ktmrfs wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
Block heaters are another interesting topic. Depending on ones experience. There are guys plugin them in in Texas when the temps get to sweater weather and those that don't break out the block heater til 0F.
To the OP, no need, unless you think you will have unexpected trips, to plug in for extended periods.
Put a timer on it for daily use when cold or plug it in a couple hours ahead of time.
since a block heater draws aroun 1.5KW, they can definitely add to your electric bill. at 10cents/kwh they will cost about 15cents/hr to run. Most have a thermostat to turn off when the coolant temp gets warm, they usually won't run all the time, but even if it runs 12h/day, thats a buck and a half a day, or 45 bucks/month. rather not do that. I have my duramax heater on a timer. If I do plug it in, it is set to come on about 3 hours before I need it, which is plenty of time to get it warm.
I agree, and I'll add, in my 6 years in the pnw, there has not been a single day on the wet side that any competent diesel truck would need to be plugged in......not even close.
However the convienence of jump in and go, with a warm heater right away may make me think about plugging it in for a couple hours before leaving for work in the am if I parked outside or daily drove my diesel.
