Block Heater vs Aqua Hot Engine Preheat

[jeffprupis]

Have both in our '05 Monterey. Headed to colder climates in March. Is one preferred over the other? I would think Aqua Hot preferred when no electricity and block heater when on hook-ups.

[Fred Cook]

Using your block heater while stationary will rob you of some coach heat. Probably should use electric when sitting.

[Steve Huber]

Jeff,
Start your generator and use the block heater. Won't rob any heat from coach and should be more efficient/faster than Aqua Hot.
Steve

[Jim Nichols]

We use both. Thinking it's quicker whether true or not.

[Bill Sprague]

I think I only used the block heater once when stuck in a South Dakota blizzard and it went below zero. 

How cold does it have to be to need pre heat for starting?

[Hal Grimshaw]

  I use the aqua hot heater when going down the road.  Saves the battery for the 110 heater and keeps or get the water hot from the engine.  When we get there we have real hot water and has cost us no energy from the batteries.  Never used the block heater since I'm in calif and it doesn't get that cold.

[jeffprupis]

I think perhaps some misunderstood my question. Which is preferred for cold starts (below 40 degrees)?
TIA and Happy New Year to all.

[Don and Kathy DuCharme]

Jeff, we live in Michigan so frequently deal with temps. below 40. Use the block heater if not in a hurry. Usually turn it on the day before we plan to start the engine. We keep connected to 30 amp shore power.  If in a hurry like forgot to turn on the block heater, will use the Aqua hot. I believe the Aqua hot warms the engine much faster than the electric block heater.  Have a great year!

[Joel Ashley]

From the manual:


Depending on ambient temperature it may be necessary to pre-heat the engine. If it is necessary to pre-heat the engine, the engine is equipped with a block heater that can be plugged into an external 120 Volt AC outlet. However, it is recommended to use the Hydro-Hot engine preheat function to warm the engine. The Hydro-Hot engine pre-heat function will heat engine coolant and the interior. An indication of 100o F or higher of the engine temperature gauge is suf cient for the engine to start.

Block Heat:
The switch labeled Block Heat operates the receptacle for the block heater cord. The block heater is rated
at 1800 Watts. For ef ciency, hook to shore power in the event it becomes dif cult to start the generator. An auxiliary method is to plug the block heater cord to a separate power cord, as long as the power cord is rated for 15 Amps and the outlet used is GFCI protected rated at 20 Amps. The engine may require several hours of pre- heating before before starting. It is recommended to start pre-heating the engine the night before departure.
NOTE:
The inverter should never be used for the power source. Rapid battery drain and
To Use the Block Heater System:
• Hook to shore power and plug in block heater cord to the receptacle. • Turn on the Block Heat switch at the dash.

Joel

[Jim Edwards]

Hi to my understanding the issue is the engine block temp for starting so it really doesn't matter how you get there. One may be faster than the other or both together is probably quicker still. I use electric Block heat because I would rather use the campground power than my own diesel, and takes about 2 cups of coffee. Once the engine it started neither matters. Electric block heat requires shore or generator power. And if your Hydrohot is the same as mine you have "engine assist" which is the heat from the engine that is used to heat domestic water in the Hydrohot (block heat in reverse) while the engine is in operation and up to temp.

hope this helps. Jim

[jeffprupis]

Thanks all. FU question. When I turn on the BLOCK HEATER I get a 9amp draw when plugged into CG power. But for the life of me I can't find an outlet (let alone a power cord to plug in) in the engine compartment. Is it possible that the BLOCK HEATER is a permanent HARDWIRED option?  TIA

[Don and Kathy DuCharme]

Jeff, don't know about the Monterey, but in our 07 Contessa the block heater plugs into a dedicated outlet under the bed.

[Jim Nichols]

Ours also has a dedicated circuit under the bed. Switched on/off from dash.

[D. Wendal Attig]

There is a blank plate marked "Engine Preheat" on the HydroHot switch panel next to the "Diesel" and "Electric" switches. We keep the "Electric" switch turned on all the time when we are plugged into shore power as we are now.  We have been experiencing temps in the 20's most nights, up to high 60's most days here in NM.

Questions:
1) Is it possible that a block heater was not standard equipment on this coach (2002 Patriot Monticello) or should I look for a switch somewhere else?
2) Is there a cord I should look for 120VAC plugin?
3) Any other suggestions for pre-heating, or will I be Ok with the ignition pre-heat during the heat of the day?

Thanks for your thoughts, advice, etc.
D. Wendal

[Fred Cook]

I have the same setup you have.... blank aqua hot engine preheat switch. You do not have another block preheat switch other than the electric switch to the left of the driver’s seat. I turn mine on full time when it gets down below 10 degrees.... or the day before, if below 40, when going on a trip.