[slol]

Hey, you already mentioned fuel additives, but I think I should point out that this might be automatically added to fuel in colder regions. Fuel bought in texas, arizona, or even central states, will probably gel in very cold temperatures; fuel bought anywhere in the northernmost states or Canada should be fine (within reason). I've spent plenty of time in northern canada in -20 to -30 degrees and never had any issues. (But getting OUT of the truck to re-fuel, that's a different story ) If you're curious, maybe ask what the fuel is rated for, and make sure you top up with fuel once you get to "colder regions" like MN, ND, MT etc. You probably still want to carry an additive just in case.

ps. You can actually get blankets (more like a duvet) that are rated to extremely low temperatures. Certainly more comfortable than sleeping bags, and you'd be amazed how warm they are, just from body heat. You can sleep very comfortably in below-freezing temps without idling (and can survive practically anything), but getting out of warm bed in a freezing cold cab in the morning- NOT fun

Oh yeah, I always stuck a pair of wool socks into the sleeper vent thingies (by your head and feeT), it seems to help, those vents aren't really insulated.

[vavega]

in addition to the normal extra clothes, food, and water, i also carry a box of hand warmers

i also have a solio solar gadget charger. i've never had to use it, but it's cheap insurance in case i can't charge the cell phone off the truck.

[Windwalker]

Originally Posted by vavega

in addition to the normal extra clothes, food, and water, i also carry a box of hand warmers

i also have a solio solar gadget charger. i've never had to use it, but it's cheap insurance in case i can't charge the cell phone off the truck.

Very good idea. I've used those hand warmers for deer hunting. Put them inside a pair of gloves and they work wonders. I haven't looked for them down here, but up north, I've even seen them in truck stops. Available at any store that sells sporting goods.

I had not thought of the solar charger. Not a bad idea. Available where, and at what price?

Blended fuel is figured for the average temp in the area. I've already had one ocassion when I fueled in Duluth, MN and had to use my bottles of Melt-Down in Valentine, NE. Blended fuel does not guarantee you safe passage. It does help, but best to carry insurance.

You might hear some of the old-timers talk about adding unleaded gas to the fuel for winter. This does not do much for keeping you going. It may keep the fuel liquid longer, but fuel also has water content. It does NOTHING for keeping the ice crystals out of the fuel filter. I've helped a guy change filters and found ice, like sand, plugging up his filter. "I've got 2 1/2 gallons of unleaded in each tank to prevent that." Well, if you think about it, HEET would not be such a hot selling item for 4-wheelers if gas lines didn't freeze up.

The red bottle of "9-1-1" is good. I've used "HOWES". And, I've used one that a company had that did next to nothing. (Even had the company's own name on it.) And, I believe the Canadians have something even better that may not be available down here in the States. Back in the days before electronic injectors, we would add isopropal alcohol to the fuel. Worked wonders. But, now it will do damage to your injectors. Now, it's a big NO-NO. They say it will do more damage than good.

[repete]

Originally Posted by vavega

in addition to the normal extra clothes, food, and water, i also carry a box of hand warmers

i also have a solio solar gadget charger. i've never had to use it, but it's cheap insurance in case i can't charge the cell phone off the truck.

There are hand warmers and there are BODY WARMERS, I keep the big (5x7") body warmers around and use them when hunting and winter camping. Take 2 and after opening them use duct tape (you do have duct tape right) to tape them over top of your kidneys OUTSIDE of your t-shirt then finish dressing they'll keep you nice and warm for 18-36 hrs depending on brand and size. I also will toss a couple in th bottom of my sleeping bag. When picking out a sleeping bag keep an eye out for "oversized" bags it's nice to have alittle xtra room also get one that has extra insulation in the foot .
I now run local and shut my truck down on weekends so I don't carry many canned goods anymore but when I do have some instead of emptying everything that will freeze out of the truck I just toss it in the cooler(unplug it of course) with a hand warmer and nothing has ever froze. As emergency food I have a couple of MRE's with xtra heaters to thaw them stashed under the bunk(just in case)

ALWAYS have warm gloves and a pull over knit style hat and extra warm dry socks and GOOD water proof boots.
When picking up this stuff think, 3M thinsilate, Gortex, down and wool, you won't go wrong with any of them. give a second thought to "cotton batting" aqua liner and other names like that, when it's real cold you will be too.
And above all STAY WITH YOUR TRUCK!!!! If for some reason you can't Plan where your going and leave a note taped inside the driver's window with info on when you left and how ( did you get a ride or hoofing it) and what direction you went and the desination

[repete]

I forgot to add.
Use the body warmers as a heating pad for sre aching muscles, just tape in place and go bed works great for me!

[jd112488]

what about some porno mags for entertainment!!! geesh, do i have to think of everything?

[Syncrosonix]

when i need winter survival tips, i check out vids onbear grylls.
if i really need water in a hot climate....

[jd112488]

and i forgot the captain morgan and coke so i can keep warm!!!!