Cold Weather Survival Tips for Truckers

[IR CookieMonster]

In this dangerous weather we are having I thought we could share some tips for surviving the cold with each other. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to kill you. Who know's it might save one of our lives or one of our family members.


What should we carry on us for example. I know the old time truckers use to carry a couple candles in case there truck broke down to keep warm. What do you do if your fuel gels up and your truck stalls out. You have no cell phone service. Maybe we could assemble some sort of trucking boards survival list. Anybody got any tips ?

[Tunnelratt]

Originally Posted by IR CookieMonster

In this dangerous weather we are having I thought we could share some tips for surviving the cold with each other. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to kill you. Who know's it might save one of our lives or one of our family members.


What should we carry on us for example. I know the old time truckers use to carry a couple candles in case there truck broke down to keep warm. What do you do if your fuel gels up and your truck stalls out. You have no cell phone service. Maybe we could assemble some sort of trucking boards survival list. Anybody got any tips ?

Candles are great and when u use them keep a bunk vent open to continuing getting oxygen if not u can sufficate.....

Next carry a simple power inverter u can get them at wal mart for 30.00 and plug it into ur cigerett lighter and plug a heating blanket in, the 8 batteries will last at least 48 hours....

Carry at least 2 bottles of rubbing alcohol it will work as an anti gel and unfreeze airlines and even geled fuel filters.....

Always carry extra clothes socks and food during the winter months, the best things are water and peanut butter for energy.....

Tools are also important at all time, nothing big a small kit from wal mart will do for the most part......

Iwill send more ideas as I think of them.....T

[IR CookieMonster]

Originally Posted by Tunnelratt

Next carry a simple power inverter u can get them at wal mart for 30.00 and plug it into ur cigerett lighter and plug a heating blanket in, the 8 batteries will last at least 48 hours....

That's a great idea ! You always have several people a year who get lost and then get stuck then end up freezing to death.

[kboomarang]

With some of the midwest states selling bio-diesel that seems to clog fuel filters real fast in the cold, bring a spare filter and jug of fuel for priming after a change. Also hand/ feet warmer packets used by winter sports lovers, those can be found in sporting goods depts. I always bring a high quality "mummy" sleeping bag and a " emergency snack bag". And unless someone is give a ride stay put, that cozy farm house you may see could alot further away than it looks!

[IR CookieMonster]

Originally Posted by kboomarang

With some of the midwest states selling bio-diesel that seems to clog fuel filters real fast in the cold, bring a spare filter and jug of fuel for priming after a change. Also hand/ feet warmer packets used by winter sports lovers, those can be found in sporting goods depts. I always bring a high quality "mummy" sleeping bag and a " emergency snack bag". And unless someone is give a ride stay put, that cozy farm house you may see could alot further away than it looks!

Good advice Kboomarang. I alway have several of those energy bars in my bag. You never know when your going to break down for half the day.

[kboomarang]

Another thing I forgot to mention if you're heading into sub-zero temps and last time you got fuel was in a warmer climate, stop and top-off with some #1, it will give you the protection of a winter blend. I've been watching temps and exhaust stack vapor and it seems that 0 to -5 the vapor will run the lenght of the trailer ,-10 to -15 about double of trailer lenght. I might be goofy but it seems to be so. I run the upper midwest.