Tools for the road

Oh come on guys, There are some good suggestions one here like the zip ties, a baby sledge, even some channel locks. But the one tool that EVERY truck out here should have is.....DUCT TAPE!!!!!

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!!

 

Naive question - why? I thought the valve stems pretty much forced me into the angled head?

 

nope nope nope...I'm no mechanic, but if it's a simple fix then I'd like to be able to keep it moving. Most of the stuff I've read so far I pretty much keep in an emergency bag already when I go on long road trips. You are spot on though - no use trying to be what I'm not - a diesel mechanic. Just more likely to make the engine drop right out of the front end.

 

Thanks MNdriver - I'm down at International Driving School (S. St. Paul) now. Anything special you take with you or have done to your tractor for these MN winters?

 

Wow, you brought up a great point! Is there an App for gps designed specifically for drivers - avoiding toll roads, restricted roads, etc.?

 

As an owner operator I think it's a good idea to have a backup alternator ready with the pulley already needed on it. As I have found out the hard way, finding the right pulley is not easy. The alternator is easy to get, finding someone to put it on so they don't break bolts is not so easy. I have been putting them on myself and still seem to run into issues as it seems easy enough? Having the ratchet that fits the tensior pulley is needed to remove the belt, and can be used if you need to replace the belt. Having jumper cables long enough to reach from the refer unit to the batteries can be handy in jumping the truck if needed from the refer batteries, I have been saved many times using them. I once had to jump off the starter when I could not get the truck to start, due to an electrical short. I just left the truck running until I could get back to my home terminal. It was over Thanksgiving weekend so good luck trying to find a place to get work done then.

 

i saw a guy blowing out his trailer the other day with a 18 volt leaf blower

 

Most useful tool for me has been the laptop. DDL software for log checking, MS Streets Trips 13 for GPS and basic planning, Google Earth for fine checks, plus the entertainment factor.

Yes I carry the pliers, hammer, etc for small repairs too...

 

BFH
quality screwdriver set, klein in my opinion makes the best, dont skimp here, cheap sets wont bite into worn fittings
socket/wrench set, dont go overboard here, up to 3/4" should suffice
minimum of 2 full size vice grips
BAILING WIRE, a truckers best friend, carry a cheap side cutters (dykes) to snip to length
waterless hand cleaner
a cheap small toolbox for everything
quality wire strippers, again see klein brand
gorilla brand duct tape, except no substitutes, trust me on this.
bungees of course
a bottle or two of rubbing alcohol, to clean areas to get the gorilla tape to stick
a voltage tester, if you know how to use one
rags, lots and lots of rags
a small roll of #14 stranded wire/electrical tape
a real truckers tire pressure gauge. Most companys will give you one, well because tires are expensive and they want you to check them religiously, just ask
I'll add to this as more stuff pops into my head
DONT SKIMP ON QUALITY! remember, all this stuff is tax deductible, and you will have them forever!

 

I like a 4 or 5 lb hammer. using that to thump tires you can tell by the sound (thumping one dual then the other) if it's really aired up. you will see guys kicking them, tapping them with their hand, etc... that doesn't tell you anything.

a crowbar can be handy, you will likely find yourself in situations needing to pull nails from flooring and a clawhammer won't do it.

(keep in mind these first two items are useful when lot lizards or unsavory characters approach your truck at night as well !)

I always keep a few taillights and marker lights as well as basic wiring stuff (tape, wire strippers or knife, etc..) it is way easier to just fix a light than wait for a shop even if you don't get reimbursed for it.

Tire Plug kit - you can get the T-handle type with a reamer, plug tool, and a few plugs at farm stores or even truck stops. This puppy will save your butt and your company big $$$.

torx wrenches - most of the trucks I have driven had torx bolts holding the dash panels. I don't think I've driven one truck where I didn't remove the dash panel ! sometimes just for wiring in satellite radio or something. other times air valves or something else. see what your truck has. I guess some of the old peterbilts I drove were just slotted spring bolts.

pliers - because a man without a pair of pliers is a girl.

knife - because a man without a knife is just like a man without pliers. Also, you can use a small knife to spread the pins on your trailer connector. have you noticed that each pin is split in two ?? some people don't even know why that is. It's so you can stick a knife in there and slightly spread them so they make better contact !