Going Solo.. what do I need to make sure the truck is stocked with?

Women and beer!

But seriously, there are dozens of threads on this subject.

 

Don't go over-board with food stuffs. Keep some 16oz bottles water and other non perishable food items so you'll have something to hold you over while at a loading dock for hours. Stock gradually as you get a sense of what you want and what you can do without. I wouldn't buy a 12v cooler yet until you're settled in and decide on how much you need (or think you need) and what your truck configuration will allow. Pack a rain jacket and perhaps a small umbrella as well as some nitril gloves (for fueling, available at walmart). A "small tool set" with the very basics and a medium size ball-peen hammer. You're not a mechanic and should not equip yourself to do an engine overhaul on the side of the road.

Try and keep as much of your wardrobe that is easy to "wash and wear" and doesn't wrinkle badly or otherwise require too much attention. I prefer to fold clothes and use the hanging area for stackable storage boxes. I wouldn't worry about a tv yet. Get that later once you're "settled in" and know what you have space for and based on it's priority in your life. Get to a CB shop ASAP and let them put in and tune a Cobra 29 LTD. They're reliable, perform fairly well, and inexpensive. Also, throw away the stock mic and replace it with a good noise-cancelling mic. But you need a radio ASAP because many shipper/recv's utilize them for communication to staged drivers and they can be crucial in emergency situations. I could go on but there is plenty of other posts on this topic here and there. But bottom line for new drivers, start slow and get a sense of your personal needs/wants and this can take several weeks/months. And don't "impulse buy". If you see something you think you want, wait a few weeks and if you still want it, buy it.

 

Most importantly, you need to take stock of the types, capacity and numbers of the accessories and lights on your vehicle as per regulations. Light bulbs, headlights, fuzes, etc for on-road quick repairs. If you're with one of the larger companies you should be able to get spares from the shop, otherwise you need to get them and either get reimbursed or write them off on taxes.

Other than that, other suggestions here help. As for tools, you may want to pick up one of those airline hoses with a glad hand or make your own. Make sure the tire inflator is a straight on rather than those aggravating angled connectors. Great for when you can't find a functional air hose and need to put air in a tire. You may want to opt for a quick-connect end so you can interchange inflator, blow-gun, air-drill/ratchet, grease gun, etc. Depends on you.

Simple repair tools, and electrical repair tools and supplies will help in emergency situations... otherwise slow and easy is good advice.

Good Luck

 

Replacement glad-hand rubber seals. And ditto the air gauge thought mentioned above. Get the one that has the "straight-on" forward tip config as opposed to the 45 degree forward tip

 

Get you a 3lb hammer for knocking stubborn tandem pins in, and also a large pair of vice grips to hold pins in just in case they've broken away.

 

I would bring:
At least weeks worth of clothes including a sweater or jacket(especially if you're pulling reefer), Sunglasses.
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, medications, towel(truck stop towels are for the floor), FLIP FLOPS(you do NOT want someones foot funk)
Healthy non perishable foods, bottled water, lunch meats, condiments, bread. Other foods you like.
Blankets, pillows, sheets(sleeping bags suck at about week 2) spare linens.
Work gloves, boots, hi-vis vest, flashlight, 5th wheel puller, small tool set, glad hand seals.
Something to occupy your spare time, preferably a book or something intelligent.
Thats all i can think of for now.

 

first aid kit (you would think all trucks would come standard), a broom to sweep out the trailer and cab, plenty of water, some MRE's or emergency food rations (although you dont really need to worry about it until winter time.) fabreeze, toilet paper/towels, ice chest if you don't have a fridge, the ice lasts me about 2 days but keeps all my drinks cold. duct tape, chalk (i find it handy to mark my tandem holes) pens/stationary....all i can think of the top of my head