When do you guys plug em in
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 8
When do you guys plug em in
With temps getting a little chilly and going away ice fishing next week I'm just wondering when you guys start plugging in your trucks. I've only encounter a handful of days just below the freezing mark and the beast always barks to life, let's out a shot of smoke and runs great.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
I usually plug mine in when it starts getting below 40* at night. I know you don't have to but the it seems to me that it would be easier on all the engine components starting a warm engine. I do want to get a timer to put mine on though so it's not sitting there all night sucking electricity 
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 8
Haha. All the times I thought of a timer with the old moose machine(89 F-350 w/ 7.3). Never got around to it though. I read somewhere that cold starts are pretty hard on these things. Thanks for the reply
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Block heater draws 1000W. So whatever your per-kWh rate is on your bill, that's exactly how much it costs to run per hour. Typically it's around 15 cents / hour. So if you use a timer, for every six hours you DON'T run it, it saves a buck. Pays for the timer pretty quick.
Also, turn the HVAC control to Defrost when you park it. The coolant circulates a bit as it's heated, so when you light it up, it defrosts your windshield faster.
Also, turn the HVAC control to Defrost when you park it. The coolant circulates a bit as it's heated, so when you light it up, it defrosts your windshield faster.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
I normally set it for 3 hrs prior to estimated start up time. I really only use it when it's predicted to be below freezing and I'm going to work or hunting. Warm air from the word go sure is nice.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
I've used a timer previously. I went the "cheap" route. Don't remember where I bought it, but I'll do a bit more research the next timer I purchase a timer. My old timer has fallen apart. Also, it started tripping the circuit breaker towards the end of its life. 
Those of you currently using a timer, would you post the brand and model number you're using? Either I'm getting some bad timers or I'm using the wrong brand.
Those of you currently using a timer, would you post the brand and model number you're using? Either I'm getting some bad timers or I'm using the wrong brand.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Got mine from ACE hardware many years ago and it's still working. A few weeks ago I was at Home Depot and they had some for about $15, but don't know the quality. It says right on it for vehicle block heaters. This year I have it set for 2.5 hours (3 am - 5:30 am). Anything more than 3 hours seems to be a waste. Pays for itself pretty quick.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
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Likes: 8
I've used a timer previously. I went the "cheap" route. Don't remember where I bought it, but I'll do a bit more research the next timer I purchase a timer. My old timer has fallen apart. Also, it started tripping the circuit breaker towards the end of its life. Those of you currently using a timer, would you post the brand and model number you're using? Either I'm getting some bad timers or I'm using the wrong brand.
Those of you currently using a timer, would you post the brand and model number you're using? Either I'm getting some bad timers or I'm using the wrong brand. 
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Southern West Virginia
I haven't had my timer on long, but so far I like it! I set it to come on at 4:30, so that gives me about 3 hours warm up time. I also set my timer to pass power from 4:30 AM-4:30 PM because there are times when I haven't planned on taking my truck somewhere but then find out I need it during the day, so i'll go plug it in, even if it's only for 30 minutes. I didn't want to have to run in my building and reset the timer every time I do that. I bought my timer at Tractor Supply - they had them on sale right after Christmas.
Speaking of timers - I put my chicken water heater on a timer too! I figured there was no reason to have it pulling power 24 hrs/day, so I set it up to run for 2 hours, then off for 2 hours, so on. Saves me 1/2 the power it was using and works just fine! My 5 year old son asked me while I was setting it up "Daddy, why do you like timers so much?" LOL!
Speaking of timers - I put my chicken water heater on a timer too! I figured there was no reason to have it pulling power 24 hrs/day, so I set it up to run for 2 hours, then off for 2 hours, so on. Saves me 1/2 the power it was using and works just fine! My 5 year old son asked me while I was setting it up "Daddy, why do you like timers so much?" LOL!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
DO NOT get this one: Woods 13571 Indoor and Outdoor 24-Hour Mechanical Timers (2-Pack) - Smarthome . The outdoor-grade one is cr@p. First one I got, the clock drive hung up on the little on-off tabs and stopped keeping time almost right away. Exchanged at the store, new one lasted about a year and now it's doing the same thing. I don't even have it outdoors (have an extension cord going from inside to outside). Didn't have any trouble with the electrical load, it was just the mechanical time-keeping that epic failed.
This one: has held up so far.
This one: has held up so far.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Southern West Virginia
I'm with Bill though on the temp - as soon as it gets 40* or below, I plug it in. I figure it's got to be better for it than not. I know guys who never plug theirs in until it's 0*, but I can tell a difference in cold starting at 40* when it's plugged it in vs. when it's not, so that tells me that i need to plug it in when I can.