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I'm moving to Alaska and have a question

Discussion in 'Alaska' started by nazlax10, Oct 31, 2016.

  1. Nov 1, 2016 at 9:54 AM
    #21
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    I'm sure of it, but I would never want to live there. Nothing personal, but it's just not the type of place for me.
     
  2. Nov 1, 2016 at 10:25 AM
    #22
    Sandyman

    Sandyman Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! Local guy, Ray(Ghost), is da bomb. I'm still thinking about a re-do to subdued/flat black only.

    When you scheduled to arrive?
     
  3. Nov 1, 2016 at 10:27 AM
    #23
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    That would look really good! Middle of February. No better time to move from Nebraska to Alaska than in the winter I guess haha
     
  4. Nov 1, 2016 at 10:45 AM
    #24
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT Well-Known Member

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    Generally block heaters pull about 10-12 amps, near the top of allowable per typical residential circuit. You should be fine doing as I said and hooking both up to 1 plug. Please don't cut and solder the wires.

    Not sure why you chose that cord... It won't connect the two heaters to an electrical source.
    Also, bump up the capacity of the cord you are connecting them to, I'd go with at least 15 Amp rated.
    Something like this is what I'd recommend. https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacke...qid=1478022245&sr=1-4&keywords=3+way+splitter
     
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    #24
  5. Nov 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM
    #25
    AKCD

    AKCD Well-Known Member

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    If I remember correctly, OE Toyota block heaters are more in the realm of 400-500 watts, so more around a 4 amp draw on the higher side. Even with the pan heater added in you'll have no issues with current draw. If you want to combine them, what you've drawn is correct, but I would use an adapter as shown above for simplicity. You can probably find one without the cable and just a straight adapter at home depot or lowes.
     
  6. Nov 1, 2016 at 11:40 AM
    #26
    ajhod

    ajhod Active Member

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    Hey Brother-I was stationed at JBER for about 4 years. We had a VW TDI (Diesel) and a VW Golf (Gas). Neither one had an block heater and neither one needed it. The weather in Anchorage is pretty moderate for AK due to your proximity to the Cook Inlet. Occasionally -18 for a week or so, but normally it's not any colder than NY or NH. If you have a garage-no problem. If you park outside, we still never had a problem. The block heater is a nicety but don't spend a huge amount of money on it.
     
    robm7 likes this.
  7. Nov 1, 2016 at 11:42 AM
    #27
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    After speaking with other members it seems that I wasn't informed correctly to what I'll actually need. I think I'll just go with the block heater as a "just in case". I plan on using the plug with the cover as a cleaner look as opposed to the plug hanging out of the grill.
     
    SnowroxKT[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Nov 1, 2016 at 11:45 AM
    #28
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    Awesome, I appreciate the info. My wife and I will be spitting garage time so I'll just go with the block heater and call that good. I already have a remote starter too. Heated seats, and mirrors are next.
     
  9. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:25 PM
    #29
    ajhod

    ajhod Active Member

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    PSH...on the Army side we are Arctic Warriors! Arctic Tough! No need for remote start, heated seats and other automotive snivel gear. ;-) I'm kidding about that btw. Heated seats and heated mirrors are among my must have for an AK car. We're moving back in a few years and I made SURE I got both in our new Subaru and in our new Tacoma. I never went with an auto start because the mechanic at the dealership up there told me it wasn't good for the vehicle to start and just sit to warm up. It is convenient though and I sure wished I had it a number of nights.

    On a big plus-you will LOVE Anchorage and LOVE JBER. It's the best place I've ever been stationed. It's the only USAF run base I've ever been stationed on, but I can say-the Air Force does a very nice job with facilities and family support on that airbase. Can't say that enough. MUCH better than Army posts. Get up to Talkeetna and Denali National Park and down to the Kenai and Homer as soon as you can.
     
  10. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:32 PM
    #30
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    Haha yea I'm originally from Alabama so I'm all in for anything warm lol. The Air Force definitely does look out for their people. When people are happy, there's no worries about completing the mission. I'll definitely check all those places out. I'll have about a year of OJT, so maybe after that.
     
  11. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:38 PM
    #31
    Braindead

    Braindead Well-Known Member

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    I lived in Anchorage. That is where the state bird is nested. It is called the GaGa bird. It is easily recognized by it's cry.....GaGaGadamn it's cold!!!
    It must have warmed up a lot since I was there. In the mornings, rubber tires had flat spots, frost had to scrapped off of the inside of the windshield. My car needed oil everyday. I had to warm the oil can up, put it under my coat, run for the driveway and pour before it became syrup. When you pissed outside, it never hit the ground. Folks, I am not kidding.
     
  12. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:42 PM
    #32
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Depends.

    AF = 39

    Army = 35

    Navy = 34

    Marines = 28

    Unless you're talking about a revolutionary militia. They'll take everyone who can breathe.
     
  13. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:47 PM
    #33
    ajhod

    ajhod Active Member

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    One thing no one has mentioned-pick yourself up a set of REALLY good snow tires. 4 of them-not just 2 for the drive wheels. I ran Nokian Hakkapolittas and Blizzaks on our vehicles up there. When we move back I'm getting studded Hakkapolittas (I'm assuming they make them) for the Tacoma probably. If you have the extra money now, buy them from tire rack or similar in the lower 48, get them shipped to your lower 48 address and have the military move them up to AK for you. Snow tires (along with everything else) cost more up in AK and Tirerack and online sellers will either charge you a ridiculous amount of freight to deliver or simply won't deliver to AK at all.
     
    N8ivFlav likes this.
  14. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:50 PM
    #34
    ajhod

    ajhod Active Member

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    We did PT outside every single day during my almost 4 years in AK. Wasn't cold enough to stop us! Our vehicles never needed anything during the winter other than extreme low temp windshield washer fluid.
     
  15. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:53 PM
    #35
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    Well played sir!
     
  16. Nov 1, 2016 at 1:56 PM
    #36
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    Thank you for the advice. I actually already bought 5 blizzaks about two weeks ago since winter was coming soon in Nebraska. I know, I know, overkill. If you're going to do something though, do it right.
     
    ajhod[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Nov 2, 2016 at 4:41 AM
    #37
    Braindead

    Braindead Well-Known Member

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    I did not get real cold wearing a military field jacket with a liner. It was my car that was the problem. Military equipment was winterized for extreme cold.
    I played some football and got frosted lung twice.....slow learner.
     
  18. Nov 2, 2016 at 5:47 AM
    #38
    N8ivFlav

    N8ivFlav Well-Known Member

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    Might want to look into getting a remote start for your vehicle too, those are handy up here
     
  19. Nov 2, 2016 at 6:14 AM
    #39
    nazlax10

    nazlax10 [OP] Check out my build thread for any products used!

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nazlax10s-build.408318/
    Luckily I installed one of those about a year ago. Love having it!
     
  20. Nov 2, 2016 at 10:18 AM
    #40
    ajhod

    ajhod Active Member

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    Can you post after you've driven the Blizzaks on the Tacoma for a while? I'd like to get some intel on how they work out for you. I liked them on my front wheel drive VW Golf, but a rear wheel drive truck is a different animal. Blizzaks are among the most respected non-studded snow tires in AK though.
     
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