Packing the truck for the first time

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TequilaSunrise, Mar 28, 2016.

  1. TequilaSunrise

    TequilaSunrise Medium Load Member

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    Seattle, WA
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    I am having a hard time deciding what I NEED on the truck. And space is becoming an issue. We finally had to decide to buy whatever else we need while we are on the road.

    MY QUESTIONS:
    1. What is the most useful thing on your truck? Besides the driver of course.
    2. What is in your tool bag?
    3. What is the healthiest meal you can make from truck stop finds?

    If you want to know what we are up to read below....

    EXPERIENCE LEVEL: We camped for two weeks once and we survived so this should be a fun adventure.

    FOOD: I picked up a pretty big refrigerator with a separate freezer. My dispatcher was clowning me about how big it is. But, I don't care. I would rather have a fridge than a passenger seat after all the junky food I had to endure during training.

    No more hot dogs EVER again... Just saying.

    So I have been food prepping and so far have made burritos, chili, salads, and snack bins. I am a not sure what else travels well. We went to Cabelas and picked up an air sucker machine to bag up our food.

    I packed peanut butter, ham and cheese, bread, soups, protein mix and fruit.

    Trying to keep as healthy on the road as possible and eat the kind of food I eat when I am home.

    CLOTHES: This closet is killing me! I am hoping to keep at least 7 outfits with me at all times. Not sure where my husband is going to store his stuff. Hahaha

    TOOLS: I picked up a hammer, bolt cutters, screwdrivers, etc. I am sure I am missing at least half the stuff I need. Thankfully I can pick up what I need at a hefty markup in any Love's along the way.

    BEDDING: Mattress toppers and comfy sheets. Our everyday pillows and favorite blankets. Thought about buying new but we had so much at the house. Already decided that we are prepared to buy a Tempur-pedic mattress if we can't sleep this week even if we have to find it on the road before we get home.

    THE TRUCK: The truck it's went through he shop for another once over. It looks great. I cleaned it out and polished the inside looks awesome.
     
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  3. TequilaSunrise

    TequilaSunrise Medium Load Member

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    Seattle, WA
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    The food looks like this. image.jpg
     
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  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    What kind of food is that?Forget about buying anyfood from truckstop for your trk,stop at Wal-Mart.Most are trucker friendly.Truckstop food is overprices and either under or overcooked or stale.Pick up some Tupperware for your food like lunchmeeat,cheese,fruits,veggies.Buy yourself a cooler.But don't go overboard on the food as Wal-Mart's are everywhere buy for like three days worth of groceries.
     
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  5. TequilaSunrise

    TequilaSunrise Medium Load Member

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    Those are egg, ham, spinach, and cheese breakfast burritos. I sucked the air out and put them in the freezer. image.jpg
     
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  6. TequilaSunrise

    TequilaSunrise Medium Load Member

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    Seattle, WA
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    Thank you! Our route is 5 days out and two days home. So we are trying to keep enough food to not starve handy then picking up fresh veggies if our trailers aren't ready at a terminal. Or maybe have pizza delivered.
     
  7. Longarm

    Longarm Road Train Member

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    *Tire pressure gage. Might have to get one at the truckstop. A gage for cars won't work.
    *Work gloves. Buy a bunch at WM. The mark up is like %400 at the TS.
    *A good flashlight.
    *An all purpose cleaner(Simple Green, Lysol, etc) and glass cleaner. Also a small wisk broom to keep the truck tidy.
    *I buy Bounty Basic 6 packs. Paper towels always come in handy. Kleenex.
    *Aspirin.
     
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  8. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Rule of thumb for clothes, only bring enough to last about a week between washes. That's about one load. You'll need warm clothes and clothes for hot days, rain, etc. Don't overdo the "outfits" concept. It isn't a fashion show, just be clean, comfortable, and professional.
     
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  9. Longarm

    Longarm Road Train Member

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    At only 5 days out, you could probably forgo at least some of what I mentioned. I resupply every 4-5 weeks.
     
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  10. Longarm

    Longarm Road Train Member

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    I just ate and I'm salivating...
     
  11. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Stackable bins or drawers in the "closet" with the hanger is far better use of space. Forget about bringing clothes that need to hang.

    Duffle bags stow much easier that roller or hard shell luggage.
     
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  12. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    oh ok
    oh ok I was thinken you'll be out a month.I wouldn't overpack so food doesn't spoil.Unless you buy canned goods.Maybe tunafish.For your tool bag.A good pair of workgloves.visevrips screwdriver set,small led flashlite.Next time your thru the terminal pick up extra rubber seals for your glad hands.
     
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  13. 1278PA

    1278PA Road Train Member

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    Order your stuff online from Amazon or go to lowes or HD to buy stuff. Truck stops will mark #### way up because they know people buy because they need to.

    Don't forget a 3 pound hand sledge.
     
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