Plug in or not?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: North Central PA
Plug in or not?
This is my first winter with this truck- 05 f350 with the 6.0 turbodiesel. At what temperature should I start plugging in the truck, and how can I tell if the block heater is working?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 164
From: Cartersville, Ga
Everyone's plug-in temp is different. I live in N. Ga and my magic number is 15*. Only had to plug it in a couple of times this year. You can tell because the motor gets up to temp much faster and the cab heat comes on quicker. It all depends on if your truck does good or bad on below freezing starts. Mine does fine so i let it get to 15*. Just my preference
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
I usually use mine below 20 degrees F. When I plug it in, I can hear a real light buzzing noise under the truck. Makes a world of difference IMO. Heater warms up a lot quicker and engine starts easier.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
Likes: 14
From: The Land Of Time
Right around 20* for me. My truck is lucky usually its kept in a heated garage. But for the times its not I do keep it plugged in. Some people put there truck on a timer I dont. I just plug it in before I go to bed and unplug it when I get up and go to work. I do that cause I may get a fire call in the middle of the night and the truck is warm and ready to go...plus the heat comes up quick and with a crew cab there is a lot to heat up so every little bit helps. As you drive and get used to your truck you will know at what temp you should plug it in at.
Sarge
Sarge
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,077
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From: None of your business
You'll be able to tell if the block heater is working by how it sounds when you start it. If it's below freezing for a couple of days, let it sit out side w/o being plugged in. It will sound aweful when you start it. Then plug it in overnight and start it. It will sound much better if the heater is on.
Mike
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 30
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From: North Central PA
Thanks- I've been plugging it in since it dropped below 25 here in North Central PA, and last night, tonight, and tomorrow night it has been and will be below 0. I noticed that with the recent snow, there was no snow on the hood, but the grill and headlights are covered in ice. I figured the block was heating and then the runoff was refreezing on the front of the truck.
Start up is pretty much the same as warm weather, so I guess everything is working well.
Start up is pretty much the same as warm weather, so I guess everything is working well.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
ive heard that plugging it in spins the meater on your house. anyone notice a higher electric bill from this or know if thats true. i put mine on a timer but just curious and maybe other people are as well thanks.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Brrrr
Up here it has been about -8 lately. We plug in normally and run a light weight oil 10W30. I use a timer which turns on about 3 hrs before needing to start the trucks. For every 24 hr period (I just figured it out on another forum) it will cost around $3.60 in electric bill. (.15 per hr)
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge
Up here it has been about -8 lately. We plug in normally and run a light weight oil 10W30. I use a timer which turns on about 3 hrs before needing to start the trucks. For every 24 hr period (I just figured it out on another forum) it will cost around $3.60 in electric bill. (.15 per hr)
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 141
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
I only plug my truck in when it drops below -15 deg. It starts fine in cold temps but when it gets real cold the exta heat in the engine really helps. Also helps heat the cab a little quicker.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
Up here it has been about -8 lately. We plug in normally and run a light weight oil 10W30. I use a timer which turns on about 3 hrs before needing to start the trucks. For every 24 hr period (I just figured it out on another forum) it will cost around $3.60 in electric bill. (.15 per hr)
my rate is 13.6 cents per KW.
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18
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From: jefferson county,AR
How come my 07' does not have a place to plug in? I have noticed that at different temps my RPMs will very after cranking my truck int the morning.Seems like it knows when it is cold out.25* here.
