Cold Weather front options

[Monstar]

Its that time of year again, except that this year we live somewhere cold (indiana vs. Cali) and my commute to work is short and all on surface streets. The CTD barely gets up to 150F and it is not even below 30 yet.



So I have been thinking about things to do to improve this... .



1. Plugging in, even when it is not below 35.

2. Driving faster.

3. Cold weather front.



My question is, what are the options for #3? I can get one from the local ******* for $120. Are there cheaper places to get one? Is there an after-market option that is viable?



Thanks in advance for the help.



Charles

 

[BHolm]

Sounds like that thin Cali blood needs to thicken up a bit for a midwest winter :-laf



If the truck is barely getting to 150 I don't think the thermostat is fully open. That means nothing is flowing through the cold radiator anyway and blocking it wont change a thing. What you will block is cold air getting to the intercooler, which is in front of the radiator.



Options 1 & 2 sound good to me, get seat heaters and a warmer coat too!



Just remember that the more fuel you burn, the more heat you produce. And be glad you dont have an Isuzumax, they come with cold fronts standard and in a Minnesota winter those trucks NEVER get warm.

 

[PKozlowski]

Get a winter cover. I normally plug mine in and have the winter cover closed.

I have short in town trips to work. Winter cover help alot!

Make sure it is one that you can open instead of taking it off all the time(thats a pain).

I'll run in a little lower gear some times to help her warm up(burn more fuel).

Also at the stop lights I'll turn on the engine brake. Now that really helps her warm up!



Don't know about a reflash for the 04. 5 but my 01has the high idle reflash and that is great also. Scares the pants off you the firt time it goes into 3 cyl idle. LOL!!

 

[Paladin1911]

I have the Lund "Cold Front" grille inserts. They're basically just shinny black fiberglass pieces (4 pieces) that clamp to your grill and block air flow. I use it here in Alaska and it helps. I think when I bought it, (been over 3 yrs ago) I paid around $50 for it.

 

[PKozlowski]

Steve where you at in Alaska?

We just moved to Anchorage a little over a month ago.

 

[dan.poitras]

The winter front from the dealer is the best I've used so far.

 

[RMalone]

I agree the winter front cover from the dealer is very nice. It goes behind the grill so you don't look like a ricer with a bra!! Yes the price made me choke also but it is a nice unit and goes on and off easy and is somewhat adjustable. For my uses it helps with cold warmup considerably, plugging in helps also. I have lived in the upper midwest and mountain west all my life and I will NEVER get used to the cold. I am still considering an espar or webasto but those prices (and pita install) have held me back.

 

[MCrossley]

do a search for winter fronts i ook pictures of the mopar winter front, I can get you a good price at the dealer but cannot think of the price off the top of my head... I used mine in WA and OR last winter when it was 14 outside the truck would not even come up to temp until I put it on and that was running 80 on the interstate; word of warnign though don't try installing when it is 1 outside!

 

[mtnsnowtower]

I use the lund cold fronts and have very good luck with them. They are inexpensive and are versatile in that they are easy to remove, at times I only use one or two of them depending on how cold it is. They have worked for me in sub zero weather. Always plug in!

 

[SHobbs]

Check out Cabellas to see if they have one for 3rd gens. They have a winter front that can be ordered with a screen for summer use. I have the screen on my truck right now and in the winter I just unsnap the screen and snap on the cover. The screen has held up great for three years and the cover has done the same. The cover has two rectangular holes with flaps that can be opened or closed. There are two ways to mount it on the grill, one is to use the snaps with 3m tape, the other is to use actual screws through the grill to hold the snaps in place. I used the 3m tape and not a single one has fallen off. If memory serves me correctly the whole set up was under $45.

 

[Paladin1911]

Steve where you at in Alaska?

We just moved to Anchorage a little over a month ago.

Out on Elmendorf. How you liking Anchorage so far? Welcome!

 

[BimmerAgent]

I got my cold front at www.dodgeparts.com last fall. I think it was around $100, and works great. Bruce

 

[JCasper]

I bought one from them last year and have not yet installed it. It does not come with mounting hardware so you have to get that yourself. But I think it was only about $40 or so.





http://www.alaskatent.com/products/covers/winter_fronts.htm

 

[RMachida]

I have one from Alaska Tent & Tarp as well. It is well made and uses a zipper for adjustment instead of velcro. I also got the bug screen that uses the same snaps. I've used their winter fronts on the last 3 diesels I've had. Fortunately, they are local so they installed it.

 

[JCasper]

When I bought mine he said he would be happy to install mine if I wanted to swing by. The shipping was cheaper. HAHA

 

[Monstar]

Thanks guys, I will look into the Alaska and Cabela's options. I am having trouble resigning myself to spending 100+ to keep the truck from getting too hot. I remember when I was spending money to keep the truck from overheating... .

 

[RRees]

At what outside temperatures is it safe to install the "Winter front". I bought the MOPAR one from my dealer. Spendy, but looks good.



I apologize for my lack of knowledge on this. This is my first year with a diesel.

I have the block heater cord and use that.



Thanks for your help.

 

[TSpecht]

I'll be using mine once it's consistently under 40°. Usually just a flap or two closed until it gets down to about 5 or so, then I'll close more. Basically you have to adjust it when your load changes (empty vs. pulling a trailer for example). If you hear the fan cycling excessively, you'll want to open another flap or two until that ceases.

I have the Mopar winter cover. Expensive, but worth it, installs in minutes without having to modify your truck what so ever.

 

[RRees]

TSpecht,



Thanks for the info. I live in Central Iowa. I guess its snowing in Northern Iowa as I type this.



We have 65-70 degrees here on Wed/Thurs of this week. Now is 40 something.



I guess it won't be too long before I put it on.

 

[CarlsonR]

Anyone who can't afford the big bucks should try this for 4. 00$. Buy one roll heavy duty reynoldswrap aluminim foil. peel off three double folds four inches longer than your radiator hieght. slide one - three down between your rad and condenser. you can block all or just some air flow depending on ambient air temps, and only takes a minute or two to add or remove sheets if a warm spell hits your area.