Preparing for my Winter VanLife ARCTIC EXPEDITION | Living The Van Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- RETURN TO THE ARCTIC!
Join me as I prepare my 2020 Mercedes Sprinter Van 4x4 for my SECOND expedition to the Arctic, culminating in the furthest, most northern point in North America you can drive to, Deadhorse, Alaska! In this video, I'll take you through the meticulous steps I'm taking to ensure that both my vehicle and I are ready to tackle the extreme challenges of the Arctic winter.
From winterizing my van with specialized insulation, heating systems, and snow tires to packing essential gear and supplies, I'll show you every detail of my preparation process. You'll get a glimpse of the essential equipment I'm bringing, such as cold-weather clothing, survival gear, and camping essentials.
But that's not all - I'll also share valuable tips and insights on navigating the harsh Arctic conditions, staying safe, and making the most of this unique journey. Whether you're planning your own Arctic adventure or just curious about the preparations involved, this video is a must-watch!
Don't miss the chance to join me on this incredible expedition as we venture into the Arctic wilderness, pushing the limits of my trusty Sprinter van, and embracing the true spirit of adventure. Hit that like button, subscribe, and stay tuned for the full Arctic Expedition series! ❄️🚐🌟 #ArcticAdventure #SprinterVanExpedition #DeadhorseAlaska
- 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.
Danke für diesen Beitrag. War sehr lehrreich. Gruß aus Germany Uwe. Top!
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.
Fascinating look at all your prep. Really looking forward to this second trip north!
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 !
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!
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.
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
Really enjoyed you walking us through how you packed. Really helps.
Hello from france!❤ love your vidéos, thank you ❤....on the road agaaaaaaain !!!
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!
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.
Im so excited Chad. You are the man, Return to the Artic part 2......🥶
Peace out, keep on Truckin ✌🏻
Very well prepared 🤜🤛
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.
You are SOMETHING. MAN... My respects.
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.
Nice….. I wonder if a 2003 T1N can be prepare to such of great tour
Good morning Chad love your van life videos. The landscapes are amazing so beautiful. Be safe 💫✨
Good night 😅
Awesome. Great job. Not only great advice but great production with the pace and editing
This is going to be beyond EPIC !!! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Please go up in the summer time. Most beautiful landscape 😊 it’s fun in winter but green summer oh boy!! What scenery.
This is awesome!
"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!
Thank you for this video! We are getting our van ready for ski trips. You are such a big help with this detail!
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 live vicariously through your videos. I cannot wait to go with you minus the frigid cold.
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...
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!
Heading for perfection my Friend!!!!!
34:46 that is perfection 😢❤
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.
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!
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.
LOVING that this series is back!! Congrats Chad!!
I'm so glad I found your channel. There's a lot of planning and a lot of foresight that goes in your series and I really appreciate the effort. Thank you so very much.
I am totally stealing your heavy sleep bag tip for the back of the van! I am in the PNW and loving your video. Thank you 😊
Great prep video and really innovative ideas! Looking forward to the next episode!
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’m super stoked about this! Can’t wait to follow your journey, Saturday, the 25th is my birthday! What a cool birthday gift 😂🎉
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.
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!
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.
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.
Holy smokes! You got it going on and ready!! Can't wait 😊
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. 💪
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
Awesome trailer, can't wait!
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...!
Can't wait to watch your new adventure. I am almost ready - just have to get my Junior MInts.
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!
It's almost like the preparation is as fun as the journey.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Safe travels. I will be watching.
Stay safe Brother! Looking forward to it!
Will be following along. Enjoy and stay safe on this adventure.
That beast must be worth a small fortune,so good!
Felicidades y mucha suerte en tu aventura Chas ..!!
Fortune favours the prepared. Really looking forward to the adventure from my nice warm bed of a weekend😂
Awesome video!!! Anticipation is building up! Stay safe bro
G’Day from sunny Queensland, Australia Chad. I really enjoy watching all your videos, thanks so much for sharing.😁
Very interesting video Your preparation looks good 😊
Thanks for all informations and recommendations 🙏
Greetings 🇩🇪
this reminded me of the time and why i used to binge watch the videos of your previous expedition. Some quality stuff!
Hey chad it's Ray from Wales in the u.k.🏴 can't wait for the trip to the arctic 🥶 the last time was brilliant and you've thought of everything to be comfortable and safe👍peace out and keep on trucking bro.
I just started watching this series, and the filmography at the end, as well as your trailer...just amazing! 😍 Not to mention the editing.
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 :)
If you weren’t planning on it please put cover your extension cable with conduit! Last thing you want is a cable rubbing through!
Chad fabulous another journey to the Arctic looking forward to this one again
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 .
Love, Love Love, the preparation videos! Thanks again for taking us with you on your adventures!
I look forward to the trip, thanks
can't wait! be safe brother! 🙌💯🥶👍
For short mountain trips, pack a disposable charcoal bbq. Under a diesel pan, it can heat a frozen engine in an hour.
Amazing videos Chad! Keep them coming!!!
love the 360 degree ingenuity... checkered-flagged, good luck and break a leg 💪
For a block heater type solution you could use de-icing cables like they do on roofs to melt snow, they run on 110 and don’t use a ton of electricity.
Chad is a.......#AmericanBadAss. Good luck brother. I'll be with you, along for the ride.
Our winter trips here in the U.K. in our VW T5 pale by comparison with what you are taking on (again) but it’s good to pick up some tips from your preparation. Stay safe 👍🏻🇬🇧
Honestly can’t wait for this!
Love the last series you done Chad and looking forward this one!
that was a good one especially the teaser at the end!
Love it! Cheers!
Cannot wait for this adventure trip brother looking forward to it!!
Godspeed and all the best! Looking forward!
Chad, it touched my heart how you opened your heart to the artic dogs and fed them, provided warmth in your van..bless you❤
Can’t wait to see your adventure .Aloha from warm 😊Hawaii 🤙🏾
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. 😊
Looking forward in the Arctic
Good luck Chad and be safe
Good luck on your journey to the Arctic
Thanks for watching!
With trips like that a Van Life Tech hydronic dual heat and hot water system would suit your needs while heating the entire floor/garage area too.
Big money though but I've heard they're well worth it.
A Satellite phone would be an extra piece of mind.
Battleborn makes heating pads for batteries that would be a cleaner set up.
I would think that for electric cooling fans on a radiator one could wire a switch to control off or on thus controlling temps.......don't know if this would be doable or wise to do....would definately have to keep eyes on temp gauge....extreme weather usage only.
Thing is with modern vehicles anything interupted would probably trigger a code or something else.
A nice well equipped Level 2 Med Kit is another handy tool.
Just a suggestion, put insulation foam on your coolant lines like that used on hot water pipes to help keep your temps up.
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.
You are a legitimate movie maker, your cinematic filming style is awe inspiring and breath taking. I'm excited to watch the series!
Chad, can’t wait to go on another great adventure with you man! I know the camera work will be amazing!! Cheers, Joe
Exciting! Good job & good luck! 🎉🎉🎉
I can confirm starlink does work all the way up there. Was up that way this summer and fall you’re good to go
We love to see you old Volkswagen in upcoming videos