Cold climate folks

[SHobbs]

Will be headed to South Fork CO for a short Christmas vacation. Checked last years and the previous years weather and it looks like night time temps will be around zero or colder. So far I have checked the batteries, coolant ( good to around -30 ) and have changed out the lower wattage block heater element to a larger one. Planning on just enough fuel to get me there then top off after arrival since the fuel there is blended for the cold with plenty of anti gel. I also have a set of chains incase, since I will go through Raton and LaVeta pass.



Anything else I need to look at or check? Usually we are up there in Feburary and have yet to see temperatures as cold as December seems to be. Have seen temperatures around 10 or so but not below zero. Just want to make sure everything is prepared incase it does get below zero.

 

[ASchwartz]

Will be headed to South Fork CO for a short Christmas vacation. Checked last years and the previous years weather and it looks like night time temps will be around zero or colder. So far I have checked the batteries, coolant ( good to around -30 ) and have changed out the lower wattage block heater element to a larger one. Planning on just enough fuel to get me there then top off after arrival since the fuel there is blended for the cold with plenty of anti gel. I also have a set of chains incase, since I will go through Raton and LaVeta pass.



Anything else I need to look at or check? Usually we are up there in Feburary and have yet to see temperatures as cold as December seems to be. Have seen temperatures around 10 or so but not below zero. Just want to make sure everything is prepared incase it does get below zero.

Take an extra fuel filter and replace your windshield wiper fluid with the type that can withstand below freezing temps.

 

[SHobbs]

Didn't even consider the wiper fluid, thank you it's on the list now. I always have at least 4 filters, learned that lesson a long time ago.

 

[GaryOwen]

I'm not a "cold weather folk", but have frequently traveled to the colder areas (down to -15*F or so). I always treat my fuel even though it is supposedly treated. A couple of times with gelling problems has made me cautious.



I also carry some cardboard to place between the radiator and intercooler for quicker warmups (poor man's winter front).



Some change to synthetic oil during winter for better flow at low temps, but I have never had problems with 15W40 dino.

 

[Bob Cochran]

If you can always connect and run the block heater. I have started my truck in less than -10 degrees F without the block heater by cycling the heaters 3 times then fired her up. She was not happy but started and ran really bad tell enough heat got distributed in that cast iron. Had to play with throttle a little to keep it running being careful to not over rev it.

 

[Jim W]

I know you asked about your truck and what you should carry but what about you and your passengers.

When I travel during the winter on longer trips, I have the following items in my truck with us.

They are: Blanket, flashlight, shovel, sand tubes in bed of truck, tools, water, flares, cell phone with charger, first aid kit and battery jumper cables. Other northern drives may carry different items but I have found this is enough for us.

just my $0. 02

 

[TBartlett1]

I live in the NE and subzero starts are quite routine with my CTD which I have owned since 1990.

My experience has shown that a 5w30 or 5w40 full synthetic such as Delvac1 or Amsoil will allow the engine to crank over much faster, start quicker and build oil pressure significantly quicker that mineral based 15w40.

I have also used Rotella 5w40 but have found that it does not perform as well at extremely low temperatures.

I have had the same results with my diesel tractor which is used to clear snow.



I also recommend that you carry a gallon of Power Service fuel additive for treating your fuel and treat the fuel as indicated until you return home, (over treating will not hurt anything) and also 1 quart of Power Service 911 just incase your fuel starts to gel.

If you are running and start to experience power loss stop (pull over) immediately and give it a good dose of 911 then let it idle a few minutes then precede only as fast as the vehicle will allow without stumbling.



Also as GaryOwen mentioned cardboard in front of the radiator.

I have blocked 50% ~ 60% of my radiator to allow the engine to operate up to temp.

I also block only the driver's side (fuel side) to keep the heat on the fuel system.

 

[DCreed]

I know you asked about your truck and what you should carry but what about you and your passengers.

When I travel during the winter on longer trips, I have the following items in my truck with us.

They are: Blanket, flashlight, shovel, sand tubes in bed of truck, tools, water, flares, cell phone with charger, first aid kit and battery jumper cables. Other northern drives may carry different items but I have found this is enough for us.

just my $0. 02

Glad someone mentioned that! I also carry the small hand warmer packets and beef jerky and an umbrella. Theres a lot of lonely road out there and its easy to forget but still possible to get stranded/snowed in or lost. I also wanted to mention that you will consume more fuel in cold snowy conditions so plan accordingly and try to keep tank above 1/2 whenever possible and keep an eye on the trans temp as slow slushy roads and road spray can hinder the tiny coolers capacity.

PS- Best wishes for a safe happy holiday trip to y'all!

 

[SHobbs]

I know you asked about your truck and what you should carry but what about you and your passengers.

When I travel during the winter on longer trips, I have the following items in my truck with us.

They are: Blanket, flashlight, shovel, sand tubes in bed of truck, tools, water, flares, cell phone with charger, first aid kit and battery jumper cables. Other northern drives may carry different items but I have found this is enough for us.

just my $0. 02

Have everything you listed except for a shovel. I think this year was an off year for the weather this past Feburary it was real warm and melting snow made it very muddy. Feburary 08 was a different story plenty of snow and colder temps but, we have yet to see anything below 5 degrees.



I do appreciate all the suggestions and tips. As I said just wanting to make sure we are prepared and the " must have list " is complete.





DCreed, I always keep a full tank, never know when you might get stuck and need the engine for warmth.

 

[GHarman]

Have everything you listed except for a shovel. I think this year was an off year for the weather this past Feburary it was real warm and melting snow made it very muddy. Feburary 08 was a different story plenty of snow and colder temps but, we have yet to see anything below 5 degrees.



I do appreciate all the suggestions and tips. As I said just wanting to make sure we are prepared and the " must have list " is complete.





DCreed, I always keep a full tank, never know when you might get stuck and need the engine for warmth.

All the Above! in addition! What kind of tires are you running? If you expect to be driving in snow, make sure you are prepared. Tire chains will work in case of an emergency but get real old after many hours. They also can break, with damage to your vehicle, the consequence. Quality tires with proper tread are a must, in snowy weather. Michelins are great on the highway and wet roads but fail to deliver in the snow. Depends on where you are headed, like, Wolf Creek Pass, maybe? We just got dumped on, big time! Lots of Snow. Have you checked the local weather where you are headed? Maybe a spare set of tires and rims for this kind of travel? PS, Can you use Bio Diesel at low temperatures? I dont know, but it is something I would want to be absolutely sure of. Just some thoughts! GregH

 

[GHarman]

weather

Check this out! GregH



Wolf Creek Ski Area Ski & Snow Report

 

[Skydiver]

I SECURE a small flameless coleman sportcat only when the temps get below freezing. Just be sure to crack a window. These are catalytic heaters rated for indoor (tent) use. Never use a standard heater in an enclosed space.

Beats freezing.



Coleman - SportCat Perfectemp Catalytic Heater -

Heater | Outdoor Heater | Portable Heater | Coleman.com



A CB radio could help if cell service is nill.

 

[EKlem]

Pretty much everything that you might want to do is mentioned above. Where you are going is not considered extremely cold so your truck shouldn't have any problems as long as it is running fine and you do what you have mentioned(plus the wiper fluid). The suggestion of blankets in case of a breakdown is very smart.

From there, it kind of depends on how much time/money you want to put in. Since you are only going for 1 week, a lot of people would say not to bother with things like synthetic oil or winter tires. More than likely you will have absolutely no problems without either. However, if it snows hard and you are trying to get somewhere, you will be wishing that you had paid for a good set of tires. It is up to you to make a judgment call as to how far you want to take winter prep because it can get quite extensive.

 

[BILLVO]

This is a funny read. You look like you are preparing for the Arctic cold. :-laf

Colorado..... Cold really?????? :-laf:-laf:-laf



I have been there many times and if you all think its cold there you need not come any farther north then.

 

[SHobbs]

This is a funny read. You look like you are preparing for the Arctic cold. :-laf

Colorado..... Cold really?????? :-laf:-laf:-laf



I have been there many times and if you all think its cold there you need not come any farther north then.

Got to consider we live in a state known for it's heat and temps below 20 we rarely see, lol. Not arctic temps but, I have checked the temps from the last two Decembers and it has been down to zero or colder at night. I don't want any surprises just making sure everything is covered, no harm in being prepared for the worse if needed.



Wolf Creek is where we will be headed and the last time they opened early was October of 07 and that December was when the nights were 10 below or colder. If it were just me it would not be that big of a deal but, I will have the folks with me so I want to have everything for that just incase moment.

 

[GHarman]

Got to consider we live in a state known for it's heat and temps below 20 we rarely see, lol. Not arctic temps but, I have checked the temps from the last two Decembers and it has been down to zero or colder at night. I don't want any surprises just making sure everything is covered, no harm in being prepared for the worse if needed.



Wolf Creek is where we will be headed and the last time they opened early was October of 07 and that December was when the nights were 10 below or colder. If it were just me it would not be that big of a deal but, I will have the folks with me so I want to have everything for that just incase moment.

... . And, Your headed into real SNOW country at over 7000' elevation! Best to be over prepared than under prepared. Most folks dont consider that Colorados lowest elevation is down on the South East Plains, is still more than 3000' above sea level. The Mountains create their own weather patterns and every Range is unique. Wolf Creek is KNOWN for its S N O W! Yes we average some really nice weather, B U T, watch out for those storms. Temperatures can drop 50* -70* F. , in the course of a few hours, in the high country, when a storm front blows through and wraps itself around a Mountain. This country is nothing like the North East or the North Central USA. You can have shirtsleeve weather, one day and -20* F the next with a wind chill. Hope you have a Great trip! GregH

 

[bheiting]

Many good suggestions above. Cummins requires an opening in a winter
front so the intercooler won't be overheated. Apparently you can use too much
fuel conditioner. If the added conditioner is not compatible with the conditioner
already in the fuel you can get a sediment that can plug your fuel filter. Geno's
has a suggestion of 1 gal. kerosene to 10 gal. fuel if you're getting jell.
(Don't know if kerosene is compatible with the new DPFs - article from 2001) Get
your fuel at truck stops that go through a large volume of fuel - especially the
national chains - all times of the year. My '07 has been through 2 Minnesota winters
and I have never had fuel problems, but I'm fussy about where I fill up.
One other thing if you have access to 120 volts is a magnetic heater slapped on the
bottom of the oil pan. Engines love warm oil circulating at start up. The block
heater helps too. Have a great trip.

 

[HBarlow]

... . And, Your headed into real SNOW country at over 7000' elevation! Best to be over prepared than under prepared. Most folks dont consider that Colorados lowest elevation is down on the South East Plains, is still more than 3000' above sea level. The Mountains create their own weather patterns and every Range is unique. Wolf Creek is KNOWN for its S N O W! Yes we average some really nice weather, B U T, watch out for those storms. Temperatures can drop 50* -70* F. , in the course of a few hours, in the high country, when a storm front blows through and wraps itself around a Mountain. This country is nothing like the North East or the North Central USA. You can have shirtsleeve weather, one day and -20* F the next with a wind chill. Hope you have a Great trip! GregH

Greg,

Your description makes me cold just reading it. Weather like that can be a genuine threat to human life for someone who is stranded.

 

[monkeyman]

If you put fuel additive in after it drops sometimes it is to late. I use it as soon as temp drops below freezing. Having an Espar my truck is always 85 degrees when I drive away in the cold!

Rick

 

[GHarman]

Greg,



Your description makes me cold just reading it. Weather like that can be a genuine threat to human life for someone who is stranded.

Harvey, It surely can, especially for children and the elderly. Slide off the road on a mountain pass, in a whiteout and folks can drive past you and not even know you are there.

We just got an early fall snow storm that dumped 40"+ inches of snow in the last couple of days. The sun was out, today, and by mid afternoon the paved roads were melted off, (At night, wet roads freeze, with Black ice being the most dangerous issue). The weather can change really fast, in Colorado. GregH