[mymy]

Hello,

Been lurking here and I'm ready to order. Thanks to all for their posts, very helpful. I don't have a huge need for a hitch, but thought it might be a nice to have just in case. My question is, will the simple installation of the package impact fuel economy. I know that pulling something will, my question is will there be an impact on normal everyday use?

Another question, is the engine block heater a must have for Pennsylvania weather? Any impacts having this installed?

Thanks.
Alan

 

[mss42]

hello allen and :welcome: to the hottest enclave forum around.

i dont think just having the trailering pkg on your vehicle will effect your mpg at all. as for engine block heater ??? the folk w/more automotive experience will answer that for ya.

 

[coopermine]

I live in NY, when I asked the dealer about Block heater, he said you dont need it here.

 

[Canuck]

Block Heater.....If you leave your vehicle outside and it goes below 32 it is a good idea to get the oil warm to get it up to where it can help small amount to pay. You never know where you will end up uless you live in the south and never travel to the north during the winter no need.

 

[krm]

Mine came w/ the trailering pckg (something I wouldn't have ordered, but I didn't want to wait to have a car made to spec). Mine is AWD, and I'm getting a bit over 17mpg w/ mostly city driving.

 

[linuxtwit]

There should be no negative impact from either the block heater or the trailer pkg. If you think
there might be a remote chance of needing a hitch in the future, then you should get the factory
installed hitch pkg. Others have had lots of issues adding a hitch afterwards on the Outlook and
Acadia, mainly dealing with wiring/electrical issues.

As far as the block heater goes, I've never had a vehicle without one. If overnight temps where
you are or will travel to never get below 14F, then you probably don't need it. I found it really
useful last winter when we had a week of overnight temps hovering around -40F

 

[mss42]

as cold as it gets in ny... im surprised coopermines dealer told him that he doesnt need it.

 

[coopermine]

Well quite honestly I don't have it on my 1999 Maxima (in its fourth year with me now), and we had old man's winter this past season. I had no problems starting up in the morning in any of the past 4/5 winters. I think it may be geared for Minnesota, Alaska, Vermont, Canada and a like.

 

[mss42]

Well quite honestly I don't have it on my 1999 Maxima (in its fourth year with me now), and we had old man's winter this past season. I had no problems starting up in the morning in any of the past 4/5 winters. I think it may be geared for Minnesota, Alaska, Vermont, Canada and a like.

well coop, i think it might prolong the life of the vehicle in states as cold as yours. i live in california and i am getting it although every one says i dont need it. we keep having strange winters and it has gotten pretty cold out here and a car that is not used to starting in that type of weather might benefit from the engine block heater. still i think it is a tiny price to pay and a good thing to have just incase.

 

[budi]

You can also get an aftermarket model. Basically a oil dipstick with a heating element that gets plugged in. You don't need it with the modern low viscosity oils unless you live in Minnesota, Alaska or the like. The best preventative methods for cold starts is to replace your battery after 4 years.
Running full synthetic oil also helps.