Plugging my truck in for the winter
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Plugging my truck in for the winter
First winter since I bought my '05. I'm in Omaha, Nebraska and it gets pretty cold here sometimes. I work from home and I dont want to plug my truck in all the time , because most days, I dont go anywhere. So what are my options? Ive thought about plugging it on one of those timer switches. If I do that, how long will she take to be ready to go?
I've also heard about fuel gelling. What do I need to do about this? What temps should I even worry about this stuff?
thanks.
I've also heard about fuel gelling. What do I need to do about this? What temps should I even worry about this stuff?
thanks.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
Welcome.
Most of the people around here that use their heaters on a timer seem to set them to start between 2 and 3 hours before the truck is needed. In so far as anti-gel, most stations, I assume nationwide (maybe bad assumption), but at least in my area add anti-gel into the fuel loads. If we get a real cold snap here, I have put some extra in for precautionary measures but only for an extended cold snap under 10 deg F.
I'm sure others are going to add their insight as well.
CM
Most of the people around here that use their heaters on a timer seem to set them to start between 2 and 3 hours before the truck is needed. In so far as anti-gel, most stations, I assume nationwide (maybe bad assumption), but at least in my area add anti-gel into the fuel loads. If we get a real cold snap here, I have put some extra in for precautionary measures but only for an extended cold snap under 10 deg F.
I'm sure others are going to add their insight as well.
CM
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I used to use a timer, and always had it set for 2 hrs before I left for work. I work on call now though, and this doesn't work out. I've never had a gelling problem, even when temps are 0 degrees.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
These guys have you covered on the block heater question.
As far as fuel goes it is always a good idea to use an additive since it is cheap insurance. The most commonly used, and readily available one is probably Power Service. The white bottle is the one for winter use with Anti-Gel properties.
http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/
As far as fuel goes it is always a good idea to use an additive since it is cheap insurance. The most commonly used, and readily available one is probably Power Service. The white bottle is the one for winter use with Anti-Gel properties.
http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 350
From: Breckenridge, TX
Since it's almost winter time.. can a Mod write up a FAQ on block heaters and add it to the tech folder or make it a sticky? There's already been a bunch of these this year.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Schwenksville,Pa
The block heater draws about 1100 watts. I've tested mine. I also use a Wolverine oilpan heater, 250 watts which total 1350 watts which still work fine with a standard timer from Walmart or the hardware store.
Originally Posted by DonJames
U will probably need to get one of those extra heavy duty timers (like a window A/C timer) since the block heater draws about 15 amps.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Yesterday I bought a heavy duty "appliance" timer (rated at 15 amps) at Lowes yesterday and tested it out with my F250 this morning. It worked like a charm. I set it to turn on at 4:30am and cut off at 6:30am ... right about the time I'd be wanting to leave for work.
When I went outside around 6:15 to crank the truck and let it warm up, the ambient temperature was around 37*F. The indicator for the glow plugs just flashed on briefly like it would have were the truck warm from running, and she fired right up.
When I went outside around 6:15 to crank the truck and let it warm up, the ambient temperature was around 37*F. The indicator for the glow plugs just flashed on briefly like it would have were the truck warm from running, and she fired right up.
Last edited by Tungsten; Oct 30, 2007 at 07:44 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 7
From: Burnsville, MN
I'm in Minnesota but I've never used a battery heater, though my son "almost" has. I.e., Last year portable booster batteries were all the rage so he got one to go with his 18-yr-old Buick and 10? year old battery. It not only provides extra juice when things are really cold, but the booster is as warm as his house!
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by redford
Does anyone use a battery heater?