Winter Fronts

[Iguide]

I know that over the past year or so that there has been some discussion about winter fronts. Now that winter is coming on it is time for me to pay attention. My service manager says that they are not recommended. However he is new & I asked him if he would like to wait & ride at -20F & make that recommendation. He declined. Last winter I used cardboard with limited success, but would like to do something more productive this year. Does any one have a preference, or suggestions.



Thanks for you help, & may the Lord help you help yourself to make it a great day.

 

[Bertram65]

I have never had any problem getting heat in the cold, usually within 5 miles of city driving it is warm enough to feel it even though it does not show on the gauge.

 

[CrimeFighter]

I have used FIA winter fronts on my all my diesels in the past, both Fords and Dodge. In Minnesota its a must have... I really like this brand and they look great on your truck heres the address to an online store where I just got mine for my 03. They are the cheapiest dealer that I have found.



www.truktoys.com/products/fiafronts.asp

 

[Graphite 6]

How do those FIA covers attach? Anyone ever use the Lund versions?

 

[CrimeFighter]

They are snaps that adhere using 3m adheasive backing. And yes thay actually stay on, even through high winds and car washes.

 

[Iguide]

To Bertram65:



Yes I can understand that in Boston almost 200 miles south of me and next to the ocean that you don't have trouble getting heat. Try living where it gets -40F at night and not above -20F during the day for up to six or eight weeks at a time and see if is different than living in the deep south of Mass. Crimefighter sounds like he lives where someone would actually have first hand experience in cold weather deisel use. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bertram65]

To Bertram65:



Yes I can understand that in Boston almost 200 miles south of me and next to the ocean that you don't have trouble getting heat. Try living where it gets -40F at night and not above -20F during the day for up to six or eight weeks at a time and see if is different than living in the deep south of Mass. Crimefighter sounds like he lives where someone would actually have first hand experience in cold weather deisel use. Thanks for the tip.

MA is not the only place I drive my truck I have quite a bit of first hand knowledge driving my truck north of where you are and have no problems.

 

[MABurns]

Alaska tent and tarp also makes a good one.



I have used the Lund on a previous truck and they too work well.

 

[DPelletier]

I am interested in this topic as I've yet to get a definative answer to a couple of questions. I use a Lund plastic winterfront. It looks nice, holds up well and doesn't require snaps or other permanent mods to the grill. I've heard a couple of concerns with using the cardboard right at the rad;



- 1) asymetrical airflow may cause the fan blades to crack. not good.



- 2) blocking off the intercooler may cause EGT's to get unacceptably high despite low overall engine temps. I don't know how likely this is; probably only a factor when towing, but I do tow with the winterfront in place.



- 3) I've noticed a difference in mileage and power with the winterfront on while towing. Didn't measure the mpg difference, but it seems noticable.



I am hoping that my Lund unit (being located away from the rad/intercooler at the grill) doesn't have the airflow issues and that with the bumper still open, the intercooler gets enough flow to prevent unacceptably high EGT's. I'm thinking of leaving the winterfront off until I've installed the EGT gauge that has been sitting in my office for 6 mo now!

Can anybody with an EGT gauge that uses a winterfront confirm or deny that the above situations are likely?

Thanks



Dave

 

[MABurns]

A side affect is my winter front affects the overhead computer's outside temperature reading.

 

[Iguide]

MABurns: Do you have a web address for Alaska tent & tarp?



Yea I can understand, Mass trucks are a specieal super truck that they only sell to those really smart people who live in Mass and only visit the cold places. Not us dumb hicks that actually live where it is cold. Just keep in mind that this is all in jest & if you come up this way Bertram65 or any one else. Give a holla & stop by. I'll keep the fire gowin for ya. I really do apreceate the imput from the membership. My truck does run a bit coo, even in summer.

 

[SLinse]

Alaska Tent and Tarp is great!! I highly recommend them. I'm heading over there today in fact! How thier winter front works, is you install snaps on your radiator core support and the cover snaps on. When the hood is closed you never see it. You can also get a bug screen that snaps in the same snaps when you aren't usung the winter front. The winter front has a zipper so you can open it up a little when it gets warm out.



Living in Fairbanks I have experienced -50 and colder, and yes a winter front does help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even when it 10 above it warms up faster and in town it stays warmer. When going on long trips I usually open it up a little because it will get to warm. When towing I reccomend taking it off. Especially those with autos. Your transmission cooler needs the air flow!



Diesels need to be warm. If you are running a winterfront keep an eye on your temp gauge. If it looks like it is running warmer then normal, open it up a little.



www.alaskatent.com The main shop is in Fairbanks the phone number is 1-907-456-6328 or 1-800-478-8368. I'm not affiliated with them, It's just the choice of about 95% of the people up here. They supply the north slope companies with most of the winter fronts as well. I think I had mine installed at there shop for around $40. 00. Good Luck!

 

[Bertram65]

Yea I can understand, Mass trucks are a specieal super truck that they only sell to those really smart people who live in Mass and only visit the cold places. Not us dumb hicks that actually live where it is cold. Just keep in mind that this is all in jest & if you come up this way Bertram65 or any one else. Give a holla & stop by. I'll keep the fire gowin for ya. I really do apreceate the imput from the membership. My truck does run a bit coo, even in summer. [/QUOTE]



I am confused at how you somehow feel I have insulted your inteligence and it warrants this type of response. I replied to your post as I have used my truck in some pretty cold areas, here in MA, and in northern NH and ME without any winter fronts and have not had any problem with heat.

By the way, just clear a couple things up I am not from Boston, I am inland and north of the city, the average yearly temp for my town is 48 degrees, Bethlehem NH, is 42. 1, so there is not a large difference, for reference Fairbanks AK is 27. This info is on www.weatherbase.com, we are also only about 140 miles apart.

 

[Iguide]

Bertram75

It was said with tong in cheek. No offence was taken & none was meant to be given. That is why I said that the response was said in jest. My fault trying to use some witticism in print when the tone of the comment can’t be heard. It is a reference to a circumstance where very often people from the city come across as more knowledgeable than those in rural areas. Believe it or not, that is a very common occurrence. I understand that was not your meaning and you were just trying to be of help. Thank You.

 

[DPelletier]

I am interested in this topic as I've yet to get a definative answer to a couple of questions. I use a Lund plastic winterfront. It looks nice, holds up well and doesn't require snaps or other permanent mods to the grill. I've heard a couple of concerns with using the cardboard right at the rad;



- 1) asymetrical airflow may cause the fan blades to crack. not good.



- 2) blocking off the intercooler may cause EGT's to get unacceptably high despite low overall engine temps. I don't know how likely this is; probably only a factor when towing, but I do tow with the winterfront in place.



- 3) I've noticed a difference in mileage and power with the winterfront on while towing. Didn't measure the mpg difference, but it seems noticable.



I am hoping that my Lund unit (being located away from the rad/intercooler at the grill) doesn't have the airflow issues and that with the bumper still open, the intercooler gets enough flow to prevent unacceptably high EGT's. I'm thinking of leaving the winterfront off until I've installed the EGT gauge that has been sitting in my office for 6 mo now!

Can anybody with an EGT gauge that uses a winterfront confirm or deny that the above situations are likely?

Thanks



Dave

Well, I guess if nobody knows any better, I think I'll continue to use my Lund winterfront for normal winter use and take it off if I'm gonna tow (or at least until my pyro is installed so I can keep an eye on it)



Dave

 

[BrentKaiser]

Alaska Tent and Tarp is great!! I highly recommend them.

Living in Fairbanks I have experienced -50 and colder, and yes a winter front does help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even when it 10 above it warms up faster and in town it stays warmer. When going on long trips I usually open it up a little because it will get to warm. When towing I reccomend taking it off. Especially those with autos. Your transmission cooler needs the air flow!



Diesels need to be warm. If you are running a winterfront keep an eye on your temp gauge. If it looks like it is running warmer then normal, open it up a little.



www.alaskatent.com The main shop is in Fairbanks the phone number is 1-907-456-6328 or 1-800-478-8368. I'm not affiliated with them, It's just the choice of about 95% of the people up here. They supply the north slope companies with most of the winter fronts as well. I think I had mine installed at there shop for around $40. 00. Good Luck!

I agree with SLinse, I will try and get some pics posted tomorrow.

 

[TCDiesel]

I am interested in this topic as I've yet to get a definative answer to a couple of questions. I use a Lund plastic winterfront. It looks nice, holds up well and doesn't require snaps or other permanent mods to the grill. I've heard a couple of concerns with using the cardboard right at the rad;



- 1) asymetrical airflow may cause the fan blades to crack. not good.



- 2) blocking off the intercooler may cause EGT's to get unacceptably high despite low overall engine temps. I don't know how likely this is; probably only a factor when towing, but I do tow with the winterfront in place.



- 3) I've noticed a difference in mileage and power with the winterfront on while towing. Didn't measure the mpg difference, but it seems noticable.



I am hoping that my Lund unit (being located away from the rad/intercooler at the grill) doesn't have the airflow issues and that with the bumper still open, the intercooler gets enough flow to prevent unacceptably high EGT's. I'm thinking of leaving the winterfront off until I've installed the EGT gauge that has been sitting in my office for 6 mo now!

Can anybody with an EGT gauge that uses a winterfront confirm or deny that the above situations are likely?

Thanks



Dave

I have the lund also,Don"t even think about putting in the Top pieces when above 25* raises trans temps 40 to 50 , if your pulling it will even get higher. I drill three 2. 5 holes in each of the top pieces. when the temps start to drop below 25 on a regular basis I put in the lower two, and leave them until higher temps when 10 or less all four are in.

 

[DPelletier]

I have the lund also,Don"t even think about putting in the Top pieces when above 25* raises trans temps 40 to 50 , if your pulling it will even get higher. I drill three 2. 5 holes in each of the top pieces. when the temps start to drop below 25 on a regular basis I put in the lower two, and leave them until higher temps when 10 or less all four are in.

Thanks for the info. I don't have to worry about transmission temp anymore since I sold my 47RE, although I had the Lund on that truck too and probably didn't do it any favours. Of course, if it'll stop the transmission cooler from working efficiently, it will likely cause the same effect with the intercooler. I just never thought about the winterfront raising EGT's, I always only kept an eye on the coolant temp.

Maybe I need to just get off my azz and install my gauges so I can monitor the situation myself!



Thanks

Dave

 

[Jeremiah]

Check Jeremiah's Truck for custom made winter fronts. Don't know if the feller who made 'em is still around or not. He used to be a TDRer. I mentioned his name in the photo.

 

[JPM]

One word, ESPAR!!! (coolant/cab/windshield/engine block heater that is diesel fired ,automatic and timed, )