So I just bought a 2004 f-250 6.0l truck. I have a excursion with the 7.3l. But anyway. I was thinking about plugging the truck in at night it is about 10 degrees here with a low of 5.

The question: is it safe to do so? How can I make sure it won't start on fire? Should I just replace it? Oem block heaters only?

I just don't want my truck to be on fire over night. I have read the horror stories online and they just scared me.

 

It is safe to do so but you first need to check the cord for any cuts/rub marks etc. I use mine but it is on a timer I usually set it for three hours before I go to work. It's also a good idea to put it on a GFCI outlet just in case.

 

So just check the cord over and I should be fine? Where did you get a timer? It would be nice to not leave the wife's truck plugged in all day.

 

I think I bought it at Home Depot I forget in what department though. It is an outdoor timer for lights. As for the cord the PO of mine spliced the cord and just taped the wires together low and behold I came out one morning to a burning plastic smell. Caught that just in time.

 

I agree with everyone here, I do believe you can get the timer at Lowe's or home depot and just set for 2 to 3 hours before you have to leave.

 

This is the timer I've been using for 3 years. Works great!! You should to be able to find it locally. Good up to 1800 watts.




https://www.atgstores.com/products/v...160210133205:s

 

If you're concerned about the cord, you can replace it with one from Zero Start, and can put a receptical plug into the bumper instead of having a cord hanging down

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-new-cord.html
http://www.phillipsandtemro.com/user...%20Catalog.pdf

 

Here's another option for the timer of you run your cord indoors before plugging it in, like into your garage. This timer is cheaper but not weather resistant. It's $11.