Newbies!!! It's almost winter!!! Here's some tips.

It's almost winter. Well, in Colorado and Montana the old man has already arrived. So just like any other time of the year, you need to be prepared. But winter holds its own unique challenges. It's cold, some places REAL COLD, (for you southern fried drivers), roads can close, get icy, snow packed, you may need to throw chains, etc. Lots of fun in store for the next few months. So, here's some things you may want to bring in your truck and know and be prepared for.

#1. Clothing. Jeans and a sleeveless Tshirt won't keep you warm in Minnesota. As a matter of fact, you'll probably get sick. Bring sweatshirts, sweaters, long sleeves, etc. it might be 75 in Los Angeles, but it'll be 15 in Albuquerque. Boots help too in the snow to keep your feet dry, especially of you're stuck in the snow and have to shovel. Which brings us to

#2. Supplies. Gloves, winter jackets, shovels, and some additives. Companies say don't idle. Well, under ten degrees your fuel can gel. Run the truck in extreme cold. They'll get over it, and ask your shop what kind of additives you can use. It gets down to -20 in some places and they are talking this winter will be bad, so I won't be surprised to see -30 in parts of North Dakota. Even driving, you can have problems with your fuel at temps that low.

3. Food. Stock up on food that you don't have to Refridgerate or microwave. Chef Boyardee, peanut butter, bread, beef jerky, etc. you could run into a wreck or a road closure in the middle of nowhere. Having water and food will tide you over and maybe help someone else.

4. A single chain. That will help get you out of small situations. You can run it on one tire through the holes in the wheel.

5. Extra blanket or two. For the obvious reason to keep you or your pet warm

6. Be prepared for anything and SLOW DOWN. Dont use your cruise when the temp goes below 40 and be extra vigilant at night. It gets colder and roads will freeze. 27 is that magic number because the road starts to freeze at that temp. Leave extra space and allow extra time to make it to your destination. Feel your mirrors. If ice is building on your mirrors, it's a good indication of what the road is doing. Don't get scared. Respect the road. Be aware of what's around you and what the hazards are. If you feel unsafe, pull over at the safest location. Also, snowpack can be your friend. It'll give you traction. Be safe out there.

 

Yupper. Listen to the guys that have done this for years. We know what we are talking about. Carry extra windshield wiper fluid and an extra set of wiper blades as well. You'll see why, lol. Having a cb or stereo with weather band helps too. And know your route. You'll be able to check the weather all along it with a smartphone or a laptop.

 

Here's something from experience. 3 points of contact while entering and exiting your truck. I slipped and sprained my MCL 2 years ago. No fun. the fuel islands get slippery.