Electronics recommended for new trucker

Hi Guys, last post today from me I promise! I was wondering if for a new trucker who is going to be going to Orientation next week than PSD/TNT if you could recommend some useful gadgets to have once I get my own truck and possibly during training examples: TV (When i'm out on my own) Fridge (When i'm out on my own) CB (When i'm out on my own) I was also wondering if you could think of anything else that would be useful for newer truckers and if you could recommend certain models. I would only use these gadgets when ABSOLUTELY necessary, and I would be sure to remain safe when using them. For example, I would only be using my headset while i'm able to do cruise control and still be looking around in all the mirrors and on the road to be sure i'm maintaining the correct following distance and all that. So, I want to know what you recommend getting and if you have specific brands you recommend let me know.

 

Buy a Rand McNally Truckers Atlas and learn how to trip plan. Learn where you are going, instead of following the GPS blindly into the abyss. Use a one ear cell phone headset once you have learned how to scan gauges, mirrors and traffic.

Absolutely no music headphones on while driving!


Rand McNally | Rand McNally 2021 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas

 

Yeah definitely no headphones, i'd be using a blue parrot headset once i learn the gauges/mirrors/traffic, meaning i'd be out on my own probably when I start using it. I'm going to buy an atlas and also use one of the electronic ones, i'd use electronic most of the time and back it up with the regular atlas like make sure that it gave the right directions and everything like that. I'm also thinking when i'm out on my own of getting a TV, Refrigerator, and a CB Radio..

 

1st thing I'd get is a dash cam! I wouldn't drive a truck today without one.

 

I was looking at Garmin dezlCam™ 785 LMTS | Semi Truck GPS . Only thing i'd need to get is a extender to get it where I want it to be positioned on the truck. Yeah it's a bit expensive but it would be doable.

 

I had a JBL EON 1 under my bunk , if you like music as I do its a must.

 

What about Sirius radio. Would it be easy to get one of the company mechanics to install?

 

Cell phone is a must... a GPS, I use RM740 (spend the extra $100 for the bigger unit, it’s always an arm length away but maybe my eyes are getting old)... I’m an Apple Guy so I have an iPad but an Android Tablet would be fine too... or a laptop... I have a WiFi hotspot as a general wifi signal... for my iPad and GPS unit, but unlimited data on both my iPhone and iPad...

CB is handy but the only use I have for it is if I’m in a traffic jam to find out what’s going on ahead of me... and occasionally at other times but From time to time it’s handy... like local info during snow storms.... not too expensive so I’ll always keep one in my truck just in case.

I have an Atlas... but between my RM GPS and a few Map Apps, I’ve never used it... ya, I’d get one, but no shame if you don’t need it. There is some good general info in it beyond “maps”

I have a TV but normally use my iPad to stream content... so I rarely use it.

General Tools... broom to sweep out the trailers if required... crowbar for nails, again if needed... gloves, rags, etc

sign on with a Good Company that provides Refrigerators and 2,000 watt converters in their trucks...

Cooking... get a microwave, Instant Pot, etc... if you want to save money instead of eating out all the time.

 

I'd probably be eating out at first, maybe get a microwave and instant pot to help out with the cost at somepoint. I'm going with Prime and will be doing reefer. I'm planning on a TV and will either get an RM GPS or a Garmin. I definitely want a CB and a Blue Parrot headset or something like that. Gloves i'd have a couple sets, one specifically for fueling and one for the other stuff and replacements for those. Wifi would be a good idea so I don't have to use the truckstops all the time. And i'd have plenty of things to keep me warm clothes wise, and I heard that Prime has Sirius in their trucks if you pay for the service so I might consider that as well.

 

Truck Stop WiFi is the worst... fine for email and basics but beyond that, it’s just frustrating... and if you pay for their “premium service” you might as well get a Wifi hotspot... might not be much better but you have it 24/7/365 and not dependent on where you park for the night.