What tools should I keep on my truck as a company driver?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Cyb3rst0rm, Jul 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM.

  1. Cyb3rst0rm

    Cyb3rst0rm Bobtail Member

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    Survived orientation and training. Should be getting my truck tomorrow.

    What tools should I keep with me as a company driver? I've already got a hammer obviously, I'm planning on bringing a basic ratchet and socket set, a pair of vice grips, a pair of pliers, and phillips and flathead screwdrivers.

    Anything else?
     
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  2. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Do you know how to work on a truck? Does the company want you to? Could be a bad idea. That said, a couple adjustable wrenches, a pair of vice grips and a Swiss army knife should be all you need.
     
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  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Zip ties for when the trailer doors won’t stay latched. Bungee cords for when the air lines want to drag the ground. Brake cleaner for when you need to kill annoying insects.
     
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  4. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    Good Flashlight,tire tread depth gauge.
     
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  5. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Medium Load Member

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    Are you doing open deck?
     
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  6. sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

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    Those are good basics. Don't forget a big crescent wrench.

    I would put together a little tackle box full of assorted brass fittings.... compression fittings, quick connects, t's, ferrules, in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, etc so you can fix any airline issues that come up.

    And another little box for doing simple electrical repairs. Butt connectors, shrink tube, torch, wire, pigtails etc. And a test light
     
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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Screwdrivers, flashlight, fuses, leather gloves. Most company do not want some untrained driver messing with their truck. Make sure you can read a fuse panel and replace an electrical fuse, replace glad-hand seals, can read the tire size from the tire sidewall. Everything you bring into the truck may eventually be riding in a Greyhound bus so don't bring more than you need. You can buy tools at Walmart if you see you really need something. You'll be a student trainee for 2 months when you start so don't bring anything but clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag, pillow until you have your own truck.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Nothing.

    See, here is the thing that you may not get.

    If you try to fix something without mechanical knowledge, you may make a simple repair more complex and maybe make the truck unsafe.

    Sometimes, the most dangerous person is an ignorant person trying to fix something that they don't understand.

    Fuses are supposed to be on the truck by regulation.

    Get a really good flashlight, maybe two of them, and keep fresh batteries in it.
     
  9. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    If he is, he needs a framing hammer and 16 penny nails. A small crowbar is helpful too.
     
  10. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Who are u working for? Most megas will terminate you or write you up for tampering with their equipment, ask me how i know.. There is nothing to fix on newer equipement with basic tools. All your problems are going to be computer related. Bout the only thing i carry is lights and crimper and spare wire. And airline quick connects.. no tools needed.. although a 8mm stubby wrench is perfect for holding down the lip on a quick connect and pulling the tube with other hand.. rather then trying to fight it with ur fingers