When to plug in? (Outside temp)
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
The coldest it gets where I live is the high 20's and my trucks start up on their own unless there is a problem with the GP system.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 770
From: SoCal/Wyoming
If your batteries are good and you are running quality synthetic oil, you should not have a problem at those temps. If you do decide to plug it in, put the plug on a timer that comes on about an hour or so before you intend on using the truck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
If you are going to use your block heater, I recommend that you inspect it very carefully for any signs of damage and replace as necessary.
A few years ago our fleet manager had all the block heaters removed from all of our work trucks. We operate in California and Arizona so we can operate without those things. Our insurance premiums went down almost 20% once we verified they all were removed. Point is, they can be dangerous if used while faulty. I am sure yours is fine but it's a good idea to check it just to be sure.
A few years ago our fleet manager had all the block heaters removed from all of our work trucks. We operate in California and Arizona so we can operate without those things. Our insurance premiums went down almost 20% once we verified they all were removed. Point is, they can be dangerous if used while faulty. I am sure yours is fine but it's a good idea to check it just to be sure.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: South Shore, MA
If you are going to use your block heater, I recommend that you inspect it very carefully for any signs of damage and replace as necessary.
A few years ago our fleet manager had all the block heaters removed from all of our work trucks. We operate in California and Arizona so we can operate without those things. Our insurance premiums went down almost 20% once we verified they all were removed. Point is, they can be dangerous if used while faulty. I am sure yours is fine but it's a good idea to check it just to be sure.
A few years ago our fleet manager had all the block heaters removed from all of our work trucks. We operate in California and Arizona so we can operate without those things. Our insurance premiums went down almost 20% once we verified they all were removed. Point is, they can be dangerous if used while faulty. I am sure yours is fine but it's a good idea to check it just to be sure.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
I keep hearing people say to put your block heater on a timer to come on an hour before u want to use it. Is it harmful to the engine to just leave them plugged in all night? That's what I've always done with my gas vehicles
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 2
From: Bend, OR
Mine has been plugged in for weeks before.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 39
The biggest danger would come from faulty connections anywhere in the circuit. Block heaters draw around a kilowatt, and if you have a high-resistance connection anywhere in the circuit, it is going to get hot. The most likely place for that is probably going to be the plug itself, since it sits out on the front of the truck and can get corroded.
Even though I live in pretty temperate climate, I still use my block heater quite a bit. My commute is fairly short, and I like the idea of giving the truck a little head start on warming up. In the coldest months (even though it doesn't get that cold) I will set a timer to come on 3-4 hours before I start it up in the morning.
Even though I live in pretty temperate climate, I still use my block heater quite a bit. My commute is fairly short, and I like the idea of giving the truck a little head start on warming up. In the coldest months (even though it doesn't get that cold) I will set a timer to come on 3-4 hours before I start it up in the morning.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
I would argue that 1 hour before you start it isn't quite long enough. I have a timer that starts the heater 2 hours before.
As for temps, I try to plug mine in below 35F, but with synthetic oil, it's so much happier about starting that I worry less about it than I did in the past.
As for temps, I try to plug mine in below 35F, but with synthetic oil, it's so much happier about starting that I worry less about it than I did in the past.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Jenkintown, PA
I was thinking of installing a relay to control the block heater based on engine oil temperature. That way the truck could be left plugged in and the heater would only switch on when needed.
A thermostat that turns on in the teens and off around forty or so ought to work. Has anyone ever tried a mod like that?
Chris
A thermostat that turns on in the teens and off around forty or so ought to work. Has anyone ever tried a mod like that?
Chris
