This florida driver has seen sub zero temperature for 30 years and the amount of stalled trucks along 94 and 90 this year is just surprising. HERE’S AN FYI.
Let’s just first establish a time line. Truck has had a recent PM or at least your fuel filters are new for winter. Your leaving Florida for Kelowna, BC on December 2 and the average low temp there is -5°F for the next 7 days.
1. Collect a quality cardboard box, collapse it and stow behind your seat. Deploy when your idle temp falls below 180°F which typically occurs in single digits Temps. DO NOT attach cardboard to the front of the truck instead slide between intercooler and radiator and fold the top.
2. Juice your tanks with an diesel additive EARLY. HOWES or Power Service? I use them both, they work to remove moisture and clean the fuel system to leave you with pure FUEL that won’t gel or wax. You will reintroduce moisture with every fill.
3. Service your fuel filters. There is a reason why the primary has a clear bowl! It gives you an indication how clogged it is and and opportunity to drain the build up water and debris. If your not in the habit or have never used the dain petcock, at minus 5 degrees on the side of the road is the wrong time to start.
Take this advice how you will but I’ve experienced -73°F windchill in Minot, ND and -33°F actual in Great Falls, MT. Yes I’ve froze up before because I didn’t follow my own advice but never in those mad extremes.
