I have a 06 Dodge, before buying it I did alot of research into the very question you ask. The models with a intake heater instead of glow plugs seem to perform better cold.
The common problem is typically not as much the truck as the fuel! The days of finding true winter blends are pretty much gone even at the truck stops. ULSD fuels and the regulations placed on these fuels by the feds are not the most condusive to winter use. The good news is, a by product of the higher refinement is a little less wax, which pleaged the older fuels. Oh and for gods sake, do not use bio diesel........
I run Powerservice treatment which acording to them, keeps the fuel safe to -30. I have started my truck at -23 without plugging it in, and yes it started but was NOT happy about it.
Always carry a spare fuel filter, run anti gel throughout the winter so your always prepared, drain your water trap regularly and you should be fine. Good batteries, plug her in anytime you can. I noticed a generator running at one of the trailheads, guy had a older f-350 plugged in............all day.
Life is certainly a bit differant in AK then it is where I am from. Get out, talk to some of the fuel suppliers, truck stops, truckers, Etc. I assure you, in your neck of the woods your not the first one to deal with this concern. There is probably some fuels available to you that us in the lower 48 just dont get to see. I think if you focus on the fuel element, the rest will fall into place.
good luck
)...picked up a remote start system that can also maintain a preset temperature - i just set it for @ -15C for a 15 minute run time and it'll cycle every 2 1/2 hours or so (or if needed) till i come back.it was really nice feature to have when the temps dropped below -30C for a couple of weeks in northern nowhere (alberta,canada)
