need Duramax insight

Rippem · May 7, 2003

been lurking..1st post...great forum!

I work 12 hr nights and a Duramax truck will sit outside overnight at the hospital in the winter when it's well below zero (it was -10 to -30 at night for 5 weeks this last winter) plus the wind chill of the howling around the buildings! Will I go to start the truck a 1/2 hour before I leave and have a no-start after a long shift and having to be back for more in 12 hours? Can you get a programable starter for the truck that would start and run it for set intervals/lengths of time to help avoid this situation? Would the biggest honkin' batteries on the planet help? I'm only 10 mins from work, so I know the short trips are a negative, requiring more frequent oil changes, and perhaps synthetic? Though I also drive alot of highway in the summer going to my boat and would dig the mileage! :thumb: I have a large powerboat to tow (infrequently) soon to be larger... 38' / 10,000-12000 lbs., with the potential to take the boat to Fla. for winter vac. once a year. Considered the 8.1, but it doesn't sound as well suited to the Allison...and the fuel burn completely freaks me out for a daily driver.

I live 4 miles from the last truckstops before Canada so getting good fuel should not be a problem. All opinions welcome! ???

Shaners · May 7, 2003

The Dmax will be fine... There are auto start programers that will start your truck and idle it (with the doors locked) when the engine temps reach a certain temp. It will then shut down and restart as necessary.

Windchill shouldn't be a factor, other than it will cool the motor faster. If the temp is 10 and the windchill is -20, the cast iron block will only know the temp is 10 and it will never drop below 10 degrees.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy yourself!!!