On the '03 V10 (probably other years as well), if the engine begins to overheat it will shut of half the cylinders to let the ambient air going through the non-firing cylinders cool the engine. You can't go very fast or pull any weight, but at least you can limp it to a place to get it fixed.

Since you have the PSD, it may not do this.

 

I've always had a gasser, but here in Alaska, have used a cover and screen. The cover I got with my older rig(83) is a quilted, insulated unit, with a zipper(real industrial type). If I ever find one like it for my 04, I'll pick it up for hundreds of bucks. Its really sweet and is still in great condition almost 20 yrs later. Real thick material, and stout thread. I would cringe at installing the snaps on my grill work but it really stayed put. It would be worth the blemishes(stainless snaps ). It also came with a vinyl surrounded screen for summer, for summer jaunts in bug country it can't be beat for radiator protection, and snapped on the same snaps used by the cold cover. With seasonal cleaning and a silicone wipe after, they both are pliable to this day. Even at 200.00 divided by 20+ yrs, thats a great return.
I have heard ppl say that Gassers don't get much benefit from such things, but at neg. 30 or colder, you reach for anything to warm a rig faster, and to help retain engine heat while your in a store. There are times, Although few when the thermostat never gets a chance to open and the radiator in the heater does way to much cooling. LOL
Since we get 60 degree fluctuations in temp several times a winter( really ), The full hight center zipper got used alot. V shaped quilting provided easy inward folding of the cover, at different snap positions. I just wish it had LEDs and fit my new rig.

 

This is for my own rig (2004) we tried to get the commissoners too buy them for the ambulances, they said use cardboard.. they are worried about overheating the engine and trans. as hard as we go. ( foot to the floor) ha ha.. don't figure..One time while on a call it was so cold and the wind was blowing snow (about 15 below) the snow melted on the radiator face and turned to ice! It got the motor hotter than heck, by the time they made it to the hospital. Did some damage as it never had the same power after that.I think a weather front would have prevented it. It was an older idi motor but was still running 4yrs later when we traded it for a new ambulance. Don't want that too happen to my truck, as I drive straight to the scene quite often.
Lots of good information from you guys and I greatly appreciate it, I'll be checking out the information provided... Many thanks..

 

I just looked on Cabelas and found one for $54.99. Looks like a good buy to me, I think I'll pick one up for myself.

 

flamebuster
I think I have a brand new set of covers in the garage. One is the winter front the other is the screen front. It won't fit my 2006 grill or my 2008 grill. If you will cover shipping, you are welcome to it. Just let me know.

 

Sounds like a great deal.. send me your address and I will put a check in the mail Monday. email is dafireman2@gmail.com and many thanks for the kind gesture...Doug

 

As ambient temperature decreases it will reach a point where the engine cooling system loses more heat then what is desirable. A radiator blanket reduces the amount of air going through the radiator so that the system can maintain consistent temperature and operate properly.

 

I would make one. Get the material from a fabric warehouse, cut to size, and if you don't have access to a sewing machine have it sewn for a few bucks. You could even add snaps or ties if you got inovative.

 

Born and raised in Saranc Inn, NY, 45 and 50 below zero was a given in winter, lately with climate changes we rarely hit 35 below and that is for aonly a day or two, but the thing that I use in northwest wyoming these days in cold spells are the political signs and advertising signs you see on the roadsides.

look for the corrugated plastic ones they will last a season, I zip tie them into the INSIDE of the grill, you don't see them much then but they still work.

You have to keep an eye on your gauges the first time and modify the coverage as needed, cut it back if running on the hot side, add more if you can't get heat on the feets!

this will be the first Vermont winter with the new SD but I doubt I will need sign blocker here, big reason we retired to Vermont in winter is the mild winters compared to home in northern NY.