Arctic climate preparation
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
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Arctic climate preparation
I am relocating to Fairbanks and need the advice of anyone knowledgable in the conditions for the area. What do I need to do to ensure the longevity of my truck...I need recommendations on things such as undercarriage protection...ie. skid plates etc. ,battery and block heaters and any other information that might be helpful would be appreciated.
Grand Champion
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
RE: Arctic climate preparation
I have spent quite a bit of time in Delta Junction, south of Fairbanks, and can give you a few ideas.
Just about everyone has a block heater there, gas and diesels. Even the Ford Explorer I rented had it. Parking lots at restaruants and stores have plug-ins all over the place. Also, you may want a set of cold weather grill inserts. Here is my post on the topic. If I lived in Fairbanks, I would definetly use them.
https://dodgeforum.com/m_693773/tm.htm
Good set of winter rated tires would be a sure thing too. Hope this helps.
Edit: Also, you should get your coolant flushed before you head up there so that you are sure it is at the correct mixture and strength. May want to call a few mechanics in the area and ask, but I think they mix more coolant/less water in the winter time (not 50/50, more like 60/40). They can tell you for sure.
Just about everyone has a block heater there, gas and diesels. Even the Ford Explorer I rented had it. Parking lots at restaruants and stores have plug-ins all over the place. Also, you may want a set of cold weather grill inserts. Here is my post on the topic. If I lived in Fairbanks, I would definetly use them.
https://dodgeforum.com/m_693773/tm.htm
Good set of winter rated tires would be a sure thing too. Hope this helps.
Edit: Also, you should get your coolant flushed before you head up there so that you are sure it is at the correct mixture and strength. May want to call a few mechanics in the area and ask, but I think they mix more coolant/less water in the winter time (not 50/50, more like 60/40). They can tell you for sure.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
RE: Arctic climate preparation
Ok I lived at Eielson AFB for 3 years and this is what I had and It gave me no problems and we saw teps down to -65.
1 a block heater or coolant circulator
2. oil pan warmer
3. if you have an automatic then a transmission heater as well
4. battery blanket or pad depending on application and upgrade to a stronger battery optimas are great
5 flush the cooling system and get it mixed right for at least -30
6 repack wheel bearings with a good synthetic grease
7 if it has fluid in it replace it with a good synthetic i used amsoil (axels, tranny, transfercase etc)
8 good tires are a must I ran bf goorich allterrains
9 replace the belts and do a good tune up
and if i can give no better advice it is keep a "survival kit" blankets flash light and a little food just in case i was an hour north of fairbanks and my drive belt broke. me my wife and 3 month old son in -45 weather we got help in about 2 hours. be prepared.
hope this helps need more info just ask
1 a block heater or coolant circulator
2. oil pan warmer
3. if you have an automatic then a transmission heater as well
4. battery blanket or pad depending on application and upgrade to a stronger battery optimas are great
5 flush the cooling system and get it mixed right for at least -30
6 repack wheel bearings with a good synthetic grease
7 if it has fluid in it replace it with a good synthetic i used amsoil (axels, tranny, transfercase etc)
8 good tires are a must I ran bf goorich allterrains
9 replace the belts and do a good tune up
and if i can give no better advice it is keep a "survival kit" blankets flash light and a little food just in case i was an hour north of fairbanks and my drive belt broke. me my wife and 3 month old son in -45 weather we got help in about 2 hours. be prepared.
hope this helps need more info just ask
