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Will it work and how long before I break even?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Baller, Dec 5, 2020.

  1. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:14 PM
    #1
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    I live in the NW PNW. It's cooling down and I park outside. Maybe I'm getting older, but scraping frost off my windshield is getting to be a bigger and bigger PITA. Where I live I have to scrape relatively often, but it's not crazy cold, like the east side of the state. Anyways, I'm looking into solutions that will prevent frosting and not having to warm up my Tundra before leaving for work. I was thinking of putting one of these in the cab and running it's power cord through the firewall, out through the grill and plug it in at night, like a diesel.

    Let me know if I'm wrong with my thoughts below.
    I don't think it needs to heat up the interior above freezing. All it needs to do is keep the interior, and in turn the glass, above the ambient outside temp such that condensation won't occur. It'll probably keep interior temps above freezing most of the time, but during real cold stretches, it may not provide enough heat to get the interior above 32. Either way, I don't believe the windows will frost.

    If I'm correct and it will effectively prevent frost, what is my break even point, negating the cost of electricity? Let's say I'd have to warm the Tundra up for 8min every morning that it had frosted without the heater. What's the fuel burn rate, at idle, for these 4.7's? How long will it take for the little heater to pay for itself with fuel savings?
     
  2. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:27 PM
    #2
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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    I might be wrong, but according to the specs, it draws 70 Watts, which really isn't much at all. You might find this little unit won't produce enough heat. It should dry the air, but I'm not so sure about heating.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:34 PM
    #3
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    It's doesn't dry the air, it warms it's surrounding. Thanks how it's intended to work. It's works by the same principal as GoldenRods in gun safes. They don't decrease humidity, they prevent condensation. To call them a dehumidifier is a misnomer.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:36 PM
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    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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  5. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:40 PM
    #5
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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  6. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:43 PM
    #6
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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  7. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:47 PM
    #7
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    I just use remote start. The isopropyl alchol decier thing works too if you forget to turn your heat and fan on when you park though.
     
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  8. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:59 PM
    #8
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    That cover above, from Cody, would work well except sometimes the side windows frost up.

    I like keeping things simple and cheap while optimally solving an issue. Also, I like to reuse when possible (saves money and taxes).

    I recco a drop light with either a 100w or 150w incandescent bulb (Heavy Service Life Bulb) to be left in the vehicle. The bulbs heat is enough to ward off the frost. You can find one at any Thrift Store (please support they are wrongfully being put out of biz in our Nation due to wooflu false unmeasured mandates).

    Cost about $25-40 with a long extension cord built in. Cheaper at Thrift or garage sale if people aren’t scared to still have those anymore.

    upload_2020-12-5_17-54-37.jpg
     
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  9. Dec 5, 2020 at 2:59 PM
    #9
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    I park facing the morning sun, and if at all possible - I don't leave the house until the frost & ice are melted using solar power.
     
  10. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:00 PM
    #10
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Most put an LED bulb in their drop cord light, only to find out they don't put off enough heat.
     
  11. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #11
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Exactly. They Key is a filament bulb with Heavy Service.
     
  12. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #12
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    None
    My mom has hounded out the actual non profit thrift stores in town; there are quite a few that are “for profit”
    One she always goes to is the humane society’s thrift store.

    it really doesn’t get that cold where I’m at, but I know even if it’s not a garage, covered parking helps from letting the moisture fall on the window in the first place then feeezing and turning to frost....
     
  13. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:08 PM
    #13
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    Unfortunately, not an option.
     
  14. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:15 PM
    #14
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    You’d be surprised that most ‘non-profits’ make WAY MORE $$$ than ‘for profits’. Example: NFL was a ‘non-profit’ organization up until about 5 years ago. They made huge $$$. They still have their ‘non-profit’ side which is a cover for their ‘for profit’ $$$.

    No problem with making $$$, but just be aware of the scam. I’ve banned the NFL for certain reasons. Recco everyone do the same.
     
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  15. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:15 PM
    #15
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Any kind of small lamp would work.
     
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  16. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #16
    Stuck in the '00s

    Stuck in the '00s Experienced member

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  17. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:26 PM
    #17
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    So, what's the fuel burn rate at idle?
     
  18. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:28 PM
    #18
    Stuck in the '00s

    Stuck in the '00s Experienced member

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    Phone call: "Mornin', Boss! I won't be coming in today 'cuz it ain't sunny..Hello??"
     
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  19. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:47 PM
    #19
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Zero miles per gallon.
     
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  20. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:50 PM
    #20
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Self employed...

    https://youtu.be/8z8SpgmF0sA
     
  21. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:57 PM
    #21
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    Now do gallons per hour....
     
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  22. Dec 5, 2020 at 3:57 PM
    #22
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    I see a few issues. We are talking about savings? Like maybe a few pennies? And you are Baller? I'm just saying.......:crapstorm:


    :rasta: I got problems and maybe I'm thinking to deeply :rasta:
     
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  23. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM
    #23
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Toyota FSM says not to idle more than 20 minutes at a time. Bad for cats.
     
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  24. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:04 PM
    #24
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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  25. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:13 PM
    #25
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I guess we are looking at it from different perspectives. I’d not buy that overpriced heater in your situation but thats just me. What I’d do is run my 25’ long drop light out to the truck with the bulbs I suggested which I currently have. Zero cost.

    I’d only do that if I was in your position with consistent frost which I am not. When I do have frost (Rare), I scrape or heat the engine for 10-15 minutes ahead of time.

    Without doing all the formulas, I’d guess you’d be burning about an 1/8th gallon of gas per 8minutes x $price/gallon = per day cost.

    Cheaper to throw a lamp inside and send it. You could even experiment with one tonight to see if it works.
     
  26. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:15 PM
    #26
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    :cheers:
     
  27. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:17 PM
    #27
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Not LED!
     
  28. Dec 5, 2020 at 4:20 PM
    #28
    Baller

    Baller [OP] New Member

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    I'm not that dum. I think... :notsure:
     
  29. Dec 5, 2020 at 6:30 PM
    #29
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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    Permafrost suits the Tundra. They go together like peas and carrots.

    But I thaw things out with a combo of remote start and a block heater when it drops to -10C and colder.
     
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  30. Dec 5, 2020 at 6:57 PM
    #30
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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