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Old 12-21-2007, 04:26 AM
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Seven Seven is offline
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Post OTR..What to take when I am assigned my own truck

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.
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Old 12-21-2007, 09:06 AM
pcuthbert pcuthbert is offline
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Seven;

I'll agree with almost all of your list.

I will say that a "home" TV is not really right to carry in the truck. It will shake itself to bits within a year, and you will have to replace it.

There are special TVs out there that are designed for the high impact use in a truck. Sure, they cost more, but they will last you significantly longer.

I would also suggest that a driver carry a pair of coveralls AND a change of clothes, even when on day trips. You never know when you will find yourself involved in a mishap that drenches you with some fluid. Better to have that change of clothes than have to drive sodden or naked.

A toiletry kit is also a "must have". That way you can be sweet smelling when you get home to your loved ones.
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Old 12-24-2007, 10:22 AM
foden1234 foden1234 is offline
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may i aslo ask you to include a good OTR Atlas and local maps of the area...A MUST HAVE for all drivers..helps you find your way and even to get to know the local area no matter where you are..learn to transfer from the Atlas to the local map so you know exactly where you are at all times without having to stop for directions all the time and waste your time getting in and out of the truck...if you must take a TomTom..but do not rely on it..there is no substitute for a good map.buy them as you come into the area at the first gas station you come to..i di that for years..18 to be exact and i still rely on them even today.
only have the Atlas and the map of the area you need not the whole collection of them out at once or you will be stopping and confusing yourself
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Old 12-24-2007, 10:29 AM
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ChromeWheels ChromeWheels is offline
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A good flashlight and extra batteries is essential.

My list would also include my XM!
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Old 12-24-2007, 10:34 AM
Beanstalk Beanstalk is offline
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Take at least 2 pairs of gloves. One pair for fueling and one pair for loading, unloading, opening trailer doors, etc.
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Old 12-24-2007, 10:41 AM
foden1234 foden1234 is offline
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take a good comfortable pair of driving shoes too..best be comfortable while driving.
pen and paper to record all your drops and deliveries for future reference
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Old 12-24-2007, 11:27 AM
lumberhauler24 lumberhauler24 is offline
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you may in addition to these items also want to see if your comany will give a spare headlight.tail and marker lights, fuel filter and spare belts as theese items will save you a lot of time on the side of the road...
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Old 12-24-2007, 12:04 PM
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ChromeWheels ChromeWheels is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lumberhauler24 View Post
you may in addition to these items also want to see if your comany will give a spare headlight.tail and marker lights, fuel filter and spare belts as theese items will save you a lot of time on the side of the road...
...and a spare throttle spring or two.
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Old 12-24-2007, 01:26 PM
yarnell17 yarnell17 is offline
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Cool Things to bring

These are all awsome things to bring the first trip out! I would add also some velcro, it's an awsome invention, a nice metal tire beater is a must also, also gives you a weapon, when at some unsavory places that you will eventually have to pick up and deliver. If you can afford it, an xm or sirius satellite radio. It is addictive, and it goes everywhere! Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
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Old 12-24-2007, 03:18 PM
4X4 4X4 is offline
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Default Things to bring--your rig or not

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.
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