Been trainin for about seven years so I gotta toss my two-cents in...Please packyour stuff in duffle bags with working zippers(I realize trash bags hold a lot but ya know they just ain't sturdy) Suitcase tend to be unwieldy to handle in the cab. Please do not bring all those little hazmat books and fmscr regs I have my own set and several more from your fore runners who left them(Hell you can keep one as a suvoneer of our time together). You really, really don't need one of those big ol' honkin' metal binders for your log book, I have enough bs on my dask and those binders tend to fall off on bumpy highways usually landing directly on top of someone's toe(Yowiee). Please no briefcases either again there just isn't good spot for them. If your trainer will not share any fridge space(He's a doodie head I know) penut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way as that eating out every day is pricey. Also do not try to put exercise equipment, televisons, packages you think we will deliver to your family along the way, already inflated air matresses, microwave ovens, large inverters, crock pots with food already started in them, ... you get the idea. All of these items have been attempted to be put into my truck and hence left with cars, loved ones, or on a curb.

Originally Posted by The Bronx Knight

Wow this has been extremely helpful. Wish I had of read it before I made a thread lol. I have a question for when/if I become solo. Should I invest in a hot plate or pot? I mean I guess it would be up to personal preference really. What about a heater? (Winter's coming up) And a converter for 12v so that I could use regular appliances and such? Oh Oh and what's your take on heating pads? Could a good heavy comforter do the same trick for me or would a heating pad be better?

I have 2 comforters on my bunk and stay toasty. I have a 12 volt portable stove. (lunch box cooker) You can put soup, your meal, anything in it and when you get where you are going will have a hot meal. Couple pieces of bread, deli meat, jar of swanson's gravy and you will have a nice little meal.

That is a good list...I took my laptop when I was training, did not seem to be a hinderence....I did not take my truckstop guide or atlas until I was solo, my trainer had all that and it seemed reduntant to have more than that. I took my personal GPS also just to get an idea of what is out there, mine is a sportsman GPS not the road one, if you decide to get one for the road make sure it is one for trucks, if you get one for cars it may route you into a low clearance or worse into an area you cannot turn around in...this did not happen to me but I know an experienced driver who found himself in a very bad situation in one of the New York Boroughs because he did not get a GPS that was designed for trucks.....just a thought

Tissues and vaseoline are a must.

don't forget the tarps if your gonna mess with lot lizards--just kidding,leave that stuff alone!

Baby wipes are great if you have that rare occasion when you might miss a shower

what size wrenchs and sockets sould I bring. ie. biggest wrench and socket. to smallest

Caz are you training to drive the truck or fix it. Don't bring any tools to a training truck. As for once you get your own don't worry whatever you need you won't have.