Winter ahead; Tips anyone?

Dude, I think it's safe to say there's a lot of us who would never have stayed in the industry, if when we started, today's micromanagement was the norm. Of course we all were turned loose everyday as kids, too. Many of today's new drivers can't comprehend the freedom from supervision we had, to them, it's just normal to have someone watching your every move.

~

 

All fun and games until someone burns their truck down.[emoji4] [emoji91] [emoji598]

 

a short fat candle in a metal coffee can will keep you from freezing to death in the cab... tuff to find that metal coffee can today. can even be used to melt snow for water... just need a small amount of fresh air to vent. Have never drove in the winter without one, regardless of company rules.

 

This technique works exceptionally well. Not only in snow and ice, but even in mud, and other slick situations you get stuck in. Applying the brake then releasing the clutch slowly waiting for it to "grab" then releasing your brake (while the clutch is partially engaged) can lunge you forward into a position you can probably work with, if you're in a higher gear. I opt for 4, 5 or 6. 7 is pushing it, but got me out of pickles once or twice.

 

i have a one piece snow suit, hoodie, winter jacket, beanie, gloves, sweat pants and 2 packages of handwarmers (10 pairs to a package) and 2 really warm blankets.

 

Do you look like this?

 

Wow you know at like -30 the espar heaters will just keep your cab warm enough not to freeze, part of the problem with the no idle rules are the mental midgets who put them in don't know that trucks are not insulated. look under your cab how much insulation do you see. Had mine spray foamed 1"= R6 the cabs are not insulated. A candle have fun keeping warm or doing anything at -30 with a wind.

 

I don't know about other mega carrier policies, but when it gets below 20 degrees we are supposed to idle to prevent fuel gelling. Espar or Webasto bunk heaters do a great job, which I turn on about half an hour before climbing out of bed. With a Memory Foam mattress topper and plenty of comforters, blankets, and a sleeping bag I'm toasty in any low temperature.

For the floor I recommend getting an insulated pad for the bunk area for company drivers. It makes a difference in the cold mornings, especially after the bunk heater warms it up.

 

I have the Espar bunk heater and spend lots of time up North in the cold. The Espar is awesome. I also carry a spare unit then stop at Thermo King to get other one rebuilt.