20w50 oil would be fine for the winter if outside low temps don't often get below 15-20 F and/or the van is garaged.  I did that last year during an El Nino unusually warm winter in MN.

You didn't mention where in the NE you are.  I know that from the perspective of San Diego, it all seems the same, but there are really some significant weather (and other) differences.  If you are in far northern Maine or Vermont, for instance, the climate is much harsher (it builds character) than in Boston.

I am using Castro synthetic 5w50 for Minneapolis winters, which are typically on a par with those in northern New England.

Fellow Listees from Alaska or northern Canada can offer some useful advice.  BTW, do we have any Listees from ND or Montana?  (Sorry, Joel, I have already deleted the last weekly statz.)

Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 73 Super
Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky-Blue Waters)

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