OTR..What to take when I am assigned my own truck - Page 2

hasbeenking · #11 (**permalink**) 12-24-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Maybe it's not so essential down there in America but in Alaska one should carry a (not too) short 3 to 4 pound hammer for beating on frozen brake drums, plenty of alcohol for your gladhands or sniffers, and plenty of washer fluid.

All the best to you and yours this Christmas, New Years, etc.

I always carry a propane torch in my bag & a spare bottle of propane in the winter for just an ocassion.

Splitter · #12 (**permalink**) 12-24-2007, 04:06 PM

I found that some zip ties were a good investment. All those plastic bags you get from the truck stop, or the grocery store? Save them for trash bags. My team partner and I seem to generate alot of trash.

JLKKLJ777 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-24-2007, 10:59 PM

Do not forget you will need a couple of pillows, blanket and sheets. Sheets should be white (an old blue book law that has never been rescinded). The white sheets will serve as bandages or tourniquets in an emergency and it will also be a visual aid in detecting carbon monoxide in the truck. In the presence of carbon monoxide the white sheets will turn yellow.

Also consider taking at least a weeks worth of clothing. 2 weeks worth of underwear and socks would be very smart (changing these after a nap will help you feel refreshed).

For gloves be sure to buy a pair of rubber coated gloves for fueling otherwise the gloves will absorb diesel fuel and your hands will constantly smell. Use the regular leather palmed work gloves for opening doors and switching trailers.

Seven · #14 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 12:06 AM

Thanks all for adding your valuable tips for newbies when they get assigned their own trucks!

As always you rock!

johnny big rig · #15 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 08:53 AM

As posted earlier a good hand tool kit is essential and a few spare parts:
Pigtail, A few spare Gladhand Grommets, Hand cleaner{ 1of those Super Orange cleaners in a spray bottle cuts grease great and they don't leave any
greasy residue} Cleaning supplies: Windex, Armor All, Towels both paper and cloth! Peace Out

Hoosierky · #16 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 09:36 AM

a fifth-wheel puller is a must! Will save on clothes getting trashed as well as back and shoulder injuries. A MUST BUY!!

Midnight Rider · #17 (**permalink**) 01-01-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seven

When that day comes and you finally get your own assigned truck,you will want to make it your "own" and have it become comfortable for you.

Here is a few suggestions of items you can bring along.

duct tape
flat, phillips, torx screw drivers
2 good 6 inch adj wrenches or basic set of SAE and metric wrenches
pry bar
hammer
WD-40
5th wheel puller

would also reccomend
12v cooler
Goop or other waterless hand cleaner
Baby wipes
2 or 5 gallon bucket to use as trash can
Glass cleaner and paper towels
feather duster or a swiffter(great for dusting the dash off)
Bungee cords(these make excellent ways to "tie down" your appliances)
small whisk broom for quick clean ups
carpet remenamts make great dirt guards for between the seats to catch the dirt before you go into the sleeper area.

"luxury" items"
Small hand vac(like a dustbuster)
350-400 watt inverter if you want a tv on your truck. (buy a regular tv or tv/vcr or tv/dvd combo and avoid the 12v models)
books on tape, or CDs (if your truck has a tape and CD player installed)

These items are not etched in stone but they will make your OTR life a bit more comfortable.
Feel free to add to the list if I missed anything.

Thats a good list and the xm or sirius radio is also great and rember if you get it for the truck its a tax deduction. Even the monthly cost of the xm or sirius radios can be a tax deduction

sdloe · #18 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 09:14 AM

- Water! Buy a gallon jug or two, can be used for washing hands, etc.
- Baby wipes, tissues, some paper towels.
- I found that a 'urin jug' is helpful at times, yeah, it might seem gross but I use it often. Its better than trying to find a secluded place when you really have to go. Especially if you drink a lot of water (which I do). When you dump it, find a grassy area, NOT in a paved area. Best to find a wide spout...
- Do some research for foods/snacks that you can munch on to keep awake, preferably healthy snacks such as peanuts, etc. One website suggested mints or pepperment/spearment gum, something about the mint helps to keep awake. I found this to work well.

Steven

medic92 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 11:11 PM

If you find the idea of a urine jug distasteful, go to a medical supply store and ask for a Texas catheter. It slips "over", not "in" and is more sanitary than a jug rolling around the truck. The collection bag is sturdy and has clips so it can be attached securely in the truck.

Seven · #20 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 11:41 PM

Heres a not so new idea and one that would make more sense.
Find a bathroom at a truckstop or a pickle park.

If you just can't hold it then pull off to the side of the road or on a on/off ramp and pee between the tractor trailer.

Using a pop bottle or milk jug is unsanitary. I am willing to bet there is no trucker out there that disposes of it correctly. They just leave their urine bombs along side the road or parked in the parking lot of some truck stop.