Moving to Fairbanks Need Help

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 29, 2019 | 01:30 PM

#21

Discorama

Recovery Vehicle

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 1,235

Likes: 509

From: CA

Another option, which makes you independent of power outlets, is a gasoline operated heater. It is connected to your coolant system and heats the block as well as the interior (it turns on the interior fan as well). It has a timer and a remote control can be added optionally. I had such a heater when living in much colder climates. But even in normal climates, where it can get below freezing, it reduces engine wear and improves fuel economy. You never have to start a cold engine anymore, the engine gets heated up to about 120F, windows are defrosted and it is warm and cozy inside already, when you get to the car. It's also a nice feature when you do a lot of outdoor activities in winter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Webasto...r/273505505318

Nov 21, 2019 | 04:29 PM

#22

enb54

Rock Crawling

Joined: May 2019

Posts: 428

Likes: 57

From: Red Deer, AB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Gallant

This is pretty easy :

Block heater is a very good idea
Oil pan heater is 50/50 if you have a good block heater it is not generally required
Oil change will be required -cold weather grades generally 5/30 according to the RAVE for down to -20
Anti-freeze should be changed out - check recommendations for northern environments usually 50/50 is sufficient of a good anti-freeze. Going to higher concentrations can impair engine cooling
Battery replaced if it is at all doubt full
Wiper blades replace with cold weather units
And real snow tires - possibly studded

As a former denizen of the obsolete DEW Line, I can vouch for this stuff, on your drive to Alaska through Canada you'll get a taste of the weather in Eielson. If you can possibly get housing with an attached/heated garage that is a really good thing to have in cold climates, the timer for the block heater is also a good idea. No doubt you have researched your posting quite a bit, so I needn't remind you of only 4 or so hours of daylight in December and January...

Nov 21, 2019 | 08:08 PM

#23

redwhitekat

TReK

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,768

Likes: 396

From: kitchener, canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Gallant

This is pretty easy :

Block heater is a very good idea
Oil pan heater is 50/50 if you have a good block heater it is not generally required
Oil change will be required -cold weather grades generally 5/30 according to the RAVE for down to -20
Anti-freeze should be changed out - check recommendations for northern environments usually 50/50 is sufficient of a good anti-freeze. Going to higher concentrations can impair engine cooling
Battery replaced if it is at all doubt full
Wiper blades replace with cold weather units
And real snow tires - possibly studded

this is but I would go with a 0w-40 oil.