block heater, external power supply
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block heater, external power supply
Hello I am looking to buy a 2011 F350 diesel. This would be my first diesel so I am trying to educate my self as much as possible. The one thing I am thinking I might have an issue with is plugging in the block heater at night. I live in a apartment complex and can't run an extension cord to the truck. Sometimes I am not parked anywhere near my apartment.
My question is it possible to power it from either another car battery say in the bed of the truck or a really good battery jump pack? I am thinking a marine batter with a dc->ac conversion running from the bed of the truck would do the trick.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank.
My question is it possible to power it from either another car battery say in the bed of the truck or a really good battery jump pack? I am thinking a marine batter with a dc->ac conversion running from the bed of the truck would do the trick.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Not likely from a battery, the heater draws 900 watts. This would kill most large batteries in minutes, and wouldn't have a measurable benefit.
How cold does it get where you live? You only need the block heater below -10 F.
How cold does it get where you live? You only need the block heater below -10 F.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I wouldn't worry about it if it were me. I've started mine at -11 before after sitting for three days. It fired right up without any problems, but it did give me a message to wait 30 seconds before driving.
If you really needed to plug it in you would need a generator to power the heater.
If you really needed to plug it in you would need a generator to power the heater.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: North of Salt Lake City
Snake,
I think the larger question is whether or not you need a diesel engine. Do you need that much power? Do you think they're just cool and worth it to pay an extra $8,000? If ambient temps around you occasionally get into the minus teens, you won't have a problem starting the truck even without a block heater.
I think the larger question is whether or not you need a diesel engine. Do you need that much power? Do you think they're just cool and worth it to pay an extra $8,000? If ambient temps around you occasionally get into the minus teens, you won't have a problem starting the truck even without a block heater.
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yeah we are a construction company, constantly towing dump carts and materials etc. Our average low is 15F. This week this cold snap has put us at -5 for 4 nights in a row. So you guys think I will be fine with cold starts in the teens for all of january February?
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interesting this from ford say -10F like you guys said. It is EXTREMELY rare to get that cold here. And if I knew it was going to be that cold I could park the truck at the shop and plug it in there since it is so rare.
http://www.donlen.com/uploadedFiles/...ntCareTips.pdf
http://www.donlen.com/uploadedFiles/...ntCareTips.pdf
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From: Maryland
Ford's recommendation of plugging in at -10 is coming from a guaranteed easy start/convenience standpoint. -10 is not the magic number where the truck will no longer start. At 5* F my 6.7 starts better and easier than my 6.0 did at 30* F. Basically as long as you have good batteries and the truck is run daily, I wouldn't be afraid of -20* starts without plugging it in. Between the common rail injection and the new improved glow plug system, these things are an absolute gem on cold starts compared to earlier models.
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