Keeping an enclosed trailer warm in freezing temps

[Skip Pipes]

For this weekend I'm thinking of putting my race car back into the trailer at night, and trying to keep it warm. Otherwise, I'll have to pull the trailer of the lake bed to higher ground. Any ideas?

Skip Pipes

[Milwaukee Midget]

How warm are you intending to keep it?

Even if it dips below freezing - I see it hit 28 in Lancaster this morning - in an enclosed trailer, it's highly unlikely that water in the block will freeze, unless it stays that way for a few days.

If you're looking to keep the block warm, these are handy -

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200339105_200339105?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Automotive%20%3E%20Engine%20Heaters%20%2B%20Blankets&utm_campaign=Kats%20Heaters&utm_content=17101&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=17101&gclid=Cj0KEQiAjpGyBRDgrtLqzbHayb8BEiQANZauhzHye3TdoCCvA1RAKDwrHXuLjTUoxK328rhARs5MSNIaAme68P8HAQ

Used one on the engine and one on the diff.

[RichFox]

Never froze the water in my block at El Mirage. The water in my transfer hoses turned to slush. Effectively blocking any water flow. At the time I was far enough back in line to become aware of the problem. Not so lucky for some of the guys in front. That's what they get for coming out on Wednesday to hold a place in line.

[Finallygotit]

If you have a generator handy you could use one of these.


I have one and it puts out quite a bit of safe heat.

YMMV

[kiwi belly tank]

Just drain the water
  Sid.

[tauruck]

Yup, a drought, like Sid said.

[SPARKY]

What I did one Nov. when it was projected to get down to 18 that night   Was get some packing quilts and a big Tarp.

put the wheels on one edge of the tarp.

Fired the eng off and brought it up to 200 degs. --as soon as the headers cooled down draped the packing quilts we had rented all over the eng bay. part of the car--down to the ground

Then pulled the tarp over the car--Jacked up the other tires and tucked the tarp under the tires---now wind could not blow my blankets off

[tallguy]

The more I read on this forum, the more respect I have for the experience and
knowledge of the folks that design, build, and race. 

So I'm posting for my own education here.

Why would one not just use some antifreeze? 

[Stainless1]

Tall... as we tell everybody...
Get a rule book

[1leg]

Add a couple of incandescent lights inside the trailer near the engine and run an extension cord over to one of the motor homes when they are not looking! Might want to store the fuel outside!

[Peter Jack]

The more I read on this forum, the more respect I have for the experience and
knowledge of the folks that design, build, and race. 

So I'm posting for my own education here.

Why would one not just use some antifreeze? 

Tallguy, ethylene glycol is flammable at high temperatures and has caused severe burns during a lsr crash. This is pretty common knowledge and the rule has been in effect for quite a few years now.

Pete

[Milwaukee Midget]

Tall... as we tell everybody...
Get a rule book

Ahhh . . . the beat down . . .

This is why we seem cranky -

A. It's $10.00
B. You're going to need one anyway, and
C. -

3.R COOLING SYSTEM:
All liquid cooling systems utilizing non-braided circulation lines shall have metal clamps at each connection. The use of plastic tubing in a cooling system is not allowed. No flammable or combustible coolants are allowed.

This is a classic example of one of the rules that, at first blush, seems weird, but PJ is right - it is a safety issue. 

The book is a good read - and if you think you have questions now, wait until you've read it!  

Welcome aboard, Tall.

Sincerely,
Midget

[Speed Limit 1000]

Tall... as we tell everybody...
Get a rule book

Ahhh . . . the beat down . . .

This is why we seem cranky -

Sincerely,
Midget

Midget, You are becoming a Limey gentleman. Must be the car

[jimmy six]

Before blaming your typical ethylene glycol it must be said that what was in the vehicle in which the problem occurred as I heard it was NOT what is normally used in automobiles today. There are many liquids used as coolants today and since one caught fire in a blow up, a rule was written to outlaw coolants other than water. It's like spanking all your children when one crosses the street when told not too. It is probably impossible to regulate the rule any other way but in my opinion unfortunate. I could not see a 10% or so antifreeze mix catching fire but I'm not in the position to test it. In our dirt track car its water only with a water wetter product if you want. It is, what it is.......JD

[SPARKY]

Re: Keeping an enclosed trailer warm in freezing temps

« Reply #12 on: Today at 05:48:43 AM »

Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic




Quote from: Milwaukee Midget on Today at 05:22:25 AM


Quote from: Stainless1 on Today at 03:49:38 AM

Tall... as we tell everybody...
Get a rule book


Ahhh . . . the beat down . . .

This is why we seem cranky -

Sincerely,
Midget

Midget, You are becoming a Limey gentleman. Must be the car evil



Now that funny