Even if you’re just going to the shop for a quick trip, you virtually always double-check your phone, keys, and wallet before you leave the house. In addition to this crucial routine, you should double-check that you have all the other job necessities before you hit the road.
Among these things are medicines, as well as things that everyone needs, like safety and health gear for the road. No matter how long you’ve been driving trucks or how recently you started, you can do/make a few exercises or purchases to ensure your health, safety, and comfort on the road.
In this article, we will examine the five most often mentioned items that truck drivers should always have on hand, along with the reasons why they are considered must-haves.
Your Vehicle Is Your Base of Operations
Driving a long-haul truck isn’t always plain sailing. Not having a home away from home is a major drawback of trucking. For example, truck drivers often long for the comforts of home, such as a kitchen and a comfortable bed. But now your truck is more like a home.
Since you’ll spend most of your time here, it would be wise to bring the necessities to ensure every trip stays productive and safe. Your truck will serve as your makeshift dwelling regardless of the nation you’re traversing, so stock it up with all the essentials. Even recent pieces of trucker news state that big rigs nowadays have many of the comforts of home, and you can make the most of your time on the road with just a few simple additions.
1.Truck Navigator Device
Experts suggest GPS is an ideal addition, and every driver should have one. With good reason: a sleek, user-friendly cam for commercial trucks is a massive hit with truck drivers.
There are a lot of factors to consider while designing a route, including the size, weight, and time limitations of your truck. In addition to updating routes and providing real-time traffic alerts, it also lets you keep tabs on fuel, maintenance costs, hours driven, and more. Such a device’s touchscreen is intuitive, the voice-activated navigation is clear and strong, and it may come with Bluetooth connectivity. This feature also allows you to make hands-free calls no matter where you are.
With the integrated dash cam and driver awareness features like lane departure and forward collision warnings, you can record your drives automatically.
2.A Toolbox
In addition to other gadgets, no truck driver should ever leave home without a high-quality toolbox. To continue driving or reach the next truck stop, it is quite certain that drivers will need to do basic repairs or fixes at some point. Though major situations are unlikely, being ready is always preferable to lamenting, “If only I’d packed a ___.”
Screwdrivers, zip ties, duct tape, pliers, brake cleaner, hammer, wrench set, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, spare batteries, pocketknife, plug kit, and an extra light bulb or two should all be part of your toolbox. Besides, remember that you can always rely on your CB radio to connect you with other drivers and emergency services if an issue occurs.
3.Power Supply
Assuming you have a clean, secure, and well-stocked truck driver’s cab, the following step is to consider what equipment is essential for your safety and comfort while on the road. On long-term excursions, it’s critical to have a comfortable ride that encompasses the amenities you need to stay healthy and happy. Among these essentials is a straightforward power converter. This practical device will allow you to harness the power of your motor to run little kitchen appliances such as a mini-fridge, crockpot, toaster oven, electric blanket, or coffee machine.
These seemingly insignificant items can greatly improve your travel experience and provide you with a plethora of new options for meals while traveling. As an example, numerous drivers enjoy having a slow cooker on the go. To make a home-cooked supper in the morning, just toss some meat and vegetables into a slow cooker. After a few hours, dinner will be ready.
4.Telematics
The job of a truck driver is fraught with peril. Many items have been developed with the goal of enhancing truckers’ safety, including backup cameras, dash cams, and head-strap LED illumination.
Emerging technology known as telematics enables drivers to instantly communicate with their dispatcher. Plus, immediate notification of accidents and other road risks is incredibly beneficial for drivers when they occur.
5.Dash Cams
Dash cams capture some fairly incredible (and entertaining) elements on the road. Also, they are one of the vital gadgets to top your truck. That being said, a dash cam has the ability to capture video of the road, which can be utilized as proof in the event of an incident. They can also encourage drivers to be more vigilant and observant on the road, enhancing driving behavior.
Moreover, some versions encompass built-in sensors that record automatically in the event of an accident or abrupt stop.
Additional cameras can be mounted on the sides, back, or inside of your truck’s cargo box as a part of the truck camera layout. Similar to the home security system, truck cams can, too, perform the basics of recording live feeds of the road.
With cargo theft rates on the rise, benefiting from such a technological purchase has become even more significant in the years to come.
In the end!
It’s an understood fact that worthwhile truck driver accessories and gadgets can make a considerable difference and are priceless, improving truckers’ road comfort, safety, and efficiency. Ultimately, they are highly sought after by those who want to get the most out of their trucks as they significantly enhance a trucker’s life.
