Question about diesel engine heater (not glow plugs)

[mikestock]

I cannot find this anywhere in the owner's manual. I have a console switch to turn on the engine heater for very cold weather. I would use it for several hours before trying to start the engine, but I would only use it if it runs directly off the ac connection and not off the house battery pack. I know that, if I'm plugged up, the batteries continue to charge but whether or not the charge would keep up with the load, I don't know.

I have a 2006 Phaeton with a Cat 350 hp engine.

[Mr_Mark1]

All of the Block Heaters that I have seen on motorhomes have an outlet in the engine bay that the Block Heater can plug into. Our Dynasty had it as does our Prevost.

Look in the engine bay for the plug and it should be plugged-in or is nearby (unplugged).

Good luck,
MM.

[mikestock]

To answer my own question, there is a relay in the electrical cabinet that turns the block heater on and off.

[Bill_Satellite]

While that's make a nice laugh, it's also, obviously, incorrect! Love the cold.

[old_guy]

I was watching a MH review and they said if you have to use your block heater then you are too far north and you should immediately travel south

[mikestock]

I'm sure the console switch activates a solenoid switch that powers the heater. All switches in the console are 12 volt. When it warms up around here I want to see where the heater feeds from. Really never paid much attention to this system until the last couple of weeks, when the engine glow plugs kept coming back on as I attempted to start.

[Bill_Satellite]

Go to the Tiffin RV Forum and get an answer right now! However, if you have a switch to turn on the engine block heater, you should be able to flip the switch and watch your amp meter(s). If they jump up 10-20 amps then it's working and the rest of your questions I answered above.

[Ivylog]

Mine outlet is in the engine area but I have converted it to power my house refrigerator install.
Why are you cranking it up so often? My going through two heating cycles you should be able to crank it when that cold.

[mikestock]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
The engine block heater runs off A/C power only. It would only be available if you were plugged into shore power or running your generator. It would not have any affect on your batteries either good or bad.

That's what I guessed and hoped. Tried to call my contact at Tiffin but they have ice and snow and sent all the employees home.

Thanks

MrWizard wrote:
You need the block heater in Alabama?
Or are you going north to cold country

I have the MH in storage but have a power connection. Try to run engine and generator every weak or so. Had difficulty Monday morning last week, when the temp was 13. Global warming has not been fair to
us this Winter. Expecting 11 tonight.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Is the 'block heater' plugged into the outlet in 'electrical bay'....which I believe is what that console switch turns on/off
Block heater is 120V AC

Good point. Haven't seen any receptacle that looks guilty and I, honestly, haven't done a search, but I expect it will be hard wired. Hopefully, when Tiffin reopens I can get an answer.

[MrWizard]

You need the block heater in Alabama?
Or are you going north to cold country

7 years with our dp and i never ever even plugged in the block heater

I don't want to be so some place that cold

[Old-Biscuit]

Is the 'block heater' plugged into the outlet in 'electrical bay'....which I believe is what that console switch turns on/off
Block heater is 120V AC

[Bill_Satellite]

The engine block heater runs off A/C power only. It would only be available if you were plugged into shore power or running your generator. It would not have any affect on your batteries either good or bad.