EU1000i or EU2000i generator to run block heater in winter ?

[tdinut]

I tried to search for this in previous threads but could not find any mention. Has anyone thought about using a small portable generator to run the block heater for 2-3 hours when you can't plug in? I am not considering doing this for engine longevity (that's why I've got a cummins), just to have heat quicker and a clearer windshield in the dead of winter. I've thought about Webasto and Espar. They are kind of expensive and require major surgery to install. Using a generator would have no effect on warranty. Am I crazy?



Joe

 

[Benson]

Not crazy. I think either would work. Just have to figure out a way to do it conveniently. I guess you would have to get out there a couple hours before you leave to start the generator.

 

[OHale]

You could do it, it would be a bit of trouble and expense (i. e, having to start and maintain the generator and the cost of purchase. ) Also, depending on where you live you might find your generator gone if you are leaving your truck somewhere unsupervised. All you would need is an extension cord and the generator of sufficient wattage.



A couple of thoughts: I've been able to find AC outlets in the darndest places. I used to plug my 12V in at hotels and motels by asking the manager. There was usually an outdoor plug I could use. Same was true on a project I was on in upper Michigan, I found that a few of the light poles in the parking lot had AC outlets. Once some other diesel drivers saw me do it though it became a competition to see who could get to the outlets first.



Another idea: a remote starter is going to do a lot for your winter starting and windshield clearing as well as a winter front. I have the MOPAR front and it speeds heating greatly. Secondly, you may wish to choose a remote starter (like mine) that has programmable heating cycles. I can program my remote to start every so often during the night to keep the block warm, etc. I've never used it that way as it doesn't get cold in Maine in the winter. It would have come in handy some other places. There are also remote starters that will start and run based on an internal clock. Idling your engine extensively isn't good for it in the long run, even with the winter front and the high idle feature.



If windshield clearing is your main focus Geno's sells a heated windshield washer fluid kit. Some cars now have them as optional equipment.



Then you are back to the Webasco and Espar heaters. As you wrote, they aren't cheap and from what I've read here the quality of installation makes a difference. They do burn some of your diesel but not much.



What sort of temperatues are you concerned about? If you're not going to be in extreme cold hitting a remote starter 15 minutes before you get to the truck (and a winter front) might do the job for you. Perhaps that and heated windshield solution.

 

[tdinut]

I've seen remote starters for the Honda generators so that's a possibility, not sure if it's made by Honda or an aftermarket item. My routine is pretty constant and would only use it at work in the parking lot (no plug-ins, but safe). I rotate shifts and can plug in at home so one start would be dead cold, not fun at 1:00am. Temps can run in the single digits on eastern LI. It goes against me to idle the engine although I will try and get the software update to enable the high idle. The dealer does not seem to understand what needs to be done with that.



There is no free lunch, almost any option will cost either fuel or installation and my warranty. I could run the generator from under my tonneau cover with proper venting of course.



Joe

 

[OHale]

All good points Joe. The only other thing I'll mention is that you may be surprised how well your 3rd gen does in the winter. Mine starts below zero without a hitch. I'm spoiled rotten by the heated seats!

 

[tdinut]

I picked up my truck at the end of March this year. It was still chilly at night starting up and heat took a good 10-15 miles before it was very comfortable. I commute 36 miles each way mostly highway and the first half of the ride she's coming up to temp. I love my truck, I just want fast heat. Call me spoiled I know these engines are great and don't have any worry about start up. I used to have a VW tdi that took a long time to clear the windshield and warm the interior. My a** is usually warm enough without the heated seats and never really use them. I have to check out the heated washer fluid thing, looks cool



Joe

 

[OHale]

For the commute you can't beat the winter front. Your truck will heat up a LOT faster on your way to work.

 

[mwilson]

OHALE, what do you mean "it doesn't get cold in Maine"??????

 

[RACE427]

Honda Generators

Either Honda generator will run your block heater, but the EU2000i has more amperage output and can be used for other usage if you ever should require the need. EU2000i will crank out 2,000 amps under surge conditions and is not much more expensive over the EU1000i. It weighs about 45 lbs and is very quiet. Good luck !

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

I've taken my truck on many an elk hunting trip, temps below 0 and it starts just fine. I do understand the desire to warm up faster though. What about an exhaust brake? It will decrease warm up time by more than 1/2, plus you get the advantage of braking. I don't think that my Jacobs installed was much more than the EU2000 you are talking about.

 

[RMalone]

2000 amps?? Yikes must be watts. The winter front is well worth the money it definately shortens the wait for heat, I have not found ideling to reduce the time to heat. Supposedly an exhaust brake really helps quick warm up also, pretty big money though. I have considered a Webasto or Espar myself, I have yet to do it for the same reasons listed above, but I would love to have one.

 

[MChildress]

I might be wrong but I was thinking I read the block heater draws 1000 watts.

 

[Pawpaw]

I think, but can't prove, the block heater only draws 750 watts.



If you're expecting the truck to warm up LOTS faster after using the block heater, I think you're going to be disappointed. I can't tell a difference in cab heat and it doesn't really get cold here. It's rare for us to get down into the teens.



Having said that, I just happened to notice today that Northern Tool has a 1,000 watt generator on sale for $150. I'm sure it's no Honda, but that little green thing was only about 18x18x18 inches.



Bob

 

[Slow Six]

Go with an Espar. A bit pricey but once you have one you will like it. Messing around with a generator would be a pain. The Espar has a timer to set it to come on. It does not affect warranty. This is the second truck I have had one on and other than some minor glitches they have been great.

 

[OHale]

OHALE, what do you mean "it doesn't get cold in Maine"??????

That's why I moved here to retire, I'm tired of cold winters. Some parts of the good old U. S. get COLD.



O,

 

[klenger]

I've seen remote starters for the Honda generators so that's a possibility, not sure if it's made by Honda or an aftermarket item.

Joe

A remote generator starter would require the Honda EU-3000 generator as the 1000 and 2000 do not have an electric starter.

 

[tdinut]

I'd like to get the EU3000. It would also give me backup for the house. I'll have to measure the generator and the clearance under my tonneau, but I don't think the 3000 will fit under my Undercoverinfo.com hard tonneau cover. I'll definately get the winter front. I think the exhaust brake with install is around $1600, I'll talk to the dealer.



Joe

 

[JFielding]

Generator

I have 2 Honda 2000's that I sometimes use with my trailer to run the AC in summer. I use just 1 of them most of the time. Had a winter time power outage and used one of the Hondas for some lighting and to run my block heater for a couple of hours. It worked great.



J

 

[starkmr]

Either Honda generator will run your block heater, but the EU2000i has more amperage output and can be used for other usage if you ever should require the need. EU2000i will crank out 2,000 amps under surge conditions and is not much more expensive over the EU1000i. It weighs about 45 lbs and is very quiet. Good luck !

uumm, not bashing here, but your terminology is off, it is 2000 watts. A generator large enough to put out 2000 amps will be as large as your truck and probably not portable!!!



If you need to know what the current draw of your block heater is, take an ohm reading across the two prongs on the plug remember this value. Take your voltage source (usually 120 volts) times two, then divide by ohm reading you took above. This will give you the current draw in watts of your heater.





Example: ohm reading is 4 ohms, (120 x 2 = 240)/4 = 60 watts



Hope this helps.

 

[PVasilauskis]

uumm, not bashing here, but your terminology is off, it is 2000 watts. A generator large enough to put out 2000 amps will be as large as your truck and probably not portable!!!



If you need to know what the current draw of your block heater is, take an ohm reading across the two prongs on the plug remember this value. Take your voltage source (usually 120 volts) times two, then divide by ohm reading you took above. This will give you the current draw in watts of your heater.





Example: ohm reading is 4 ohms, (120 x 2 = 240)/4 = 60 watts



Hope this helps.

uumm, not bashing here but your electrical theory is way off. Don't know where you got your formula from I've never heard of anything like it but if you put 4 ohms across 120 volts you'll draw 30 amps which is 3600 watts!!!



Since this is a purely resistive load and the 120V is an RMS value, straight Ohm's law (E over I x R) works. I measured my block heater and it came to 19. 5 ohms. Put 120 volts across it and she should draw 6. 15 amps or 738 watts.



Just to back it up I read my owners manual, page 252. It states the block heater needs 110v and 6. 5 amps, close enough for government work I'd say.



What does all this mean? The block heater is probably rated at around 750 watts or so. Since it's just a resistive load there's no starting current to worry about. A 1000 watt generator such as the EU1000i, should handle it just fine.