Anyone doing something different with their block heater
#1
Anyone doing something different with their block heater
I finally got my Cloud-Rider winter front, but they accidentally sent the lower section without the opening for the block heater cord.
My heater exits just left of middle, but the cord doesn't seem long enough to clear the winter front and I'm tiring of getting on all four to plug it in. Anyone doing something creative like relocating the cord to a higher position on the grill and if so, how's that working for you? I'm concerned the cord might flop around and scratch the grill.
We hit -28F last night and have -31 projected for tonight.
My heater exits just left of middle, but the cord doesn't seem long enough to clear the winter front and I'm tiring of getting on all four to plug it in. Anyone doing something creative like relocating the cord to a higher position on the grill and if so, how's that working for you? I'm concerned the cord might flop around and scratch the grill.
We hit -28F last night and have -31 projected for tonight.
Last edited by colchiro; 01-14-2009 at 04:30 PM.
#2
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
You just gotta get creative. You can move the cord you have. You can add a small extension cord to make it longer. You can cut a hole in your lower guard. You can send the lower guard back since it is not what you ordered.
#3
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
Hi John.
They're going to send another lower section no charge, which I assume means I don't have to send back the one without a hole so I'm not concerned about that. It just might be a few more weeks before that happens. (They're in Canada and have a backlog.)
My cord is secured firmly to the center brace, but it doesn't look like it's long enough to clear the hole in the new grill. I figure if I have to make it longer, why not move it further up.
They're going to send another lower section no charge, which I assume means I don't have to send back the one without a hole so I'm not concerned about that. It just might be a few more weeks before that happens. (They're in Canada and have a backlog.)
My cord is secured firmly to the center brace, but it doesn't look like it's long enough to clear the hole in the new grill. I figure if I have to make it longer, why not move it further up.
#4
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
The simple solution is to add a short extension cord.
Your question of "doing something different" made me think about what I did with my two scanguages.
I have my two scanguages hooked together with a small Cat5 "reel". I can post photos if needed. It might be overkill, but electric cord reels exist. This might be "handy" if you are attempting a modification you had previously been interested in.
Your question of "doing something different" made me think about what I did with my two scanguages.
I have my two scanguages hooked together with a small Cat5 "reel". I can post photos if needed. It might be overkill, but electric cord reels exist. This might be "handy" if you are attempting a modification you had previously been interested in.
#5
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
I wish they had a flush-mount, recessed AC plug with a chrome spring-loaded cover that could be installed in the front fender or grill. Imagine something from 10 years from now when plug-in hybrids are more common.
#6
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
Here's the dealer-install on our RX. Requires popping the hood every night, but given the alternative, I think I'm OK with that. At least I'm in a not-so-frigid garage (40-something tonight)
Is there a guide to posting photos on this site? I didn't find one with a quick search.
"Objects in the mirror are cleaner than they appear."
http://www.siletzbay.com/oddBits/9742-BkHtr.jpg
Benton 14jan09
Is there a guide to posting photos on this site? I didn't find one with a quick search.
"Objects in the mirror are cleaner than they appear."
http://www.siletzbay.com/oddBits/9742-BkHtr.jpg
Benton 14jan09
#8
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
Thanks!!!
#10
Re: Anyone doing something different with their block heater
I'd consider that.
Guess we'll see what I end up with. It might be they were going to get me the new part at no additional charge to me.
Guess we'll see what I end up with. It might be they were going to get me the new part at no additional charge to me.