Winter Supplies pt 3

Fuels

Even though we don’t use much, 6 months of fuel adds up. Propane, gas, diesel and other oils all need to be set aside. There are regulations that limit how much you can transport at one time, meaning that we have to make multiple trips. Stocking up on fuel is both expensive and time-consuming.

Oooooo! I can hardly wait to get back out on the sled!

Propane

I have three main appliances that use propane. The stove, shower, and freezer. I love cooking on the propane stove. The heat is far more consistent than electric and much hotter. When the on-demand propane shower works, it works great. The freezer has been a necessity. During the first winter here I learned that foods with high sugar or salt need to be at a lower temperature than 0 celsius to freeze. Common knowledge for some, and a lesson for me!

On average we use about 30 lbs of propane per month. The freezer uses the most because it’s running all of the time. In colder months I turn it down, so it uses less propane but I’m hesitant to turn it all the way off. I don’t 100% understand how propane refrigeration works but I think that condensation would likely make restarting it difficult.

30 LBS per month should mean that we’ll need 180 LBS for six months. In case of emergency, every tank that we have will be filled; two 100# tanks, two 30# tanks and two 20# tanks. There should be lots left over going into spring 2023.

Diesel

Through the winter I’ll use the Kubota to clear snow and load logs onto the mill. It’s very fuel-economical so I’ll be surprised if it goes through 60L all winter. We’ll also take ‘Shibby’ the diesel ‘91 Toyota Pickup out in the deep snow. Curt fixed the front diff and axles a few months ago so, we’d best take it out for some snowy fun.

One thing to remember is that the gas station starts selling ‘winter diesel’ in the fall. It has been stabilized to keep it from deteriorating in the cold. 120L of winter diesel should be plenty to keep on hand.

Gas

The snowmobiles are a bit demanding. They require high octane and drink the fuel. Worth it! They’re tons of fun, and make going to town much easier. They each have 45L gas tanks, so we fill them once before we’re snowed in. We then top up all 9 of the red jerry cans. Depending on how much milling is done, the mill and chainsaws will likely go through about a 20L can each. The generator is only used to run saws and other power tools, so it doesn’t go through a lot either.

Others

The chainsaws and snowmobiles are 2-strokes so they need 2-stroke oil. The chainsaws also use ‘bar oil’ which lubricates where the chain contacts the bar. All these small engines may need oil at some point so having some engine oil and coolant is always a must. Also, the mill uses a water/washer fluid mix to keep the blade lubricated. A few jugs of washer fluid are needed as well.

A future basket

We have the essentials. Wood, food, water, and fuel. Other things like wood for milling, snacks, the keg, and extra gas will make this winter that much more fun and productive. I also have a small horde of art supplies and hope to get more artistic once I’m finally snowed in.