Fuso Cold Weather Kit
- Thread starter jomobco
- Start date
EarthCruiser
Adventurer
Are you thinking of the FUSO dealer option?
Hello John:
We ordered a "block heater" option on our 2014. I envisioned an internal element in the oil pan that would be a factory installation, wiring that would be part of the factory looms and have some sort of a cool receptacle panel somewhere, covered by the factory warranty, etc. The heater that we received with our truck is an external element (a flat square) that is roughly adhered to the bottom of the oil pan. The wiring is external (it's run OK) with a simple 3 prong plug wire-tired in a bundle to the frame rail. I'll admit I was a bit disappointed when I first saw it - it looked like something I could have put on myself and the warranty was not part of the Fuso warranty - rather a third party aftermarket warranty. On the other hand I really can't complain about it functionally - we've never used it. So far our FG simply starts up like a champ with a second or two of cranking - although we haven't started her in temperatures less than 15 d F. I don't recall what the option added to the price of our truck but I don't think it was a relatively great amount. Would I order it again now that I know what it consists of? Probably, but I would ask the dealer what he planned to install. If you're looking at a used truck I would not consider the heater we received as something that would encourage a higher offer to the seller.
note added as edit: I forgot that we also received heated mirrors on our truck. I recall that they were part of the standard package that EarthCruiser orders on the trucks that they acquire whereas the block heater was something we requested extra. The heated mirrors appear more like a factory installation - the switch is one of the standard switches in the dash and I think that the heated mirrors are in the owners manual. We've used them rarely, but they worked fine. The only con regarding the mirrors for me is that a section of the wiring from the cab to the mirror is run externally along the bottom arm of the mirror mount. I'd prefer that the wire run inside the arm for a cleaner installation. However, I suspect that running the wire inside the arm could result in pinching the wire when we fold the mirrors in along side the cab for thick brush.
Howard
Last edited:
SkiFreak
Crazy Person
On the Australian models there is no external wiring for the heated mirrors, it is all inside the mounting tube. Well, it is on my truck.
Also... the heated mirrors are standard equipment here, which is kind of pointless, given that we are not really a cold weather country.
sprucemonster
New member
jomobco,
In Fairbanks, AK I have a freeze plug, block heater in my 2007, installed at a the service center in the lower 48, and an oil pan heater (external). I do not have a battery trickle charger or heat blanket. I haven't had an issue starting with just those two heaters down to -25f. My plan is to get an Espar D5 or equivalent Webasto hydronic heater for remote starts. I have had issues with the crank case breather tube though. I was told by the Isuzu repair shop here that they cut them short or insulate them. I have yet to do either (procrastination that will cost me I am sure). I did put a cover across the grill to keep cold air from cooling the engine while driving and idling. I use the foil covered bubble wrap from Home Depot or Lowes and zip ties. Good Luck.
In Fairbanks, AK I have a freeze plug, block heater in my 2007, installed at a the service center in the lower 48, and an oil pan heater (external). I do not have a battery trickle charger or heat blanket. I haven't had an issue starting with just those two heaters down to -25f. My plan is to get an Espar D5 or equivalent Webasto hydronic heater for remote starts. I have had issues with the crank case breather tube though. I was told by the Isuzu repair shop here that they cut them short or insulate them. I have yet to do either (procrastination that will cost me I am sure). I did put a cover across the grill to keep cold air from cooling the engine while driving and idling. I use the foil covered bubble wrap from Home Depot or Lowes and zip ties. Good Luck.
blackduck
Explorer
i dont know about that Owen. I mean in WA in mid winter it can get as low as 50 deg F BRRRRRR
blackduck
Explorer
you just dont know a class act when you see one :victory:
jomobco
Now Decanter
jomobco
Now Decanter
I pony'd up for the block heater too. Now I'm going to crawl underneath and see about the install. You got me curious. I too was disappointed at the wires zip tied to the arms of the door mirrors. Not exactly what I'd do if engineering a truck but it works I guess. Thanks for the input!
