Must-Have Items For Your Rig

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian ·

Truck drivers spend most of their waking hours inside their rig. Since you have to spend so much time in your truck seat, you want it to be comfortable. To make that time easier and more comfortable, here are some must-have items for your rig.

Safety first is a motto most drivers are aware of. Having a stocked first aid kit is an absolute must for your truck. You hope you won’t need the contents of the box, but it’s a great idea to have one with you each time you hit the road.

Flashlights, batteries, and extra bulbs are also great must-have items. In fact, it would be a good idea to have more than one flashlight. Choose one that you crank, one with LED bulbs, and flashlights of different sizes.

Obviously one must-have item for your rig is a CB. These are imperative for communication with other drivers and your home base. Choosing the best CB that you are able could make the difference between being able to communicate with others or not.

Another must-have item is a tool box complete with a full set of tools that fit your engine. Wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, tire gauge, emergency flares, and tools that are particular for your engine should be included. At least one fire extinguisher is also necessary. Of course, you’ll want to purchase the best quality tools you can so they aren’t likely to break when you need them.

Even truck drivers have paperwork they have to fill out. Travel orders, trip logs, accident reports, and expense reports are absolute must-haves. You will also need a place to keep receipts and freight bills so they can be turned in when necessary.

Maps, atlas, or global positioning system (GPS) are necessary if you’re unfamiliar with a route or the location of a delivery. With the GPS systems, they can give you audible directions so that you won’t have to stop to take a look at a map. Technology is changing every day. Before long these systems may be pre-installed in all truck cabs.

If you have a sleeper cab, one item you’ll want to have is a comfortable mattress and pillow. You’ll also need storage space for bedding, clothing, and other supplies that you’ll carry with you.

Along with a place to sleep, a sleeper cab is a great place to put a microwave, mini refrigerator, and television. These items will help make layovers more pleasant and help you save money by not having to go out to eat or spend the night in hotels.

Finally, you’ll want things to help keep you comfortable while you’re driving. A comfortable cabin chair and air conditioning are definitely must-have items for your rig. You may be able to do without some of the items on this list, depending upon your truck cabin, but they are must-have items for many truckers.