Rapid heat supplement
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Ohio
Rapid heat supplement
I'm wondering if I should order the rapid heat supplement for my truck. I live in Ohio and it does get really cold. I figured heated seats should take care of the chill until it warms up.
How long does it take for a diesel to warm up?
Is it worth the money to get the supplemental heat?
One other question not related to the heat.
Should I get dual alternators or one heavy duty alternator?
what are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Thanks guys!
How long does it take for a diesel to warm up?
Is it worth the money to get the supplemental heat?
One other question not related to the heat.
Should I get dual alternators or one heavy duty alternator?
what are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Thanks guys!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 577
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From: Lebanon TN
I wish I'd ordered the supplemental heater. I have a short drive to work and the truck doesn't generate heat until I'm already in the parking lot at work. The seat heaters kick in shortly after pushing the button though. I got the heavy duty alternator because I tow a 5th wheel and the truck power charges the RV battery while underway.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
While there are certainly advantages to dual alternators such as having a backup if one fails during a long trip, there are also disadvantages such as the cost of having twice the replacement cost over time. One other distinct advantage to dual alternators is the increased output over the single heavy duty unit.
I ordered the rapid heat because it wasn't a huge cost compared the overall cost of the truck. One of the main advantages I see to it is having instant defrost capability. I haven't taken delivery on the truck yet so I can't testify to how well it works.
One question for anybody that knows, is it possible to add this feature after the fact on a truck with dual alternators? My brother asked me that question last night and I have no idea.
I ordered the rapid heat because it wasn't a huge cost compared the overall cost of the truck. One of the main advantages I see to it is having instant defrost capability. I haven't taken delivery on the truck yet so I can't testify to how well it works.
One question for anybody that knows, is it possible to add this feature after the fact on a truck with dual alternators? My brother asked me that question last night and I have no idea.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
I have the supplemental heater and it is definitely worth the few bucks! The defroster starts working immediately. Its not bad now, but when the mercury drops you will be glad you got it.
I have the dual alternators simply because they were in the truck when I picked it off the lot.
I have the dual alternators simply because they were in the truck when I picked it off the lot.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,222
Likes: 4,231
From: Kaysville Utah
I need to see some cold weather to decide if it has real value. It just hasn't gotten cold enough yet to see what the real value is. My hope is that it does warm the cab much quicker than waiting for the engine to heat the radiator core. We get temps in January every year when we drop to zero or low teens for a week or two. At those temps, I can drive almost home before the cab gets up to comfortable temps.
The rapid heat does include the heavy duty alternator.
After changing the alternator and serpentine belt on my 2006 6.0L. I have no desire to change a dual alternator system. Unless you have some heavy electrical needs, I doubt that you will need the dual alternators. I would have gotten the heavy duty alternator even with out the rapid heat, for the reason stated above. That I tow a lot and need to charge the batteries on my trailers.
The downside to dual alternators. Is more parasitic drag on the engine resulting in less fuel economy.
Twice the parts to fail
The pro for dual alternators. Is more electrical power if you need it.
Failover if one alternator dies.
The rapid heat does include the heavy duty alternator.
After changing the alternator and serpentine belt on my 2006 6.0L. I have no desire to change a dual alternator system. Unless you have some heavy electrical needs, I doubt that you will need the dual alternators. I would have gotten the heavy duty alternator even with out the rapid heat, for the reason stated above. That I tow a lot and need to charge the batteries on my trailers.
The downside to dual alternators. Is more parasitic drag on the engine resulting in less fuel economy.
Twice the parts to fail
The pro for dual alternators. Is more electrical power if you need it.
Failover if one alternator dies.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Ohio
Thanks guys, I have never owned a diesel and when I get around to ordering it I want to make the correct choices.
I had enough time today to go start one but not enough time to test drive. The sales man didn't know 2010 from a 2011 he was convinced that the 2010 Cabela's edition was a 2011.
I gues I wan't order from him.
I had enough time today to go start one but not enough time to test drive. The sales man didn't know 2010 from a 2011 he was convinced that the 2010 Cabela's edition was a 2011.
I gues I wan't order from him.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
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Ok, I have a confession to make. I looked at my window sticker today for the first time since I picked up the truck. I see it has the rapid heat option. I looked in both owners manuals and finally found it. I have to admit I do not understand it's operation. Is it automatic? I see no switch...feeling a little stupid. Help please
Regards
Regards
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
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From: Maryland
Rick,
I just picked mine up tonight and asked the salesman specifically about the rapid heat. No surprise that he didn't have a good answer for me, but we concluded that it works automatically. There are no controls for it so that is all I can assume. Perhaps the electric element is activated until the coolant reaches a certain temperature.
I just picked mine up tonight and asked the salesman specifically about the rapid heat. No surprise that he didn't have a good answer for me, but we concluded that it works automatically. There are no controls for it so that is all I can assume. Perhaps the electric element is activated until the coolant reaches a certain temperature.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 298
Likes: 5
From: Northwestern Ontario
Yes, it's automatic. I am getting to below freezing temps here, and it gets to -35 for January.
It it explained in the manual, but I don't have it handy. I notice that in my short drive to work, my heat is warm in the truck, and the engine temperature is still on the cold mark.
If you turn your heat up to full, it is on. When you turn it down, you will notice that your blower will speed up, because of the power needed to run the heater at full speed.
I have the heavy duty alternater, but not dual.
My son has a Dodge diesel without the supplement heat, and it can idle for an hour and still only be slightly warm in the cab....it doesn't heat up till he's driving.
--
Gordon
It it explained in the manual, but I don't have it handy. I notice that in my short drive to work, my heat is warm in the truck, and the engine temperature is still on the cold mark.
If you turn your heat up to full, it is on. When you turn it down, you will notice that your blower will speed up, because of the power needed to run the heater at full speed.
I have the heavy duty alternater, but not dual.
My son has a Dodge diesel without the supplement heat, and it can idle for an hour and still only be slightly warm in the cab....it doesn't heat up till he's driving.
--
Gordon
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,787
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Sorry Gordon, from my understanding you cannot get the Cab Heating supplement without dual Alternators.
If I'm wrong please let me know. But I ordered mine, I wanted the heating cab supplement. Has to have the dual Alternators....Only way to come from Factory.
Shane
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Here's the best I can tell you about the need for dual alternators. If you don't believe it only requires the heavy duty alternator option, go to fordvehicles.com, build a truck and select the rapid heat option. The pop-up window will come up and inform you that this option requires either the heavy duty alt or dual alternators.
My truck has rapid heat and a single heavy duty alternator.
My truck has rapid heat and a single heavy duty alternator.