As title says, two years ago got stuck in WI for three extra days thanks to SWA's craptastic response to their software dying; ended up driving back in rental truck (from Milwaukee) and returned it in Houston, wasn't a bad trip at all actually.

Anyways, fast forward to now. We'll be driving up over two days and driving back. Anything I should do for precaution for taking a truck "not acclimated" to below freezing temps to the frozen land of the north.

In all reality it may be a mild winter hovering around 30 most of the time, but the other reality is it could be 0 and below which is has been multiple times, not getting out of the mid 20s.

Won't be driving up/down mountains, will be going through LA, AR, MO, and IL then into WI. Mostly all flat except around Little Rock.


Thanks

Check antifreeze level.

The back end will have all of our clothes plus gifts but worth it to put a few hundred pounds of sand bags in there as well.

So on the block heater, the rental didn't have one (and none ever have), I understand what they do-ish.

How does not having one effect me or having one benefit me?

Not a make or break if you don't have it. But if your truck sits overnight and you go to start it up in the morning it may not start/may struggle. Make sure if it's outside overnight to start it up and let it run for a bit to warm up before you just take off.

Always. Remote start FTW.

I live in Wisconsin. Good tires, -30 rated washer fluid, extra weight over rear tires, brake pads cover over with road slush and will greatly reduce stopping ability at 5 degrees and below so always pump the brakes a bit long before expected stops and after driving a few miles without stopping on slushy roads. Tire chains are illegal in Wisconsin because they damage pavement.

Didn't know that about chains being illegal there but, wasn't planning on them.

Ice scraper, beef jerky, and subzero washer fluid is all you need.

If you don't already have one I'd get a Jump Start pack to keep in the truck.. obviously make sure it's fully charged.

Like others have mentioned.. Bags of sand and or gravel/rock not only for weight but you can also dump it in front of your drive wheels for traction if you get in a bind.

2x6 or something to get a solid footing if you need to use your jack to change a flat.

Work gloves

Air compressor if you need to air down your tires to get traction so you can inflate them back up.

Most would say it's overboard but I'd get some of those hand/feet warmers from Academy that activate when you open them.

A jump pack or make sure your battery is strong before you go.
Watch a youtube video for ice and snow driving tips if you don't have that experience.
I wouldn't add a block heater to a gas vehicle for the rare trip to Wisconsin.
Water/drinks left in the vehicle will freeze solid overnight.
I used to carry a shovel to dig out snow in case I slid into a bar ditch, but that's probably not necessary if you're staying on pavement.

Have a good jump pack.
Driven in it for quite a few years now so that's all good.

I think from what I've seen; ice scraper, sub zero washer fluid, and some rear weight.

For limited use AutoSocks will give you traction in the snow. https://a.co/d/hxqvA0x

I've seen people carry water softener salt for weight plus if you need it for ice melting.

Maybe a small shovel. I sometimes use a windshield cover. I have one that has mirror covers too. Usually just let it warm up and scrape, but nice when I don't want to scrape ice. Definitely a good long ice scraper with a brush. Hot hand warmers. Not cold related but on my last trip I used a DiskLok when at hotels. https://a.co/d/iDfW4Ct

All good things above depending on if you are a lets stop and get a hotel till it blows over vs soldier on type.

Windshield washer reservoir; the stuff down to -30 or -35/40 for WI in winter.

A couple of gas tanks before leaving the south; dump some HEAT or similar in your gas tank to get out any existing water that might be there. As you drive north from TX in cold weather you find more vehicles off to the side of the road with frozen fuel lines because they had water in the gas tank. Get it out before you leave and you won't have to worry.

Antifreeze; not just topped off but check the temp it is actually good down to with one of the testers. Not a worry if it is good to 5 deg F when you are driving. Your worry is it sitting and not running for a day or so when the temps are -10 deg F with 30 mph wind and your coolant freezing/expanding and what it can cause.

Good ice scraper, blanket, emergency food stash and small shovel. A jug of kitty litter is what many of the locals will carry to put down for traction if they get on some ice and need it.