If you are a truck driver, you know that your truck is your office. And as such, there are a lot of luxuries that other people in different lines of work have that truck drivers don’t. If you are new to the trucking industry, you are probably wondering what supplies you should be packing for the road.
Being prepared on the road is the most important aspect of driving long distances. You won’t always have access to rest stops and discount stores and many places jack up the prices of the items you need because you are paying for convenience.
Big Truck hoods, your source for aftermarket truck bumpers, offers you this helpful list of things you should pack when you are going on a long haul in your truck.
Safety Vest
You should be wearing a safety vest whenever you want to be seen. Anytime you get out of your truck, you should have a safety vest on. The reflective strips make it easier for other motorists to see you, especially at night.
Windshield Mount for Phone
A good windshield mount for your cell phone is essential for keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. Don’t buy a cheap one, read user reviews and get something that is high quality.
Backup Sunglasses
At some point, you will either misplace your sunglasses or break them, and it will be at the worst possible moment. In all likelihood, you will break them on the longest day of the year with the sun shining brightly all day long.
For this reason, you should pack an extra pair or two of sunglasses. Having the sun beating down in your eyes for hours at a time is not healthy and it could be dangerous.
Work Gloves
It is always a good idea to pack a quality pair of work gloves. Gloves keep your hands clean and free from abrasions and cuts. There will be countless instances in which you will be glad you have a pair of gloves to slip on.
Extra Cable
Phone chargers are finicky things, they work fine until they just randomly stop working. It really is a mystery.
For this reason, it is a good idea to have an extra charging cable or two handy. You rely way too much on your cell phone to have it go dead.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are handy for many quick fixes. They really do have hundreds of uses while you are out on the road. Pack a variety of sizes on your next trip.
Multi-Tool
Invest in a quality multi-tool, not something cheap you find at Walmart. Multi-tools are easy to store, carry, don't take up a lot of room and come in very handy in a number of situations.
Box Cutter
A box cutter is a great way to cut through cardboard, plastic, tape and a bunch of other things you will have to cut through on your trip.
Charging Bank
A power bank holds reserve power for your cell phone or other electronics. It will come in handy should you suffer a power outage in your truck and have no way to charge your phone.
Cleansing Wipes
It is good to keep your steering wheel wiped down as well as to wipe down your hands after you have been at a rest stop. Keeping yourself and your rig clean is key in staying healthy and not catching a cold or the flu.
First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit is a must for truck drivers. You can buy a kit or create your own, just make sure you have the basics including bandages, medications, dressings, antibacterial ointment and burn spray.
Extra Keys
You would be in a bad place if you were to lose the keys to your rig. For this reason, you need to have a spare set with you at all times.
Thermos
Buying coffee two or three times a day will get quite expensive. Modern thermoses will keep beverages piping hot for up to 12 hours and longer. Nothing is better than the ability to pour a cup of steaming hot coffee 10 hours after you brewed it.
Slow Cooker
Food that you prepare yourself is a lot healthier and tastier than the stuff you get at truck stops. Load your slow cooker with potatoes, vegetables and meat in Phoenix and by the time you get to Albuquerque, lunch is served.
List of Phone Numbers
Like most people who own cell phones, the art of memorizing phone numbers is long lost. You probably don't even know your spouse’s phone number. It is a good idea to have a list of the important phone numbers you might need should your cell phone break, get lost or get stolen.
You should also have the phone number for Big Truck Hoods, in case you need to order another truck hood. Shop now.