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Alaska Winterization

Canine

By Canine
in Modifications & Accessories

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Canine New Member

Canine

Posted
Posted

The cold temperatures are starting to hit up here in middle Alaska and I'm about to winterize my truck for the extreme temps. Just have a few questions to ask and clear up before I start at it.

2016 Silverado LT Z71 5.3 Gas. Bought new in PA while I was overseas then moved up to Fairbanks in March.  The truck did not come with a block heater from the factory and I am not finding anything OEM , aftermarket, or search answers. Do these newer trucks have a way to install the traditional freeze plug block heater or no? If so is there anywhere one can be purchased? If unknown should I just take it to the dealer? I've already inquired to the local dealer and they want $700-$800 for the full winterization, including a nitrogen tire fill (not wanted). I asked about how block heater install works since it seems like it's a factory installed option, and the guy told me if they can't do the freeze plug install then they use a magnetic, which I do not want. I priced out the parts myself, substituting the freeze plug heater for an inline hose heater, and it was less than half that price.

Next question, stick with going with an inline hose heater or block heater if possible? Which do you think is the better option?

The plan is to have either block or inline hose heater, battery blanket, and adhesive oil pan heater, plus change the antifreeze. I've also heard about installing one of the adhesive heaters on the transmission pan as well, but that is isn't necessary. Any other good information, tips, and tricks? I've tried talking to most of the guys I know up here, but they've all either bought vehicles that are already winterized or taken them to the dealer to have it done.

 

Bash74 Enthusiast

Bash74

Posted
Posted

So, where you at in Alaska? I currently live in North Pole because of military. The dealer is expensive. I have a 2015 Silverado and I bought an OEM block heater, and 3 heater pads. Put one on oil pan, one under battery, and one on trans and never had a problem and quick warm ups even when it hit -60 last year. If you decide to do nitrogen in tires just go to Chevron shop on College road it's very cheap.

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Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

Many years since I lived in that type of cold but block heater, battery blanket and interior heater met my needs.  Op, why wouldn't you want nitrogen in your tires?

sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
Posted
Many years since I lived in that type of cold but block heater, battery blanket and interior heater met my needs.  Op, why wouldn't you want nitrogen in your tires?
Air is 78 percent nitrogen?

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Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, sdeeter19555 said:

Air is 78 percent nitrogen?

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I am curious if there is a problem with nitrogen in tires because I was under the impression this is a good upgrade.

sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
Posted
I am curious if there is a problem with nitrogen in tires because I was under the impression this is a good upgrade.
They only way it is a good upgrade is if it is free...put a line drier on an air compressor and you get the same effect.

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