Life in North Dakota "Man Camps"?

Well... I front wheel drive handles snow just fine, if you want more security any of the new winter tires give you phenomenal grip compared to all-season tires. Make sure you have your battery load tested, as one that works fine in temperate Cali won't do squat @-20*.

The other thing you'll need to know is about what to wear. The outer layer is likely as not to be the flame retardent, then your insulated coveralls (if you're lucky the company will provide insulated flame retardent,) or jacket and bibs depending on your preference. Street clothes under the insulated, and then any of the high performance thermal unders. Wool or high-performance socks. Depending on what your doing determines the gloves you wear, but spend the money on thinsulate gloves, rather than regular insulation. The dexterity is better, and they work even wet. And if you tend to have cold hands, I would invest in glove liners as well; I use thermastat brand by dupont. And insulated boots, too.

Layers is the trick to staying warm, and gives you the ability to regulate your temp by adding or removing a layer. I'm a hot sort, but unless the wind is up and temp below -20, I usually don't even bother with the thermal underwear, but I'm active when I'm outside, too. If you're standing around in the cold, you'll want all the layers you can get! OH YEAH, hardhat liners are lifesavers, get a good warm one!

 

I know you said the battery was checked a while ago, but they checked it for West Coast weather. I would advise replacing the battery with the most extreme battery they have (Les Schwab Xtreme battery cost me $ 110 and was good down to -40. My vehicle started every time, even at -20). They make window washer fluid with antifreeze. I described the man-camp situation as bad but it was tolerable in the short term. I was in it for 8 months. Don't buy an RV before coming up. Make the move, take the company housing, and next spring you will have a better idea what will work for you.

 

Make a stop at one of the Cabelas in MN on your way up for your thermal under clothes. A little spendy but they have the warm high quality stuff.

I spend a great deal of my time out on the ice in the winter. I used to buy the cheap long underwear. Finally broke down and tried some of the good stuff. Unreal how much better it fits and keeps you warm.

Edit: I looked at the op's location and somehow my brain didn't connect and I thought it said n carolina. Scratch that stop in MN.

 

An 8 month old battery should be okay.

I don't think I'd wait until ND to get the winter gear. A stop in Billings along the way would save some cash and give you more selection. Levi's are a good choice for cool weather, shorts for warm. I haven't had to wear a hardhat for years, so I'm not sure what's available for liners (edit: search arctic hardhat liner), but that is pretty much what you'll have for your head and ears. A balaclava of some sort for the really cold stuff is nice, too. Some people use the '180' style earmuffs, as the band is on the back of your head, I don't think it'd get in the way of the hard hat.

Not sure on the CB. Back in my oilfield days we didn't slip seat, so can't answer that one. And unless things have changed, generally the CB is just for driver to driver comm. A folding shovel or even a full size is a definite must in my book, it'll save you some trouble along the way somewhere!

You are quite welcome! Hopefully someone who's actually working out there can fill in a few of the gaps on the specifics for the oilfield. But staying warm I know about, I've been hauling cars in the Dakotas for quite a while, and often spend a couple hours at a time out in the cold.

 

Hammer, when you ran the oil fields up in ND did you run during the winter months or did they have you guys that drove do other things during those months?

Thanks for the info trying to figure out if I should look at ND or TX as possible places to work.....

 

I've been running loads into Williston and Sidney the last few months. It's pretty much 24/7/365, rain, snow, ice, or shine.

About the CB...... Unless I'm not on the wrong channel (19), I hadn't heard much buzz at all each time in/out of that area.

And don't expect to keep your truck clean on the outside!!

I'm not sure of the tire laws and usage in MT and ND, but if you can, I'd invest in a set of studded tires for the winter months.

And I'm not sure if it was mentioned. Non-Flamable clothing is a must if your working in and around hazardous areas.

Good luck to you!

 

The wool might be more comfy, but personally I prefer the wicking of the synthetics. They're thinner and cheaper than the merino, just don't feel (or look) as good! LOL!

They are. I can't remember what you'll be doing out there, but if your physically working you can get buy with the regular ones, but if you going to standing out in the cold, you'll be happier with the arctic weight. They are a little bulkier, but a bunch warmer. Another thing to think about is how often you'll be in and out of the truck. If it's very frequent you'll want the lighter, as you won't be taking them off between stops, and you'll get sweaty in the heavier stuff.

That trooper hat might work, you want something that has the loops so it stays attached to your hard hat. I almost forgot, your hardhat liner will have to FR, too!

I have a pair very similar to this except they are Wells Lamont. I use the 100 weight thinsulate in normal temps, and the 200 when it gets below zero. And you always want more than one pair in case one pair soaks thru, you can trade to the other pair. http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Wi...9312029&sr=1-7&keywords=200+thinsulate+gloves

http://www.amazon.com/MCR-Safety-9620-Thermostat-10-Gauge/dp/B004HMHFAU You can find these elsewhere, but you want this type; they are similar to a compression sock in feel, and only minimally degrade dexterity. These things are awesome, I've used them for years now.

Should be fine.

Panty hose or stockings work, and they are supposedly very warm.

Any of the Blizzak style winter tires will pretty much negate the need for chains. If you're going to driving the car out onto location, you might want some for just in case, but I've never used them on a car or pickup. (one of those collapsible shovels should go in the trunk, too. Along with a couple blankets and maybe a sleeping bag, a gallon of water for sure, and some snacks if you think about it. Won't need them in town, but if going anywhere, better safe than sorry.) A bag of kitty litter makes for a nice traction enhancer if you need it.