[ColoradoKate]

I bought a 2019 Z71 2.8 L diesel 6 weeks ago and it didn't come with the engine block heater. I'm in Colorado, and regularly go to the mountains to ski in the winter. My place goes to -20 if not lower at night/early morning.

I would like to install a block heater, but the dealer seems to be confused as to how long it may take to install the one they have in the parts shop. Estimating an hour for a "replacement" but won't know "until they go in." This all makes me feel a little nervous that they have no idea what they are doing, and I'm going to have a ridiculous bill.

I'd like to consider an aftermarket part but am unsure of the install requirements. Can I go to a diesel specialist to get this taken care of? Is this a better option than the dealer? Thanks for your guidance!

PS. Love this truck so far. 2600 miles and rocking it!

 

[JDB]

I'd just have the dealer do it, and tell them it better not take more than an hour to screw the unit into a thread in the engine block and tidy up the wire/plug (foreshadow a bit of embarrassment on their part). Or search this forum to see how easily someone DIY'd it. I would not go aftermarket unless they offered a model with a higher switch-on temperature (closer to freezing).
Sounds like you'll get some use from it in the high country. IIRC, it doesn't even kick on until I think single digits, so I'd rarely see it go on here in Denver (thus haven't bought it).