Newbies! Don't Forget a Toolbox!

Well best of luck to you whatever you decide to do! and don't worry about not being too mechanically inclined--we are all just talkin bout little stuff here--I am sure you can handle it!

 

spare fuel filters, filter strap wrench, 911 fuel additive and fuel conditioner if you are going from warm southern states to cold northern states. dont be shy with the 911 and conditioner either!! and know how to pull a filter off, and put a bunch of 911 into the tanks and a new filter and get the #### truck running if your fuel gels up! it takes some time but better than trying to find a shop to let you thaw out at 3 am in a tiny town (cos thats were it will happen...gaurenteed!!!).

 

Before you get them all greased up, most companies refrain against company drivers working on trucks. You fix simple things like light bulbs and fuses. Beyond that, you are an insurance liability that says you ain't suppose to be doing that stuff. That's why your inspection report has a spot for a mechanic to sign off a repair.
A trainee needs zilch while with a trainer as far as tools go. Depending on what you haul dictates most of your tools. A claw hammer or pry bar if you have nailed down pallets. Some dashes you need a phillips head or torx driver to access the fuses. Most are just popping the glove box or a cover. Once you get on the road, you'll know what you need and tools are readily available at truck stops. Don't show up with a roll away Snap On toolbox, lol.

 

So...........

like,

I'd have to turn off my X-box,

and use tools ?????

 

Thats true, but for anyone else like me who likes getting greasy and fixing sheet, here at W/S they show you how to fix stuff includeing adjusting and cageing brakes, patching airlines and stuff. They're pretty cool here lol. I just wish me being a mechanic would get me a few more pennys a mile hahaha




American Trucker

 

I didn't start off with a toolbox. As minor repairs came up I would buy whatever tools I needed. Screw driver here. Pliers there. Wrench there. Fuses there. I'd keep them in an overhead cubby and then one day when I had time to stop at Walmart I thought "Hey, let's find a nice little toolbox to keep this stuff in."

What I have isn't much but it's got the basics to handle whatever may come up. Oh and don't forget a rubber mallet aka "trailer tandem pin persuader".

 

Here is what I carry which is minimal.

Multi Tip screwdriver
Torx Driver that fits the dash
Duct Tape
Black Tape
Zip Ties
3 in 1 oil
A couple Throttle Return Springs (Yeah its an older truck)
Bungie Cords (Small colored ones and Big black ones)
Vice Grips
Channel Locks
Various Bolts and Nuts
A Multi Pack of box/open wrenches ( think it came with 7 different sizes)
5# Mini Sledge

Oh yeah, had a headlight switch break on me once so I have an extra one of them to. Not that I will need it but who knows.

 

All I can add to the above:

An LED headlamp (one of the "fits over your head" strap type). Folds into nothing, and a massive frustration saver when you need two hands after dark. Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-6...YL7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299064934&sr=8-1

Oh yeah. Also an assortment of twist-on wire joiner/cap thingies.

 

rubber mallet for stuck slider pins?
you trying to tickle them outta the hole?
i use a 4 lb sledge--when i say move--they move