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Sleeping inside the truck (Winter camping) heating needs

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by vijay, Sep 24, 2015.

  1. Nov 2, 2015 at 11:43 PM
    #141
    vijay

    vijay [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I will be camping out before I go out for sure...NorCal rarely gets cold. I may have to drive over to Yosemite or Tahoe.
     
  2. Nov 3, 2015 at 5:54 AM
    #142
    R0dzilla75

    R0dzilla75 Well-Known Member

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    This post needs to be stickied somewhere. I personally don't have the stones to take such risk, but good luck and stay safe. Follow this mans advice.
     
  3. Nov 3, 2015 at 6:17 AM
    #143
    Arctic

    Arctic Member

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    5. Army surplus is just that. Army surplused for a reason. Better than nothing. But not what you need. And don't forget it gets colder than -35. Look up Woods. Do some more research on this. You might be very thankful you did.

    8. Go Find a big truck stop. They will sell them there or know who or where to get one installed, and the lic etc to use it. The ones from REI are not what I mean. Try the truck stop. You can do the trip with out it. You could listen in on conversations. But most companies have their "own" channels, and won't want to talk with strangers on it. The rest of the trucks usually don't say much. Sat phone will serve you much better.

    13. Don't know. Probably. Or buy one that you know will work when you need it. Get Iridium. Not global star. Again twice the price. But global star does not work up there. I don't care who tells you what about it either. They don't work. Trust me. It's too far north for them.

    18. Order it off eBay. I'm sure you can find one there. Even your local Toyota dealer should be able to help you with this. Try Canadian Tire. It is a large chain in Canada that has a large automotive department. Order it online from them. Or stop at one on your way. They are like Walmart up here, everywhere.


    When are you planning on going?
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2015
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  4. Nov 3, 2015 at 7:53 AM
    #144
    40950

    40950 Well-Known Member

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    A buddy made the winter trip up the Alcan in a single wide SR5. Froze his giblets off in the canopy with a Lil Buddy Heater and was generally uncomfortable the whole way. Spend a full week out in the cold roughing it. While your there sitting in the Yosemite or High Tahoe cold heating up a hotdog on a stick, make a list of things, backup items, crap that's not going to work that can be left behind, ect.

    The comfort level bottoms out on that/those highways,,the endless dirt lane, relentless cold, damn heater wont adjust right. A big culture shock to some about 1/2 way thru. Prepare for long drives and idle time to warm up and as you wait for the road(s) to reopen.

    Passport needed? That can take a bit of time,,weeks, months. Are you packing a firearm for protection?. Read up on that and know your rights, what you need in your wallet for that, ect.

    I see Army Surplus sleeping bag and I wince. I have a Army surplus winter coat and it's barely a windbreaker. How much was that sucker?,,can you spring for another to double wrap. At least grab a couple of there full wool blankets and treat those like precious items, as they are.
     
  5. Nov 3, 2015 at 8:49 AM
    #145
    Harry

    Harry Science, Bitches

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    Canadian customs doesn't take too kindly to transporting firearms through their country. You need to ship to a FFL in AK if you want to pack that kind of heat.

    On keeping warm, I use candle lanterns for winter camping. In tents I don't worry about CO buildup, but I imagine if one keeps a window cracked in the cab you will be fine. It's pretty amazing how much heat a candle lantern will add to a small space.
     
  6. Nov 3, 2015 at 9:50 AM
    #146
    Arctic

    Arctic Member

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    You can enter Canada with firearms. And carry them through to Alaska. Call ahead to Canada customs and make sure you have the appropriate documents, procedures, and proper storage for it prior to entering Canada. But remember, you are entering a foreign country. You have no firearms rights. Only privileges if you meet the requirements.

    Candle lantern??? I'm not sure you guys are getting the picture here....

    You're in for a learning experience!


    Canada customs: make sure you do not have any criminal offences, even something like a DUI, can get you a refusal to enter Canada. You can get waivers ahead of time. And no matter what you do, don't lie to them about anything. They will usually work with you if you are up front and honest.

    I am assuming you have a passport.
     
    Crom likes this.
  7. Nov 3, 2015 at 10:08 AM
    #147
    Harry

    Harry Science, Bitches

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    Should have been more specific. Hunting rifles are pretty easy to get permit for. Handguns, not so much...

     
  8. Nov 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM
    #148
    Arctic

    Arctic Member

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    On the subject of firearms.

    If you're not familiar with them, the best to use is a shot gun. Easy to point and shoot. No aiming required. Hand guns are not a good idea. Unless you really know what you're doing. And a 44 is pretty hard to handle with mitts on.

    Even if you shoot one with something highpowered. Griz or polar, they probably won't go down right away. They will have a lot of fight left in them. A shot gun blast will work as a good deterrent.

    But as I said earlier, I wouldn't get hung up on a firearm. Nice to have if you can swing it though.
     
  9. Nov 3, 2015 at 3:18 PM
    #149
    ssanders2211

    ssanders2211 Well-Known Member

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    behind the rear seat hi-lift mount bracket, easy-out crossbed toolbox brackets, sliders, ATO plate rear bumper, hood/bed lighting, always-on 12v outlets, dashcam, Viper 5806V w/ GPS
    These are nice to have when you're out in the middle of nowhere:
    http://www.findmespot.com/en/

    It's a 1-way communication but you can have it send out tracking info every 10 mins, 2 different preprogrammed messages on command, and an SOS message. If you hit the last one the folks at SPOT will figure out who the nearest law enforcement/ EMS / SAR team is and tell them you're in trouble and where to find you. You'll need to use Energiser Lithium batteries because it needs a solid 1.5 volts to run and alkalines don't deliver that for very long. I usually get about 4-6 days out of a set of batteries if I leave it on tracking mode for 10 hours a day and then turn it off at camp.
     
    Theloraxcross likes this.
  10. Nov 3, 2015 at 3:32 PM
    #150
    Arctic

    Arctic Member

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    Good call.
    Yes these are a great idea. FOrgot about those. I have one from when they first came out. Truth be told I never carry it anymore. Just a sat phone.

    But apparently the new ones, you can use with a smart phone and send text messages. Good alternative to sat phones.
     
  11. Nov 3, 2015 at 3:52 PM
    #151
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    slide-in camper, OME Nitros w 884's and Dakars, Michelin A/T2, Pro EFX heated towing mirrors, Timbren HD bumpstops, KB VooDoo bed rails and tailgate cap, ImMrYo rvm bracket, G-Tek Fab door sill protectors, Ultragauge, window visors, hood deflector, Wet Okole seatcovers, in-vehicle safe.
    I have a Delorme InReach messager and its amazing. It has the SOS feature so you can call for help in an emergency. It goes to their command center and they send help. It has 2 way text messaging capabilities so you can be contacted for emergencies as well as calling out for help. In an SOS situation this is great because the call center can ask you for details that will help with rescue. I have found Sat phones unreliable. This thing is amazing. Also gives you your GPS coordinates speed, alt, etc. They're pretty cheap and plans are only 16 bucks a month or suspend usage for 4 bucks in the months you aren't using it. Lots of other features as well.

    http://www.mec.ca/product/5033-920/delorme-inreach-se/?q=delorme+inreach

    even great for traveling on Hwys with no cell service if you have a break down, come across an accident or are in one yourself and need to call for EMS/tow/cops/etc.

    Pretty cheap safety measure. Worth its weight in gold as far as i'm concerned.
     
    Arctic[QUOTED] and DoorDing like this.
  12. Nov 3, 2015 at 3:52 PM
    #152
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    beat me to it.
     
  13. Nov 3, 2015 at 3:54 PM
    #153
    vijay

    vijay [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hello team, Let's leave all the firearm discussions out. I will not be carrying one.
     
  14. Nov 3, 2015 at 4:00 PM
    #154
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    There's the SE (which I have) and the Explorer. Both give coordinates and can connect to a smart phone through bluetooth to project your location onto the mapping app but only the Explorer allows you to pre-load waypoints onto the map on the GPS device and the app. If you're using it to navigate predetermined routes or locations, I would spend the extra hundred bucks.

    The SE does allow you to drop pins on the map but it doesnt allow preloading on the device or provide you with directions to get to a waypoint. Ff that's important to you, get the explorer.

    The messaging system works great. You can set it up to check for new messages constantly or at pre-set intervals like 2 mins, 5 min, 2 hrs, etc.
     
  15. Nov 3, 2015 at 4:36 PM
    #155
    Arctic

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    I like that even better. I'd still prefer a phone personally, you can use data, talk, etc etc.. But for a general purpose safety line. That looks real good to me. Iridium system too. It'll work all the way.
     
  16. Nov 3, 2015 at 11:42 PM
    #156
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    I think they say it lasts 100 hrs even when you are using it to upload your tracks at 20 min intervals. I wasn't using it for that, and brought along one of these for a backup for emergencies.

    http://www.amazon.ca/ALLPOWERS-Port...2873&sr=8-2&keywords=portable+battery+charger
     
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  17. Nov 4, 2015 at 10:05 AM
    #157
    40950

    40950 Well-Known Member

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    Didn't mean to shoot that idea down. Personally, I wouldn't set foot up there without. Other animals besides bears that could be a cause for concern. The ultimate goal is to have a safe trip.
     
  18. Nov 4, 2015 at 4:33 PM
    #158
    cc350

    cc350 Retired Member

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    This is all good advise, be wise and prepared for the worst. My Aunt lives in Fairbanks and she has told us Horror stories of us lower 48ers visits. She has stated that many folks have their generators stolen while sleeping, so cable it. Bears yes you are food. Battery heaters are good to have also. A good solar panel is wise to for the sunny days. Deep cell batteries as backups. A 12volt heated blanket as backup. Can say enough about lots of water. Good tires are a must with spares(2). Add a lock box for Cash. Bring extra wipers, belt,fluids. air pump and recovery items. Be safe and have fun. Lots of pictures of the journey to be posted we hope.
     
  19. Nov 4, 2015 at 10:59 PM
    #159
    JeffreyB

    JeffreyB Well-Known Member

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    You won't need one anyway. Bears are smart enough to not be out and about in December in Alaska.
     
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  20. Nov 4, 2015 at 11:02 PM
    #160
    Mxpatriot

    Mxpatriot Well-Known Member

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    I would be leery of shutting the truck off in remote Alaskan wilderness in December. Just bring enough fuel to idle through the night. That solves your heat and your restarting issue. Idling burns about half a gallon per hour.

    Do yourself a favor and buy a DeLorme InReach. It's a satellite based rescue device that can also send text messages.
     

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