor your temp gauge to make sure you don't overheat it. mine seems to warm up quicker with about half the radiator covered. dick r.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
I used a tank-type block heater for years and loved it! In 1/2 hour the engine was about 140 - 160 deg, started like a dream, and the defrosters worked almost immediately. The only thing it to make SURE you unplug it before you pull away!! 
What thermostat you running?
What thermostat you running?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Oh just put on a jacket ya big woos! LOL!
I'm just kidding.
It sounds like Ross is onto something. Your heater takes raw heated coolant from the engine. If you have a 140 degree thermostat, that water going into you heater is going to be 140 degrees before the thremostat even opens. That should be more than enough.
Are you sure your heater lines are un obstructed - heater temp valve (if installed) is working right - blower is blowing enough?
I'm just kidding.
It sounds like Ross is onto something. Your heater takes raw heated coolant from the engine. If you have a 140 degree thermostat, that water going into you heater is going to be 140 degrees before the thremostat even opens. That should be more than enough.
Are you sure your heater lines are un obstructed - heater temp valve (if installed) is working right - blower is blowing enough?
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 521
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From: Cincinnati, OH
An in-line lower radiator hose block heater is an easy and effective solution for quicker warm-up. Itjust splices in line, typical is 600 watts, 120 v.
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I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
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From: Northshore, MN
Up here in the tundra, we just deal with it. Get up earlier, start the truck earlier, leave earlier, get to work late.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
As stated above DO NOT buy the small portable heaters that plug into a cigarette lighter. Useless, just go to Harbor Freights website and read the reviews on the one they sell. Most customers gave it a 1 star rating.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tank heater is the way to go. Plugs into your water/cooling system and keeps it warm all the time. (works like a electric coffee pot) Used it in Northern Minnesota. Let truck set for weeks on end - outside 30 below - raw temp not wind chill - had warm heat on startup.
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