Prepping Tacoma for Cold (really cold)

Oh and don't cheap out on oil filters. I had a buddy who went to start his 4runner in -30 and the filter seal blew out on it and spewed out tons of oil.

He was even using an OEM filter so I'm not sure if it would've happened even sooner with a cheaper filter but it's something to keep in mind.

 

Make sure your spare tire is a good winter one, and check up on it regularly. Dont forget to bring a good quality extension cord for plugging the truck in.

 

wood kindling and matches when it gets that cold alot of guys in alberta working with oil and gas start fires under there trucks to warm the oil. good quality oil 5w-40.

 

Why are you suggesting 5W40? If any change from 5w30, I'd be going with 0W30, a bit pricey, but a good idea. Extreme cold is no time to run higher viscosity oil.

 

zip to Cambodian Tire and get an extra key and keep it in your wallet/packet/one of those little magnetic key holders. Useful when leaving your truck idling, and when you get a flat. Nothing worse than stepping out of your truck to look at a flat tire and find yourself wondering which window to break. Even if you never use it, it's worth the piece of mind.

 

This should do it:

 

Ice scraper is always in the truck Already used it twice this summer on hiking trips in the alpine!

I guess it is worth looking into a jump box, actually. Or at least like you said, a spare charged battery to keep in the bed. I run two sets of key fobs in winter already so I can lock my truck with the keys in the ignition for running errands or getting out quickly.

For the most part I'll be using the truck for exploring and groceries. Don't have to drive to work, so really just errands once or twice a week and the rest will be exploring, which I tend to do a lot.

 

This is EXACTLY what I want Very first thing I thought of when I got the job offer and started thinking about finally getting the excuse to start fiddling with big things on the truck. Sadly, flared fenders and those tires a tad out of my budget at the moment, as I seem to recall JC saying those tires were $1000/piece.

I'll make sure to get a picture or two of the Taco up north with the northern lights dancing above it!

 

^ I definitely recommend putting this oil in your truck. Living in northern Alberta where winter temperatures routinely drop below -30, this oil has made cold unaided starts a lot easier on my engine. I'm often parked in areas where there are no plug ins and this oil has never let me down.

Also, get yourself a new battery with some decent cold cranking amps. I'm running an Optima red top and its performance in the cold weather has actually really impressed me. Good luck!

 

Man I wish I could do the same my 06 if running the doors will not lock And stay locked.. Anyone know how to fix that issue????

 

Start with a set of these;

 

i'd do the Geolander tires there fantastic in the winter time, I'm going that way for my rig, couple of buddies have them and swear by them.\

Battery blanket for sure

 

I would buy a new battery and a battery blanket to start off with. Also, oil pan heater would work great. Dont forget survial gear, waterproof matches, subzero sleeping bag, candle, water, and food in case you break down. At
-30, my truck has a hard time starting when not plugged in. Good oil and a good battery with prevent that. As far as tires, I would suggest Goodyear Duratracs. Those are the best winter tire I have used here in AK. Get used to using your locker if your driving through deep snow.

 

anyone say Candles yet? the long burn candles from camping stores. keeps your whole car warm inside

and handfuls of gas-line antifreeze bottles.

 

X2, I've got this one from crappy tire: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...arter+with+Keyless+Entry+Remote.jsp?locale=en


Why I recommend:
- Kick-ass range (670m)
- Default idle of 15min, but you can change it
- Idle mode (push a button, and it will idle while your keys are out)
- LCD screen shows you how long left on your idle cycle
- "Cold Weather mode" - starts the truck every 2 hours for your idle time


You will need an ignition interface to bypass the key, but Crappy tire has them too.

 

As Matt was saying about the oil filters, I only run royal purple fluids in my truck as well as filters. As far as filter material they're not much different than any other, but they are the stoutest ones on the market. Even in Chris4x4's notorious filter video he said it was the hardest one to get into. Build quality matters.

 

I suggest changing the oil about every 2,500-3,000 miles rather then the recommended 5,000 due to ALL of the idle time you will be doing. Plus, a little more wear on the detergents in the oil when it is thickening and thinning out all the time. Rather then tire chains, get studded tires. You can actually drive at a decent speed with them on, and you don't have to keep taking them on and off. It is a pain in the asssssssssss when you have to put them on when it's snowing 2 feet, wind is blowing, and the snot is freezing to your upper lip before it reaches your mouth. Blizzacks are a VERY good non studded winter tire. You can usually get through 3 seasons on a set of newer studded tires.
Also, don't be a dumb ass and use your wipers to clean the ice off your windshield! You will go through wipers like crazy. Might as well run sand paper across the blade. Get a good ice scraper, gloves, hat, jacket, and boots.

Lt. Dan said it best! "Take care of your feet," is the most important.
Safe travels!

That makes me want ICE CREAM!

 

I've done quite a bit of both x-country skiing and snowshoeing, and will probably bring a pair of snow shoes with me, though by the sounds of it there's less deep deep snow than you'd think there would be. More wind-swept snowy tundra.

As for the recommendations for oil: My plan is to do an oil change after the drive up there in Sept. and switch to a 0W-30 for the winter. I've always steered clear of the cheapo filters, especially on my daily drivers. The increased oil change intervals is an interesting note, because as you say i'll be idling a lot more than usual. Will have to keep to that!

Tires i'm still thinking i'll go for the Treadwright Wardens with their Kedge grip, as well as carry chains. I dont think i'll be wanting for more traction than that while up north, my only worry is coming back down through BC where the snow gets wet. Planning on calling a tire shop up in Yellowknife and asking what they tend to sell the most of (studded, winter, or AT's) for truck tires.

 

As for all the comments about remote-start, I dont think i'll be going that route. As I said before, I wont be driving to work, so the truck will mostly be for errands and exploring (mostly exploring). I'm still young, so I can deal with running outside to start it up. I'd rather not spend the extra money on remote start, and it really is a creature comfort I don't feel I need.

I do however keep an extra set of keys hidden on the truck, as well as a spare at my house. In the past I've sewn my spare keys into my jacket while motorcycle touring, so I may decide to do that instead.