Power converter to plug truck in in the winter?

[rungesco]

I was just curious if anyone has heard of, or tried to hook up a power converter to thier truck and use it to plug the truck in in the winter. Im asking because where I work there is nowhere to plug my truck in and I dont want to get stranded after work one day.

Thank you.

 

[MACKIN]

I would think you would just drain your batteries and then it wouldn't start for-sure.

 

[JoshH]

Just so I understand, you're saying you want to get a 12V DC to 120V AC power inverter to hook up to the batteries on your truck so you can power your block heater? I think you would end up draining the batteries.

 

[MACKIN]

What kind of temps are you concerned about? I'd assume that if you drove to work and it came up to full operating temps and after a 8 hour sit with good batteries at 10 below it should start fine IMO. Just have to make sure your batteries are up to snuff with the best cold cranking amps money could buy.

 

[MACKIN]

If you really work in the sticks and no one is around to give you a jump then invest in a small generator . Most have the provisions for 12 volt output. I know my small generator I have does but its a old one.

These trucks are designed to start in some pretty cold weather. Good batteries are the key although. Don't take chances if they're near the life span dump them and buy new ones then you should have nothing to worry about. Assuming your running regular pump winter blend diesel also. If your running Bio or a blend good luck

 

[rungesco]

I just thought I could go out there a couple hours before work was over and plug it into the converter. I wasnt sure if that would be to long and it would drain the batteries or not. My dad has a powerstroke I know with his truck if it sits for 5 hours or so it is a joke to get it started again. I work up to 13 hour shifts sometimes and i dont want the same problem.

 

[rungesco]

I do use a winter blend diesel and the batteries were brand new this spring.

 

[JoshH]

I just thought I could go out there a couple hours before work was over and plug it into the converter. I wasnt sure if that would be to long and it would drain the batteries or not. My dad has a powerstroke I know with his truck if it sits for 5 hours or so it is a joke to get it started again. I work up to 13 hour shifts sometimes and i dont want the same problem.

That's cause Powerstrokes suck. It'll start fine without plugging it in. May be a little noisy at first, but it won't hurt anything. I think duratothemax has a video of his truck starting in -20 degrees without plugging in. I think he may have only had one battery at the time too.

 

[MACKIN]

I think your comparing apples to oranges with the Ford compared to the Duramax in start ups cold IMO.

What year Ford,if its a older one forget it. The new Duramax trucks are great on cold start ups never really heard anyone complain. You should have no issues. Get your dad some jumper cables for xmas so you'll be able to get him going after a cold night working!

 

[JoshH]

That's cause Powerstrokes suck. It'll start fine without plugging it in. May be a little noisy at first, but it won't hurt anything. I think duratothemax has a video of his truck starting in -20 degrees without plugging in. I think he may have only had one battery at the time too.

Sorry, it was -7 degrees. Here's the video.

[YOUTUBE]6iA72Mzv9ek[/YOUTUBE]

 

[MACKIN]

The ONLY thing that sucks about our trucks or any vehicle for that matter, is the fricken side terminals! Hate them with a passion! Wish they had provisions to receive or give jumps.

They should have some type of "Jumper" lugs with easy access on the wheel well.

 

[rungesco]

Ok. thanks for all the help. My dads truck is an 06. I have an 02 Duramax, I just didnt want to have to worry about the hassles that he has.

 

[Kspen90]

Its an interesting thought, i wouldnt think the block heater pulls very much power id say go buy a cheap convertor and try it at home one day when you have a jump box handy and see what it does. Im almost certain if you bought 2 marine batteries it would be alright but i could be wrong.

 

[Kspen90]

The ONLY thing that sucks about our trucks or any vehicle for that matter, is the fricken side terminals! Hate them with a passion! Wish they had provisions to receive or give jumps.

They should have some type of "Jumper" lugs with easy access on the wheel well.

Autozone's duralast gold batteries have top and side posts

 

[Righteyeblind]

It is nice to be able to plug them in so they warm up faster but Im sure plugging it into a inverter would drain your batteries.
Dont worry about your truck starting. These things will start no problem. My buddies truck would fire up at 30 below not plugged in with one battery no issues.

 

[MACKIN]

Autozone's duralast gold batteries have top and side posts

Yes I know that and also I'm sure I could convert. My thought is that they should come from the factory with top-side terminals like 99.9% of other vehicles do. Is GM the only one?

 

[tractor]

I do it in the winter.I bought a timer to turn it on 2 hours before I leave work and yes it drains the battery if you run it to long.
Darryl

 

[Leadfoot]

They must have smartened up (at least a little). I don't know if the new trucks come with them, but when I bought my "replacement" A/C Delco batteries from the dealer, they showed two styles of batteries. One was stock side post replacement and the other was offered with side AND top post mounts, and almost identical CCA ratings. Obviously I chose the ones with top and side mounts and they fit PERFECT.

If I think of it I will look up the P/N for people.


.

Yes I know that and also I'm sure I could convert. My thought is that they should come from the factory with top-side terminals like 99.9% of other vehicles do. Is GM the only one?

 

[jheyob]

wouldnt think the block heater pulls very much power.

1000W I think

 

[Kspen90]

1000W I think

How many amps though? Amperage determines the load on an electrical source.