i have a 97 freightliner fl-60.it's fuel heater consists of heater hoses off the engine running into the tank and back to the engine.my question is is there any down side to removing the hoses.it is only used to tow my 5th wheel camper and parked from oct to april.the hoses are getting soft and look like they are due for replacement.i figure i could save about 12-15 ft of hose by eliminating them.plus less chance of them rubbing thru on the frame etc.

 

probably not unless you run biodiesel then you might need it at some point.
No harm in disconnecting it and putting in something like a racor 490R filter with a heating element in the bowl.

 

The fuel heater is there to stop fuel from gelling in cold weather. If the truck is parked from October to April, you may not need it.

If you remove the hoses, there is no issue as long as you do not run the truck in cold temps. Make sure the fuel lines are routed right and capped or looped as needed.

If you plan to use the truck in cold weather later, you would need to add the heater back or use treated fuel.