My '88 4runner sat in sub-(-40)*F weather from Christmas day to today, and -10 to -30 weather for 4 days before that, NOT plugged in. On Friday I go to start it and it doesn't even engage the starter. I look in the radiator and the anti-freeze is very thick, almost looks frozen. I thought the worst! The oil, on the other hand, being synthetic, was just a little sticky. My sister let me leave it plugged in over night on Saturday. So today I go to start it, thinking I will have to jump it to recharge the battery and thaw the coolant.

Nope.

It cranked over and started right up like nothing happened and the anti-freeze was completely thawed. I was speechless. My truck won't start if I forget to plug it in OVERNIGHT! Even if I do plug it in, its still a hassle to start it. It was "only" -35*F at my sisters house when I started it, but after sitting that long without being run I was impressed.

Next obstacle: getting it to pass emissions.

 

You have emissions testing in Alaska?

 

What type of heater do you use?

 

Yes. In Fairbanks and Anchorage. Maybe in Juneau, but I don't know.
First, we like to KEEP our air clean. Second, in the winter, at -50, the emissions from a vehicle are worse than at 80+, it takes longer for the cat to warm up, etc.
4 different types. Block, battery, transmission and oil pan.