running block heater with batteries
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: North East, MD
running block heater with batteries
Where I'm keeping my truck at school this winter i have no acces to a plug to run the block heater. I got thinking why not use the batteries to run the block heater with an inverter. How many amps does it drawl? Think running the heater for and 1-2 hrs would pull batteries down too much to start ok/?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
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From: Nampa, ID
This is an excellent question. I don't have a plug available at work. During the colder months, I'd like to have the block heater plugged in for a few hours before I get off work.
I'll be watching this closely. I'd like to know if this is possible, too.
This is definately a, "Why didn't I think of that?" moment.
I'll be watching this closely. I'd like to know if this is possible, too.
This is definately a, "Why didn't I think of that?" moment.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
The block heater starts at 1400W and drops to about 1000W as it warms up.
That would draw about 120A from your batteries. You would have dead batteries in about 15 minutes.
Sorry.
What would work are one of the little $99 two stroke gas generators in the bed.
That would draw about 120A from your batteries. You would have dead batteries in about 15 minutes.
Sorry.
What would work are one of the little $99 two stroke gas generators in the bed.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: North East, MD
wow didnt realize they drew that much. Besides by the time you get an inverter big enough your looking at more money than the generator. I have an 800watt but i guess that wont even come close
Where are these generators?
Where are these generators?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Gladwin,Mi
this is about the only thing you can use if you dont have a plug....a bit pricey though
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Medford Oregon
I'm no battery expert .. that said the heater draws about 9 amps at 120 volts house current. So if you were to do the inverter thing the draw on the battery's would be about 90 amps. Unfortunately, nothing is free.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Gladwin,Mi
Some battery jump boxes have 120v outlets on them.......wonder what the amps they are capable of???If its enough they might last an hr or so on the heater.......just run a timer on it then recharge the box when your by a plug
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
You can get the really cheap one for $99
It is a two stroke. You'd have to add oil to the gas.
Or for $199 you can get a Champion
The Champion is a Chinese clone of a Honda generator. You can even put Honda parts in it if it breaks.
It is a two stroke. You'd have to add oil to the gas.
Or for $199 you can get a Champion
The Champion is a Chinese clone of a Honda generator. You can even put Honda parts in it if it breaks.
Last edited by joe_13894; Nov 21, 2008 at 12:28 AM. Reason: fix link
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: North East, MD
i doubt they'de have enough juice or handle the drawl if the truck batteries cant. Ever look at the cables on them? theyre tiny. Not saying it wont work just doubt it
Joe the $99 one is only 1200w would it be ok with the 1400w the heater draws?
Joe the $99 one is only 1200w would it be ok with the 1400w the heater draws?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
I don't know for certain the $99 one would take it, but it probably will. The heater only draws 1400W for the first few seconds until the element warms up. By 1 minute the draw is down around 1000W. The question is if the breaker or other protection in the generator kicks out first. Since it's only an element, the heater won't care if the frequency or voltage is low at first.
A buddy of mine has the $199 generator. It runs the block heater just fine. He uses it camping all the time, and in the winter runs the block heater for a while to get his truck running.
A buddy of mine has the $199 generator. It runs the block heater just fine. He uses it camping all the time, and in the winter runs the block heater for a while to get his truck running.