In case this happens to you

[pinebaron]

Why do you think your dual factory batteries are insufficient? The only time I put a charger on is if it will be 10-14 days before starting again.

Ambient draw (GMC Remote/ Internet connection etc.), colder temperatures here in WA, plus no start/driving for a week or more, drop battery voltage. Physical feel of a sluggish battery can be heard/felt while starting the diesel engine, even though both batteries are in parallel unlike the gas model where they are isolated. Leaving it even longer brings up a 'low battery' message on the DIC which I've seen a few times. Reminds me, I'll measure ambient current draw with my clamp meter, next time I'm in the garage.

 

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[pinebaron]

Ordered the Engine Block Heater port for rigging up external battery charger; be here in a few days/weeks. Its a start anyway. I will then have a choice of using the engine block heater AC cable that comes with the truck and make an adapter to plug in + and - charger leads or purchase a new external cable and wire it for use with my floor rolling charger. One way or the other I need to make it work since I frequently put the batteries on charge. Batteries are only 730 CCA 70AH each. I wonder if I can replace these with marine batteries. Anyone?

Engine Block Heater port cable arrived. I will need to splice off the end to connect plus and minus cables for connecting to the battery for charging. Would have been nice if I could locate the ongoing harness part number which connects to the three port end. I'll have to take a look inside the truck if I can locate the next harness part #. A new Block Heater 110V Plug /external cord is $110. I could rig up an external 110V socket plug, connect it to my 12V external battery charger and use my existing Block Heater 110V cord instead of purchasing a new Block Heater 110V Plug /external cord. Need to think about this.

 

[gemarsh]

Engine Block Heater port cable arrived. I will need to splice off the end to connect plus and minus cables for connecting to the battery for charging. Would have been nice if I could locate the ongoing harness part number which connects to the three port end. I'll have to take a look inside the truck if I can locate the next harness part #. A new Block Heater 110V Plug /external cord is $110. I could rig up an external 110V socket plug, connect it to my 12V external battery charger and use my existing Block Heater 110V cord instead of purchasing a new Block Heater 110V Plug /external cord. Need to think about this.
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View attachment 22276
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The continuation harness is the complete coolant heater/harness.

I have bought extra household cords through the years. Keep at it, you'll find them from the southern boys regularly...

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[pinebaron]

The continuation harness is the complete coolant heater/harness.

I have bought extra household cords through the years. Keep at it, you'll find them from the southern boys regularly...

GMC Chevrolet 84564686 Engine Block Heater Cord 1500 aT4 2500HD 3500HD 2019-2025 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for GMC Chevrolet 84564686 Engine Block Heater Cord 1500 aT4 2500HD 3500HD 2019-2025 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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Thanks @gemarsh; that was an extremely useful link. For $50 I immediately ordered one. I don't need to invest in a coolant heater/harness then; I'll just splice it and be done with it. This will save me the trouble of opening the hood each time since I need to keep both truck parallel batteries topped, up particularly during cooler months and also due to lack of frequent driving.

 

[gemarsh]

Thanks @gemarsh; that was an extremely useful link. For $50 I immediately ordered one. I don't need to invest in a coolant heater/harness then; I'll just splice it and be done with it. This will save me the trouble of opening the hood each time since I need to keep both truck parallel batteries topped, up particularly during cooler months and also due to lack of frequent driving.

So are you saying you have a square body for the winter months? Did you read it the same, @True Bee?

 

[pinebaron]

So are you saying you have a square body for the winter months? Did you read it the same, @True Bee?

ROFL!

 

[True Bee]

So are you saying you have a square body for the winter months? Did you read it the same, @True Bee?

Well apparently I am no longer receiving notifications. Full disclosure I have been spending my online time researching a build I want to begin early next year which does include a square body.