tmw188 Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 (edited) Ok so I’ve haven’t needed to use my block heater but I will before leaving for FL in Dec. I started the generator and turn the Block Heater breaker on in the bedroom panel and didn’t notice any load on the load manager. I also turned on the rocker switch on the shifter panel. I forgot to look in the OM for how to use it and I don’t have it with me. I guess the load could be so small that it may not register on the load meter or the temp wasn’t low enough for it if it has a thermo switch that turns it on. So what say you all? Edited November 1, 2021 by tmw188 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Is the block heater cord plugged into the outlet in the engine compartment. My block heater had never been used, cord zip tied in the engine compartment. When I tested it didn't work. Check the breaker, it was bad so I had to replace. All good now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 Ok well I didn’t know it was corded, I thought it was hard wired so if you had the gen running or was on shore power you only had to turn it on inside the coach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Also. The switch on the dash actually controls a relay that engages the 120 volt circuit. The breaker goes to a 6"X6" box behind the main service panel, there is an Ormon relay in there. From there it goes to the outlet in the engine compartment. So if you check everything else and it still doesn't work it may be the relay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 (edited) 20 minutes ago, jacwjames said: Also. The switch on the dash actually controls a relay that engages the 120 volt circuit. The breaker goes to a 6"X6" box behind the main service panel, there is an Ormon relay in there. From there it goes to the outlet in the engine compartment. So if you check everything else and it still doesn't work it may be the relay. I figured that might be the function of the rocker switch, but I still have to manually plug in a cord in the engine compartment or in a basement door? I never noticed a cord back there but have seen the receptacle. Edited November 1, 2021 by tmw188 Spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 My cord was/is zipped tied right above the outlet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikadoo Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 So FYI the plug where my block heater plugs in is a GFI, perhaps plug something else in on that circuit to check for operation. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
engine103 Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 1 hour ago, jacwjames said: My cord was/is zipped tied right above the outlet. Same with mine. If GFI is tripped which happened when I ran over the extension cord with the zero turn mower, my battery maintainer will also be off line. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wallis Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 When it does come on it should show at least a 4 or 5 amp load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr4Film Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 My Block Heater cord is also zip-tied and not plugged in as my coach has Aqua-Hot which includes a Motoraide Loop that goes from the engine into the Aqua-Hot. That is what I use to pre-warm the engine block on cold days before starting the engine by turning on the Engine Pre-Heat switch. When that switch is activated a pump in the Aqua-Hot pumps the warm coolant throughout the engine block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 I will look for the cord it must there near the receptacle. I didn’t know there was a cord back there, but that seams to be the case. I’ll report back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
engine103 Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 On mine, lifting the bed then the engine cover, it's to your right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 OK after looking I found the plug for the block heater, I never had the notion to go look for that until I posted about it. It was easy to it find zip tied near the receptacle. I did check its operation and it is operating. I do not have to have the key on accessory mode just the breaker in the breaker panel and the rocker switch on the drivers console. It was pulling 8-9amps. I’ll look up the suggested temps and length of activation for when to use this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Well there you go, glad you figured it out. FWIW. I've never used mine. Coldest I ever tried to start it was in Northern Wisconsin, this was right after a winter storm came through in late March and there was a lot of snow every where. And worse, I stopped overnight at a Walmart and there were +10' snow banks all around the parking lot, it was like being in a deep freeze. But the next morning the engine started right up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinidaddave Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 My 05 Safari Gazelle block heater cord doesn’t reach. I always use a short extension cord, I guess they didn’t mean for it to be plugged in all the time. I used mine several times last winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 30 minutes ago, Trinidaddave said: My 05 Safari Gazelle block heater cord doesn’t reach. I always use a short extension cord, I guess they didn’t mean for it to be plugged in all the time. I used mine several times last winter Well I’m choosing to leave mine plugged in and manage it with the breaker and rocker switch. If you have a receptacle near by it should reach. You may need to cut loose a zip tie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinidaddave Posted November 3, 2021 Share Posted November 3, 2021 I will check that out, it would be more convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 3, 2021 Author Share Posted November 3, 2021 (edited) 19 minutes ago, Trinidaddave said: I will check that out, it would be more convenient. Edited November 3, 2021 by tmw188 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96 EVO Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 On 11/2/2021 at 3:34 PM, tmw188 said: Well I’m choosing to leave mine plugged in and manage it with the breaker and rocker switch. If you have a receptacle near by it should reach. You may need to cut loose a zip tie. If your planning on leaving it plugged in, you may want to make sure that receptacle doesn't get power thru the inverter! Could drain your batteries quickly if that switch was turned / left on, by mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 5, 2021 Author Share Posted November 5, 2021 2 hours ago, 96 EVO said: If your planning on leaving it plugged in, you may want to make sure that receptacle doesn't get power thru the inverter! Could drain your batteries quickly if that switch was turned / left on, by mistake. Yes, good suggestion I’ll check that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96 EVO Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 I would hope it doesn't, but you never know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 5, 2021 Author Share Posted November 5, 2021 I’ll check it with a circuit tester. Kind of doubt it though it draws 8-9 amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 On my 2002 Windsor the block heater does not go through the inverter circuit. Easy to tell, the breaker is in the main service panel. Those circuits don't get power from the inverter. The block heater is not controlled by the EMS either so it will take priority over the EMS circuits (AC's, Water Heater, Washer and Dryer). So if you have it on other power may drop out if you are on a 30 amp circuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 Makes total sense I get that-thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted December 24, 2022 Share Posted December 24, 2022 This is my first time owning a diesel and dealing with the temperatures we have currently. RV is currently winterized and sitting in storage without easy access to power. We've got a camping trip planned to start Monday and I'd like to get the camper to the house so I can plug it in, start the fridge, get it loaded up, etc. Given I have little to no experience with the block heater I have several dumb questions. How cold does it need to be before the block heater becomes essential? Is there any good/easy way to run it off the batteries? Is that wise? Will I be able to get the generator started? Temps for my area attached. Thanks for any and all info/thoughts/opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now