This might have been posted before but i cant find it. Its been getting in 10-12 degree F. Is it ok to leave the heater plugged in while the truck is warming up. Or will it is it bad for the elemant? I dont want to screw anything up. thanks for the input

 

I can't imagine it hurts anything, but I doubt you get much out of it.

Its best to fire it up, un-plug, and drive off.

 

That's what I do.

 

i usually unplug then start thanks guys.

 

Doesn't hurt to run it with the heater plugged in..........but it does increase the chances of you not remembering to unplug it before you drive off.

 

I unplug it first so I don't have to get out in the cold again.

Rick

 

Done that a couple times Good thing I got the chrome bolt on plug so I havent ripped the cord outta the truck.

 

Here's a pretty cool plug socket for the block heater that mounts to the bumper. http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo....ber=WD-BHP9402 So I hear..........all you have to do is plug your extension cord into the new plug socket so when you drive off, the cord simply unplugs. No more driving off by accident and ripping apart block heater plugs.

 

I've done that before, chased by the orange snake.

I installed these :

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=167831

 

Very nice job.

 

Thank you. Sure beats popping the hood open each time, or leaving the plug out and letting it flap in the breeze and beat up the paint.

 

Don't know who makes them, but when I worked as a Paramedic the EMS units were fitted with a built in male type receptacle plug that automatically ejected the extension cord when the key was turned on. This was most helpful in the middle of the night.

 

That would be the Kussmaul company.

http://www.kussmaul.com/auto%20and%2...s%20index.html

I like the idea of an auto-ejecting plug. I don't know what they would cost though. Probably more than $15 for a regular Marinco socket.

 

Just think how many block heater plugs and extension cords you'd have to ruin before any auto eject socket would pay for itself.

 

Maybe so but what's it worth not to look like a big dummy with an orange/black/yellow snake herding ya down the road?

Our rigs at the FD used HD plugs and cords and just let them pull out when we left. Had to get the plug replaced once in a while but they would last a number years before that happened.