Well as the cold temps come with my new truck im a thinking. Anyhow I plan on picking up a block heater cord but heres my question, i live in an apartment building so whats a guy to do? I was thinking maybe one of those jump start packs an inverter and a timer? would that work? i could then recharge the jump pack while at work or in the truck driving. How much power does it need? I realize pretty inefficient but i dont see any other way...

 

Good idea, but it's not anywhere NEAR enough power to get the engine warm. The block heater draws 750 watts if I remember right. It needs this for hours.

 

Just an FYI. Your CTD comes with the block heater. You just need to purchase the cord if the truck didn't come with it.

 

Good idea but wont work. I am not sure but I think the block heaters draw iether 750 wats or 1500 I dont remember exactly. The jumper pack would be dead in minutes. I would walk around the building and look for outdore outlets. Most buildings will have them somewhere. If not look into an Espar. They aint cheap but it may be your only choise if you want it pre warmed. Anouther idea would be to simply buy a LOT of extension cords and get the truck as close as posible. Your neighbors may look at ya funny but what the heck.

 

ramtough, if its really cold there and you can't plug in, it's a good opportunity to run some syn oil for its good low temp flow characteristics.

 

Yeah figured best case the jump start wouldnt last through too many cycles and worst case it wouldnt work for more than a half hour but minutes... ok well i have no problem with an extension cord but im on the other side of the building from where i park. I also park on the side of the lot away from the building cause my truck is pretty big for the place. I can change that though if there is indeed a plug with "free" power.

Bulabula, i will definitely run the best syn i can get ( i have been using mobil 1 on my 98 jeep since the third or fourth oil change and its now a beater of an offroad rig.) However my truck is still under 800 miles ( 23 days old) and the weather is geting colder every week. I want to get at least one or two oil changes in before i switch too.
That espar seems cool but a bit pricey and well it doesnt get that cold. yet still an option.
Thanks for the replies!