block heater?
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New User
Joined: Jun 2008
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block heater?
I am looking for the draw of the block heater. I want to use a timer. But I need to make sure that it will handle the load. I have one that will handle 13 amps. 950 watts. Will that be enough?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
FWIW, I went to Home Depot and bought the Heavy Duty round timer with the little pegs that remove in and out for about $20 and it has lasted me about 4 winters so far. I think the watts are a little higher than 950 for our block heaters but someone should chime in soon with the correct number.
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New User
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because the drivers here take there trucks home and may start at any time. I found a remote control that works from 150 feet away. It would be a pain to set the timer every night. with the remote they can push the button to turn the block heater on. We used to have a truck that needed an hour to be warm enough to start. The drivers seem to say they get up 1 hour before hand.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
I have found that my truck is the happiest with two hours on the timer before leaving. Depends though on the ambient temp. These block heaters are not powerful enough to turn on and expect the truck to be ready to driven in a few minutes. Main reason for the timers is to avoid having the truck heater not plugged in all the time and wasting electricity. Not sure what a good solution would be for you. Let me think about it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 775
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From: Williamston, MI
per this site I bought the following timer from Home Depot last year: Intermatic model HB1116R 15 amp (1800 watts). It was in the $20 rangeThe truck heater is 1000 watts. This worked great last year and will go into use soon here in MI. I do 4 hours just to ensure smooth starting.
EDIT: opened the timer and the sticker inside has model number as HB3116R
EDIT: opened the timer and the sticker inside has model number as HB3116R
Last edited by Mike F250; Nov 4, 2008 at 11:33 AM. Reason: update model number
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
per this site I bought the following timer from Home Depot last year: Intermatic model HB1116R 15 amp (1800 watts). It was in the $20 rangeThe truck heater is 1000 watts. This worked great last year and will go into use soon here in MI. I do 4 hours just to ensure smooth starting.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
I put a meter on mine the other day and it draws about 7.5 amps.. or about 900 watts.. (13 amps would be 1560 watts.. amps X voltage)..
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
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From: Visalia CA
I Bought One From Harbor Freight For $5.99 15amp/1875wattS Works Great!
EDIT: now its $1 cheaper
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...0999/40148.pdf
EDIT: now its $1 cheaper
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...0999/40148.pdf
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