Tech Tips
Preparing your DRASH Genset for Cold Weather Operations
With fall upon us, it is important that personnel prepare their DRASH Genset for the winter to keep it operationally ready for mission success.
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your trailers are ready for any harsh weather you may be faced with this winter. (Note: Always follow repair/service operations procedures in the accompanying DRASH technical manual.)
Prepare Your Genset Before The Winter Hits
Sub-zero temperatures and climatic conditions associated with cold weather affect the efficient operation of the equipment. Keep equipment as dry as possible. After the equipment has been exposed to the cold and is moved into a warm environment, moisture will collect on the equipment. Dry the external surfaces whenever possible. Follow the instructions and precautions below for operation under such adverse conditions.
Refer to the Genset Maintenance chapter in your manual for the proper engine oil viscosity and coolant system antifreeze/water ratios for operating in cold weather/arctic climates.
Starting the Genset in Winter Conditions
DRASH Gensets are equipped with an engine block heater for pre-warming the engine and a fuel heater to warm the fuel prior to starting the engine in cold weather.
On the Genset Control Panel, place the FUEL LINE HEATER switch to the UP position.
Place Genset Control Panel ENGINE HEATER switch to the UP position.
Allow the fuel line and engine block heaters to operate for approximately 20 minutes before starting engine.
Heating a Shelter in Colder Conditions
DRASH ECUs have electric heating strips that electrically heat the incoming air as it passes over the strips.
a. Verify that your air supply and return ducts are secured to their respective ports in the shelter.
b. Adjust the air supply damper plate on the ECU return port to reduce the speed of the air flowing into and through the return port. The damper plate has four positions:
• Open: Position for normal air cooling operation.
• 1/3: Position for heating air in mildly cold conditions (minimal heat needed).
• 2/3: Position for heating air in cold conditions (nominal heat needed).
• Closed: Position for heating air in extreme cold conditions.
c. Secure the Supply and Return ducts to their respective ECU ports as described in your Operating Manual.
d. Turn the Mode Select knob on the ECU to HIGH or LOW heat mode according to the current temperature inside the shelter.
DRASH ECUs also have an internal auxiliary fuel-fired heater for adding additional heat to the air before it enters the shelter. Note that this auxiliary heater can be used to heat the shelter without running the ECU electric heater. The auxiliary heater draws its fuel from the Genset fuel tank so be sure to keep checking fuel levels.
a. Set the AUXILIARY HEAT switch to MANUAL to provide continuous heat.
b. Set the AUXILIARY HEAT switch to AUTOMATIC for thermostatically controlled heat to shelter.
Remember, maintaining DRASH equipment can be easy following these simple steps and others in accompanying technical support manuals. You should always refer to the product's technical support manual for step by step care procedures.
Contacting DRASH Customer Support
Have questions or require assistance winter-proofing your DRASH equipment? DHS representatives are located across the country and around the world, and are available to assist you. You may also contact our 24-hours a day, 7-days a week customer hotline at 877-GO-DRASH.
