Radiator Hose Block Heater

I just moved to upstate NY and was interested in installing a radiator hose block heater. I wanted to go this route instead of installing it in the freeze plugs due to reading horror stories where the block heater fell out draining all of the coolant. Sometimes while driving. I also saw this as an easier install.

My main question is will this work mounting it on the lower radiator hose on the 3.4L engines? I talked with someone at Kat's Heaters that said that it may not work due to the thermostat being located on the lower radiator hose. This will be installed on my 2001 Tacoma.

Here is the heater I'm looking at.

https://katsblockheater.com/block-h...coolant-hose-heater-125-inch-heater-120v-600w

 

I'd just put one in the freeze plug. Most vehicles around here have them, and they aren't all falling out. In fact I have never heard of one coming out, or even leaking. I'm sure it happens from time to time, but that thing on the hose could just as easily, maybe even more easily, leak. Don't over think it because some guy's cousins brother said he had one fall out.

 

You're probably right and I'm good at over thinking these things. I believe there are 2 freeze plug options for these trucks. One installs on the drivers side and the other on the passenger. Is there one that works better or is easier to install?

Also would anyone recommend adding a battery heater as well or is it overkill to have both?

 

As they said, it would only work if installed in the top hose due to the thermostat being located at the block side of the lower hose.

 

So it would work being mounted in the upper radiator hose? Just kind of in the way.

 

In theory it would work. The top hose is open to the the block's coolant galleys.

 

Are you sure it would work on the top hose? Is the top hose normally completely full of coolant? I suspect that when the engine is off it is at least partly empty, and I also suspect that heater would be happier with a completely full hose. All just speculation on my part.

 

It better not be partially empty or you've got big problems, the whole thing should be full and if it isn't you've got leaks or a shitty rad cap.