This is my first diesel and winter is around the corner. What all do I need guys.

Is it just a cord for the block heater and fuel additive?

I've seen some cords on diesel parts stores but they were like $60. It looked like they might of had a gfci molded into them. I was curious are these "special" cords necessary or is just a heavy duty regular cord plenty to supply power to the block heater?

 

I never plug the factory block heater cord into the outlet, constant movement will break the wire internally and let you down eventually. I use a short extension cord and plug the block heater cord into that and leave it plugged in, you can also plug battery blankets and interior warmers into this. I then use another extension cord to plug the short extension cord into the outlet. A winter front is a must my 2011 came with one but my 2001 didn't. I keep a bottle of diesel recovery fluid/911 whatever you want to call it but I don't use any additives. If there is a sudden cold snap just ask if the diesel fuel is winter blend before filling. I only run synthetic oils, these greatly help when it's bitterly cold. A set of chains for the rear only as there is not clearance for front chains, I always carry at least one GR70 3/8 chain and a couple of ratchet binders and a shovel. The shovel seems to get used a lot.

 

Hey Bro!

If your truck was ordered with the cold weather package, you may already have the OEM cord in place. If so, you may find the cord plug just above the passenger side tow hook. It will be wire tied up inside the bumper and is real hard to locate the first time. I looked for mine on a couple occasions and was certain it was not there - it was. The plug end has a black cap over it, so it looks just like any other wire bundle.

Here's hope you find it.
Larry

 

Hi Busboy,

Like our buddy "Fang", this is my first winter with my Ram - got the cold front too. When do you mount it up and what the heck is "diesel recovery fluid/911"?

We will be heading to Florida (and other warm regions) in Jan. and will not head back north untill late march. Should I even bother with the front cover since I'll be pulling it off long before we get to Key West??

Thanks!
Larry

 

Ya its got the winter package, I just wasn't sure about why people are selling these $60 3 foot extension cords for the block heater. Ya that plug in is tough to find, my dealer didn't even know where it was, but thanks to google I was able to find it. Thankfully though winter isn't as bad as it is in Alberta, so tire chains aren't needed for me.

 

911 fuel conditioner should only be used when you are jelling, or you are trying to get a jelled truck started

In most cased add a little Howes, or power service conditioner and you never have to worry about jelling

 

Ramrodd explained the 911, basically it's insurance you hope to never use. I sure wish I was going to Florida for 3 months this winter The winter front?? when I worked I used the winter front on my 2001 all the time except for the few months of may through sept. The front has panels that can be opened. The reason I used it so much was I was either coming or going to/from work in the early hours of the morning when it is usually coldest. The 2011 I bought in the spring and I haven't opened the package with the front in it yet but I'll get it on soon as temps are starting to get to freezing overnight and I get the feeling this engine does not need to run cold.

 

when do you start using the front cover? like what temps?

 

I start using mine when it gets down to about -15 or -20*C