Radiator grill cover results

[Crystal Creek]

Well I installed a winter grill cover on my rig. What a difference. This morning it was 13*. Truck was plugged in all night like it always is. The truck started even easier then normal. I guess the cover keeps the wind out of the engine bay. Driving I noticed the temps were warmer than previous cold days. Idleing is where I really noticed the difference. I was on a road side job today with the warning lights running and inverter going. Normally in these temps the truck starts to high idle after about ten minutes. Today, the truck went hours on end without high idleing. I did check the EGT gauge just to keep an eye on things. Normally in these temps it will fall to 250-300 before high idle kicks in. Well the cover kept the EGT's at 400* which I guess is enough to keep the high idle at bay. On the road, the temps would rise faster under load, but still never exceded 850*. I also was working the truck and not raceing it. I will have to keep an eye on fuel mileage, but I would assumeit would go up a little or stay the same. I know my buddies Peterbilt benifits slighty from his cover. I got the cover from Cabelea's and it cost about $45. It took about 30 minutes to install. It also came with a bug screen but I'm not sure if I'll use that.

[JBakerFX4]

Good to know buddy. I have the same front end cover kit you do... believe "FIA" is the name of the manufacture. Down here in FL I'm running the bug screen Haven't had a chance to use the winter cover yet.

[scotty2280]

a winter cover in FL? do you think you would ever need it???

[Ryan Rønning]

Originally Posted by scotty2280

a winter cover in FL? do you think you would ever need it???

I'd like to see the day that he needs that!

[breuer69]

You never know with all the global warming, that's why the temps have been below normal lately.

[fordpwrstroke7]

I'm in San Antonio and there's a chance for SNOW TONIGHT! I need to go pull my sled out of the attic.

Tonight: Windy. Rain showers this evening becoming mixed with snow showers overnight. Low around 35F. Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 40%.

[Ryan Rønning]

Originally Posted by fordpwrstroke7

I'm in San Antonio and there's a chance for SNOW TONIGHT! I need to go pull my sled out of the attic.

Tonight: Windy. Rain showers this evening becoming mixed with snow showers overnight. Low around 35F. Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 40%.

Good luck with the snow. I am 'N of Nashville and still waiting for some!

[JBakerFX4]

I just bought the kit that came with the screen & cover all in one. I've never used it yet... but incase I travel north I have it I guess. I use the bug screen cover year round.

[Crystal Creek]

Well I learned a trick from my peterbilt buddy about these covers. He said that it is best to install them when it is about 50*, which I did. As the temps drop, the cover shrinks ever so slightly. This keeps a nice tight fit on the truck and prevents the cover from blowing around in the wind. Now, you may ask, well how do you get it back on once you take it off. Just warm the cover up in the truck or your house. It seems that if you install the cover in 50* weather, the snap buttons will be spaced just in the right spot. I though I would share this for anyone thinking about getting one of these covers. I guess I got luck with my timing when I installed it. Now I got to decide if I need the under frame blanket my buddy has for when he travels the ice roads up north. I think I may pass this winter. If it gets that cold here in New Jersey that I think we are all screwed

[JBakerFX4]

wow, under frame blankets... that's news to me down here in FL. I notice my MPG's drop when the temps get below 50*F. So that makes sense to put it on and leave the flaps open at least.