A hypothetical regarding stolen bulbs, etc.

Technically, anything wrong with the equipment is on the driver when it's decided DOT or cops intend to call you on it. I really don't think any dispatcher signature will absolve us from any defect. I've had to run with a lot of junk trailers or reload everything myself into another junk trailer. They may pay the fine, but any points are our. Am I right?

 

actually, it takes more than one person to replace a truck's light bulbs.....

in fact, around 10 or more people....












one to hold the screw driver




the other 9 to turn the truck........

 

In the case of Swift: get at least one extra of every light you might need. I usually carry two of everything. You never know if one of your spares is a dud. Don't forget to have turn indicator lights all the way around and a spare license plate light. I also carry a bunch of spare fuses in an old pill bottle. Yes, DOT is starting to ask. For company drivers and trailer lights, go to the shop. You may have to visit several shops to get everything you need, but make sure you're equipped.

Also, get at least 16 bungee cords. 12 for tire chains and four extras. Two of those extras live between the driver seat and the door for those trailers with loose door hitch chains to keep the doors from swinging around and hitting someone. Occasionally, I will have to use one to keep the pigtail from slipping out of the trailer socket or to secure the landing gear handle when some shop put the wrong handle on the trailer and it won't stow properly. I believe someone on these forums recently got a ticket for the handle left loose to flop around. It's petty, but apparently, they are writing for it.

The tools I carry are: a vise grip, channel lock pliers, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, a small socket set with star and torx drivers, #1 and #2 Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, an Allen wrench set, a wire stripper/crimper, a small crow bar, a claw hammer and a 4-pound sledge. I also carry a wheel chock. It's come in handy a few times. It sounds like a lot, but it will all fit in a plastic tote in your side box.

 

you can go to Lowes/Depot and get a package of them for a good price. i carry the rubber type and the fabric type.....

i have a plastic (what looks like a tackle box) and keep mine in that.

 

I used to carry everything I needed in a military flight helmet bag. If you're around any army/navy surplus store you might find a few things that can come in handy. Tools are important too.

Again back to the OP on what to do if you do not have the part. A lot of common sense has to come in play here and getting to the nearest repair shop is sometimes your only option. There's not a driver out here with any years experience that hasn't pull a truck into the shop with a problem that could have gotten him or her a ticket. You're not going to drop the trailer on the side of the interstate to go and get a bulb. LED light are more costly than the old bulbs we used to use so maybe your company will not give them out. I would still buy them on my own just to save you problems. There's been many lists on this site on what to carry.

 

Yes you are correct!!

 

Depending on the company. I once time got into an arguement about landing gear not being able to be retracted. (missing a handle) Night dispatch insisted I run. "Where? With sparks trailing me?" Asked for a road call, they REFUSED! (cheap skates) Told me to limp it back to the nearest truck-stop (I was in MAINE! The nearest T/A was in NH)

What they didn't count on was a Great Dane trailer shop right next to the pick-up place. "Heeeyy, guys! Look what I found!"

So the company had to shell out for a Manufacturer-certified replacement of the entire landing gear assembly in the morning! They also changed the shocks!

Maybe next time you'll call the stupid roadside and get the crank-handle replaced and I won't notice the entire gear was wadded up.

hahahah.