Cold Weather Mask

[Foil Freak 1211]

I was at my dealer today and asked about a cold weather mask for my truck. I can get it for about $90, but I am not sure if it is worth it. Anyone out there using one of these? Are they worth the $? How much faster would this make my truck warm up?

 

[Matt400]

And your in Colorado!, I am in CA and use it every winter.

I gets 20's-30's where I am with lots of snow. For the 15 minute assent to work of 1000 feet I leave just one flap open and have nice heat much quicker in the morning.

After work I close that last flap for the ride down hill to home.



I would only use it empty though. I say get it!

 

[Cummins Pilot]

It hits -50f or worse where I live. Screw the $90 cover. I put two peices of cardboard between the intercooler & radiator. Works great, if I tow I remove one side. Did I mention the cardboard was free.

 

[JGK]

I'm with Cummins Pilot. A piece of cardboard shoved down between the radiator and the intercooler, but I put an 8" hole in the middle so the fan clutch still gets air. This allows cool air to the intercooler but blocks most of it to the radiator. The front grill screens block air to both - not so good.



And as CP said, the cardboard is REAL cheap!



-Jay

 

[JLovas]

I've got the cold weather kit, and I like the blankets that heat the batteries too. A warm battery will have quite a bit more cranking power than a stone cold battery. But like everyone has said, you will need something, otherwise warm up time is quite long.

 

[vssman]

I've had the Mopar front cover since the truck was new. Personally, I'd look at a grill insert type cover instead of the 'bra' style. When the sun is hitting the hood just right, I can see that the Mopar cover is wearing the paint a little. I think there is a member that makes solid grill inserts that'll do the same thing in the classifieds and for less money. The other thing with the Mopar cover... You have to put it on when it's warm out to stretch it over the grill mounting tabs or you'll tear the seams. Don't ask...

 

[05mxdiesel]

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I like mine as well.

 

[WDaniels]

I go to a place that makes a weather front that goes behind the grill and covers the evaporator and radiator. Works great, have to open it up at about -10 or I overheat.

WD

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Just to chime in as someone who doesn't... Thought about it, can't really afford it. Never really had a problem with it. Minnesota gets chilly. Had her start in -13 not plugged in and still had heat in a decent time, and I only live 7 miles from work. Would like those battery covers first, I think. I worry about starting in -20 before I worry about comfort.

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

Thanks for all the replys. I'm not interested in the battery blanket - my truck spends the night in the garage, but still takes a while to warm up (typical diesel). Just looking for something to shorten the warm up time when heading to and from work on those snowy winter days.

 

[PC12Driver]

I've run Eric B's grill inserts every winter since I bought my truck. I can't say that I've noticed any difference in warmup time at all. If the T-stat is closed, blocking off the radiator will do very little. But what is nice, is that the water in the radiator actually warms up once the t-stat opens, so the engine doesn't get slugs of freezing coolant each time the t-stat cycles. My oil temps run about 10* higher (close to normal summer temps), and the heater output is more constant. The water temps don't drop as rapidly either during short idle periods. Plus, with the intercooler blocked, the engine doesn't seem to hammer as bad from the timing advance from the cold air (3rd gens may not notice this... ).



They do have benefits, but don't expect substantially faster warmup times.

 

[BNH4221]

I'm real happy with my Mopar winter front. Good quality construction and has flaps so you can open or close the air off to the radiator at your discretion. I find this useful so you can leave it installed thru late season when some days are 30 and others 60.



Best-

Steve

 

[Blue2002]

Eric Bu's inserts are a good way to go. I definitely notice the defroster and heat come on quicker with the inserts installed.

Geo

 

[GWBourne]

at what temperature should i considder purchasing a cold weather guard? il like something like the blanket... cus it looks "righ"

 

[BNH4221]

GW -



I try to install mine around mid October when temps are consistently cooler. That being said, I don't usually get around to it until about Thanksgiving.



Remember, you don't actually "need" to have one. It is more for personal comfort and preference. So, when you install it is up to you.



I didn't go with the Eric B inserts because they are either "in" or "out". You either have the front of the truck closed or open. Others have had great luck with them and I have no doubt they are a fine product. Personal preference again... .



With the Mopar blanket, I have the opening in the front. It has 4 velcro flaps. By utilizing one or all of the flaps I can have it closed, partially closed, or open. If I see temps running a little lower or higher that I care, I can stop, open one or all of the flaps and continue to march. Takes all of 30 seconds. It just gives me more options I think.



Best -



Steve

 

[GWBourne]

thanks Steve,

living in a cold part of the nation is new to me... ill have to re-learn how to drive in snow as its been a while for me... lol



im going to have to look into some sort of blanket. i like the ones like yours that are adjustable... for the same reason you do.

thanks again

Grant

 

[EricBu12]

Hi guys,



I'm the one that makes the inserts mentioned above. . I live in the cold weather and you can have these on up to 65 degrees out without heating up. Don't have an ad out right now, just PM me if interrested in a set.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

My Mopar winter cover ripped due to temperature change one day and I never looked back. Lund has very nice snap in winter plugs and stainless summer grille inserts that I highly recommend.

 

[Blue2002]

I originally had the Lunds also, but I lost two of them somewhere on the road (maybe the car wash?). After that I went with Eric's cover because they fasten securely with bolts.

 

[RobertP]

i have to agree with the cardboard cut to fit works well here.