Cold Front
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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Cold Front
Lately we have been well below zero and I am trying to find a cold/winter front for my 2011. There seems to be a lack of these products on the market and was wondering if any of you have one or do I need to take the time to fab one. I have a 4 month old that will love the quicker warm ups in the morning. We thank you for your help in advance!
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Joined: Aug 2011
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I have a cold front from a company called Fia. A quick internet search will turn up a few online retailers. Mine came with a both a winter front and a summer front (bug screen) which mount on the same studs. Fia uses plastic stick-a-stud fasteners which use adhesive to stick to the grille. The advantage here is an easier install and you can remove them without a trace.
The only alternative I found was from Alaska Tent and Tarp. They will also include a summer front if you ask (and pay extra). Their model attaches with metal studs which screw into the grille. The advantage is obviously strength, but you will be drilling holes in your grille.
The AK Tent and Tarp model was going to cost over twice as much as the Fia - but I do believe it is of higher quality.
I think there was someone who retrofitted an older Ford brand to fit, search the forums for more info on that.
MA
The only alternative I found was from Alaska Tent and Tarp. They will also include a summer front if you ask (and pay extra). Their model attaches with metal studs which screw into the grille. The advantage is obviously strength, but you will be drilling holes in your grille.
The AK Tent and Tarp model was going to cost over twice as much as the Fia - but I do believe it is of higher quality.
I think there was someone who retrofitted an older Ford brand to fit, search the forums for more info on that.
MA
Cargo Master
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From: Over Yonder, MN
New User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Fort McMurray, Alberta
I installed the FORD winter front from a 2010 Super duty on my 2012 F250 Lariat. It fits great.. you just need to modify the lower tabs and secure them with mini bungee cords inside the bumper.
Fleet Owner
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Posting Guru
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From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
Cardboard or plastic slid between the radiators works and then you don't see anything on the outside.
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screwy I saw your post and thought it looked great. I was thinking of using aluminum and doing something similar.
fudge89 I would like to see the fit on yours also if you could post pics. Is there a gap on any of the sides?
fudge89 I would like to see the fit on yours also if you could post pics. Is there a gap on any of the sides?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
So I will be the devils advocate here and say I cannot understand the utility of a cold front cover for these trucks. There is a thermostat that regulates your water temp and unless it fails how can blocking the air to the rad make a difference? It was -35C here this morning and driving in on the highway engine oil temp and transmission temp were entirely normal (same as they are in the summer). So unless you are concerned about a rock in the radiator what is the point??
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: WY
Blocking off or reducing the air flow thru the radiator facilitates quicker warm-ups, which helps the cabin temperature maintain a more desirable comfort level even while idling, and improves engine efficiency and fuel economy by running the engine at a warmer temp. That's why OTR trucks use shutters on the grille. These are of course my opinions and real world experience based solely on 40 years of driving and working around diesel engines in cold climates. No scientific experiments were performed to come up with this opinion. 
I also use the cardboard during extended low temps of 0 or colder.
I also use the cardboard during extended low temps of 0 or colder.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
I understand that is the conventional wisdom, but my question is that if the water for the heater core is drawn from the block and the thermostat is closed when the engine is below operating temperature, why would changing the temperature of the coolant in the radiator which is not circulating make a difference in warmup time? Is it because it reduces air circulation around the engine block and this reduces cooling? I have never been able to understand this.