Sleeping inside the truck (Winter camping) heating needs

Yes, I plan on doing this in late Oct through late Nov. I will be in Yosemite Mid Nov. There will be atleast two dry runs to make sure all things necessary are there.

 

Sorry man, wasn't trying to bust your chops because propane is relatively safe compared to other fuels. But its still combustion in a very confined space. And not everyone that uses the internet has an abundance of firing brain cells and some might just go for it with shitty gear and inadequate ventilation. Hmmmm....maybe its for the best if some of them actually expired in the cabs of their trucks. I just may delete my post and let it ride.

 

Yes, it will be a solo trip and I plan on removing the front seat for sure.
After much talk here and else where(trip advisor), I think my generator idea is better. Basically run the generator 30 feet from the camp and pull the wire through the cab rear window to run a electric heater.
A) Upto -20: Electric heater inside the cab run off of Ryobi-Gen. Truck to be plugged as well. Windows open half inch for cross ventilation.
B) Anything below -20: Truck runs all night long with heater is low range.
C) Get lucky and I get reservation(cheap) at Prudhoe Bay.

Now, in other news: Someone at Toyota has decided not put a 50 cent temp gauge in their high end offering( 2015 TRD Pro).

 

I wouldn't say he needs a down sleeping bag, either. Synthetic bags will keep him warm at half the price, and he is taking a vehicle so the space/weight likely are no issues.

 

I cannot find a radiator cover for Tacomas on fleabay. Where do you buy these? does it require drilling etc? can I do velcro?

 

An 8" square piece of scrap cardboard was all it took for my 87 Toyota. One inch bigger was too large.

 

Yes, that apparently is not an issue in Prudhoe, AK. They officially do not have a camp ground( 4 hotels in total). Mostly truck parking and all truck parked there during winter will be idling...

 

+1
I would think that running a Generator and running your engine at idle would be a fairly insignificant difference in fuel, might as well use the truck.

OMG I'm agreeing with BlueT. Everyone sell all your stocks and take your money out the bank!

 

Sleeping in the cab of a Tacoma does not sound the least bit restful. Personally, I would sooner sleep in tent or the truck bed with proper gear and at least wake up reasonably refreshed.

 

Just some suggestions.

Extra food.
Extra battery.
extra spare wheels.
Tire chains
Snow shovels.
Deicer fluid.
Gas treatment.
Starting fluid.
Boards or mudplates.
Stuff to make fire.
Extra water containers and several in case they freeze and bust open.
chains, straps, winch/come-along (may have to swing around an icy sideslope?)
air compressor..

 

This sounds like a interesting trip plan for the failure of everything mechanical so you can go for a few days if need be without killing yourself.

What kind of food are you taking

The cold weather does strange things to metal

Have you spent days in sub zero temps

Remember a metal vehicle without heat acts like a heat sink warmer outside. after some time.

The days of living in Snow caves

Have you checked on the average temperatures in the area your headed

Like everything else I am sure it is more developed then back in the day of building the pipeline.

 

If you're sleeping in your truck you will be fine with a good quality sleeping bag. When I was in the infantry and we did our winter warfare exercises we slept in tents in the middle of winter and everyone was fine.

 

I winter camp in Virginia and New Hampshire, it's all about a good sleeping bag. I tent camp, last time was last year at -20 and have not needed heaters in all my time camping. Get good gear and you will not have a problem. have fun.

 

A Good sleeping bag and a small propane heater is all you need. But to know how to use them safely is the key.

Only use the propane heater to warm up the truck in the morning before you climb out of the sleeping bag. Don't ever sleep with a propane heater going. A good sleeping bag and a good meal before you go to bed will keep you warm along with a good wool sleeping hat. Your body need calories to generate heat, and keep hydrated.

Get one of those Mad Bomber hats, you will love it

 

Yep..without a doubt, wear a stocking cap when you sleep. Huge difference in keeping warm.

 

If it were me I'd just leave the truck run all night.

I wouldn't go to sleep with a separate heater going inside a tiny truck cab.

People idle trucks all the time, mostly diesels but the taco can handling a decent idling session for a night or 2

 

Op just idle truck like everyone else there. Get extra fuel. Get the radiator cover, maybe wrap water lines with high temp insulation cloth.

 

ok about that...up until I reach Fairbank, AK I will sleep in "luxury" of hotels.

 

Again, that net style radiator cover, where to buy those? I'm thinking of using velcro from behind the grill.

 

Breakfast is cup cereals + milk(500 calories), lunch is on the road, dinner is REI Alpineaire foods, plus energy bars(700-800 calories).
No, never stayed outside in subzero temps.
Too early to guess the temp in Dec.