12-Volt Heaters?

[TripleDigitRide]

Anyone have any good recommendations?

The heat in my truck isn't all that great, so I thought about buying one of these to help keep warm.

I don't want to install a power 12-volt power strip, so I'll have to stay away from the 984749875409876549 watt models.

Wal-Mart has a 180 Watt model for about $25, but I have no idea if that would do the job or not.

Edited November 2, 2009 by TripleDigitRide

[Guest 1817ak47]

I had gotten a 150 watt one from harbour(aka china junk)freight a few years ago, 150 wasn't much heat, and I swapped this thing about 2 or 3 times, always smelled like it =was burning and was buzzing, the cord also got real hot. they no longer sell them that I am aware off likely cause they sucked. not saying other ones don't work, but it won't put off any more heat that a 180 watt light bulb, will help you warm your free hand when you are on the road, but don't expect anything more from that small amount of power

[Guest TnDeerHunter]

I bought one from wally world like you mentioned for my old jeep don't waste your money I could have gotten as much heat by rubbing two sticks together.

[my82cam]

you could try to flush out your heater core in your truck, it is probably plugged up, you have an f150 right?

[Guest 1817ak47]

I had a car that had a clogged hater core, we cut it open with a band saw, it was fully of what looked like sawdust, which must have been that BS coolant stopleak stuff. there was also a bead of blue silicone in there

[Wingshooter]

What about an AC inverter that plugs into your 12 volt system? Then, maybe you could find an AC heater that wouldn't overload the inverter. That might give more heat than a 12v heater. Dunno...

Walmart has inverters for $30-$60, but I can't remember how many watts they can handle.

[Motasyco]

Your standard 20 amp circuit in your vehicle is only going to support about 240 watts. Not much heat. Anything more will require additional heavy gauge wiring. Converting DC to AC doesn't create additional power (wattage) it just changes the voltage. Voltage and power are two different, although related, things. Not intending to get into an electronics lesson but output power of an inverter cannot exceed input power.

Your engine creates heat that has to be dissipated whether you use it or not. Bite the the bullet and fix the heater.

[TripleDigitRide]

you could try to flush out your heater core in your truck, it is probably plugged up, you have an f150 right?

Yea, it's an F-150. I tried flushing the system last winter, but it didn't seem to help much. I am trying not to invest a ton of money because I plan on getting rid of it fairly soon.

[Guest 1817ak47]

you might be able to hook up a air compressor air nozzle, and try to fit it on hte heater core and blow the stuff out. BUT FIRST if you do this turn thepressure way down on the reguator if you have one, as I don't expect it to hold 100 psi without starting a leak

[TripleDigitRide]

I may try to flush it again. If that doesn't work, I'll just deal with it.

[strickj]

Heater cores are about 20 bucks....

[Guest Gun Geek]

Try this. Products in Heaters - JCWhitney

[Okey]

Heater cores are about 20 bucks....

I haven't priced one in a while but the older F150 cores are easy to change. I can change one in about an hour and XDShooter could probably do it in 15 minutes.

Okey

Edited November 2, 2009 by Okey
I can't spell

[TripleDigitRide]

Heater cores are about 20 bucks....

Probably true, but I'm not allowed to work on my vehicle where I live. I'll see how much it would cost to have put in.

[strickj]

I haven't priced one in a while but the older F150 cores are easy to change. I can change one in about an hour and XDShooter could probably do it in 15 minutes.

Okey

Yup...easy access to those.

I should also note that 20 bucks is what I used to sell them for,but that was at the wholesale whse I worked at.

They're prolly a little more from parts stores.

Probably true, but I'm not allowed to work on my vehicle where I live. I'll see how much it would cost to have put in.

that sucks! Prolly gonna hurt having to pay someone else to do it.

[xd shooter]

Grab you one & come by the shop I'm sure I can get one in there, Don't know about 15 min. but it shouldn't take long.

[56FordGuy]

Grab you one & come by the shop I'm sure I can get one in there, Don't know about 15 min. but it shouldn't take long.

+1 If you'll buy a heater core, and can't get by XD's shop, I'm just up the road from you. If you want to drive out one weekend or evening, we'll put a heater core in.

[TripleDigitRide]

Grab you one & come by the shop I'm sure I can get one in there, Don't know about 15 min. but it shouldn't take long.

+1 If you'll buy a heater core, and can't get by XD's shop, I'm just up the road from you. If you want to drive out one weekend or evening, we'll put a heater core in.

I just may take one of you up on that offer. It's much appreciated.

[Photoguy67]

if you want to do it yourself there is one of those shops in Hendersonville that you rent a stall, its up there next to O'rielly on main st. fwiw.

[my82cam]

doing a heater core in that f-150 is probably a 4-5 hour job, you have to pull the dash out if i remember correctly. i have had really good luck flushing the heater cores out with a water hose and air pressure....you will get wet but it works, use the air pressure while flowing water through it. air doesn't really pick the junk up, but a lot of water with some air pressure does wonders.

[TripleDigitRide]

doing a heater core in that f-150 is probably a 4-5 hour job, you have to pull the dash out if i remember correctly. i have had really good luck flushing the heater cores out with a water hose and air pressure....you will get wet but it works, use the air pressure while flowing water through it. air doesn't really pick the junk up, but a lot of water with some air pressure does wonders.

I have no experience with a heater core in this truck, so I am not second guessing you. But I had a mechanic tell me that I would not have to remove the entire dash on my truck - just the glove box.

According to him, it was 1997 (newer body style) when it became more difficult on the F-150's.

Again, I have no experience, so I have no idea.

[Chazmr]

I have a 93 F150, and about 2 winters ago I couldn't get hardly any heat at all in the cab. I thought it was going to be a major deal, but a friend who is a mechanic and I started checking, and when we pulled the thermostat it fell apart in our hands. Once we replaced it I had plenty of heat. You've probably already checked the thermostat, but if not, it might be worth a look. I always try to check the easiest possibilities first. Good luck.