It seems like generators would be hard to start in extreme cold temperatures. Most aren't rated anywhere near that cold - what considerations come into play for starting a generator in -20 or -40 degree temperatures?
I've been reading up on those - it sounds like you could use it as a heat source for the cabin, an engine block heater, a hot water heater, and it's all powered using the diesel you already have in your tanks. You still need battery power for the pumps to circulate everything. Glycol, particularly the propylene glycol that is less toxic, has less heat-carrying capability than water, but it looks like it would still function well in extreme cold. How much fuel does it really need? A "huge supply" or "less than a gallon of diesel overnight?" Use all your fuel, and you're not leaving!
If you don't use a webasto-style heater or keep the engine running your whole trip, are there other ways to get your engine started again (short of setting a fire underneath your bus)?
If you have any water going down the drains into your grey water, isn't that a problem? Would you add anti-freeze to your gray water tanks if you planned to use your drains?
I think a few people put their fresh water tank inside the cabin, though it takes up more space than I'd feel comfortable with. Are there any other practical ways to keep a water tank from freezing? The 400-gallon Army Water Buffalo trailers have a heating element inside the tank - I've used them at -25 degrees, though we had problems with the spigots freezing.
"It seems like generators would be hard to start in extreme cold temperatures. Most aren't rated anywhere near that cold - what considerations come into play for starting a generator in -20 or -40 degree temperatures?"
You would want a genny with both electric and pull start capabilities.
That means battery power to start it at least once and then let it run basically the whole trip. You need some way to keep the oil in it thin to start, that might be hard but I have seen dipstick type heaters someplace, not recently though.
Depending on your wallet would you have an air-cooled or water cooled genny? gas or diesel? If gas prevent gas line freezing due to moisture in fuel,so methyl hydrate should be carried onboard and added at those temps. Too much is bad though.
A Webasto if plumbed in properly can do all of your heating needs. Mine would be running steady I guarantee you in those temps. What is your life worth in fuel costs for a few days boondocking?
Fuel used? For you to research but add an extra tank for such ventures or permanently. Snowshoes might get you almost home but not likely.
Straight water won't work as you say for heat carrying abilities, you want deep freeze protection or you aren't gonna make it out alive.
"If you have any water going down the drains into your grey water, isn't that a problem? Would you add anti-freeze to your gray water tanks if you planned to use your drains?"
Start with empty tanks and you can fill as required. They will freeze if not heated but no biggie there. You aren't going to be able to open the dump valves anyway. If the heat is on in the bus above 32f then gray water will flow to the tank. Just add antifreeze to the traps after every use to prevent freezing.
"I think a few people put their fresh water tank inside the cabin, though it takes up more space than I'd feel comfortable with. Are there any other practical ways to keep a water tank from freezing? The 400-gallon Army Water Buffalo trailers have a heating element inside the tank - I've used them at -25 degrees, though we had problems with the spigots freezing."
My fresh water tank is inside. Primary heat is woodstove, works just fine if the stove never goes out. Mine went out due to me falling on some ice and my shoulder bigtime. Stove was out for 4 hours and at -40f every bit of plumbing froze, pipe, valves, pump and 100 gallon main tank. Heat rises and all my pipe is close to floor level so not a hope in hades of thawing for a while yet,probably months. And then to repair the damage!
Other noteables
Carry a weapon, high powered rifle at all times when out.
Trappers use these areas too, ever opened a bear trap or any steel trap by hand? Do not know if you will be stepping into one either every step of the way, like a mine field. No place for kids, dogs, follow me?
Let some one know your plans and whereabouts when you arrive.
And don't forget avalanche possibility,
If you don't see any wolves, they will see you and have no fear when a meal is awaiting.
Maybe just do a dry run or two at home to determine if you should even bother. It won't be a picnic,no matter the scenery, stars and Northern Lights. I wired those by the way!
John
