I am thinking about buying a $1500 commuter car due to the fact I only live 5 miles to work and the truck barely makes it to the low line on the temp. gauge. Is this something I should do? I am concerned with it being hard on the truck. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Just take the scenic route to work. That beats driving a commuter car.

 

Short trips are hard on any vehicle...motors are made to run, starting, especially cold starts, are the hardest on 'em.

Your truck will handle it better than most things will, though.

With that being said, my truck is not my daily driver, and I don't like to do short trips with it at all.

So, if you feel like I do about it, buy beaters and scrap 'em when they are no longer worth keeping, then buy another one...

 

my truck is my daily driver and its a hole 5 miles to my job. I dont like getting up any earlier than i have to but i try and get up 15 to 20 min early just to start my truck.

 

Idleing doesnt warm the truck up very good. Try plugging it in for a while and it will be around 110 degrees when you start it.

 

K guys dumb question but are you talking about a block heater and if so does my 06 3500 have one ? Where is it ? Thanx Phil P.S. Truck was bought new in Cali

 

Its got a block heater but might not have a plug. Look just behind your oil filter and youll either see a coard or where one will screw into. You can get one from your local cummins dealer alot cheaper than dodge.
http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo....EATER_CABLE_FL

 

also leave the exhaust brake on. the engine will warm up faster.

 

Only the 03's came with the plug. I have one and just smile when I run across it. Don't think I'll ever use it.

 

My 04 has it...

 

I bought my '03 in July '03 and my buddy bought his '04 in Sept or Oct '03. He doesn't have one.

So Don't tell DC, they may back charge you.

 

I have a couple of short trips (~8 mi) per week too. When the beast hit 25K I changed to all synthetics. That way, at least the fluids flow freely and immediately no matter how cold it gets.

 

Just bought a $1200 1991 Honda civic to make the 5 mile trip to work. Will save my truck from never warming up. Will keep my truck in the garage until I'm off work.

 

Good move...IMO.