Engine block heater

[buddy110]

If I am not mistaken, the outlet for the engine block heater in the engine bay is not inverted. Is that correct? Being absent minded, I worry about forgetting to unplug it before leaving cold climates en route to warmer ones. Don't want to cause any harm

[Rollin101]

Originally Posted by buddy110

If I am not mistaken, the outlet for the engine block heater in the engine bay is not inverted. Is that correct? Being absent minded, I worry about forgetting to unplug it before leaving cold climates en route to warmer ones. Don't want to cause any harm

No it’s not inverted and since it’s not leaving it plugged in won’t have any effect on it while on the road. That started in 2017.
I’m pretty sure the block heater is thermostatically controlled so I doubt it would hurt it even if it was on the inverter. However, when they were on the inverter it would run your batteries down when on the road.

[buddy110]

Originally Posted by Rollin101

No it’s not inverted and since it’s not leaving it plugged in won’t have any effect on it while on the road. That started in 2017.
I’m pretty sure the block heater is thermostatically controlled so I doubt it would hurt it even if it was on the inverter. However, when they were on the inverter it would run your batteries down when on the road.

Thanks, Noel

[Cousin Ed]

I plugged a "Christmas Light" remote between the outlet and the heater ; so I can control it form inside. I also added a night light; so I can see it when I walk the dog.

[Jimjensen]

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

I plugged a "Christmas Light" remote between the outlet and the heater ; so I can control it form inside. I also added a night light; so I can see it when I walk the dog.

Yup set mine up with WiFi plug as I did my basement thermostat so I can control them with phone.

[blade76]

Maybe a dumb question, but I recently acquired a 2018 Anthem, and I was looking for info on a block heater. I saw a regular (looking) 110-type plug in the engine compartment, but could find nothing in the books - except the Aquahot block heater is mentioned and I found that on the Vega Touch screen you can turn that on. Is there also an electric block heater?

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by blade76

Is there also an electric block heater?

Hi Bruce,

Not a dumb question and the answer is yes, there is an electric block heater. That's the male plug you found in the engine compartment that plugs into the outlet in the engine compartment.

That outlet, to the best of my knowledge, isn't on an inverted circuit. Only available while plugged into shore power or running the generator.

The AquaHot engine loop (selectable on the VegaTouch) works well.

I haven't found much documentation on the electric block heater. It's been suggested that it has an internal thermostat that will de-energize the heating element when the block achieves the setpoint. That's speculation on my part.

Some have installed WiFi controlled outlets in the engine compartment so they can remotely control power to the block heater.

Take care,
Stu

[2cyber71]

Originally Posted by blade76

Maybe a dumb question, but I recently acquired a 2018 Anthem, and I was looking for info on a block heater. I saw a regular (looking) 110-type plug in the engine compartment, but could find nothing in the books - except the Aquahot block heater is mentioned and I found that on the Vega Touch screen you can turn that on. Is there also an electric block heater?

The aqua hot engine block heater is turned on with your Vega Touch.
My Horizon has the same system. They also say only warm the engine about 1 hour. I don’t know why, but it’s in the manual.

[Cutch]

I confirmed today that my electrical outlet in the engine compartment does work while inverting. Nice to know since it will definitely drain your batteries at a quicker pace.