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I've been reading this forum for 2 months (lurking), and the information that's been provided has been great. Thank you.
I wanted to provide some info that may help some people who are heading this way.
1. Currently staying at the KOA in Bismarck. They are normally closed during the winter, but they are trying out what it would be like to stay open during this winter. The place is a little under half full. They have 50 amp hookups, hot showers, and free wifi (you'll need code which is based on MAC address).
I'm using it as stopping point before I go to Minot, Williston, Dickenson, etc.
2. Today I am going to further winterize my travel trailer before heading out. Going to put insulation (one side styrofoam, the other side shiny aluminum?) on the inside windows of the travel trailer using the silver hvac tape.
Also closing up air vents from the inside and the oven vent on the outside (don't use it).
Any floor that is not covered by carpet, seems to let a lot of cold in.
I was told trailer skirts help a lot too. At other parks, I've been told guys are using plywood around the bottom of their trailers and that helps.
3. Going to Scheels here and getting heavy jacket, boots, something to put over my face/head.
I'm looking for a job in the oil fields, and I wonder what type of jacket is good: short, long, parka type, nylon, canvas or leather outside, etc.
Boots: looking at pull ons with steel toe and oil resistant souls. I've read the threads, but didn't know if pull ons are a bad idea as the top maybe open.
Face/head protection: no idea other than a knit hat?
4. I did get my class A CDL permit in Florida which is passing the General knowledge test, Air brakes, and Combinations. Now that I think about it, I should have taken the Tanker section. Hint, for those taking these tests, the sample tests online are pretty good, but are designed for truck drivers. On the general knowledge test there were a lot of bus questions which I did not study.
I'm looking for suggestions or comments from above which is why I numbered the sections.
While at Scheels, you might ask someone there for their recommendations for gear. I have used thinsulate products for years, but there may be something out that is better now. RE boots...They used to call the winter boots, Bunny Boots, or PAKS back in the 80's. Waterproof, nicely insulated, slip resistant features are important. Ex back then refused to wear steel toes, cause he swore they would freeze your toes....not sure what the current philosophy is. There are bound to be folks on here that can answer all your questions. Wool, even a thin layer helps alot in frigid temps. Layer, layer, layer. T-shirt, Thermal underwear, top/bottoms, a woolen pullover, a hoodie sweatshirt. shirt....Coveralls (Carharts/Walls) Than your coat over that. Accessories, rag wool socks, wear 2 pr( if it's really cold). If it is decent, like this weekend, you may want to wear only t-shirt, flannel shirt, or pullover, and a hoodie for running around town. Supposed to be in 30's sat/sun this week. Check other threads for other suggestions, and some safety tips. Like always have your extra outter clothes, when traveling in winter. Know what to have in your winter survival kit, etc. Good to get things there, I understand there are often empty shelves in Williston. Be safe.
I've been reading this forum for 2 months (lurking), and the information that's been provided has been great. Thank you.
I wanted to provide some info that may help some people who are heading this way.
1. Currently staying at the KOA in Bismarck. They are normally closed during the winter, but they are trying out what it would be like to stay open during this winter. The place is a little under half full. They have 50 amp hookups, hot showers, and free wifi (you'll need code which is based on MAC address).
I'm using it as stopping point before I go to Minot, Williston, Dickenson, etc.
2. Today I am going to further winterize my travel trailer before heading out. Going to put insulation (one side styrofoam, the other side shiny aluminum?) on the inside windows of the travel trailer using the silver hvac tape.
Also closing up air vents from the inside and the oven vent on the outside (don't use it).
Any floor that is not covered by carpet, seems to let a lot of cold in.
I was told trailer skirts help a lot too. At other parks, I've been told guys are using plywood around the bottom of their trailers and that helps.
3. Going to Scheels here and getting heavy jacket, boots, something to put over my face/head.
I'm looking for a job in the oil fields, and I wonder what type of jacket is good: short, long, parka type, nylon, canvas or leather outside, etc.
Boots: looking at pull ons with steel toe and oil resistant souls. I've read the threads, but didn't know if pull ons are a bad idea as the top maybe open.
Face/head protection: no idea other than a knit hat?
4. I did get my class A CDL permit in Florida which is passing the General knowledge test, Air brakes, and Combinations. Now that I think about it, I should have taken the Tanker section. Hint, for those taking these tests, the sample tests online are pretty good, but are designed for truck drivers. On the general knowledge test there were a lot of bus questions which I did not study.
I'm looking for suggestions or comments from above which is why I numbered the sections.
thanks,
Eric
"3. Going to Scheels here and getting heavy jacket, boots, something to put over my face/head.
I'm looking for a job in the oil fields, and I wonder what type of jacket is good: short, long, parka type, nylon, canvas or leather outside, etc."
I'm gonna link you EXACTLY what I wear daily on the rig:
BOOTS:
Feet have never got cold. Some people swear by the $250 dollar Baffins that go to like -150 Degrees F, but thats ridiculous unless you are working in Antarctica. lol. You also go through boots fast, i choose these.
i only wear jeans on my lower half, the coveralls keep me plenty warm without having to wear long johns or anything. Dress in layers obviously caus believe it or not even though its cold here, you start sweating on the rig. Dont strip too much off.other than that ive got a cheap $6 full face/head mask from Walmart.
Also, if you get to the point when u get a company hardhat, get a hardhat liner. You lose most all your heat from your feet and your head. WOAL sOCKS!!
BounceMan
How are you taking the extreme weather change going from Florida to North Dakota in the winter?
I'm looking to make the move in the spring/summer.
BounceMan
How are you taking the extreme weather change going from Florida to North Dakota in the winter?
I'm looking to make the move in the spring/summer.
When I was first driving into Fargo Thursday morning, it was like 5 and below (depending on the area), and windy. Very cold! When it's 10 and not blowing, I can stand outside w/ just a sweat shirt on. It was nice today- I think it was about 38 degrees.
I did live in Pennsylvania for 18 years.
I don't mind the cold, it's the wind that gets me.
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