Coolant Heaters powered by diesel fuel

[Jihn]

I'm looking at adding a heater to my truck that does not plug into hydro, Cummins have some on their web site, and there are others that look really good.

Jihn

 

[Ozymandias]

I use ESPAR for more then 20 years now, never disappointed from that product.

For the Cummins buy big, I've 4.5Kw and it uses a long time to heat up.
So better one step up if affordable.

 

[Jihn]

For the Cummins buy big, I've 4.5Kw and it uses a long time to heat up.
So better one step up if affordable.

How long is a long time, and for quite a few of the units 5Kw seems the norm.
Jihn

 

[Signal73]

Webasto was a popular one also

 

[DonFitzwater]

I'm looking at adding a heater to my truck that does not plug into hydro, Cummins have some on their web site, and there are others that look really good.

Jihn

I’m confused by your title and first sentence. It says “does not plug into hydro” in your first sentence so was that just a typo or am I missing something?

I live in Alaska and have run Espar and Webasto with good results. My only recommendation would be to fit a marine grade relay and socket in place of the oem relays.

 

[Ozymandias]

How long is a long time, and for quite a few of the units 5Kw seems the norm.
Jihn

The 4.5Kw needs twenty minutes to just switch on the interior fan, needs one hour to get 65-70C Water Temperatur.
The coolant volume of the engine is just above spec for that heater.
It works fine for me and it does it job but I'd prefer something faster, on the Plus side, it is small and fits below the airfilter box in a vertical orientation. The bigger ones needs to be fitted along the chassis under the cab.

My choose would be M-II 8 today, but like said, the 5Kw works fine, just not fast.

 

[Nigel]

Don
The original poster is probably Canadian. Much of the electricity in this country originally came from hydro electric generation. Many of the providers have hydro in their name, Ontario Hydro and BC Hydro as two examples. So many of us say hydro when we really mean electric. I believe Jihn doesn’t want an electric block heater.

Nigel

 

[Jihn]

I live in Alaska and have run Espar and Webasto with good results. My only recommendation would be to fit a marine grade relay and socket in place of the oem

Did you find any differences between the two, or are they pretty much equal?

And yes I,m from the north where hydro and electricity are interchangeable, the reason I don,t want to go "electric" is you have to plug them in, and unplug them before you move the truck. I'm stuck in this wheelchair, and it makes it almost impossible to get around outside after it snows, I park next to the house so it's only a few feet to my drivers door.

Jihn

 

[jhenderson]

Webasto and Espar are both top line units. They’ve been used in the logging industry for years. I don’t see how you could go wrong with either one if you follow their recommendations.

 

[Jihn]

I come from the "old days" where we had "Hot Boxes" sitting behind the cab on the frame rails, I don't remember who made them.

Jihn

 

[Ozymandias]

Webasto and Espar are both top line units. They’ve been used in the logging industry for years. I don’t see how you could go wrong with either one if you follow their recommendations.

Almost similar but not entirely.
The ESPAR allows self diagnostic to the end consumer, do your own repairs.
A faulty Webasto has to go to the dealer for diagnostic and therfore repair.

I had both Brands, guess which one was more expensive over the years.

So, I'm a die hard ESPAR Fan.

 

[Jihn]

Is there a remote control for either one of the "good" brands, or do you have to start it from the truck, or set it via a timer, these things seem to have everything else on them, I'm still learning about them, and finding out they are not cheap.
The Espar looks like it might be possible to be hooked up remotely, but I haven't found out how yet. their website spends way to much space trying to convince you on speedy payback, even at the amount of time I spend idling, it will take two & o years to see a return on the investment,

 

[jhenderson]

Both machines may be programmed for regular operation. Guys in the woods leave on Friday and come in Monday morning to a warm machine.

 

[mwilson]

Espar is a great product with one of the most confusing websites in the free world....

There is a kit specifically made for the third gen Dodge trucks, it's in there somewhere...study the controllers, you may want to upgrade the controller that come with the kit to something smarter as far as settings.

Don't be afraid to call them, they will help you with correct part numbers...

 

[mwilson]

Don
The original poster is probably Canadian. Much of the electricity in this country originally came from hydro electric generation. Many of the providers have hydro in their name, Ontario Hydro and BC Hydro as two examples. So many of us say hydro when we really mean electric. I believe Jihn doesn’t want an electric block heater.

Nigel

Same here in Central / Northern (The "Real") Maine, our electricity provider was named "Bangor Hydro" or technically "Bangor Hydro-Electric" for decades until it was bought out by Emera a few years back.

Still is and will continue to be called "The Hydro" for years to come....

Usage in English ...

"Call the frigin' Hydro, Honey and tell them the power's out again!!"....

 

[Ozymandias]

Like Mike said, they offer several controls.
Simple on/off remotes that work for up to 1/2Mi, some with command and return including to show interior temperatur at the remotes display and up to Phone Apps where the car unit has a phone card in it that works from every distance as long as a tower is in reach.

 

[Jihn]

I called Espar yesterday and got the part #'s for a Dodge Ram truck (they did not seem interested in the generation at all, I mentioned it a couple of times and no response) I also asked about a remote control, which they told me they don't have one!!! But they gave me the information about a company they work with Rom Comm which has remotes for the heaters, the range is fantastic, any where on earth(satellite coverage) or anywhere there is cell phone coverage, both have a fee per year, min. fee is $300.00 a year +\- $75.00 depending on a number of options.

Does anyone know about Webasto, again they don't have a lot of information on there web site, it does look like you can read the trouble codes without returning to the dealer, but no mention of a remote.

Jihn

 

[Ozymandias]

Strange...


Anyway I start my ESPAR with this..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-Sin...trol-Switch-Receiver-/303335409181?nav=SEARCH

Because the ESPAR remote was to costly for me. And I dont need the long range.

 

[Jihn]

Thank-you Ozy for the link, just what I need, to bad I live in the Great White North, and that vendor does not ship to the Great White North, you don't have an option # 2 do you???

I checked out Webasto they operate about the same as Espar, in truck switch or fancy expensive control, plus they sell the cellular type switch with a monthly fee of coarse.

Jihn

 

[Ozymandias]

Ah, Canada.

Sure i have a link for @Jihn , get this https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Wireless-RF...387695?hash=item2ac696a46f:g:5i0AAOSwsW9Y2Lxh

The range is around 10-20 Meters always, check out other products from the same vendor for similar products with greater range if needed.
I use this eMylo Product for my auxiliary lights, works perfect and the dongle has a slider so one doesn't push a button by accident.

Together with this buy the cheapest control unit from Eberspächer and you are good to go.
Wiring it in is easy, i could guide you through it if needed.