Block Heater Timer
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 291
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From: Rocky Mountains
Block Heater Timer
What type(s) of block heater timers can be used? I know, stupid question, but the only timers I know of are the ones used for turning lights on and off when you go on vacation and they usually vary their timing a bit to fool the burglars.
If someone can give a brand and model or wattage/amperage rating, or where they can be purchsed (especially online) that would be very helpful. Again, I know, probably a dumb question, so after the flames subside, please leave the info.
Thanks in advance.
If someone can give a brand and model or wattage/amperage rating, or where they can be purchsed (especially online) that would be very helpful. Again, I know, probably a dumb question, so after the flames subside, please leave the info.
Thanks in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Not a problem Arc....
go to home depot, lowes, somewhere like that and get a christmas tree light timer ...
the heater is a 1000 watts so it's just like a portable electric heater in your house...
look for something that will handle 10 Amps or maybe 15 Amps max....
go to home depot, lowes, somewhere like that and get a christmas tree light timer ...
the heater is a 1000 watts so it's just like a portable electric heater in your house...
look for something that will handle 10 Amps or maybe 15 Amps max....
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Hey no question is a dumb question. If you use your timer outdoors be sure to get one for that purpose. Usually have a cover over the timer. Make sure you get one big enough. Most of them I see are rated at 1625W which would be big enough for your heater. Run your heater for at least 3 hrs or more before you leave. If its bitterly cold maybe all night. Plug in a small bulb like a night light where you hook up the cord that way when you look out your window if you can see your truck youll know your timer worked. Good Luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
Good suggestions.
Maybe we should have a seasonal sticky for block heater faqs. Each winter there is a new crop of SD owners out there looking for info on this topic. Plus this year there were some changes to the power cord on the '05s.
Now that the search function is working again, maybe I can find that post where someone did a really nice marine plug mod to the front grill or bumper to make it easy to plug in without bending down in the snow and slush and reaching for the plug end under the bumper.
Maybe we should have a seasonal sticky for block heater faqs. Each winter there is a new crop of SD owners out there looking for info on this topic. Plus this year there were some changes to the power cord on the '05s.
Now that the search function is working again, maybe I can find that post where someone did a really nice marine plug mod to the front grill or bumper to make it easy to plug in without bending down in the snow and slush and reaching for the plug end under the bumper.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Rocky Mountains
Thanks guys!
daryl: I definitely would like to see that marine plug mod. My plug cover gets hard as a rock even at 35 degrees and is getting more difficult to replace as the temps drop around here.
I was at the Marinco site this weekend but had not idea which plug to with; they must have thousands.
daryl: I definitely would like to see that marine plug mod. My plug cover gets hard as a rock even at 35 degrees and is getting more difficult to replace as the temps drop around here.
I was at the Marinco site this weekend but had not idea which plug to with; they must have thousands.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 23
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From: Arlington, MA
Or for the lazy...
How about something like this:
http://www.kussmaul.com/ejector.htm
(Granted, it probably costs more than the marine products, although, if you add marine to the title of a product it seems like it automatically costs 50% more
)
-mike
http://www.kussmaul.com/ejector.htm
(Granted, it probably costs more than the marine products, although, if you add marine to the title of a product it seems like it automatically costs 50% more
)-mike
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 688
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Arctic leash
The cold weather in the winter here in Fairbanks dictates that you must plug in your vehicle if you want it to start. You may see cars with the cord wrapped back around the side view mirror (true Alaskan vehicle) or around the tow hooks on trucks. Some people even forget to unplug and end up dragging their extension cord around town with them until a tire drives over it and rips/pulls it off.
A local person designed a retractable system to tidy up the extension cord system. It's called the Arctic Leash (link to Arctic Leash) I have seen them sold locally, but have not purchased one myself. I see that they are even available through JC Whitney now.
A local person designed a retractable system to tidy up the extension cord system. It's called the Arctic Leash (link to Arctic Leash) I have seen them sold locally, but have not purchased one myself. I see that they are even available through JC Whitney now.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
From: Oshawa/Ontario/Canada
I was planning on using an X-10 appliance module. I use X-10 for various things. The computer connector (with software) is only about $10 (it's a power block style affair with an rj-11 and that connects to your serial port ... heh 
.
Many X-10 modules can be queried for their status (as an alternative to the light). My 'X fits (barely) in the garage, and I'm in southern ontario ... so I still have a month or more to get it rigged up.
.Many X-10 modules can be queried for their status (as an alternative to the light). My 'X fits (barely) in the garage, and I'm in southern ontario ... so I still have a month or more to get it rigged up.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
Originally Posted by roadturtlepsd
Well I Have A New Psd Owner Question. My 2004 F250 Came With A Block Heater. Where Do You Plug This Thing In? I Can't Find The Plug On The Truck Anywhere. Help.. Thanks Ron
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 322
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From: Mountains of NE CA
Am i understanding this correctly...If i plug in the block heater, it will be drawing 1000 watts until I unplug it?...or does it reach a certain temp and shut off the come back on when temp drops below some point? Thanks ahead for the help!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 128
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From: Detroit Metro Area
569104, I don't think it has a thermostat that would cause it to cycle on & off. I've read the directions that came with any I installed like on VW diesels etc., & I think when they're pluggin in, they're heating. Happy Motoring, Rick
Originally Posted by 569104
Am i understanding this correctly...If i plug in the block heater, it will be drawing 1000 watts until I unplug it?...or does it reach a certain temp and shut off the come back on when temp drops below some point? Thanks ahead for the help!