Appliances/Tools/Toys

You can get various 12v fridges I have a Koolatron

Be sure to get the ac adapter to pre-cool at home.

A microwave requires a generator since they usually pull around 1200-1600 peak watts. Too much drain on the batteries.

GPS-many on the market. I have a NuVee, it works ok. Just do not trust them 100% Get a Rand McNally's Carriers Road Atlas.

CB's-I have a Cobra and had it pumped up and I use a Wilson antenna.

Get a Sirius radio too unless you like hearing Reverend Bob preach to you for 1200 miles on the back roads.

 

whoa slow down the big brown, that mainly sounds like wants not needs. you honestly don't need anything except a good map book and cell phone. now the wanted items just make life easier out on the road and they feel like needs. once you start driving and spending money on the road you'll see this. space them wants out and get them over time. a few i think should be on top of the list. you definitly need a fridge/cooler (saves a ton of money on food and drinks), cb(the cobra 29 is $69 at the pilot truckstop) and satelite radio is a must also. saves time from trying to find something to listen to. the other items are just wants in my opinion and you can purchase them over time as your getting paid.

 

You don't need a generator to run a microwave

 

That's true but you'll need a bank of batteries and a heavy duty inverter. Good batteries cost some cash and a heavy duty inverter will cost around $600 for a pure sine wave inverter.

Like Jack Frost told him

He's just starting out, cash is a big issue here.
All the conveniences in the world won't make a bit of difference if you can't afford the fuel for example.

 

id have to add a cb to the atlas and cellphone as must haves (a $35 walmart special will work) in my truck i have a cobra 29 ($70 at pilot) tom tom gps ($150 walmart special cmv version coming soon) xm satalite radio (got to have my mlb) 12v cooler (see picture in previous post its very similar) 13" tv (bout $100 at walmart) and my laptop (pick your price)

as jackfrost said only get the musts at first then start adding id put the gps as the first thing after the needs to get and the microwave id drop, any thing i need to microwave i can nuke in the truck stops since i only eat morning and night i also sometimes take my bbq pit (small portable one) out with me and have a nice bbq steak every now and then on my 34's on the road

 

I have a small Crockpot, forgot to mention that little item.
I never have to eat fast food, ever.

I have had made chicken enchiladas, ribs, bbq chicken in the crock pot.
Those little crock pots are cheap at Wally World, Target, Sears/K-Mart ect....

 

I'm going to assume it's the kind where you can seal the lid down?

 

I have a metal rack that I set it into to keep it from moving.
Plus it helps to drive anywhere but SOCAL roads too.

 

1500 w inverter (on sale at Pilot $109, $20 off with fuel points), 600 w microwave ($38.95 at WalMart, works fine with my inverter without any other draw), 12 v cooler (saw them for $82 at WalMart yesterday) Burton 12 v oven (lunchbox style, when they are on sale at T/A around $24) 12 v stinger type water pot (coffee, etc, don't like running the micro long enough to boil water, $12 at T/A) Uniden C/B radio (With Weather Band, HELLO!!! $109 retail, minus $32 with Pilot fuel points), XM radio ($19.98 at Walmart), RCA 14" digital/analog TV ($114 Walmart), crappy little DVD player (from T/A on sale for $34)
but the best two things are:

Garmin GPS, with truck setting, on sale at Circut City for $319, had $30 cupon, I think they retail $449 now.

Kooleraire, a 12 v device that fits in the top of an ice cooler, has an intake fan and blows cool refreshing air out. No, I don't own this truck, I am just trying to do my part. I hardly idle at all. $49.95 including shipping. I also got a battery jumper with 12 v outlets so I can run it all night and it doesn't touch my battery power. (My truck just cuts off accessories and will leave enough juice to crank the engine, tho.) Google Kooleraire.....

IMPORTANT! Inverter installation is crutial! Unless you are VERY well versed in auto/truck/commercial electrical, don't do it yourself. I paid $175 for mine to be wired and installed. THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF TRUCK FIRES IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED INVERTERS! YOU CAN BURN TO DEATH! Quite a few companies don't allow them (Knight comes to mind.) Mine has an 80 amp inline fuse right out of the battery area with heavy duty wiring. The installer called the manufacturer for the specs for load and distance from inverter to battery. In the truck the inverter is mounted with two inch clearance underneath to let the fan do it's job.

I got all of my tools and toys (including this laptop, $549 at Walmart) within the first three months back on the road this past year. I am not trying to brag, I just know what I want to make life easier for me out here. I stay in the truck ALOT. Plus, I have no dependents.....

So! Shop around, use your fuel card points (Pilot or T/A are the best imo)and enjoy your life on the road.