Spare Parts

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Cottonmouth85, Sep 4, 2015.

  1. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    So, yesterday my alternator froze up. That shredded my belt... and that left me in the shippers parking lot with my hood up. Always the boy scout, I was patched up and rolling in under an hour. This got me thinking. What do y'all carry with you to get you out of a jam?

    I keep a fairly well stocked tool box, lights, extra essential fluids, belts, alternator, air governor, various sizes and lengths of air line and unions, and an electrical kit and a grab bag of hardware to name a few.
    it's gotten me out of trouble and saved me thousands time after time.
    However, I've been racking my brain to think of what I may be missing.

    Any input appreciated.
     
    Ougigoug Thanks this.
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    As a company truck driver, I draw the line at spare lenses, light bulbs, fuses, and air line patch kits, grommets, etc. I'm a professional driver and never claimed to be a mechanic and/or a parts store owner.

    We routinely run right at 80k and another 200 lbs of "spare parts" and complete 500 piece mechanics tool set is just not something I want to have to lug around and work around.
     
    Cottonmouth85 Thanks this.
  4. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    A smart phone & google has saved me may a time!
     
    truckon and Cottonmouth85 Thank this.
  5. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    I run 80k too. Otherwise I'd have a spare, jack, and a tire tool.

    Smartphone and Google is a real handy tool. As well as the wealth of experience and information on this forum.

    I also keep a notebook with contacts of parts stores, dealers, roadside service guys, and mechanics in the areas I frequent.
     
    mhyn Thanks this.
  6. dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    I've often thought about installing box's on the back of cab and all those as steps for spare parts.. the company won't do it.

    Brake Cans
     
    Cottonmouth85 Thanks this.
  7. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    Yup, forgot brake cans.... put that one on the list.
     
  8. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    How'd you do it?
     
  9. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    How'd I change the alternator?
     
  10. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    Ya, you have a spare? Or lucky enough to be near Napa?
     
  11. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    Nope, no napa this time. Had a spare. 4 bolts, 2 wires and a pulley. Pulley was the hardest part actually. Got it off the bad one easy enough since it was locked up. Putting it on the new one was a bit of a trick. Shaft had a hex on the end. I used a vice grip to hold the socket on the nut and cinched it down with a hex driver on the shaft.
     
    Straight Stacks and truckon Thank this.
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