Sleeping inside the truck (Winter camping) heating needs

There's a lot of individual needs when it comes to sleeping bag but in those kinds of temps you want to make sure you get a bag that is EN rated with a comfort level rating of at least what you think the temps will be.

I have a -30 F bag from Cabela's that is plenty warm, but I'd likely use it in conjunction with at least a full set of heavier weight wool clothing on, including socks and a beanie of some kind.

 

I've used a Coleman Propane Catalytic Heater to keep warm inside the cab. Just keep a window cracked open.

 

Shugemery camps outside in a hammock during -40F winters in Minnesota.

He's worth watching for cold weather camping realities and tips. He's a circus performer of sorts and super high energy, so some may find him a little crazy - but he's funny, and better yet, is thoroughly experienced in all that is winter camping at extreme temps.

https://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery

 

Yup, putting TRD pro to good use...I mean it's also why I bought it.

 

Really ? You do know CO2 is heavier than air right ?
Hey any chance you can post pics of wife and how much she gets when you poison yourself ?




j/k
But seriously don't do this...

 

CO. But I second the conclusion.

 

/\ This. Our Trucks burn around 0.34 GPH of fuel when idle.
So for 8 hours of sleep
8*0.34 = 2.72 Gallons of fuel for each 8 hours of sleep and wake up with warm car ready to go.

 

I admit to having used propane in a tent for short periods of time but your blanket advice could kill the boy. Guessing on the fly whether one has complete or incomplete combustion and adequate ventilation for long periods in an enclosed space can lead to a very bad outcome. I would never use even an indoor rated heater in such a confined space overnight.
http://www.propane101.com/carbonmonoxideandpropane.htm
http://www.propanefl.com/safety_tips.htm
http://www.careheatingcooling.com/resources/carbon-monoxide/
http://www.propane.com/safety/safe-appliance-operation/
http://blog.propane.pro/blog/bringing-a-propane-heater-indoors-here-are-some-safety-tips-1230/
And about 1,000,000 similar links.

 

Seeing as you have a shell, why not load up your back seat with your gear and make room for yourself in the bed?

 

Hmm, this happens everytime I try to help. I certainly don't want to get anyone hurt or killed. Please disregard my advice.

 

Seriously, I was about to ask this question. What is the fuel consumption per hour with heater at lowest setting?

 

I pull the back seat bottom cushions out (3) 14mm bolts, fold down the seat backs to make a flat platform, I push the front pass seat all the way forward, fill in the void behind the seat with gear to make a flat platform. Deploy sleeping pad in diagonal orientation. I have used this configuration for years whenever doing solo 3+ night trips into back country.

I have thought about it. But I prefer the cab. The back of the truck has hi-lift, fridge, tool boxes with tools and spare parts, water, hiking / backpacking gear, and where the dirty messes go, etc. And while I feel I have done a more than normal job of weather sealing, keeping dust out of the back is an ever present battle going on (7) years now. Even in the cab dust is an issue, but less so than in the back.

This pic from Death Valley '09, my favorite place, has the finest dust I have ever experienced.

 

probably the same. Your truck maybe better since its newer, so just get scanguage and check your number, but I can tell you that your truck will be more efficient than generator + heater. Generator will lose heat to atmosphere and send you electricity. Engine will take all the heat and send it to you.

 

Hello team,
Here is my idea. I will take a electric heater that I will use inside the camper while cooking etc. I will run the engine for overnight stay (it should take less then 4 gallons and I will refill gas at Coldfoot). I priced some good sleeping bags and they are almost on par with Hotels(the only one where travelers can stay) at Prodhoe bay ( that too I may not get to stay depending on oil field employees). I have no use for a heavy sleeping bag except for this trip so I will save that money. Two sleeping bags stacked up and then a warm blanket ought to do the trick.

How difficult is to install? I never knew something like this existed!!! geez
Is it this easy...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5cr-WlOPs
But how will it measure exhaust temp etc with out sensors being installed, drilled etc?

 

Scanguage ?
http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii/

that plugs right into your OBDII port and you just set to read GPH. Once that done just let truck idle with everything off. Maybe except parking lights so people know where you parking or something but.
Try it few times to get proper reading.
Are you getting your truck prepped for winter there ?
Where are you know ?

 

I think we are moving in different directions. Scanguage will tell you how much fuel your truck is using when idle. Thats what you need to know how much extra fuel to carry on board.

 

What do I need to do to prepare for winter except block heater and battery heater?...My only experience in snow(other than two year stay in NJ) is Tahoe,CA (NorCal) and do not even plugin overnight...it just starts(BTW, our winter was very mild last year). I know someone asked me if I was going to install a radiator cover or block( that net thing)? . But I do not feel like I need that much protection if I plan on not turning off(or plug in to gen) at Prudhoe Bay. The following night I will be back to Fairbanks, AK (Hotel and better civilization).

Here is the trip...last leg only(FairBanks to Prudhoe Bay).

Day 1 :
Fairbanks to HotSpot Cafe (lunch)
HostSpotCafe Arctic circle mile marker F-199 (Photos photos and some more)
Mile marker to ColdFoot (Gas stop)
ColdFoot to DeadHorse (overnight).

Day 2: Rinse and repeat in reverse order.

 

You are probably better of asking that in Alaska section. I am in New England so I am not even close to temps in Alaska, but even here at -20F you need to cover atlast front grill so truck does not get overcooled.
Not sure how old is your truck but I would probably change to all synthetic oils.

 

Geez...not much.