Tips and Tricks to make life easier OTR

Just an idea...
Lets share little things we have learned over the years that can help NOOBS after they get OTR.


Tips from my experience......

Keep a small notepad and pen HANDY for quick notes while driving.

Keep pens and notepads and stuff in one of those vinyl litter bags... you can hang it from dash somewhere.

Use thin bungees to hang your CB mike so you don't have to fumble with it.

Carry only what "cards" you need in a smaller wallet.
leave the big honking biker wallet in the truck.
Carry cash in a money clip in FRONT pocket.

Buy a truckers atlas, AND, get a regular atlas cause it's lighter and easier to handle.

Use a rubber "tarp strap" to hold tension on the trailer slide release while you "rock" it and free the pins. This lets you release hard ones with only one person. When it pops free, just lock in place.
Also use vice grips if the rod won't catch in the notch.

Wear sunshades in fog and rain.
It cuts the glare and you can see better/further.

Inexpensive multi-bit screwdriver kit, WITH TORX bits, will let you do what you need to dash and cab.

For dark holes, lay a flashlight on the line at the back of the hole.
This will allow you to line up when you can't see the lines.
(works especially well for backing into INSIDE docks)

Strip of "door mat" attached to truck steps with wire ties helps keep shoes clean.

Rubber tarp strap on steps to hold fuel nozzle in tank.
YES, you need it sometimes. And its better than spilling fuel.

Seatback organizer for passenger seat helps a LOT.
Keeps things where you need them.

Keep a towel handy in cab for when it is raining and you get in wet.

HIDE A SPARE KEY SOMEWHERE OUTSIDE THE TRUCK !!!!!
Use a wire tie to secure it.
You WILL eventually get locked out.... we all have.

Bring tapes/CD's for areas where there is no radio reception.
(or get satellite)

Paper Towels and Napkins.
(NO... for spills and cleaning stuff you preverts)

Always be sure you have movies, books, music, guitar, Etc.....
Makes long waits less boring.

You can use a 2.5 gal bucket for a trash can in the truck.
Sturdy, and most times FREE.

Keep a "72 hour kit" in your truck.
Everything you will need for THREE DAYS if you are stranded, in extremes of weather, and the truck is not able to run.
(i also used to carry heavy boots and a snow suit in a bag from Aug to May)

GLOVES, gloves, gloves.
One pair JUST for fueling.
Several more for other tasks.

I always kept a Crown Royal bag with change in it handy in the truck.
Helps to have a LOT of change if you have to pay tolls.

For $40, you can get a small "fire safe" to secure valuables in the truck.
Can be bolted to floor, or used with a chain and padlock, to secure so it can't be taken.

CUP HOLDERS. Very handy to have extra ones... and ones that actually work well.

12 Volt accessories as you prefer.
There's a LOT, and they usually make things better.

 

I would, but they usually union.... and I refuse to support Obongo and the liberal democraps.