Winter grill cover
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 588
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Any marine store/canvas shop/upholsterer should have the screw in snap studs in stock, if you're near one. If you're anywhere near salt water you should be able to find them in 100 percent stainless, too.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Williamston, MI
the FIA looks good. I purchased mine from Alaska tarp and tent. Very happy with it. It does tuck down behind the bumper too.
It does make a big difference in warm up time. Main reason for adding it was that my trans would get warmer than normal on really cold days when I was at freeway speeds. The extra trans cooler needed to be covered.
It does make a big difference in warm up time. Main reason for adding it was that my trans would get warmer than normal on really cold days when I was at freeway speeds. The extra trans cooler needed to be covered.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Ma / NH
Winter grill cover?
Do you really think it is necessary for a cover on our trucks?
I have a 2003 f350 SC and during this last storm was out 35 hrs and temp seemed great all the time lowest OAT was was -1.
I have a 2003 f350 SC and during this last storm was out 35 hrs and temp seemed great all the time lowest OAT was was -1.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
It's just to reduce the warmup time for me, when it gets really cold it can take a long time to warm up.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 343
Likes: 5
From: Plumsteadville PA
I think the faster you can bring it up to operating temp the more efficient it will be running. I still have my EBPV in place and I wouldn't mind having that kick off a little sooner and I think the trans runs better when it's warmed up also. Maybe I'm just getting older but this winter has been pretty damn cold.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Ma / NH
winter grill cover
I see how long it takes our trucks to warm up, and how quick they cool down. I'm more concerned of over heating. I pull a work trailer, and plow also, and worst of all I find myself pushing the truck faster. Yesterday for the first time came real close to over heating three different times. I went north to the New Hampshire white mountains with my plow on. Temps were single digits down here and negative up there. Blade angled so air can get in, but I caught it in time to see temp rising trying to maintain 75 on the interstate in -10 to -20 degrees. Never had a problem before going north in my gaser with plow. Now I'll install gauges to monitor better.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Panaca, NV
block heater to warm up truck
In my 2002 I hook up the block heater about 11PM and usually start my f350 PS about 7AM and I run it for 10 minutes and it's fairly warm in the vehicle and the windows are defrosted. Maybe I am missing something but it seems adequate for me. The block heater in my 97PS seems to warm the interior much quicker but possibly it is set at a higher temp. What are you guys trying to accomplish that the block heater won't do????
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
In my 2002 I hook up the block heater about 11PM and usually start my f350 PS about 7AM and I run it for 10 minutes and it's fairly warm in the vehicle and the windows are defrosted. Maybe I am missing something but it seems adequate for me. The block heater in my 97PS seems to warm the interior much quicker but possibly it is set at a higher temp. What are you guys trying to accomplish that the block heater won't do????
What do you do when you don't have access to electricity for your block heater.
I think this horse is dead, lets stop beating it, some like them others think they are a waste of money.
Buy one if you want, or not.
Junior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
I asked about this earlier and was told it would bring my truck up to operating temp sooner. So I went out and bought some vinyl and was going to make one but it has been cold in the garage and I no longer care for the cold. as soon as it warms up a little I plan on getting out there and making it not to mention I have couple house boat piece of furniture I need to get busy on but nobody uses their boat when its cold so I can wait till it warms up a little.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: middlesex county, nj
I made my own and attached to a spare grill, I just swap the grille around December and again around March. I always felt like those snaps weren't going to last. So the 5 or so grille screws are much more sturdy.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 343
Likes: 5
From: Plumsteadville PA
I pulled the trigger and bought one this morning which happened to be the coldest day on record in the northeast. I was surprised after looking at some of the pics that guys posted of their covers that the manufacturer doesn't have a flap to open in the area of the air intake