The block heater (if you are going to use the VW one) unit's plug faces the
rear of the van.  If you want you could re-route this up to the front of the
van, but why not just route the other electricals to the rear as well.  Use
one of those flat style extension cords and put it out the rear hatch.  The
hatch will close with the cord going through it with no adverse effects on
the seal.  Now you would just have to have a plug in somewhere that had two
outlets available (one for block heater and one for the other extension cord)
or you could carry a outlet multiplier with you.  If you really wanted to get
fancy you could hook up a timer to the outlets to have the block heater only
come on an hour before work (save electricity).  Of course in Alaska you
might just want to keep it plugged in all the time anyway (it really gets
colder up there than I would like to imagine :)

Have fun.  Stay warm.

Ken Wilford
http://www.vanagain.com
John 3:16
Office (856)-765-1583
Shop (856)-327-0027
Fax   (856)-327-2242