[A/S] Re: tow vehicle questions

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Claudette!

I agree that in my experience, the GAWR when added together has at 
least equalled the GVWR on the vehicles that I have owned.  Have you 
asked the salesman to double-check his data?  I am wondering if the 
9,200 pound figure might be the Gross Combined Venhicle Weight 
Rating (maximum combined weight of tow vehicle and trailer) rather 
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (maximum weight of the tow 
vehicle).

> Also, for listmembers who have diesels, is an engine block heater 
a good idea?  I'm hearing conflicting things.  I live in southern 
New England, and it does get below freezing at night fairly 
regularly.
> 

While I don't drive diesels, I have routinely included the optional 
factory block heaters on each of my new vehicles since the 1970s 
(part of the cold weather preparation package).  I generally plug my 
vehicles in nearly every night beginning after Thanksgiving through 
March.  The block heater shortens the warm-up time for the vehicle 
and tends to help the fuel economy (especially for my carbureted 
vehicle as it lessens the time that the choke remains closed).  The 
block heater also eases starting on the cold mornings lessing the 
strain on the battery.  I have found using these block heaters to be 
an advantage even in far Southern Illinois.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 
Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)