Cold weather prep? (1 Viewer)

[Ihasfip]

Ok, anyways, here at the beginning of January I am heading to Colorado. Between Alma and Breckenridge matter of fact. Somewhere in the 11,000 ft range I believe. Alma, CO is 10,500 ft and our cabin is even higher. Looking at the weather for the past 2 years in Alma they got quite a bit of snow as well as temps ranging from 15 degrees and lower. Also winds up to 50+ mph, and little to no visibility. I was wondering if there was anything I need to do? Last time I was up there I went in my Powerstroke and had no problems except excessive smoke I believe due to the elevation. I am figuring that my will be a total dog but how bad am I looking? Stock gears, 35s, 4 people and some gear. I shouldn't have any trouble with starting my truck or anything right? My Powerstroke had a block heater, the LC doesn't. Plus when I went it was March and the roads were much clearer. I don't know what to expect as I am from central Tx, and well snow is a rarity here. I have lived in Mass. and what not, but never been up in the moutains in the middle of January. What should I expect?

Thanks for any tips or help.

D

 

[Eicca]

Wax for the paint and any metal (bumpers, racks, stuff like that). Grease everything up real nice. That's all I got to offer... Sorry

 

[NerdNoise]

What should I expect?

Snow. But in all seriousness, make sure that you have a fresh battery. You will not be getting stuck in a drift if you can not get the thing started in the morning. Battery voltage drops incredibly when the temps drop.

• Shovel
• Gloves
• Gloves (to replace the other ones when they get wet)
• Gloves (to replace the other ones when they get wet)
• Tow rope
• Change your fluids to a low viscosity variety

 

[Ihasfip]

Snow. But in all seriousness, make sure that you have a fresh battery. You will not be getting stuck in a drift if you can not get the thing started in the morning. Battery voltage drops incredibly when the temps drop.

• Shovel
• Gloves
• Gloves (to replace the other ones when they get wet)
• Gloves (to replace the other ones when they get wet)
• Tow rope
• Change your fluids to a low viscosity variety

Actually I have a brand new Optima D31M in it now. Plus I have a winch and about 40ft of 3" strap. And I also ironically have 3 pairs of gloves in my truck. I run 15-40 Rotella in it now, but I will probably put some 5-30 mobil in it or something. Thanks for the tips. Any more?

D

 

[slopppy75]

Climbing a mountan in Colorado doesn't sound like a walk in the park especially in January. I am sure you are already aware of this. Please be prepared for the worst.. like emergency food/water/blanket and something to burn if you really get stuck somewhere.
I hope you have a safe journey

 

[Ihasfip]

Climbing a mountan in Colorado doesn't sound like a walk in the park especially in January. I am sure you are already aware of this. Please be prepared for the worst.. like emergency food/water/blanket and something to burn if you really get stuck somewhere.
I hope you have a safe journey

Thats kind of what I was thinking but, I know life goes on in places where there is snow and ice unlinke here in Texas. We get 1/4 of ice on the roads and they shut down schools, and businesses don't open. When I was in Mass. we got like 2 ft of snow over a weekend and the school bus came down the road bright and early Monday morning when I was just positive we wouldn't have school. I probably won't have blankets, but I will definately have a cooler as well as snow gear (boots, overalls, jacket, gloves, etc). When i say I am staying at a cabin, I mean a 2 story house with tile floors, satelite, hot tub, etc. LOL Not exactly roughing it. Just a place to go and kick back and throw a few snowballs.

D

 

[IdahoDoug]

You won't have any trouble starting, etc even at much lower temps if your truck's in good state of tune and a good battery. In snow, your mobility will hinge directly on the tires and the STTs won't do you any favors due to their hardness. But obviously you're not going to buy $700 worth of winter tires plus rims just for an annual trip. So I'd consider having a set of chains along for the last couple miles of your trip if I'm right and it's that part that will be in question. Put them on once on a warm Texas day so you know what you're doing at 3am on a snowy Colorado mountain road. And get the good chain tensioners no matter what the salesman tells you.

DougM

 

[Ihasfip]

You won't have any trouble starting, etc even at much lower temps if your truck's in good state of tune and a good battery. In snow, your mobility will hinge directly on the tires and the STTs won't do you any favors due to their hardness. But obviously you're not going to buy $700 worth of winter tires plus rims just for an annual trip. So I'd consider having a set of chains along for the last couple miles of your trip if I'm right and it's that part that will be in question. Put them on once on a warm Texas day so you know what you're doing at 3am on a snowy Colorado mountain road. And get the good chain tensioners no matter what the salesman tells you.

DougM

That sounds expensive... Maybe I could just air my tires down to about 20 psi once I hit any bad snowy/icy roads? I don't know if that would help or not. Like I said I have driven on ice and snow quite a bit, just never in the moutains and I don't know if what to expect of road conditions in Colorado. Hwy 9 to be exact. Plus I don't know if snow chains to fit 35" tires would be economical for a one time use. If even that.

D

 

[IdahoDoug]

A lot of companies sell tire chains that they'll take back in the spring if you don't use them and the packaging's good. Les Schwab tire stores are all over the west and they have this program. So, I guess you could pick up a set and then return them if you don't need 'em.

But don't underestimate on the emergency personal "keep me alive" gear. Maybe select a large Rubbermaid tub of a few cubic feet and jam it with food, signal devices, heavy boots,hats,gloves and a handheld CB radio. Bring the book "Alive" (about the mountain stranded soccer team) and have someone read it when you cross the CO line just to set the tone. Heh.....

DougM

 

[Ihasfip]

A lot of companies sell tire chains that they'll take back in the spring if you don't use them and the packaging's good. Les Schwab tire stores are all over the west and they have this program. So, I guess you could pick up a set and then return them if you don't need 'em.

But don't underestimate on the emergency personal "keep me alive" gear. Maybe select a large Rubbermaid tub of a few cubic feet and jam it with food, signal devices, heavy boots,hats,gloves and a handheld CB radio. Bring the book "Alive" (about the mountain stranded soccer team) and have someone read it when you cross the CO line just to set the tone. Heh.....

DougM

Do you really think it is that necessary? I mean it is a major road? Its not like I will be 20 miles from the closest house or anything? I do have a big mag light and a CB in the truck. And I will have food and what not with me just because we have to have food at the "cabin". I just didn't know what to expect? Do they regulary close Hoosier pass? Do they plow/sand/salt the roads regularly? My cabin is 4 miles from Alma, and 12 miles from Breckenridge. Smack dab in the middle on Hwy. 9. Less than 2 miles from Hoosier pass I would guess. I mean if all this is warranted then I will do what needs be, just seems a bit extreme. Not like I am treking across the Yukon or anything. I am not doubting you, just seems a bit extreme. Thanks for your continual insight.

D

 

[maniacv]

Tire chains couldn't hurt but mostly; water, food, blankets (warm clothing), car battery should be fine if its good. Those are the main things.

Even major roads, like I-70 can be shut down and require chains. Or it could have been recently plowed and not much snow, never know until you get up there. Better to have those items then not.

Oh yeah, de-icer in the windshield washer fluid! Maybe the most important...

 

[offroadkid]

Here's some tips from the owner's manual...

Some things are obvious, but I did not think about the door locks, and did not know about the parking brake.


Winter driving tips:

Make sure your coolant is properly protected
against freezing.

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non- silicate, non- amine, non- nitrite,
and non- borate coolant with long- life
hybrid organic acid technology.
See “Checking the engine coolant level”
on page 290 for details of coolant type
selection.

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is premixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. This coolant provides protection
down to about –35°C (–31°F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.

Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter starting.
It tells you how to visually inspect the
battery on page 304. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge.

Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 289 for recommended viscosity.
Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle
during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer–
he will be pleased to help.

Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de- icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze
solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.

NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute as washer fluid because
it may damage your vehicle’s
paint.

Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the front wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.

Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.

Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emergency
equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.

 

[Ihasfip]

Yea I guess those are all pretty common things. I knew about the ebrake already. Don't ask me how though. Lol. I am really curious as what to expect weatherwise. I mean I expect snow but like whiteout blizzard type snow? Is that common at this elevation in this part of the country? What about if and when they close roads, do they put up barricades? Or by the lack of plowing you just assume they aren't safe and travel at your own risk ? I mean breckenridge is a well known tourist attraction I guess I just assumed the roads were well maintained and safe leading to there as there are lots of tourists traveling there. I guess they can only do so much. Thanks again. And good thinking on the deicer and washer fluid. Hadn't even thought about those.

D

 

[Ebag333]

I mean breckenridge is a well known tourist attraction I guess I just assumed the roads were well maintained and safe leading to there as there are lots of tourists traveling there. I guess they can only do so much.

We seem to loose a few tourists every couple of years, mostly due to stupid decisions. Unfortunately, what seems like a stupid decision while sitting in 80* weather and sunshine isn't so clear when you can see about 6" in front of your face (hold your hand up to get an idea), it's well below freezing, and you can no longer feel your fingers or toes.

Doug's advice is good. He lives (relatively) close to the area, and knows what he's talking about.

I've lived my entire life in the Pacific Northwest, and while where I live we don't get as much snow as Colorado, we do get some real snow. It's extremely difficult to describe how fast a situation can go from your typical everyday drive to very very bad.

Follow everything that's been suggested in the thread, and remember, should you get stuck do not leave your vehicle. That seems like a "no duh" comment, but I've seen far too many very intelligent people die because it's just a couple minutes of walking to get themselves out or to help or to a house, etc.

What seems like a couple of minutes on a bright, warm day is an eternity in a snow shower. Even relatively light snowfall can screw you up very rapidly as you lose any sort of long distance markers and can easily lose your sense of location and direction. 20 feet might as well be 20 miles in a snow storm.

I can't even begin to tell you how many stories I've heard of someone leaving their family/friends/kids/etc to "go get help"....the ones that get left behind make it, while the one who went to get help didn't.

 

[NerdNoise]

I always keep a basic hip pack in the back of the car with a few essentials that will provide me with minimal supplies. Kit comprises:

• Leatherman
• Emergency blanket (4)
• matches and candle (to start a wet fire)
• small first aid
• tape
• bug spray
• knife
• compass
• whistle
• LED flashlight (headlamp)
• sharpie
• small bottle with bleach (water purification and disenfection)
• glow sticks
• emergency pancho
• 2nd skin blister pads
• Magnesium fire starting stick
• latex gloves
• activated carbon tablets (had to go to Europe for those)

Also, as I am messing around with the vehicle, doing small things here and there I have a tool kit in the vehicle that I work out of. Basically when I started, my tool kit was empty. As I began to work on stuff (brakes, PM, etc.) I would not return tools to the toolbox, but I would place them in a large canvas bag in the car. This way, I am never without and I am not dragging around a 11/16" open box wrench that I will never use. Typically most failures are small things that bring the entire show to a stop and this way there is a smaller probability of me finding myself wanting. You will not find a 54mm in this tool kit but it seems like I should be able to conquer 4/5 of issues that could arise.

Best of luck. See if you can pick up a HandyMan before you go. A winch is great, but sometimes you need to move along the Y axis.

 

[Recovering40driver]

I am really curious as what to expect weatherwise. I mean I expect snow but like whiteout blizzard type snow? Is that common at this elevation in this part of the country? What about if and when they close roads, do they put up barricades? Or by the lack of plowing you just assume they aren't safe and travel at your own risk ? I mean breckenridge is a well known tourist attraction I guess I just assumed the roads were well maintained and safe leading to there as there are lots of tourists traveling there. I guess they can only do so much. Thanks again. And good thinking on the deicer and washer fluid. Hadn't even thought about those.

D

Yes you could have "white out blizzard type snow". Pretty much any day of the year up here. A couple of years ago most of the south park area was snowed in for several day, some weeks. I would bring a days worth of food and a couple of good blankets at a minimum. Highway 9 is less traveled and seems to close less than I-70 but it still could happen, especially when out of state drivers who are unprepared are in the mix. There are more than one area in which if you go off the road and no one sees it happen it could be a long time before you get rescued.

My winter kit for commuting over Vail pass is a -20 sleeping bag, ski pants, ski parka, some snacks and an Avy shovel. I don't carry chains - never really needed them with a 4WD in 35 plus years of living in Colorado. I used to use them on a 2WD vehicle when the snow got around 18" or so. I've never let the roads stop me, but then again I drive conservative in the winter. Be prepared for a night in the truck and you will be fine. If you think your jacket and snowpants will be enough go with it, just remember its not spooning, its survivial.

 

[Corbet]

Where outside Alma? Valley of the Sun? The roads are normally pretty well maintained in the area due to all the tourists. In January overnight lows are commonly -25 or more. A block heater would be nice but not a requirement. Definitely change your oil over to something more winter friendly. Carry some extra clothes just in case and make sure your truck is in proper tune. You'll be fine.

 

[Ihasfip]

Where outside Alma? Valley of the Sun? The roads are normally pretty well maintained in the area due to all the tourists. In January overnight lows are commonly -25 or more. A block heater would be nice but not a requirement. Definitely change your oil over to something more winter friendly. Carry some extra clothes just in case and make sure your truck is in proper tune. You'll be fine.

Placer Valley I believe is what its called. Its just South of Hossier Pass. 4 miles North of Alma, and about 12 miles South of Breckenridge. I am not planing on going skiing or anything extreme, well I'M not anyways. We are going snowmobiling, and going to go do some of the touristy bs in breckenridge. My friend and his girlfriend are going with us and have never been to Colorado. The rest of the time will probably be spent in front of a fire, out messing around in the snow around the cabin or sitting in the hot tub. I really wanted to go in January strictly becuase when we went for spring break it didn't snow not once. There was snow on the ground but it was all hard and frozen, not fresh. I just want it to snow while we're there. Blizzard could be cool, but I don't want to be huddled in a cabin with no electricity on my vacation LOL. Thanks again guys.

D

D

 

[Corbet]

Placer Valley gets plowed out pretty good. Unless its a cabin way up in there you should have not problem, well unless a big storm rolls in. Hossier Pass / HWY 9 gets plenty of attention from CDOT plows. I'd carry a set of tire cables if a big storm is in the forecast other wise don't be too worried. If you wanted to ice fish Montgomery Reservoir is decent in the summer by the spillway inlet, I don't know what the winter regulations are though. Do you own the cabin there or are you renting it?

 

[Ihasfip]

We rent it. And it is almost to the reservoir. It is as far back in there as you can get pretty much. On a very steep hill.

D