What tools/parts to keep in the truck?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Plecc94, Mar 18, 2021.

  1. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    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...
     
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  3. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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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
  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    My old Trailer has 2 on it. I need to put them on this Trailer. Being able to carry a mounted spare, or buy Tires on the road, comes in handy.
     
  5. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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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.
     
  6. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    In five years ive broken 3 red air lines. If that helps.
     
  7. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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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.
     
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  8. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    Not in this "Ask an owner operator" section...
    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.
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Chicken lights and wire maybe some duct tape
     
  10. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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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.
     
  11. zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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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 docks
     
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