when to plug in ?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: house springs,mo
Originally Posted by earl964
Does anyone know when these trucks should be plugged in and how long to they have to be plugged in for?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
About 2 hours is all that's required, unless you live in Alaska, in which case you would either have to ask them or ask yourself why you live in Alaska. 
Other than that it depends on if you have any cold starting issues, or in my case, if you like your truck to warm up & the heater to operate faster. I plug my truck in when it gets down into the 30's cuz I like the heater to work quicker and I hate the cold.
Consider getting a timer that you can program to come on about 2 hours before you leave so you don't waste the electricity.
Other than that it depends on if you have any cold starting issues, or in my case, if you like your truck to warm up & the heater to operate faster. I plug my truck in when it gets down into the 30's cuz I like the heater to work quicker and I hate the cold.
Consider getting a timer that you can program to come on about 2 hours before you leave so you don't waste the electricity.
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From: house springs,mo
Originally Posted by lappir
Takes a bit longer than the couple hours to warm up for me. Sure does spin over and start easier when it has been plugged in all night.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Well Jarhead (earl964) that should be about as clear as mud. Hope we helped.
Do you have any cold starting issues? And what do you consider cold up there?
Semper Fi.
Do you have any cold starting issues? And what do you consider cold up there?
Semper Fi.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Windsor, Colorado
I have to get use to plugging mine in again. The last 3 winters it slept in the heated garage. Now my wife insist her taurus and "our" X get the garage. I just plug it in all night when below 20. I havent noticed much in the way of electricity bill difference.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Chattanooga, TN
I too have my block heater on a timer and it is set to run approx. three hours just prior to leaving the house. I also have added a small heater strip to my transmission pan. With these heaters you can heat up the trans. fluid and engine oil enough to help the engine start easier and allow all the systems to reach operating temps. quicker - nice during cold mornings when the cab heat comes on quick.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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This is my first year with a diesel. The other morning it was in the high 20s and it took a little bit longer to start . I dont think these animals like to start on cold mornings, come to think of it neither do I
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: East Peoria, IL
usually whenever it dips in the low 30's and below..i, like everyone else, like my heater to be warmer faster
also, the block heater reaches max temp in 3 hours, therefore making it unneccesary to have it plugged in longer if your concerned with a timer. However, i just leave mine plugged in all night
also, the block heater reaches max temp in 3 hours, therefore making it unneccesary to have it plugged in longer if your concerned with a timer. However, i just leave mine plugged in all night