new company driver. what to have with me.

you need to check with your company first. they may not even allow you to do any repairs, for fear of lawsuits should you screw up something. i would carry along an airhose with a tire pressure gauge so that you can check the tire inflation. you can get this airhose at just about any truckstop. it comes with a glad hand attachment at one end, and the inflater chuck at the other end. maybe an adjustable wrench commonly called a 'cresent wrench", screw drivers, pliers, maybe a hammer, and some duct tape. but like i said repairs may be forbidden by your company, so you can use your tools for mounting the cb antenna....?? if they should ever ask.

then you see, you would need a replacement fan belt for every belt your truck has, a light bulb for every light your rig has, air lines, adapters to repair airlines, etc,etc. the list could be quite long, and you won't have enough space to carry everything.

 

you would need some special "union fittings" to repair an air line leak, especially if the air line gets cut or breaks in the middle away from the connectors. everything you think you will need, you will still be in need of something else. it doesn't stop at some simple items. if you do a good proper pre & post trip inspection, you should stay ahead of any problems.

i never carried more than say a pair of wiper blades, a headlight, and some small light bulbs, and one air line, 1 gallon of water, 1 gallon of coolant, 1 gallon of oil, and my air inflation hose, all of which fit nicely under the bunk storage area. any more than these items, is crazy. what will you do when you quit your job and need to board a bus home.....???? or you have to switch out trucks, see how inconvienent it can be afterall..........??

 

Well I'm fairly new myself and just got my truck assigned to me last week, but before I took it anywhere my trainer and I made sure I had all of the following. (and this was just for local trips)
-Pin puller (needed if your truck has a full fender)
-Winch bar (used as a tire beater, as well as needed for any flatbed work)
-washer fluid, oil, coolant, spray lube, glass cleaner, fuel conditioner, and air line anti-freeze. (for the truck. Some only needed in cold climate areas.)
-extra straps, bungees, and chains (flatbed)
-make sure your truck has all needed paperwork, (ownership, insurance ect...)
-Fuel cards (if supplied by company)
-Also make sure that everything on your truck works so you can get it fixed before you leave if needed.

In addition I will be adding myself:
-Map books for areas I know I'll be going
-About a weeks worth of clothing
-Microwave
-1200W power inverter
-TV w/DVD player
-Few days worth of food in a cooler

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head, maybe some of the more experienced guys/girls will be able to add to this list.