Preparedness for engine failure

Does anyone have a solution for a temporary alternative source of heat in the event of an engine falure that occurs during below freezing temps in an area outside of cell phone service? Knowing that my engine could go at any time, this senario worries me as I drive in remote-ish areas in the Northeast with long stretches outside of cell phone service. I want to be prepared for the engine going at the worst possible time.

 

Some of the new iPhones have an SOS feature that uses satellites in areas where there is no cell service. Maybe a propane heater could be used but the carbon monoxide would have to be dealt with. Sort of tough to deal with the heat without a source of energy or power. Perhaps some warm clothes and a emergency kit?

 

The satellite connectivity on the new iPhones was enough for me to spend the cash. I’ve already used it a few times - amazing tech and even more amazing there isn’t any additional charge for it at this time.

Assuming you don’t have a new fancy iPhone, I have a ham radio mounted in the truck and a repeater book app that lists the frequencies of the closest repeater tower. All data is stored on the device and it uses your GPS signal so it doesn’t need cell service to work.

 

These burn hell hot:

$18 Heat Packs Hand Body & Feet Warmers Large Size (5" x 4") Stays Warm for 12+ Hours (10 Warmers with Each Order) Great for Menstrual Pain Relief

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HR0QFI I use 2 or 3 of them for sleeping in unheated bed+cap, in old 0F sleeping bag. Was a good sleep in a negative single digit.

 

Also keep these in all of your vehicles:

$8 Swiss Safe 4 Pack Mylar Emergency Blankets for Survival - Compact & Insulated for Cold Weather - Designed for NASA, Outdoor, Running, Camping, Survival, First Aid Car Kit - Army Green, 4 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZN0KGB

 

Garmin InReach works, too. About $15/month. Lasts week+ on one charge.

 

If you are stuck for a longer time, or with too many people for your blankets/heating pads supply, you need to be able to make a fire...

A few lighters in glove box at any time. A foldable handsaw, good hatchet (with wooden handle preferably) and some beefy knife. For knife I have a KA-BAR, which use for splitting the wood mostly. Lighting fluid or sold fuel tablets do help.

$116 AGAWA - BOREAL21 TRIPPER KIT - 21" folding bow saw, rugged cordura sheath, additional aggressive blade (Black Frame - Green Handle)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PW5GD4S

$75 Husqvarna Hatchet, Small Axe with Leather Sheath and Hickory Handle, Ideal Small Hatchet Axe for Camping Gear and Gardening Tools

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-13-Wooden-Handle-Hatchet/dp/B07NPF9SDN

 

Is this your first time dealing with freezing temps? You’re worried about an engine that may never fail. Keep blankets with you like you would with any vehicle.

 

Double and triple likes

 

I take a Zoleo with me on trips where I will be out of cell service.

https://www.zoleo.com/en-us

 

Bring bourbon

 

If there isn’t already a hole in your pan from bearing, just drop the plug and ignite. It will burn a long time and help WILL come.
Welcome.

 

I have been using an Inreach device too now for a number of years in Labrador. Lots of remote km’s! I pay 45 a month in Canada. I just tried the IPhone satellite this week and it worked. Really convienent.

 

Yes. It will save lives. I was on the verge of pressing a SOS button on my InReach this August in northern Quebec =) But I made it on my own.

 

That may end up as a reason of the engine blowing up.

 

Worth noting that Garmin recently allowed linking watches as the inReach device to pair with your phone (I think), which allows you to bypass purchasing the separate communicator. Can't confirm because I don't do anything cool anymore and don't have the service.

 

Awesome solutions above but easiest is to jump ship and purchase a certified 2.5 gen Tundra ... and I'm serious.

 

Wait? This isn’t concluded? Fine, Scotch works as well. None of that Canadian bs, however

 

Get yourself a freezer suit from refridgewear and keep it in the truck. Their -60 rated suit will keep you so warm that you’ll end up unzipping half of it.

This is my experience at-least with using them in -10 degree meat storage buildings.

 

I hear that NASA might be selling some slightly used space suits for 22 million

 

Boeing has an even better deal but don't expect to be rescued by SpaceX.

 

Might as well load up the wife or girlfriend too, or both.

 

They'll finish his bourbon while he tries to turn the seized crankshaft over.

 

Awesome solution Toyota, are the other 102k customers gonna hafta jump through your weird hoops of getting a rental?

I'm still more butthurt and getting made fun of by everyone at work that my brand new Toyota (reliability King) has a 102k motor recall, so much for reliability after this run

 

The recall documents provide the method for owners to get rentals and that would apply if these owners were not comfortable driving the truck before the recall. Check out the documents posted on the NHTSA site and all the details are there for the rental procedure. Take that to the dealer and show them how easy it is to get a rental.

I am not too sure why this wouldn't be followed if the dealer or Customer Service knows about it.

Up here we don't get rentals or loaners unless we fight for them and that usually means a Prius or Corolla.