Preparing for my Winter VanLife ARCTIC EXPEDITION | Living The Van Life

[@DK-ge4ky]

- 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.

[@MickeyMishra]

Solid advice!

[@Xicor620]

I’ll take this info with me on my drive up there at the end of this year! Thank you for the advice

[@irishdefense77]

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.

[@hambonelouis]

Hope this is the best adventure yet, Chad. Stay safe. Can’t wait to see it.

[@brantk81]

I like this behind the scenes prep video. Top notch!

[@UweRieche-r7w]

Danke für diesen Beitrag. War sehr lehrreich. Gruß aus Germany Uwe. Top!

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

If those 2 minutes of the trailer are anything to go by, this is going to be amazing ! Looking forward to viewing !

[@susang994]

Fascinating look at all your prep. Really looking forward to this second trip north!

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

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!

[@paulbeauregard5910]

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!

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@turdwarbler]

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.

[@bosslady1755]

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

[@MitchMartinEngineer]

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.

[@DayZeroFWD]

Really enjoyed you walking us through how you packed. Really helps.

[@kmohlal4876]

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.

[@soulstarr9589]

This is going to be beyond EPIC !!! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@idatall57]

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 !

[@mystuff1405]

Yes. The rough duty bulbs are better.

[@jhunter213]

I live vicariously through your videos. I cannot wait to go with you minus the frigid cold.

[@3jhe]

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!

[@peggyjones392]

Thank you for this video! We are getting our van ready for ski trips. You are such a big help with this detail!

[@nolemons]

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

[@cookiekitty222]

LOVING that this series is back!! Congrats Chad!!

[@graceconnorsk6199]

Chad, it touched my heart how you opened your heart to the artic dogs and fed them, provided warmth in your van..bless you❤

[@ewanstevenson]

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! 😀

[@stevenliggins1623]

I was about to mention the same thing, just installed a 40watt version near to my boiler and water system in my van.

[@followthatvanman6040]

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.

[@andrecedring2173]

I can´t wait! Never stop filling peoples life´s with dreams Chad!

[@dmwi1549]

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.

[@claratackla]

34:46 that is perfection 😢❤

[@alexgoldberg7703]

Awesome. Great job. Not only great advice but great production with the pace and editing

[@georgsandhaus5577]

Great prep video and really innovative ideas! Looking forward to the next episode!

[@cristianm-uv9up]

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.

[@soulstarmusiclover1254]

Good morning Chad love your van life videos. The landscapes are amazing so beautiful. Be safe 💫✨

[@rohanthapa5790]

Good night 😅

[@thisfinitelife]

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 :)

[@Blackdiamond0125]

You are SOMETHING. MAN... My respects.

[@wheatstatedude8343]

Love, Love Love, the preparation videos! Thanks again for taking us with you on your adventures!

[@treydaypnw]

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!

[@Jeditilt]

This is awesome!

[@mbrider56]

Im so excited Chad. You are the man, Return to the Artic part 2......🥶 Peace out, keep on Truckin ✌🏻

[@SUBTT67]

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.

[@Lacrapouille2.0]

Hello from france!❤ love your vidéos, thank you ❤....on the road agaaaaaaain !!!

[@CaroleFrenchFox]

I can't wait for this Chad. Thank you for taking us along .❄☃️❄

[@ruchiramunjal6061]

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.

[@jayt838]

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 .

[@_sharmaji_ka_ladka]

this reminded me of the time and why i used to binge watch the videos of your previous expedition. Some quality stuff!

[@NordicAdvRider]

Very well prepared 🤜🤛

[@tdot321action4]

One of my favorite channels by far....I always watch from beginning to end. Can't wait for another cold trip.

[@arneservatius1982]

Please go up in the summer time. Most beautiful landscape 😊 it’s fun in winter but green summer oh boy!! What scenery.

[@kamikazekunze]

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. 😊

[@pdxmack]

Ebesbacher S3!

[@Brood_Master]

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...

[@thomasquigley7040]

"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!

[@peteywestrawtdsi531]

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.

[@katrinhalookca]

You are a legitimate movie maker, your cinematic filming style is awe inspiring and breath taking. I'm excited to watch the series!

[@nancy27c]

I just started watching this series, and the filmography at the end, as well as your trailer...just amazing! 😍 Not to mention the editing.

[@lesglover6515]

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!

[@CoffeeWithFred]

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.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

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.

[@dthomas3065]

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

[@kenwilkes44]

yep they work well

[@svenhodaka9145]

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!

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Thanks for the great feedback Cheers!

[@andywilson4483]

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. 💪

[@planetsatya]

love the 360 degree ingenuity... checkered-flagged, good luck and break a leg 💪

[@joeychaseable]

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!

[@MrReese]

LTVL winter content is what made me fall in love with your content in the first place, can't wait to see that adventure :).

[@sapsap100]

My favorite van life channel by far!! Good luck, and look forward for more new adventure!

[@brianradwanski6544]

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.

[@jjjvclub]

Sure looks like you have thought of everything. Looking forward to the video. Have fun and be Safe!

[@TNhunterKMC]

Will be following along. Enjoy and stay safe on this adventure.

[@satajet883]

Ultimate adventure van. All designed by you👍

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@1942__Flowz]

Awesome video!!! Anticipation is building up! Stay safe bro

[@tomlauritzen9522]

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

[@fabiotabollini5431]

I’m super stoked about this! Can’t wait to follow your journey, Saturday, the 25th is my birthday! What a cool birthday gift 😂🎉

[@Jeffrose_]

Safe travels. I will be watching.

[@zeem3633]

Heading for perfection my Friend!!!!!

[@AJ-qn6gd]

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 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@stevewoodrow2011]

Love the last series you done Chad and looking forward this one!

[@berilmurray9879]

G’Day from sunny Queensland, Australia Chad. I really enjoy watching all your videos, thanks so much for sharing.😁

[@tiffanyreinertsen1970]

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!!

[@thefrenchiestv]

Nice….. I wonder if a 2003 T1N can be prepare to such of great tour

[@onpointpixels]

Awesome trailer, can't wait!

[@donaldanderson4139]

I used an electric heated dip stick for my diesel tractor that worked really well. Good luck and enjoy your trip. I’m following.

[@Pamela_PNW]

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 😊

[@KrangMang]

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.

[@daveha6638]

Chad fabulous another journey to the Arctic looking forward to this one again

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

Can't wait to watch your new adventure. I am almost ready - just have to get my Junior MInts.

[@Brad8261]

Honestly can’t wait for this!

[@MorganCulley]

If you weren’t planning on it please put cover your extension cable with conduit! Last thing you want is a cable rubbing through!

[@marciacoker2968]

Holy smokes! You got it going on and ready!! Can't wait 😊

[@gen2-x364]

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.

[@joesondag6801]

Stay safe Brother! Looking forward to it!

[@kenpurnell4798]

Absolutely incredible.

[@ricowswave1324]

Cannot wait for this adventure trip brother looking forward to it!!

[@joecorcoran4234]

Chad, can’t wait to go on another great adventure with you man! I know the camera work will be amazing!! Cheers, Joe

[@m.k.kroeby7643]

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...!

[@garveywong6861]

Watched every minutes and seconds on this video, excellent stuff!!

[@cybereagle19]

after seeing you do this trip last year its really inspired me to tke the same trip once I build out my own adventure wagon, God bless you and safe travels on your journey

[@anloke4088]

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!

[@biffboffo]

It's almost like the preparation is as fun as the journey.

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BrakAttak]

I've been so much looking forward to the return of the Arctic! Can't wait for it. Travel safe choom!

[@nolanharvey2513]

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!

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

Would recommend "Rough Service" bulbs for the incandescent bulb in your "garage" area, if you can still get them.

[@trentdavey779]

Love the prep work! Having lived in Alaska for 30 years, Godspeed brother! Will be watching with envy and prayers for your safe journey. If it gets too cold, you just run that engine all night with your badass neoprene grill cover and don’t worry about the flat spot on those tires when you start out in the morning! Also, check and replace your axle CV boots when you get home to that nice shop.

[@mladetto7453]

MAN, can't wait for this epic journey to begin!

[@edgestrikedesign]

You really have thought of everything! Safe travels Chad, and I'm looking forward to this series once again.

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Stay tuned!

[@TheMightsparrow]

​@@LivingTheVanLifeEver thought about getting a trip to UK? U have fans over the pond as well. Come by & say hi.