Winter Van Life Reality | Alaskan Cold Weather

The weather in Alaska creates a unique challenge when attempting Van Life. Subzero temps, tons of snow, and remote locations that few visit. We absolutely love exploring this state being alone on many of our adventures in our Winnebago Revel. Overlanding Alaska during the winter is one of the most beautiful things we have done.
#explorealaska #revel #vanlife
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Intro: Renderforest.com

[@FLAVCO]

Hello from London UK! Another great video. Love watching your vids. I feel like I’m there sharing the experience with you as you visit these amazing places. Alaska may get cold but it sure is beautiful. 😀

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Nicholas!

[@Ryan-ug9jm]

You guys are pretty tough. I like how you show the realities of traveling and van life and how you don't just edit out all the hiccups and mishaps that everyone comes across.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for the feedback Ryan. We appreciate it!

[@DanielTorres-hu1zq]

Thank you for always keeping your videos "real". I learn a lot from watching.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching. We always try to show it how it is.

[@TeeMarie36]

I love binge watching your videos... the footage makes you feel like your riding along in the Revel with you... happy adventures.. be safe and have fun...

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Welcome to the adventure. WE are glad you enjoy riding along with us. Much more to come :)

[@sherrydavis5628]

Glad everything worked out...I remember we blocked with cardboard and "bras" as well when we lived in Fairbanks! Radiator would freeze and tires would freeze to the point it felt like driving on huge rocks. Loved the booties on Ember! She seemed to love them too!🐾🐾🐾

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Ember definitely tells us what she needs. When she was lifting one paw in the cold we knew it was time for some new shoes 👠 😁. Warmer temps, such as +30 has no problems. When she's ready to go back to bed she tells us too. It's been -10 the past few days but everything is going just fine.

[@williamslyer318]

Hopefully the DEF issue is mostly resolved,yet looking at solutions like the shield on the grill of the revel sounds like a help to the this problem. Looking forward to hearing from you both again soon.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

It hasn't had any issues since. We have a plan for the bra, just haven't taken the tine to have it installed yet. Thanks for watching!

[@paullondon445]

Glad the DEF issue has been resolved for you guys -such valuable cold weather learning experience for you and all of us following too. Onward!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback Paul! We have more to come :)

[@patmccarthy1624]

Your videos bring back such great memories of my family's time in Alaska. The pale starkness of the highway, with very dry snow blowing across, takes me right back to our drives from Delta Junction to Fairbanks in the middle of winter. Folks don't really realize just how cold it gets up there. I'm grateful to be able to follow along with you two. Thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Pat, Thank you. We used to drive to Delta to get burgers at the Evergreen. We also had a fishing charter on the Salcha River. Alaska is a wonderful place to grow up. Thank you for stopping in.

[@jamesdrudge]

After your last video I did some research (I live in cold, windy WY and am looking at a Revel, so it matter to me too). You mentioned it was 40 below windchill. Found that Mercedes makes a winter front for the Sprinter. May not totally solve it, but should help a lot.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We are working on that and a few other things this week as we get prepared for winter to be upon us again... who would have thought it is September already. How time flies!

[@briangreen9677]

So happy to see that the DEF issue corrected itself. I'm guessing that you're still going to get the tank insulated, which will keep the tank thawed as you said it has a heater inside it. You also mentioned putting cardboard in front of the radiator. Is that something you've already done with your Revel, or is that something you're going to do? It's awesome that your campgrounds are all free in the Winter. It's a lot better than here in Washington State, as they close nearly all of them at the end of September (in State Parks anyway). You've only shown the campgrounds a few times on your channel. Here in Washington State, the CCC built a lot of heavy timber & Stone structures in parks during the Great Depression as a means of teaching the unemployed new skills. Are CCC structures something you find there in your parks? What are your favorite features of the parks you visit aside that the price is right? I haven't seen you extend your awning yet while it's snowing. Is that something that you've tried and disliked? Anyway, I hope you all are doing great way up there in Alaska. Take care, and I look forward to seeing the next awesome place you go!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Brian. We haven't extended the awning this winter because I think it's mostly intended for shade and light rain. It has a wind sensor and automatically retracts. Most of the places we've been have been windy. I'm also reluctant to get snow on it and retract it. Do you mean campgrounds? I'm not sure I've heard of CCC built parks . And yes, we are working with a company here in Anchorage to get the DEF tank insulated for colder temps. Thanks for stopping by and we'll chat again soon!

[@byronbrasher8118]

I like the conversation, very informative, and the flashbacks to the rescues at those various spots.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Byron, thanks for stopping in. We're hoping to keep it informative. That road isn't very forgiving and we hope to let people know you have to be respectful to the truckers and take it easy. We did see a few other Sprinters up there being used for Northern Lights tours, so there has to be a way to resolve this issue.

[@daniellewis599]

Glad you followed your gut instincts on this one, and it appears she first felt it when she woke up that morning. Women’s intuition is incredible. The scenery you captured is beautiful, looking forward to more. ☃️❄️

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thanks Daniel. We have a lot more coming. You're right about women's intuition. If she hadn't been with me I probably would have kept going.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Thanks taking us on your travels. I love the big ❄️ snowflakes! Also for the info on the no def freezing up.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for coming along with us! We're working on a solution for the DEF issue as we speak. This week was a lot of fun. We'll see you again on Sunday :)

[@djh2633]

Stay warm...its freezing cold in Calgary too!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have been experiencing an extreme sold snap since Christmas. Crazy weather for the new year :) . Stay safe!

[@chaddunn4165]

I had a little catching up to do with you guys. You’ve taken that beast on some serious adventures! Thumbs up for having the balls to do what you do. 👍.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thanks Chad.We bought it to use it, not to sit and look pretty in our driveway. 😁 We appreciate you watching and stopping in to say Hi!

[@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA]

-40 below... so very very intense. I applaud you for enjoying yourself in that weather. Love the realities you show. ;-)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Guys! That's exactly why we bought the Revel to continue what we normally do but in more comfort. It used to be car and tent camping. It's so nice to have a bed, stove, 4 wheel drive and a reliable heater. AND I don't have to go potty outside anymore!!!!!!

[@deborahschaub2925]

Engine block heater and transmission heater and battery warming pads UNDERNEATH the battery. Always used the PLUG INS found pretty much everywhere.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We definitely need the heaters and are looking into them. We rarely plug in anywhere because we spend so much time away from towns so maybe the heaters won’t work? Not sure we will see what the options are :)

[@christophersayles5888]

Wow - I don’t know how you do that, in those temperatures! Here in the UK, anything below -1C and our weather people on the tv / radio start shouting about the impending doom! Thanks for the great vids and running commentary, keep safe

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

haha yes just part of the norm here. Although this has been one of the longest cold streaks we have had in a few years. Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@Nature_Wild_And_Free]

Just found your channel! This is what my wife and I are planning on doing. We just went and looked at the new Revel and love it. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures. Just liked and subscribed.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Congratulations! You will love it!

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

so loving the boots on Amber lol 15 below lol brrrrrr hope that issue doesnt continue glad the warning light went away safe travels my friends:)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hey girl. Looking forward to your visit this summer. Thanks for stopping in. Hope to chat with you again soon.

[@milesgentry850]

HOPE YOU GUYS GET MECHANICAL ISSUES STRAIGHTEN OUT..PRAYERS..GOOD LUCK KIDS!❤

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We're working on a solution. The company we're working with might have to have our van for two weeks and that's not something we really want to do. We'll keep you posted. :)

[@normthompson9588]

Hi folks I am a HD diesel mechanic till I retired in the cold country we would install Raycore fuel filter systems with a filter warmer in the fuel bowel that really helped the running of the engines only can use on a Diesel engine

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Great suggestion. We will look into this Thank you!

[@normthompson9588]

If you go on the web about ray core filters there is a lot of info

[@jbjlock26]

I almost never shut down my Sprinter to fill the fuel tank. Keep the heat or A/C cranking, and on mine the frig remains on 12v if the engine is running. No harm running a diesel with the fuel cap removed, unlike a gas engine that has a sophisticated venting and vapor recovery system. Loving the opportunity to follow your winter adventures!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

That's REALLY good information! And exactly why we love sharing this experience so we can learn as we go. This is our first diesel engine so it's been an adventure. Thanks for stopping in and giving us that info.

[@jbjlock26]

Wings and Wheels Alaska I should add that for the same reason, "overfilling" is not hazardous to any emissions system like some gas cars will trigger a check engine light when overfilled. Feel free to top off slowly after the pump has clicked off, until you see the fuel in the filler neck. You may have just added another 15 miles of range!

[@OverlandGearGuy]

So glad the DEF issue is solved, curious to se where you are headed next, yesterday my "Perform DPF Regeneration" light came on, not sure if that has happed to you yet, but it will, Safe Travels

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Oh boy, no we haven't gotten that light yet. Thanks for the heads up :)

[@AmericaBound]

I was more concerned with the Truma Heating System keeping up in the cold. We get some cold temps and lots of snow here in New Hampshire so it was nice for you guys test the Revel before I buy it. Thank You!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have been researching the heating system and common problems extensively. We haven't had any issues with ours. At night we keep it set at 65 in negative temps but even then that's a little too warm for me so I think 60 is the sweet spot on it. We will continue to test it out and show you the realities while having a blast doing it. Thanks for stopping in to say Hi!

[@sillychilly4308]

Hi I'm watching your channel from the UK ok and and I'm thinking you're having problems what we would call a DPF (diesel particulate filter) not sure if it's already been mentioned but usually you have to drive the engine at over 2000 RPM for between 20 and 40 minutes to allow the DPF to regenerate.... meaning it fires lots of diesel into the filter making it a combustion chamber and secondary burning the sout that has built up in the filter... keep trucking keep safe

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi there Silly Chilly. I love that name! Thank you from watching from the other side of the pond. This was really helpful! We're still learning the ins and outs of the Diesel engine and this trick will be useful in the future I'm sure. We're currently working on a solution for the frozen def. When Jim opened the hood we could see the tank frozen because the heating element inside of it couldn't keep up in those temps. But we're not going to let it stop us. Thanks for the info and for stopping in to say Hi!

[@chrismason4953]

Jim and Cynthia , hi guy's use a tote electric cover for ur def tank , that will work.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We will have to look that up. Thank you!

[@chrismason4953]

p.s. by the way you can get heater pads to just put under the tank , the heat rises and defrosts the def , you can get 110v

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@chrismason4953 we do have a heating element on it but it just couldn’t keep up in those temps.

[@chrismason4953]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska i know lol but you just need it as a back up to switch on at zero deg , by the way love your video's , hope you , jim and amber are ok ..stay safe much love ..

[@Sprintervan1]

I deleted the DEF system on my 14 Sprinter. Best $1200 I ever spent! Better mileage and more power now!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

How do you get away with that? Isn't it required by law now? :)

[@gosman949]

Thanks for being a Guinea pig for the icy cold. Now if we can only find someone to test it out in the middle of the summer here in Texas!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You're welcome 😉 . We do plan on heading South in May for awhile. No real itinerary yet. I will say that in 90 degree Alaskan temps it was tolerable as long as we were parked by a body of water for Ember to swim in. As for extreme heat, we will be picking up a generator. There's some out there that are amazing. Thank you for watching.

[@gosman949]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska why a generator? No on board for on board air conditioning?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@gosman949 The roof AC (for our van) only works on Shore Power or a generator. We prefer not to visit campgrounds so a generator would be helpful. Although the max air fan has worked so far up to 95F keeping us comfortable we know we may need some relief at some point :)

[@richardnibbelin9762]

Did your def countdown reset after your def warmed up? I smashed def line and that’s when my countdown started. And I found this on eBay to reset it ( MERCEDES car and van bluetec Adblue DEF Limited Starts count eraser by OBD2. US $299.00) It worked for me. I still had to replace the Def line I crushed. Good luck hope it all turns out well for you.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Yes the counter stopped once it thawed and allowed the DEF to flow. Thank you for the info if this ever happens!

[@deepestandy]

Hey guys. Love the videos... Considering the temperatures I’d say the Revel did well even though you had to supplement the insulation significantly. We drive our Ducato (a promaster in the US) through the alps in winter and have found engine warming (or lack of) takes far too long when the temps reach -20 degrees c and below. Luckily we don’t have DEF or AdBlue as it’s called here so that freezing is no issue, although o have it on my land rover and it froze in Austria once and caused a warning light temporarily. We have one of these covers for our front grille which really helps the engine reach running temperature and stay there when driving at speed. It also stops the grit and crap getting stuck in the radiator. Safe travels. Andy e-heko.com/en_GB/p/Winter-cover-MERCEDES-Sprinter-W906-2013-2018-LIF-/5170

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have looked at those as a possible solution and they are fairly common to use up here. Do you use yours year round or just when it starts to get cold? We also found a place to insulate the DEF tank we just haven’t been able to get it done yet but will by fall. A combination of both would probably work far better. Thank you for the suggestion. Sounds like you have enjoyed some amazing places. We hope to hop the ocean in a few years :)

[@deepestandy]

Wings and Wheels Alaska it’s not a year round thing to fit for us we submit our van to severe temp swings -20 Celsius over winter in the French/Austrian/Swiss alps all the way to +35 Celsius or more in Southern Europe in summer so it would cook the engine if we left it in place. These ones take less than 5 minutes to fit so no issue. A combination would definitely suit you in those Alaskan winters. They really help Diesel engine warm much more quickly... I bet you figured out pretty quickly when you switched to diesel that they don’t warm up as quickly as petrol engines! Where are you hoping to get to in Europe?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the info. We’ve always wanted to go to Ireland / Scotland / UK / Alps. So much to see :). We are looking forward to it. Feels so far away time wise but it will fly by before we know it. I think we can go over there 6 months at a time but still doing our research :)

[@deepestandy]

Wow. That’s a plan. Six months should give you a decent tour. When in the UK Definitely take in the Lake District and the north west of Scotland and it’s islands - stunning place and well geared up for off grid vanning. Austria and Switzerland are beautiful any time of year.

[@terryburns8917]

I may have missed it, if you said why, but I noticed you counting engine starts. Did the owner’s manual say you only got a certain number of restarts with the light on?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Terry! A message appears on the dash and provides you that warning. After 10 starts it goes into limp mode if the issue is not fixed. Would have been terrible if that would have happened.

[@terryburns8917]

Limp mode is very bad. I think my Ram 3500 limits speed to 5 or 10 mph in limp mode. Basically just enough to load it on a rollback.

[@lenward474]

Probably said before but there are 12v heater pads for water tanks,why not put one one def tank.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We are going to have the DEF tank insulated soon. I think it was exposure to the elements that caused the problem. We are also looking at heating pads but there is already a heating element in it and it was fine until we hit the snow storm at such a low temp.

[@boatdesigner12]

How many gallons an hour would you use if you kept the motor running all night while parked?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have not measured the fuel consumption while on idle all night. Sprinter does not recommend idling for a long period of time.

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

Who would of Thought ! What a difference in your physically being , very apparent , when the light went off ; good call to turn south ! 12 deg A. A 32.5% solution of DEF will begin to crystallize and freeze at 12 deg F (-11 deg C). At 32.5%, both the urea and water will freeze at the same rate, ensuring that as it thaws, the fluid does not become diluted, or over concentrated. The freezing and unthawing of DEF will not cause degradation of the product.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for watching. We found -12F for DEF freezing in our research. Either way we know the heating element cannot handle -40F plus wind. We are working on insulation for it :) .

[@charleschi6246]

Water line and water pump will frozen under this weather condition?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We assume that it would. We winterize when it is 10F. We haven't tested it below that ourselves but same say it is good to about 10 below. We don't want to risk seeing if it is true.

[@FluidGuy]

How much diesel does the heater use during a night like you had here at 15 below.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Basically unnoticeable. Uses more of our battery power than Diesel. Typically we wake up to 50% battery when running in these temps all night.

[@Nibosit]

It appears that you have the inverter ON all the time. Is there a reason for that?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

I think it just appears that way. We have about 4 cameras we use for filming and in these cold temps the batteries don't last long. We usually charge all of our electronics while driving.

[@stevepak3294]

My friends....I had a 2016 freightliner made by mercedes....once u get the code..u need Mercedes to reset the code asap!!!!!...good luck

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

For this one it actually reset by itself once it was thawed. Thank you so much for the feedback. Hoping it doesn't happen again and working on a solution!

[@mitchboudreau3227]

Def does freeze

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Yes, we learned the hard way! :)

[@voytektruszczynski3736]

Are you driving with espar heather running?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Well it depends. We winterize our lines at 10F just to be safe. Between 32 and 10 we leave the espar on while driving to protect the water. Below 10 there is no point since we have no water in the system.

[@voytektruszczynski3736]

Thanks, Love your channel!

[@spinmarion1]

If you don’t like vanlive don’t do it girl ! You look to nervous 😩

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Who said anything about not loving what we do?