- The best solution for diesel engines in cold is a diesel preheater - Change engine oil to 0W30 - Use winter tires. AT or even more MT harden and become like a stone - Small propane bottles do not work fine on low temperatures because pressure in a bottle goes down too fast, use big propane bottles or a liquid stove Be careful Chad. Greetings from Russia.
O/30 weight oil is far too thin for diesel engines of any size.The Mercedes 3.0 liter that’s in Chads van uses 15/40 oil and the lowest you can ever go is 5/40 which is fine to -45.The flow weight is the first number and 5 weight is safe-o weight is not.
Channels like yours and Tiny Home Tours have been great showcases of people fully embracing van life and not just being trendy with it. You have to think deeply about design and the systems in place when you're doing this stuff for the long haul. Excellent!
Chad, you never cease to amaze me. The thoroughness of your plan and the prep work you are putting in is exceptional. I'll be following your adventures closely over the next few months. Best of luck for a safe and fulfilling journey!
I think the most important thing about your channel and content is that you inspire people to live free, live the life that they wanna live and on their own terms, Thank You!
Heat tape for plumbing pipes is great. It has a built in thermostat which turns on the tape at freezing temperatures. I’ve also used roof ice dam wire under the mattress and under floor carpets for warm floors as well as around the tanks etc. 400watts both units. Nice rig. Dream setup
I've followed you for years and love love all your adventures including this one, Chad! I love how real they feel! I prefer hearing only the sounds of your adventures and think you do not need to add music. Your adventures are symphonic per se!
Hey Chad you’re the BOSS of Vanlife all the channels that I’ve seen yours is the only one that keeps me watchn like I’m at the movies & I’m so glad that you do the wild shit you do!! 😂 7:04
For heating the garage, you can get (in the UK anyway) tube heaters that are sub 100W, don't take up too much space and would be a lot more durable than your incandescent bulbs. Just a thought for next time! 😀
"Chance favours the prepared" - Louis Pasteur. Remote monitoring temps is a great idea. Garage temps start dropping = burnt out lightbulb. With everything you've done, the one thing left in my mind is the diesel engine itself. That stuff turns to sterno jelly in cold temps, ice crystals try to get through your fuel filter, and the glow plugs struggle with cold starts. Put a fresh fuel filter in, and pack some anti-gel additives. Trucks will sometimes just idle rather than risk shutting down their rig. They'll be using winter diesel up north by the time you go so that helps. Fair winds and plowed roads Chad!
Your footage and cinematic sequences are breathtaking sir! As many comments echo, I'm sure, you inspire me with your art. Thank you for all you put into this and putting yourself out there. Cheers.
It really like your grill cover solution. The grommets will keep those zip ties from tearing through the neoprene. Looks professional! Your skid plate probably keeps things a little warmer than stock which is also beneficial where you’re going.
Love, love, love this look into the van prep! Genius idea with the sleeping bag tucked under the mattress and draped down. I'm going to be using that one :)
Can`t wait to follow you on the way to the Arctic Ocean. Good luck. You are very courageous. I appreciate a lot the time and effort you do for showing us these videos.
Chad, great prep work for the adventure, because it’s really important. I lived near the Arctic circle for 6 years. In the coldest of winter, if you breakdown on a remote ice road and you’re not fully prepared, people don’t survive. There’s many stories of it occurring. Your preparation and the fact that everyone helps each other in the North will ensure it’s a thrilling experience. Looking forward to the series. Godspeed!
Hello Chad, recently your content has changed and now you show a lot of driving and talking in your videos. The part i liked the most was when you actually showed the cooking of your meals and eating them inside and outside the van. I am glad you have returned and hope to watch this 2nd Trek to the north, I cant wait. But please include some of the meals, i am missing that part nowadays, thanks for the video bro.
I'm super excited to follow along here as you head north! One suggestion would be to cut at least 2 covers for the front of your van. Always need a backup.
Great video. One suggestion would be to use a Thermo cube plug in for the shop light It plugs into the outlet and has a temperature sensor that allows anything plugged into it to go on at 32 and off at something like 42. That way it wouldn’t need to be on all the time
Just a tip on your incandescent lamp cargo heater. Household incandescent lamps have fragile filaments. They're made to operate in a static environment. Dinamic environments like your van will cause your lamp to burn out quickly. So carry plenty spare lamps...
What an awsome adventure! I apperciate how you take the time to properly prepare for such a journey. Thinking about all the posssible problems and solving them before its to late. I live just across the USA/ Canada boarder from you so I'm kinda a neighbour of sorts seeing you have nearly 3/4 of a million subscribers . All the best in your sojourn .
Engine covers are available at least here in Finland. I bought my own from Mercedes dealer. Also I have 2 Eberspächer heaters connected to radiator heating systems. The second could be replaced with Alde propane heater and heat exchanger. Then there is two kind of benefit. When an engine is warm it heats also the living/cargo space and when Alde warms the living space it also warms the engine.
I drove up to Fairbanks Alaska from Northern Minnesota in January about 12 or 13 years ago. I worked up there in an auto body shop. When I was up there it was 55 below and a chipped a tooth off my flywheel because like an idiot. I just had my block heater plugged in and nothing else. I didn't have anything else. And I hit the key to start it and it was a no-go. I ended up buying what was called an Arctic cold weather package. I had a oil pan heater like yours. A transmission pan heater. And a small battery heater that went under the battery. I even thought about getting a couple of those for my transfer case and my rear diff cover but I didn't. But I'll tell you what, when that thing was plugged in and it was 50 below with no windshield. Just straight 50 below, as long as my truck was plugged in it started no problem!
Alright Chad I’m a viewer from County Durham in the North East of England. A long way from anything “Living The Van Life” But your content brings me right into those amazing places you get to. I love to see Utah and your winter adventures in Washington State. Looking foreword to your upcoming Arctic series. Keep up the great work and Keep On Trucking. 💪
Put your extra light bulbs in a padded lunch bag for extra protection for the bumpy roads. Satellite phone, a GPS personal locator are great redundancy to pair with the Star Link. I also suggest 2 sets of wiper blades extra - redundancy for extra protection. How about a quilt shield for the grill? Add magnets to attach it the van.
Some suggestions from a Minnesota guy that icefishes at -40+. Insulate the underside of the van as much as possible, spray foam is an option or adhesive backed flexible foam. Look at putting a small heating pad on your DEF fluid tank as well. Rainx works great on window shields and plastic headlights/fog lights for ice and snow. You may want to add removable/velcro vents openings on your front grill shield, help you regulate temperatures. Had power steering fluid freeze once because of the cold and wind at -40, hope your grill shield prevents that. Watched your other trip, very nicely done, best of luck on this trip, look forward to watching. 😊
I remember last year's Arctic journey -- beyond words, so beautiful. Chad, make this 2023 adventure at least 12 hours long... I can't wait to immerse myself in it!! BTW, this prep video was highly interesting. I think every van owner can get something out of it, even if they don't trek to the conditions you will face.. 🙃🙂
I'm sitting in the warm, cozy living room and still have chicken skin... the reason is the trailer for the new arctic series... WOW !;-) All the best, take care and best wishes from switzerland...!
OH man....... I can't wait. I did the trip to Tuk August of 2022 and it was fantastic. Your winter trip was so cool to watch. I'm on the edge of my seat! t
Love your channel! Just a reminder that rubber being a perfect fit at very cold temps it could be a bit more brittle and not as flexible. Be safe on this trip!! Keep up the great work!
A good thing to note. As opposed to other block heating solutions, properly setup oil heaters that sit in the pan can be used while the engine is operating. Useful to know if you're having issues keeping the block warm while moving.
- The best solution for diesel engines in cold is a diesel preheater
- Change engine oil to 0W30
- Use winter tires. AT or even more MT harden and become like a stone
- Small propane bottles do not work fine on low temperatures because pressure in a bottle goes down too fast, use big propane bottles or a liquid stove
Be careful Chad. Greetings from Russia.
Solid advice!
I’ll take this info with me on my drive up there at the end of this year! Thank you for the advice
O/30 weight oil is far too thin for diesel engines of any size.The Mercedes 3.0 liter that’s in Chads van uses 15/40 oil and the lowest you can ever go is 5/40 which is fine to -45.The flow weight is the first number and 5 weight is safe-o weight is not.
I like this behind the scenes prep video. Top notch!
Hope this is the best adventure yet, Chad. Stay safe. Can’t wait to see it.
Channels like yours and Tiny Home Tours have been great showcases of people fully embracing van life and not just being trendy with it. You have to think deeply about design and the systems in place when you're doing this stuff for the long haul. Excellent!
If those 2 minutes of the trailer are anything to go by, this is going to be amazing !
Looking forward to viewing !
Fascinating look at all your prep. Really looking forward to this second trip north!
Your story telling, cinematography, music and editing, make your videos some of the best I have ever seen on UT. Fantastic, cant wait for the vids.
Chad, you never cease to amaze me. The thoroughness of your plan and the prep work you are putting in is exceptional. I'll be following your adventures closely over the next few months. Best of luck for a safe and fulfilling journey!
Thanks for watching! Cheers!
Danke für diesen Beitrag. War sehr lehrreich. Gruß aus Germany Uwe. Top!
This is going to be beyond EPIC !!! Thank you for sharing this with us.
I think the most important thing about your channel and content is that you inspire people to live free, live the life that they wanna live and on their own terms, Thank You!
Thank you for this video! We are getting our van ready for ski trips. You are such a big help with this detail!
Really enjoyed you walking us through how you packed. Really helps.
LOVING that this series is back!! Congrats Chad!!
I live vicariously through your videos. I cannot wait to go with you minus the frigid cold.
Im so excited Chad. You are the man, Return to the Artic part 2......🥶
Peace out, keep on Truckin ✌🏻
Heat tape for plumbing pipes is great. It has a built in thermostat which turns on the tape at freezing temperatures. I’ve also used roof ice dam wire under the mattress and under floor carpets for warm floors as well as around the tanks etc. 400watts both units. Nice rig. Dream setup
I can´t wait! Never stop filling peoples life´s with dreams Chad!
I can't wait for this Chad. Thank you for taking us along .❄☃️❄
Chad, it touched my heart how you opened your heart to the artic dogs and fed them, provided warmth in your van..bless you❤
I've followed you for years and love love all your adventures including this one, Chad! I love how real they feel! I prefer hearing only the sounds of your adventures and think you do not need to add music. Your adventures are symphonic per se!
You are SOMETHING. MAN... My respects.
Great prep video and really innovative ideas! Looking forward to the next episode!
Hello from france!❤ love your vidéos, thank you ❤....on the road agaaaaaaain !!!
Good morning Chad love your van life videos. The landscapes are amazing so beautiful. Be safe 💫✨
Good night 😅
Hey Chad you’re the BOSS of Vanlife all the channels that I’ve seen yours is the only one that keeps me watchn like I’m at the movies & I’m so glad that you do the wild shit you do!! 😂 7:04
For heating the garage, you can get (in the UK anyway) tube heaters that are sub 100W, don't take up too much space and would be a lot more durable than your incandescent bulbs. Just a thought for next time! 😀
I was about to mention the same thing, just installed a 40watt version near to my boiler and water system in my van.
Very well prepared 🤜🤛
Good ideas in your battery area , I would suggest rough duty bulbs for your drop light . Also good luck on your journey to the Arctic !
Yes. The rough duty bulbs are better.
"Chance favours the prepared" - Louis Pasteur. Remote monitoring temps is a great idea. Garage temps start dropping = burnt out lightbulb. With everything you've done, the one thing left in my mind is the diesel engine itself. That stuff turns to sterno jelly in cold temps, ice crystals try to get through your fuel filter, and the glow plugs struggle with cold starts. Put a fresh fuel filter in, and pack some anti-gel additives. Trucks will sometimes just idle rather than risk shutting down their rig. They'll be using winter diesel up north by the time you go so that helps.
Fair winds and plowed roads Chad!
Your footage and cinematic sequences are breathtaking sir! As many comments echo, I'm sure, you inspire me with your art. Thank you for all you put into this and putting yourself out there. Cheers.
It really like your grill cover solution. The grommets will keep those zip ties from tearing through the neoprene. Looks professional!
Your skid plate probably keeps things a little warmer than stock which is also beneficial where you’re going.
Love, love, love this look into the van prep! Genius idea with the sleeping bag tucked under the mattress and draped down. I'm going to be using that one :)
Love, Love Love, the preparation videos! Thanks again for taking us with you on your adventures!
You are a legitimate movie maker, your cinematic filming style is awe inspiring and breath taking. I'm excited to watch the series!
One thing that always helped me was spraying the door seals with silicone lube. Helps the seal and also helps the doors from freezing shut.
One of my favorite channels by far....I always watch from beginning to end. Can't wait for another cold trip.
Can`t wait to follow you on the way to the Arctic Ocean. Good luck. You are very courageous. I appreciate a lot the time and effort you do for showing us these videos.
Chad, great prep work for the adventure, because it’s really important. I lived near the Arctic circle for 6 years. In the coldest of winter, if you breakdown on a remote ice road and you’re not fully prepared, people don’t survive. There’s many stories of it occurring. Your preparation and the fact that everyone helps each other in the North will ensure it’s a thrilling experience. Looking forward to the series. Godspeed!
Thanks for the great feedback Cheers!
this reminded me of the time and why i used to binge watch the videos of your previous expedition. Some quality stuff!
Great Job On Preparations !! All The Best For Your Adventure Chad. Can’t Wait To Watch The Arctic Tour Next Week. Good Luck . Stay Safe And Warm.
Please go up in the summer time. Most beautiful landscape 😊 it’s fun in winter but green summer oh boy!! What scenery.
Block heater is a good idea. I’m surprised you didn’t go with a diesel hydronic heater. Love your work. Let the binging begin. 😊
Ebesbacher S3!
Sure looks like you have thought of everything. Looking forward to the video. Have fun and be Safe!
I’m soooooo looking forward to seeing this, welcome back!!
🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
It's almost like the preparation is as fun as the journey.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Hello Chad, recently your content has changed and now you show a lot of driving and talking in your videos. The part i liked the most was when you actually showed the cooking of your meals and eating them inside and outside the van. I am glad you have returned and hope to watch this 2nd Trek to the north, I cant wait. But please include some of the meals, i am missing that part nowadays, thanks for the video bro.
Ultimate adventure van. All designed by you👍
Thanks for watching!
I'm super excited to follow along here as you head north! One suggestion would be to cut at least 2 covers for the front of your van. Always need a backup.
34:46 that is perfection 😢❤
My favorite van life channel by far!! Good luck, and look forward for more new adventure!
LTVL winter content is what made me fall in love with your content in the first place, can't wait to see that adventure :).
I’m super stoked about this! Can’t wait to follow your journey, Saturday, the 25th is my birthday! What a cool birthday gift 😂🎉
Holy smokes! You got it going on and ready!! Can't wait 😊
Great video. One suggestion would be to use a Thermo cube plug in for the shop light
It plugs into the outlet and has a temperature sensor that allows anything plugged into it to go on at 32 and off at something like 42. That way it wouldn’t need to be on all the time
yep they work well
I've been so much looking forward to the return of the Arctic! Can't wait for it. Travel safe choom!
A oil pan heater, incandescent bulbs (a few), starlink and recovery gear is all that's needed for a trek into the arctic.. I'm takin notes!
Will be following along. Enjoy and stay safe on this adventure.
Just a tip on your incandescent lamp cargo heater.
Household incandescent lamps have fragile filaments. They're made to operate in a static environment. Dinamic environments like your van will cause your lamp to burn out quickly. So carry plenty spare lamps...
MAN, can't wait for this epic journey to begin!
That beast must be worth a small fortune,so good!
Awesome video!!! Anticipation is building up! Stay safe bro
Chad fabulous another journey to the Arctic looking forward to this one again
Safe travels. I will be watching.
What an awsome adventure! I apperciate how you take the time to properly prepare for such a journey. Thinking about all the posssible problems and solving them before its to late. I live just across the USA/ Canada boarder from you so I'm kinda a neighbour of sorts seeing you have nearly 3/4 of a million subscribers . All the best in your sojourn .
The last series up there was just epic. I can’t wait t see how this one goes. Slowly preparing mine to go see some Northern LIghts.
Engine covers are available at least here in Finland. I bought my own from Mercedes dealer. Also I have 2 Eberspächer heaters connected to radiator heating systems. The second could be replaced with Alde propane heater and heat exchanger. Then there is two kind of benefit. When an engine is warm it heats also the living/cargo space and when Alde warms the living space it also warms the engine.
Absolutely amazing informative video!. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Can't wait to watch the whole series!
Heading for perfection my Friend!!!!!
As always be safe brotha by far number one van “lifer” professional with outstanding intelligence 👍
I just started watching this series, and the filmography at the end, as well as your trailer...just amazing! 😍 Not to mention the editing.
I drove up to Fairbanks Alaska from Northern Minnesota in January about 12 or 13 years ago. I worked up there in an auto body shop. When I was up there it was 55 below and a chipped a tooth off my flywheel because like an idiot. I just had my block heater plugged in and nothing else. I didn't have anything else. And I hit the key to start it and it was a no-go. I ended up buying what was called an Arctic cold weather package. I had a oil pan heater like yours. A transmission pan heater. And a small battery heater that went under the battery. I even thought about getting a couple of those for my transfer case and my rear diff cover but I didn't. But I'll tell you what, when that thing was plugged in and it was 50 below with no windshield. Just straight 50 below, as long as my truck was plugged in it started no problem!
Alright Chad I’m a viewer from County Durham in the North East of England.
A long way from anything “Living The Van Life” But your content brings me right into those amazing places you get to. I love to see Utah and your winter adventures in Washington State. Looking foreword to your upcoming Arctic series.
Keep up the great work and Keep On Trucking. 💪
Can’t wait for next week. Keep up the great work it looks beautiful. Thank you, Chad.😎👍
Love the last series you done Chad and looking forward this one!
Put your extra light bulbs in a padded lunch bag for extra protection for the bumpy roads. Satellite phone, a GPS personal locator are great redundancy to pair with the Star Link.
I also suggest 2 sets of wiper blades extra - redundancy for extra protection. How about a quilt shield for the grill? Add magnets to attach it the van.
biennnn felicidades eso es vivir intensamente la vida como debe de ser aplaudo tu interés por elaborar y preparar todo eres ejemplo a seguir
Watched every minutes and seconds on this video, excellent stuff!!
Some suggestions from a Minnesota guy that icefishes at -40+. Insulate the underside of the van as much as possible, spray foam is an option or adhesive backed flexible foam. Look at putting a small heating pad on your DEF fluid tank as well. Rainx works great on window shields and plastic headlights/fog lights for ice and snow. You may want to add removable/velcro vents openings on your front grill shield, help you regulate temperatures. Had power steering fluid freeze once because of the cold and wind at -40, hope your grill shield prevents that. Watched your other trip, very nicely done, best of luck on this trip, look forward to watching. 😊
Cannot wait for this adventure trip brother looking forward to it!!
Top draw entertainment. I can’t wait to see this adventure in full.
Godspeed and all the best! Looking forward!
I remember last year's Arctic journey -- beyond words, so beautiful. Chad, make this 2023 adventure at least 12 hours long... I can't wait to immerse myself in it!! BTW, this prep video was highly interesting. I think every van owner can get something out of it, even if they don't trek to the conditions you will face.. 🙃🙂
What do you do for a living? Can you breakdown costs, please?
love the 360 degree ingenuity... checkered-flagged, good luck and break a leg 💪
Stay safe Brother! Looking forward to it!
I'm sitting in the warm, cozy living room and still have chicken skin... the reason is the trailer for the new arctic series... WOW !;-) All the best, take care and best wishes from switzerland...!
I'm ready & can't wait to ride along safe travels for sure
OH man....... I can't wait. I did the trip to Tuk August of 2022 and it was fantastic. Your winter trip was so cool to watch. I'm on the edge of my seat! t
Absolutely incredible.
Love your channel! Just a reminder that rubber being a perfect fit at very cold temps it could be a bit more brittle and not as flexible. Be safe on this trip!! Keep up the great work!
can't wait! be safe brother! 🙌💯🥶👍
Chad, can’t wait to go on another great adventure with you man! I know the camera work will be amazing!! Cheers, Joe
A good thing to note. As opposed to other block heating solutions, properly setup oil heaters that sit in the pan can be used while the engine is operating. Useful to know if you're having issues keeping the block warm while moving.
Awesome trailer, can't wait!
I am so excited! Will be with you every wheel turn of the way. Done my prep - fav tea mug ready, warm duvet, choccy biscuits, let's go Chad!
What a magical adventure is about to come !!! Stay safe and healthy you and your " beast" !!!
Cheers! Thanks for watching!
Can’t wait to see how the adventure unfolds
Good luck Chad. Looking forward to watching your adventure!
I watched the last trip and thoroughly enjoyed it! I can't wait to see this one. Best wishes, enjoy the experience but most importantly stay safe!!
Can't wait to watch this expedition