Moving to Fairbanks, Ak what should I winterize first

I'm moving to Fairbanks, AK in August and need to winterize my Tacoma but I'm not sure what to get. I know in winter lows of -20s is the norm so I'm wondering if I should go all out or if I should just get a block heater and battery blanket to start. I'm hoping to have a garage but if I don't should I get a bed cover? I also have all-season tires that still have a really nice tread so I don't need new tires yet but when I do, what ones should I be looking for?

 

Remote start, if you don’t already have.

 

Better get a second set of rims and some snow tires

 

"All season tires" just means they generally suck in all seasons, but especially in winter.

 

All season is 3 season at the very best.

2nd set of wheels with proper winter tires. Cheaper to buy in the lower 48 I'm sure, but then you'll have to haul them up there.

Coolant, washer fluid, block heater.

What are you thinking the bed cover will do for you?

 

henryp, could I put a remote start system in myself? I know putting a system in tends to be a couple hundred. Do you know anything about the Viper system or Computerstar brand?

 

Good to know. I've never had any issues with all season in Utah or Idaho but I'll take your word for it.

 

https://www.12volt.solutions/

I have this one on my 2017 Lexus GS. Was a plug and play install, no splicing needed. Not sure about the 3rd gen taco. Trouble free for 4 years now.

In my second gen taco I have a viper that’s been nothing but a headache. This was installed by a “professional” shop.

 

I've been told to be careful with the type of shell you get as the heavy snow can cave some in. Figured any soft shell ones should be either not purchased or at the very least, taken off during the winter to avoid that. Do you have a specific brand of winter tires you tend to lean more towards?

 

Your blue jeans.

Apparently you people of the North have this weird thing called "fleece-lined clothing."

 

Note, avoid viper then. I'll look into the one you suggested to see if it works for gen 3 tacomas. Thanks

 

Hahaha yeah I have quite a few pants and jackets with a fleece lining. Best decision of my life in cold winters. While I've never had to winterize a vehicle I definitely had to dress warm in AK, UT, and ID. Marimo wool socks have been my best friend too.

 

Have you ever driven on proper winter tires? Or studded snow tires?

You asked the question. If you don't like the replies, then just ignore them...

 

You said bed cover. Now you're talking shell.

Are you asking about a tonneau cover or a topper?

Tire Rack has a good rating / review system for you to check out tires.

Clean your frame and treat with a product like wool wax or cosmoline to protect it if they use corrosive product on the roads

 

RE: the remote starts, I put this brand in my wife's former 2020 4Runner. Super easy

https://accessorides.com/collections/plug-and-play-remote-start-kits-for-toyota

 

I have never had issues with all season Toyos AT3 going up skiing in 4WD. In north Idaho and Montana

 

Flannel lined jeans are super warm, but can turn into a sweat sponge.

Agree on winter tires on steelie rims.

Either use a different ratio of coolant or an extreme cold premix since the stuff you buy in most of the US doesn’t do well below -30.

Block heater.

 

What about tire chains?
I've never been to AK so i'm just thinking outloud.

 

In places where there is 6+ months of really cold and lots of snow, I've lived in it for 70+ years.

1. Get a new battery, doesn't matter what brand, just get a new one with the highest cranking amps for your spec/battery size.
2. Get a set of the best 4 winter tires you can afford mounted on their own rims. Nokian Hakkapelitta are good. Chains are mostly more of a pain in the butt than a benefit.
3. Block heater forget the battery blanket.
4. Quality extension cord for block heater.
5. Remote starter (I like Compustar 2 way) is a nice luxury.
6. Good snow brush with a solid ice scraper attached.
7. Good winter coat with hood, heavy one piece tall insulated boots/the kind that have a separate heavy liner and mitts.
8. Build yourself a survival kit that includes extra clothing, shovel, booster cables, first aid kit, flares, flashlights with extra batteries, snack bars, candles, waterproof matches, safety traffic vest, traffic warning triangles ...
9. Plenty of coffee.
10. embrace the snow and cold
11. best wishes and let us know how it goes