Seeking Jobs. Is the 'boom' in Williston, N.D. legit?

[KCIndy]

Now my truck is different. My Dad told me about Alaska and how they use to have oil dipsticks that were tied to something like a parking meter. You put in some coin and replaced your dipstick w/ a heating one. I'm sure there is other measures now and am researching them.

Most of the vehicles in the area have built in oil pan heaters. If you look at the hood of most cars, you'll see an electrical plug-in sticking out. A lot of parking lots have little posts that look like parking meters, but they're actually electrical outlets so you can plug in your car's engine heater.

As a temporary solution, I've seen places that sell heaters with a magnetic base so you can slap it on to the bottom of your oil pan and plug in the heat. Problem there is getting it on and off when you're parked in a foot of snow, ha!

 

[ZanZibar]

Who wants to live there?

 

[phill4paul]

Most of the vehicles in the area have built in oil pan heaters. If you look at the hood of most cars, you'll see an electrical plug-in sticking out. A lot of parking lots have little posts that look like parking meters, but they're actually electrical outlets so you can plug in your car's engine heater.

As a temporary solution, I've seen places that sell heaters with a magnetic base so you can slap it on to the bottom of your oil pan and plug in the heat. Problem there is getting it on and off when you're parked in a foot of snow, ha!

From what I researched you are correct. I've no problem retrofitting and wouldn't consider moving out there without doing it. I take care of the things that make me money. Myself, my tools and my truck.

 

[low preference guy]

Who wants to live there?

at least 642,000, the amount of people who live there already. why do you ask idiotic questions?

 

[phill4paul]

Who wants to live there?

Me? I understand that job possibilities might be the driving factor for the move. Some of their legislature might cause me to stay. Pro Hemp (Disclaimer: not marijuana) production. A business unto itself. Also they recently, I have heard on these forums, an initiative to get rid of property tax. Seems like an up and coming liberty state to me. Who wouldn't wanna live there?

 

[Keith and stuff]

Seems like an up and coming liberty state to me. Who wouldn't wanna live there?

As for who wouldn't want to live there, almost everyone. It has one of the lowest populations in the US. In the FSP vote for which state to select, it was selected last. In much of the state, even now, the population is shrinking.

I say go for it, though. You seem to know what you are up against and you don't currently live in one of the states with low unemployment (NE, SD, NH, VT...) so why not move to the state with the lowest unemployment if you can manage it.

 

[Dustancostine]

I do not recommend moving to ND in the winter in you are not from a northern state. ND has by far the worst overall winter weather in the lower 48.

Lower 48, Are you kidding me. North Dakota has the worst weather in the North America behind Manitoba and Saskatchewan. I would take Alaska weather over ND weather any time of year.

 

[Dustancostine]

Most of the vehicles in the area have built in oil pan heaters. If you look at the hood of most cars, you'll see an electrical plug-in sticking out. A lot of parking lots have little posts that look like parking meters, but they're actually electrical outlets so you can plug in your car's engine heater.

As a temporary solution, I've seen places that sell heaters with a magnetic base so you can slap it on to the bottom of your oil pan and plug in the heat. Problem there is getting it on and off when you're parked in a foot of snow, ha!

If you get the right fluids in your vehicle you will be fine. I am from Texas but I have 4 businesses in North Dakota, 3 in Saskatchewan and 3 in Manitoba, I have been all over that area in in January - March. I have been in the worst weather possible (-60 F at night) and my truck started the next morning. It wasn't too happy about it, but it did start. Now you do have to wait longer to try and move, but it will be fine.

 

[Dustancostine]

As for who wouldn't want to live there, almost everyone. It has one of the lowest populations in the US. In the FSP vote for which state to select, it was selected last. In much of the state, even now, the population is shrinking.

I say go for it, though. You seem to know what you are up against and you don't currently live in one of the states with low unemployment (NE, SD, NH, VT...) so why not move to the state with the lowest unemployment if you can manage it.

Other than the winter weather, North Dakota is a really nice place. No too populated, beautiful out doors and some of the friendliest people out side of the south. Now they do talk a little funny , but other that a great state.

 

[SL89]

If you get the right fluids in your vehicle you will be fine. I am from Texas but I have 4 businesses in North Dakota, 3 in Saskatchewan and 3 in Manitoba, I have been all over that area in in January - March. I have been in the worst weather possible (-60 F at night) and my truck started the next morning. It wasn't too happy about it, but it did start. Now you do have to wait longer to try and move, but it will be fine.

Hehe, that's the truth. When I drove Big Truck through there, we used to laugh at the California rigs that gelled up as they were running down the highway.

 

[phill4paul]

If you get the right fluids in your vehicle you will be fine. I am from Texas but I have 4 businesses in North Dakota, 3 in Saskatchewan and 3 in Manitoba, I have been all over that area in in January - March. I have been in the worst weather possible (-60 F at night) and my truck started the next morning. It wasn't too happy about it, but it did start. Now you do have to wait longer to try and move, but it will be fine.

Interested in two things you have written here. I'm struggling over which is more important. I'll take the the fact that you have 4 businesses first in that I'd hitch hike for a job even if it meant leaving the horse behind. I'll P.M. you regarding employment.

On the other end what fluids do recommend? What kind of vehicle? I'm not familiar w/ extreme cold weather and the affects on vehicles. I am always willing to learn. And generally a quick study.

 

[DRHChi]

Phil it's refreshing reading about your outlook and willingness to work hard and go wherever the opportunities are. I love your quote about not minding hard work but minding no work.

I know someone who has been unemployed for two years and is very picky about the kind of job they want to do. Finally they got an offer for exactly what they want to do....and then turned it down because it involved a 30-40 min drive each way. After watching this happen its refreshing to hear from people like you. Best of luck.

 

[SL89]

Interested in two things you have written here. I'm struggling over which is more important. I'll take the the fact that you have 4 businesses first in that I'd hitch hike for a job even if it meant leaving the horse behind. I'll P.M. you regarding employment.

On the other end what fluids do recommend? What kind of vehicle? I'm not familiar w/ extreme cold weather and the affects on vehicles. I am always willing to learn. And generally a quick study.

What vehicle, with specs, do you own?? I live where is is common to get to 30 below in the dead of winter. Also am a school trained mechanic.

 

[phill4paul]

What vehicle, with specs, do you own?? I live where is is common to get to 30 below in the dead of winter. Also am a school trained mechanic.

Chevy Silverado. 2002. 5.7 V-8. 4 wheel. LT. Any and all advise is greatly appreciated.

Edit: LOL. It has heated seats. I use it to punk my friends in the south during summer.

 

[phill4paul]

Phil it's refreshing reading about your outlook and willingness to work hard and go wherever the opportunities are. I love your quote about not minding hard work but minding no work.

I know someone who has been unemployed for two years and is very picky about the kind of job they want to do. Finally they got an offer for exactly what they want to do....and then turned it down because it involved a 30-40 min drive each way. After watching this happen its refreshing to hear from people like you. Best of luck.

Thanks. I'm not trying to be heroic. I guess maybe you could say my mind set is 'Old School?" I honestly can out work a twenty something. Unless, he is in Naval BUD's/training. I'll defer on that. . I'm sorry that your friend choose the path that he did. I won't condemn, yet, I'd be surprised if he is truly happy with it.
Thank you for the blessing.

 

[SL89]

Haha on the heated seats! Going to need good rubber. I get by just fine with an expensive set of all seasons but, it would be a good idea to get a snow tire set. Some say studded and some say not needed. I don't run studs and do just fine. Studs are for ice as you know. Any ice you see in these parts is so cold that it is tacky and good rubber sticks fine. Make sure you have a spare belt, belts get a little brittle in the cold.
Check into a block heater. Not only does it make for easier starts but, more important is it keeps your oil fluid enough to lube upon start.
Battery, You better have a good one. It needs to be very high on the cranking amps. My battery cost $150, never had a problem even after 5 years.
Oil, check your manual, it will tell you what viscosity you will need at the low temps.
You want to prevent ice buildup in your fuel system. Two ways to do this, I do both, Keep your tank above 1/2 and run an additive called "Heat" through it. It is essentially alcohol that binds to the water that accumulates there though condensation. Only need to run "heat" through 2 times in the winter.
COOLANT! make sure it is at the ratio needed for -40 or better!
Same for window wash fluid.
You will want wiper blades designed for extreme cold. NAPA has them. (softer rubber and the moving parts are shielded)
Have your truck lubed. You want all the joints greased up good. Metal gets very brittle at low temps.
If your power steering and other fluids are factory spec, should be no other problems.

 

[fuzzybekool]

I been unemployed here in Illinois for a while and been trying to hook up with them temp agencies that are hiring for N.D. If anyone has an inside track on who to see, email, or talk to, I would be much obliged for any info. Thank you. [email protected]

 

[SL89]

Cool. What kind of work do you do?

 

[phill4paul]

Haha on the heated seats! Going to need good rubber. I get by just fine with an expensive set of all seasons but, it would be a good idea to get a snow tire set. Some say studded and some say not needed. I don't run studs and do just fine. Studs are for ice as you know. Any ice you see in these parts is so cold that it is tacky and good rubber sticks fine. Make sure you have a spare belt, belts get a little brittle in the cold.
Check into a block heater. Not only does it make for easier starts but, more important is it keeps your oil fluid enough to lube upon start.
Battery, You better have a good one. It needs to be very high on the cranking amps. My battery cost $150, never had a problem even after 5 years.
Oil, check your manual, it will tell you what viscosity you will need at the low temps.
You want to prevent ice buildup in your fuel system. Two ways to do this, I do both, Keep your tank above 1/2 and run an additive called "Heat" through it. It is essentially alcohol that binds to the water that accumulates there though condensation. Only need to run "heat" through 2 times in the winter.
COOLANT! make sure it is at the ratio needed for -40 or better!
Same for window wash fluid.
You will want wiper blades designed for extreme cold. NAPA has them. (softer rubber and the moving parts are shielded)
Have your truck lubed. You want all the joints greased up good. Metal gets very brittle at low temps.
If your power steering and other fluids are factory spec, should be no other problems.

Thanks. My tires are crappy Kellys. Dealership special. "New tires." LOL. I had planned on upping the rubber game. Wonder if it is cheaper to buy them here or there. I'll have to do research.
Thanks on the belt tip. I have a spare set. Wouldn't ride w/out them.
I will check into the block heaters. That's is one thing I have no idea about being from the south. Thanks for giving me a 'search' term.
I'm a fan of deep-cell Marine batteries. Since my truck is a new (used) one and the baterry is a new (cheap POS) one I wasn't considering changing it until I looked at N.D. What is a battery that is preffered? Cranking amps?

 

[SL89]

You are going to want a battery that is around 750 to 800 Cold Cranking Amps.
Cranking amps are the numbers of amperes a lead-acid battery at 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12 volt battery).

In other words, CA/cranking amps determine how much power you have to start your car in most climates. The basic job of a battery is to start an engine; it must crank, or rotate the crankshaft while at the same time maintain sufficient voltage to activate the ignition system until the engine fires and maintains rotation. This requirement involves a high discharge rate in amperes for a short period of time.

Since it is more difficult for a battery to deliver power when it is cold, and since the engine requires more power to turn over when it is cold, the Cold Cranking rating is defined as: The number of amperes a lead-acid battery at 0 degrees F (-17.8 degrees C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery).

In other words, CCA/cold cranking amps determine how much power you have to start your car on cold winter mornings.

In other words, gonna want the biggest and baddest battery your truck can handle.