new truck equipment

XM radio is always a good gift for long haul truckers. Merry Christmas

 

Thats almost a must. Radio stations have gotten where they suck now. Too many commercials, stupid acting dj's...

 

A lot of what has been said are very "nice to have's" - treat this like you would when you gave your son/daughter their first car. Equip them with things they will need -
1. First Aid Kit - heavens knows we tend to smash/cut and even bang our heads and other parts getting in and out of trailers. Not to mention should they happen upon an accident.
2. Jumper Cables - trust me you will need them sooner or later.
3. A small tool kit. Hammer, small crow bar, electrical tape , plyers, etc. (you get the idea)
4. A really good snow blade. One that can be used to dust off the snow in the mornings and such.
5. Great set of work gloves
6. Flashlight ( I have one also that has a head strap so when strapping a load at night my hands are free)
8. I good CB radio. It can really save time, help keep you awake at night and also offer assistance if needed.
9. A cell phone - needed for emergencies, calling customers, directions etc.
10 A good truck route GPS. Not your only source for guidance but a dang good lead.
11. A large US Road Map. (nuff said)

Those are the basic tools of our trade that we use each day and are realitvely inexpensive.

Now mind you I have the Satellite radio, flat screen tv, microwave, crockpot etc....but not one of them helps me do my job or keeps me rolling - they are only there for "creature comforts"!

 

I definitely agree with this. I would not dare put my bare feet on the floor.

Cobra 29 cb is a good entry level radio. Reliable and moderately priced. Being it's winter more or less, if he doesn't have one...a good work coat.

Maybe a shaving kit with everything already in it for the showers. Stuff it with the supplies, wrap it........voila! Christmas present. lol

 

Midland is a medium-lower end consumer cb mostly. Certainly better than nothing if that's what's in your budget! And that may not be a bad idea actually. Then he can scout out, ask questions, etc... on his own and decide which radio he wants should he decide to upgrade.

 

I have the Midland PC76W. No complaints with it. I use it with a 4' fire stick fiber glass antenna. Works great.