Tools for trucker (Day cab)

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by lifesafight, Aug 22, 2013.

  1. lifesafight

    lifesafight Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2007
    East Orange, NJ
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    What tools do I need if I am driving a day cab with the possibility of slip seating. I read other threads on tools but in this situation I only can take the most important things that can easily fit in a backpack.

    Thanks
     
    KW Cajun Thanks this.
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  3. Off-n-on

    Off-n-on Light Load Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
    Phila, PA
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    Windex paper towels wrenches for the mirrors screwdrivers hammer duct tape electrical tape bungee cords long piece(s)of rope pocket knife pliers needle nose pliers diagonal cutters extra glad hand seals zip ties and wooden plank to lay across the seat for sleeping. And whatever else. You might need a crate instead of backpack
     
    MZdanowicz, rockee and KW Cajun Thank this.
  4. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

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    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
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    i would just like to elaborate a bit on this list, For a hammer carry a small mallet, In the winter it is not uncommon to hook to a trailer with the brakes frozen to the drum and you need something with enough weight to be able to break them free. Other wise " off-n-on" gave you a great list.
     
  5. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    Yep can't add too much to that list...he covered everything I could think of...except of course a cel phone and a good recharged extra battery for it.
     
    MZdanowicz Thanks this.
  6. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Copperhead Road
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    Duct tape, bailing wire, & big friggin hammer... all you need!

    Seriously now, I've seen most daycab drivers carry literally no tools at all. To me, it must mean they wouldn't know how to use them if they ever needed them anyway. I like to always be prepared for the unexpected, and carry an assortment in my grip (truck carry-bag).
    Hope I don't miss any, but here's what I carry:
    sm, med, & large vice grips
    1 pair channellocks
    Buck Bros screwdriver, with 4 pullout assortment heads (phillips & flat)
    hacksaw blade (blade only)
    truck tire gauge
    wire cutter pliers
    needlenose pliers
    12" and 8" adjustable wrench
    a few 3' electrical leads w/ alligator clips & small multimeter/voltmeter
    duct tape or gorilla tape, also roll of electrical tape
    small roll of heavy gauge tie wire
    sharp pocketknife

    Also, compact powerful flashlight is a must. I carry one plus a backup that I swear by. It's about the size of a roll of quarters, extremely bright, zoomable beam, and only takes 1 AA-size battery.
    sipik sk68 "style" LED compact zoom flashlights (FordEx brand on Amazon) with #14500 lithium ion rechargable batteries (interchangeable & same size as AA, but MUCH brighter, 3.2 volt)
    I carry 2 extra charged batteries also.

    Edit: LOL, there were no replies when I began typing this up, then posted. Looks like a good bit of this was covered already! I'm slow, whatcanIsay!!:biggrin_25514:
     
    MZdanowicz and rockee Thank this.
  7. lifesafight

    lifesafight Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2007
    East Orange, NJ
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    Thanks for the replies and feel free to add if you like. I need to get a new bag for sure. I have saw some day cab drivers with tools but if you need to change trucks for some reason it become an issue. Some guys have the same truck all the time and others don't.
     
  8. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Yukon, OK
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    If you drop and hook I would recommend vice grips. Sliding trailer tandems with a bent pull is almost impossible without one.
     
    Dreaman Thanks this.
  9. Dreaman

    Dreaman Medium Load Member

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    Sep 18, 2007
    Iowa
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    Might want to consider small container of electrical connectors, shrink tube, spare bulbs, and assorted lengths of bungee cords. Small spool of electrical wire.
     
  10. MZdanowicz

    MZdanowicz Light Load Member

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    Apr 7, 2013
    peabody, ma
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    don.t forget" first aid" kit
     
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