Rapid heat supplement
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 4,239
From: Kaysville Utah
Per the buyers guide:
The standard alt is 155 amp.
The Heavy Duty is 200 amp
The Dual Alt is 357 amp
It seems that when I replaced the single Alt on my 2006 6.0L it was only 110 amp. So all of the current alternators are bigger than what previous engines had.
The standard alt is 155 amp.
The Heavy Duty is 200 amp
The Dual Alt is 357 amp
It seems that when I replaced the single Alt on my 2006 6.0L it was only 110 amp. So all of the current alternators are bigger than what previous engines had.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
The information posted states that the heater is active until the coolant temp reaches 185* or a few other things that could cut it off. In extremely cold weather, it's going to take some time for the ECT to reach 185+. As to the 150 amps, do the math, the heating element is 1850 watts and it's operating on a 12 volt system.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
Likes: 7
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by Crazy001;
I read somewhere that it's something like an 1,850 watt heating element placed in the climate control system.
It may well be true, but if we figure that the current draw from an electrical element is usually pretty accurate whereas the amperage output from an alternator is usually overstated (or at least optimistic) that does not leave very much charging capability for the guy who has to grind the starter on a cold morning, leaves when it is dark with the lights on, blower fan on high, electrically heated mirrors, rear window defroster, electric seat heaters and radio running (if you have the "HD" 200 amp alternator.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Well I guess it must be a world wide conspiracy as 1850 watts appears on numerous forums dating back to 2008 when it was first introduced on the 6.4 trucks. Even at 1500 watts it would draw more than 125 amps @ 12 volts. Either way, my point was that even though I opted for the single heavy duty alternator that the dual alternators may be better suited because of the heavy load with possible long duty cycles caused by this option.
I'm not really interested in arguing over the virtues or problems caused by an alternator operating at or near peak output for extended periods of time. All I know from fleet experience is that the standard output alternators on both the 7.3 and 6.0 trucks were/are prone to early failures even if not subjected to this type loading. When I say early failure I mean less than 75,000 miles in most cases. It would be interesting to hear from some 6.4 owners located in colder climates with this option. What has their experience been with alternator life?
I'm not really interested in arguing over the virtues or problems caused by an alternator operating at or near peak output for extended periods of time. All I know from fleet experience is that the standard output alternators on both the 7.3 and 6.0 trucks were/are prone to early failures even if not subjected to this type loading. When I say early failure I mean less than 75,000 miles in most cases. It would be interesting to hear from some 6.4 owners located in colder climates with this option. What has their experience been with alternator life?
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
Does anyone know if this is something that can be installed on the truck after the fact. I am working with a dealer now on a truck they can get on the lot. It has the Heavy Duty Alternator on it already, but the sticker does not show the Rapid Heater.
This would be nice to have, but not a deal breaker for me on the truck if we can make numbers work on this one. I live in South East VA, and we only have a few months where we can see consistent temps below 30.
This would be nice to have, but not a deal breaker for me on the truck if we can make numbers work on this one. I live in South East VA, and we only have a few months where we can see consistent temps below 30.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Elma, NY
I have rapid heat packace and fine it work well after running the truck 1-2 min. where it would take 10 min. to start to see heat with the starderd truck heater. Only problem I found with it is you must be running the truck with the key on. If your using the remote start the heating coils do not turn on and you will be waiting longer for the engine heat to get warm. I thought something was wrong but my dealer says this is the way it works. kind of defeats the remote starter for clearing the windsheld and be able to go in a few minutes. By the way mine came from the factory with only 1 hd alternater.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I have rapid heat packace and fine it work well after running the truck 1-2 min. where it would take 10 min. to start to see heat with the starderd truck heater. Only problem I found with it is you must be running the truck with the key on. If your using the remote start the heating coils do not turn on and you will be waiting longer for the engine heat to get warm. I thought something was wrong but my dealer says this is the way it works. kind of defeats the remote starter for clearing the windsheld and be able to go in a few minutes. By the way mine came from the factory with only 1 hd alternater.
Definitly going to get the rapid heat package on mine, I live in Southern california, hell when you factor in the windchill it can get down to 50 degrees
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
I have rapid heat packace and fine it work well after running the truck 1-2 min. where it would take 10 min. to start to see heat with the starderd truck heater. Only problem I found with it is you must be running the truck with the key on. If your using the remote start the heating coils do not turn on and you will be waiting longer for the engine heat to get warm. I thought something was wrong but my dealer says this is the way it works. kind of defeats the remote starter for clearing the windsheld and be able to go in a few minutes. By the way mine came from the factory with only 1 hd alternater.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
This is definitely NOT the case with my truck... I used the remote start every morning the past couple weeks with frost on the windows and within a couple minutes, the window is starting to clear and the cab is heating up (albeit slowly). The fan does not blow at a very high setting until I put the key in the ignition, but the air coming from the vents is definitely warm.
John
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Thats a relief. I was wondering if the heater would come on with the remote start. The few times I have used the remote start on my 2011 KR and after letting it run for up to 5 minutes, I thought it should be warmer inside and haven't noticed any warm air being circulated. The ambient temp has not got cold and frosty here in southern BC yet but soon it will be tested. It would be nice to be able to program my supplimental heater to be cranked while warming your truck with the remote start! I guess until you put the key in the ignition it will not be activated.
John
John
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
The supplemental heater is worth the additional cost in my opinion. Was in the mid teens for opener of deer hunting today and cab would warm up nice when we were eating lunch. I have noticed the new engine does not warm up fast and I was going by the temp gauge. I have drove over 15 miles at 15f temp before the needle is in the center of the gauge where it normally runs. At a idle I would think heat output would be very low so having the electric heater makes the most sense. I have the heated seats too so I just kick everything on and simmer away!!!
New User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Ok, but the question has been asked at least twice with no answer: can someone install the supplementary cab heater after delivery of the vehicle? Can I go purchase a kit (or the parts as necessary), take it (them) home and install in my F350 that doesn't currently have the rapid supplementary cab heater?
and yes, I do understand that this is a very old thread, but I'm still interested in the answer.
Thanks
and yes, I do understand that this is a very old thread, but I'm still interested in the answer.
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 8
Yep. I've looked into it. I'm going with an espar for this very reason. It will not only heat the cab and defrost the windows while the truck sits not running (no need to cold weather idle) but it also heats the coolant up to operating temp and the oil as well to a certain extent. Plus it only costs $2400 ($1200 if you install it yourself). The supp cab heater just sounds very complicated to install after the fact based on my research. I like the added benefit of not having to drive my truck with the engine still ice cold (block heater will warm up a bit but nowhere near as much as am espar). I also can program the timer and remote engage it. Not having to plug in your truck is also an advantage when you are not near a plug in or somehere where it is inconvenient to do so.