winter grill covers

CBrabec · 11-21-2008, 02:59 AM

I've seen a lot of guys last winter driving around with grill covers on their trucks. Do they really help the truck warm up faster and keep the engine warmer? Or are they a waste of time? Was thinking of getting a set, but wasn't sure I want to block the air flow. What do you guys think? Pros and Cons would be great

Slow Six · 11-21-2008, 03:21 AM

I've used them for years. They really do help to warm things up especially up here where we can have -40* and high winds. You do have to pay attention to them and adjust as required such as wild temperature swings or running empty and then towing heavily. The weather front from Alaska Tent & Tarp is one that works well for me. I haven't got scientific evidence but I think mileage is better in the extreme cold because the covers will allow the engine to get up to operating temp plus it makes a major difference in cab heat. In extreme conditions I close up pretty tight just to keep things warm.

RRees · 11-21-2008, 01:18 PM

Yes, they do help. Like Slow Six stated, you have to adjust according to the temperatures.

I routinely put mine on the 1st week of November. I have the MOPAR one, perfect fit. It has four flaps that can be opened or closed via velcro. Right now, I just have one flap closed. Usually in December (end of), I will close two flaps total. In January/Feb I will close 3 of the 4 flaps. I've never closed all 4 flaps.

My normal commute is less than 20 minutes. So I like to get the Engine Temp up before I get to work.

opjohnny · 11-21-2008, 01:33 PM

I have the mopar cover and I believe my instructions said no towing with it on. I would not be without it.

Jim W · 11-21-2008, 07:27 PM

I also have the Mopar cover but you can not even see the cover. The winter cover is placed behind the hood grill so when the hood and grill is closed you do not see the cover. My truck in ten mins. will warm up and I am at operating temp for the diesel since I have an 08 I want the engine as warm as possible to help wit the emissions. No extend idling this way.

JJPage · 11-21-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opjohnny

I have the mopar cover and I believe my instructions said no towing with it on. I would not be without it.

This is stated for automatic transmissions, as the trans cooler needs the flow to cool properly.

RideSlow2004 · 11-22-2008, 05:11 AM

So, what temps make it worthwhile? Pretty temperate, where I live, south of Seattle, but I drive the truck up skiing quite a bit. Snoqualmie Pass doesn't get much colder than 20 degrees or so. And, my truck warms up much quicker than my buddy's 3rd gen 5.9.

Shelby Griggs · 11-22-2008, 07:40 AM

I have a set, BUT haven't used them in a couple of years, I think it has to be REALLY cold to make a difference, I just didn't notice a quicker warmup, and really if the thermostat is working, it shouldn't make a lot of difference. The downside is your OAT is going to be way high until you reach highway speeds for probably 10 minutes, I like knowing if that wet pavement "might" be black ice.

SHG

JacobsD · 11-22-2008, 03:47 PM

I have the mopar one on my 05. It works great, I only drive about 5 miles to work each day (yes I know, bad for a diesel) but it gets the truck all the way up to full operating temp within the first 3, especially if I put it on high idle for 5 minutes or so before leaving. This is all in the 30* heat we've been having

bheiting · 01-05-2009, 05:43 AM

The Mopar cover is worth it's weight is gold. It fits good and is easy to
install. As others have said, don't forget to open it up when the weather
warms up. You can buy it by itself or get the whole kit that contains
battery warmers and the wiring harness for them and the block heater.
I ordered mine from a dealer out west that was selling them for a discount.
Do a web search.

DFitzwater · 01-05-2009, 06:01 AM

My next cover will be the Mopar version. I have the cover that Alaska Tent and Tarp makes and don't really care for it. The Mopar version has more openings and is tailor made to the truck............very good quality also. It usually runs about 115.00 here and the Ak T&T is only 50.00 but the difference is worth it for us here in the pneumonia hole that is Alaska.

The OAT reading shouldn't be affected if you are running the correct winter front that mounts behind the grill. If you have one of the knock offs and it's mounted on the outside, your OAT readings will read way high and the winter front won't work as well as it could due to all of the open air space remaining between the grille and the radiator.

DaveHess · Today, 07:20 AM

I bought the Mopar one today for $120. The install went good but what's with the install sheet with only pictures on it??? The three lower hooks on the cover go to holes that were occupied by clips holding a wiring harness in place on the inside back of the bumper. That was the only snag I hit and it was rather quickly resolved. I opened one flap as it is single digits around here. We'll see how it works tomorrow.