The tool kits, spare fluids, duct tape etc... (Common sense very much in use here) is a must, but since you have a 2020. I assume you still have a decent dealer warranty to cover most of the simple fixes/ road calls to get you back on the road?
I carried a LOT of things at first. but then as things worked out, I thinned out the stock so-to-speak, and carried what I used/needed.
By no means and I an O/O, long time driver, etc... but I am of the mindset of stocking what you use instead of what you need. Now of course this mindset is determined by the routes you run, the availability of truck services, the need to "do it yourself", etc... I don't run in the middle of nowhere... So to me, if I have the services at hand, why carry the extra weight in all the extra parts and things if you can simply make a phone call and have it done for you. (Factoring in these expenses into the load, of course) I'm also assuming a level of preventative maintenance being done at the same point.
As well, no one can plan for the unexpected, but there is also a need to be sensible about thing. So I guess what I am saying is; What have you needed before compared to what you need now? Only you really know ALL the variables...
What tools/parts to keep in the truck?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Plecc94, Mar 18, 2021.
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This is a very educational thread. Last week, such a simple thing as a rescue tape and five gallon of plain water saved my arse on I 88 after Walmart DC delivery, after one of the radiator hoses raptured and I lost most of the coolant. Bad luck. Out of all my spare hoses, that one was molded and I did not have it.... I removed the hose, wrapped it with the rescue tape and was able to limp over to Pilot, Dixon, IL and added some more coolant. It was Sunday...so hoping of a quick rescue team might have been too much to hope for.
I tell you, being able to go out of a bind is something that makes you proud of yourself.
I will, motivated by some of your posts, augment my tool set. First of all, I'll buy a long 1/2 inch breaker bar ... to be able to replace the belts, which I always carry and get a set of larger 1/2 sockets and extensions. Also, Dewalt 1/2 impact gun with a decent set of sockets for it.
Basically, I got other DeWalt tools so maybe sticking with their line of product may make more sense...BTW anything against DeWalt 1/2 impact gun?... I heard you can handle rim bolts with it, or change shocks, brake chambers etc.
From my experience, there is never enough hoses, spare bulbs, fuses, spare alternator, spare tensioners, pulleys, quick connectors, O-rings, and...5-8 gallons of coolant (summer time water will do too) and so many other things too.
And....when I find myself underneath the truck for a period of 20 or more minutes I feel nauseated, something to do with the head position, Perhaps that cart with wheels could help...but that thing I don't want to carry but I think it is a good thing to have while working on a truck while at home.Last edited: Sep 7, 2021
Speed_Drums, Rideandrepair, black_dog106 and 1 other person Thank this. -
feldsforever, TallJoe, 86scotty and 1 other person Thank this.
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Brake chamber
Alternator
Starter
Belts
Filters
Radiator hose
10 feet heater hose
Roll of electrical wire
Solder
Heat shrink
Fuses
Lights
Any and all tools necessary to change above parts... And then some.Rideandrepair, TallJoe and God prefers Diesels Thank this. -
In five years ive broken 3 red air lines. If that helps.
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I always love this question. It's always the same for answers.
Tools:
"I don't even carry a pocket knife. I'm a driver, not a mechanic." to
"I have so many tools in my truck I make the snap on truck look empty."
Parts:
"I don't carry any parts, that's what the shop is for." to
"I carry an extra engine strapped to the catwalk." and everything in between.skallagrime, mudflap77 and Speed_Drums Thank this. -
The disparity is all to obvious. A company driver, does not need to have all that many tools or parts, simply because it does not cost him to call for Love's Road Service or a tow truck. Owner operators try not to be ripped off by the road services and anything that needs to be fixed on the road at random shops. And especially, inept and hopeless Petros/Ta/Loves shops.
The common ground is the ability to get the truck moving, instead of being stuck with flashers on because of a hole in a hose or a torn belt. -
Chicken lights and wire maybe some duct tape
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How many of you carry a water pump and how long do they usually last? I'm at about 300k on my current one. Might try and pick one up to keep as a spare.
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Added a 15ft collapsible ladder to my took box, only 3ft tall when fully collapsed.
Also.added a pallet clamp to make it easier to drag pallets off the back of the trailer at places without docksTallJoe Thanks this.
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