Community Forums

Mr_D · 01-13-2018, 11:14 AM

Our '02 DSDP had a switch for the engine heater along with the other controls up front over the passenger side front cabinets.

reubenray · 01-13-2018, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Our '02 DSDP had a switch for the engine heater along with the other controls up front over the passenger side front cabinets.

I looked there and there was nothing for the engine block heater. I also looked all around the dash.

dennis45 · 01-13-2018, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

I looked there and there was nothing for the engine block heater. I also looked all around the dash.

How about a call to Newmar or your dealer?

HavingABlast · 01-13-2018, 12:51 PM

Reubenray, the only engine block "switch" that I have in my Ventana is a circuit breaker (in my circuit breaker panel) labeled "engine block heater". I leave this circuit breaker in the on position and the cord in the power bay unplugged. When I need to use the engine block heater, I simply open the power bay and plug the cord into the provided outlet. On travel days, when the temperature is below 50, I plug this in 1-2 hours before getting underway, making sure to unplug while I am breaking camp just prior to departure. And has been said, use a light foot until your engine has reached normal operating temperature.

reubenray · 01-13-2018, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HavingABlast

Reubenray, the only engine block "switch" that I have in my Ventana is a circuit breaker (in my circuit breaker panel) labeled "engine block heater". I leave this circuit breaker in the on position and the cord in the power bay unplugged. When I need to use the engine block heater, I simply open the power bay and plug the cord into the provided outlet. On travel days, when the temperature is below 50, I plug this in 1-2 hours before getting underway, making sure to unplug while I am breaking camp just prior to departure. And has been said, use a light foot until your engine has reached normal operating temperature.

The temperature here will not get above 45 today or tomorrow. It will get down in the upper 20's tonight and tomorrow night. I leave Monday morning for Tampa. Where I live at I usually start up the motorhome and once it get the air built up I would drive out into the street and park to hook up the car. I usually leave the engine running while doing this which takes about 10 minutes. The engine block heater is plugged up and the breaker is on. Once we get back into the warmer temperatures I will unplug it.

HavingABlast · 01-13-2018, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

The temperature here will not get above 45 today or tomorrow. It will get down in the upper 20's tonight and tomorrow night. I leave Monday morning for Tampa. Where I live at I usually start up the motorhome and once it get the air built up I would drive out into the street and park to hook up the car. I usually leave the engine running while doing this which takes about 10 minutes. The engine block heater is plugged up and the breaker is on. Once we get back into the warmer temperatures I will unplug it.

Reubenray, please re-read post number 14 (Dennis45). This info matches what I recall from Freightliner School part one. When on shore or generator power, plug in your engine block heater a few hours before starting your engine. Once your engine is started, you no longer need to run the block heater. Unplug it.

In Freightliner school we were cautioned against excessively idling modern diesel engines (the kind with DEF), to avoid fouling your exhaust cleaning system (the diesel particulate filter if I remember correctly).

After airing up and pulling in my full wall slide (then untethering from shore power if applicable), I position the coach to couple my toad then turn off my engine during the coupling process.

Here is a phone number for a 24/7 Freightliner help [1-800-FTL-HELP]. You will need the last 6 numbers of your VIN when talking with them. They are very helpful.

The forum is here to help as well.

Travel safely.

Bill Hunt · 01-13-2018, 07:42 PM

Ray, your breaker is in the half bath. In the cabinet on the outside wall over the toilet. Open the black plastic door. It is labeled.
See you Tuesday.

reubenray · 01-14-2018, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

Ray, your breaker is in the half bath. In the cabinet on the outside wall over the toilet. Open the black plastic door. It is labeled.
See you Tuesday.

How cold did it get if you are at home? It is 25 degrees here.

We will be in the afternoon arrivals on Tuesday. See you there!!

snowhawk2 · 01-20-2018, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinfla

BTW, on our coach, if you turn the block heater breaker off it also kills one phase to the shore power monitor up front. It will then show normal voltage on one leg, but no voltage on the other. I leave the block heater plugged in and the breaker on. Just leave the switch for the heater off in the control panel.

I experienced this and you are right on the money! Great advice.

reubenray · 01-21-2018, 03:58 AM

I had this plugged in and the breaker on the day I left being it was in the mid 20's. I unplugged it at our first stop which was warmer. I do not have a switch, so I left it unplugged with the breaker on.

My only experience with this is when I had a diesel company truck many years ago and I had to plug in an extension cord for the block heater.