Prepare For Your Trip

[dhalltoyo]

A winter accident could leave you stuck on the side of the road. Packing your truck with a few essentials will help keep you safe and ready for whatever conditions pop up on your trip.

• [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Keep the fuel tank at least half full throughout the winter. This will reduce condensation, making your truck easier to start on cold mornings. (Fueling up before you shut your truck down to rest is the best way to alleviate excessive condensation)[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]If you have a cell phone, make sure it's charged and bring it with you. A 12 volt charger for the phone is also a smart device to keep in the truck. [/FONT]

• [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Always store a snow/ice scraper and a shovel in your vehicle. A first aid kit is another must-have item to keep on hand. It should include all the usual items plus winter extras like flashlights, a fresh supply of batteries, blankets, matches, extra clothes, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Peanuts and granola bars are good protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods.[/FONT]

• [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]You might want to keep a small bag of sand in your truck to create traction under the tires if you get stuck. When empty, the bulk of a truck's weight is the engine and transmission. The heavy front end and light back end makes the truck prone to wheel spin in an ice- or snow-covered parking lot. [/FONT]

• [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Clear off your truck each time you go out for maximum visibility. Don't forget the hood and your head and taillights. Sure it takes a few extra moments, but it's better than dealing with an accident due to poor outward visibility. Also, leftover ice chunks from the roof or hood of the vehicle may become hazardous to yourself and those on the road around you while driving. [/FONT]

 

[layoutshooter]

Good ideas, I also carry extra water, a hatchet, small saw, and 3 days supply of dehidrated hikers foods. I have a space blanket, whistle and a signal mirror. Be sure to have boots, gloves and a REAL winter clothes, NOT K-Mart/Wally world junk. Layoutshooter

 

[LDB]

A lot of excellent advice. I've also heard of using cat litter for traction. I'm told it weighs less but does a good job.

 

[layoutshooter]

Kitty litter is good Leo, I have used it around the house before. Layoutshooter

 

[layoutshooter]

Another couple of tips. IF YOU DO GET STUCK, when running ANY engine for heat etc, leave a DOWNWIND window open a crack to allow for fresh and and lesson the chance of carbon monoxide build up. DO NOT forget to check the tail pipe on whatever engine/s you are running, keep them clear of snow and ice. Plugged pipes can be a REAL problem.
Keep some lights on so you can be seen by plows etc. Watch battery levels if not running an engine. Layoutshooter

 

[layoutshooter]

Don't forget matches, lighters fire starters etc. Maybe some high quality survival candles. A good candle in a large tomato can with a few holes around the top will throw light and keep a sleeper above freezing, even a very cold temps. I carry fireplace fire starters, the brick kind. I seal them with a vacuum sealer to keep them from getting on the other things and to keep the volitols from evaporating. I have put all my winter survival STUFF in a rubber maid tub. Keeps it dry and everything in one place. Layoutshooter

 

[butterfly610]

That's a good idea about keeping your cell phone charged. I never thought of that, cause I usually let it get low, and then charge it all the way, but with not knowing what can happen in wintertime, it is a really good idea to keep it charged. I always make sure we have extra water, food, and blankets...all good ideas from everyone.

 

[cheri1122]

Only one thing I'd add: something to occupy your mind during what could be a long wait for help. Books or magazines are ideal, because they won't drain the batteries. If you're not a 'reader', Sudoko (sp?) or 'Find a word' books can be useful, too.