I live in the south and have been told to plug it in anytime the temp is below 32 degrees. Is it bad to have it plugged in for a long period of time? What about if the temp is above freezing? Does it hurt it to have it plugged in or does it only activate when the temperature reaches below 32. Anyone that could fill this diesel newbie in would be great. Thanks:D

I've never plugged mine in unless it was single digits. 32 was nothing. It does not hurt anything to leave it plugged in but it wastes electricity. Even if it was zero I would only plug mine in for a couple of hours to make it start easier first thing in the morning (but it would start without it). You could put it on a timer and start the heater a couple of hours before you get out of bed. The stock block-heaters are on whenever it is plugged in, no matter what the temperature. Best thing for easy cold-weather starting and wear is to use a 0W or 5W synthetic oil in the winter.

There's quite a lot of info on this site about this topic - try doing a search and you should come up with lots of reading info. But, the jist of it is: It's a simple electric heating element (like an electric water heater). Whenever it's plugged in, it's working. It doesn't hurt anything to leave it plugged in (other than wasting energy). As far as what temp you should be plugging it in at, you'll get varying opinions. But, I doubt you find many that say anything higher than you've already heard - others may say below 20*. Even on a very cold day (that you'll never, ever see down South), 3 or 4 hours is all that is needed.

On edit: Ahhh... The "Van Man" beat me to it!

Where in the south? I am in North Texas, I have never plug it in.

My dad who has the same type of truck is in Northern OK or Northern Alabama mountain and he never need to plug in.

My general rule is, if it is not deep freeze (less than 25F) for more than 4 days, you are probably ok.

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chev-alade,
I never plug my truck in (block heater cord is broke) We saw -20F temps this winter. I start the truck at 5:30 AM to go to work so its still cold out, heck it will sit for 2 1/2 days over the weekend and still start Monday morning. I always let her warm up a bit before I go though.
FWIW: I plugged my old truck in every night all night for a month and my electric bill went up $35. So I say spend $80 on some new 60G's and happy starting:)

I plug mine in whenever it's in the low 40's or below over night.
I have it set up on a timer to come on 3 hours before I leave.
Is it needed to be plugged in NO.. But it makes for an easier startup. Less banging and smoke & a faster warm up time. It kills me to sit and do nothing while the truck warms up. When I'm in the seat I want to go man:D

I plug mine in whenever it's in the low 40's or below over night.
I have it set up on a timer to come on 3 hours before I leave.
Is it needed to be plugged in NO.. But it makes for an easier startup. Less banging and smoke & a faster warm up time. It kills me to sit and do nothing while the truck warms up. When I'm in the seat I want to go man:D

I do exactly the same. Leave for work @ 04:30 and not awake enuff to sit warming, I'd fall back to sleep. Remote start about 3 to 5 minutes before I go out. Gotta love that feature!

i also have mine on a timer 2 hours before i leave for work that is all it needs. balrgn i wish my truck had that remote start. i have checked into them too much rigging around. mine is a 92 gmc with 6.2

i also have mine on a timer 2 hours before i leave for work that is all it needs. balrgn i wish my truck had that remote start. i have checked into them too much rigging around. mine is a 92 gmc with 6.2

I'd never put an after market on, well I say that now, I have one I think I am getting very spoiled. '92 and still going, very nice!

Thanks to everyone that responded! Your info has been helpful.