>Hello folks. I may have just made a grave error. I accepted
>a load to Fort McMurray. In the winter.
>
>Anybody have any helpful input? Where do I need to have
>chains? On which tires? Should i get a winterfront? Where
>can I get chains? Any other tips?
>
>Just stressing it setting all this up, any help is
>appreciated.
Heck, you make this sound special... we do mostly northern loads for our customers all the time. Snow, cold and remote locations is our specialty.
The first rule is to not stress out over the trip, spend that energy in preparation and enjoy your time.
Don't set out on the trip with anything not quite right on the truck, cold tends to amplify issues and the resulting trouble that can occur.
Chances are if you are doing this within the next week you won't need chains, but they are standard equipment when running snow country. We carry a sand & salt mix that is spread liberally on the roads up here in the winter, but I cannot remember the last time we actually used it.
Bring warm winter clothing. For warmth, layering is your best bet. Ensure you bring changes of clothes in case you get wet, particulary with footwear and gloves. Actually, mitts are warmer than gloves. As well, you need more than a baseball cap on your head to keep warm. We are huge fans of Gore-Tex shell jackets. They keep the wind and moisture out, the layers underneath provide the warmth. If your clothes get wet change them immediately as you will chill up with wet clothes. Bring sunglass as glare from ice and snow can be very hard on the eyes. You will likely be just fine, but do ensure you bring enough clothing that you can keep warm should you experience a complete breakdown with no help close. A quality winter temperature rating sleeping bag is ideal for this.
In warmer climates not much attention is paid to wind chill, but up here where it gets really cold wind chill tells the true story of how cold it really is outside. Fact is, the season is just getting underway and hasn't really started yet.
Is your cell phone going to work in the area you will be in? Find out now before you get there to find out.
Keep your fuel tanks topped up.
You ain't kidding about an adventure to the North Country. Lots of Money to be made in Fort McMurry. You can work the local Tim Hortons pouring coffee ( Double Double )for $18.00 CDN an Hour. Breakdown's a Bummer hope you didn't loose all your Profit on this Run on the Hook. I know they had Heavy Snow falls but their pretty quick about clearing the Roads in Alberta.
