newbie items?

[havicks29]

So, I know that there are a bunch of otr "VETS" out there. Those of you who have been out there for awhile. I just want you to think back to when you first started truckin'. What were the items that you HAD to have before you ventured out into the commercial superhighways of this great land. Laptops, cd players, any other items that you deemed as ensential to your off time entertainment. Sleep comfort and anything else you think would help me plan for getting into the trucking industry?

[mapleleaf_1]

CB radio, microwave, fridge. After awhile I added a TV/DVD player.

[repete]

$$$

[nickbtubas]

Things you need:

• Motor Carriers Atlas (map), if you can afford one get a wire bound version
  clipboard for logs
  white out for MINOR corrections on logbook
  blue or black pens
  calculator
  some form of entertainment, i.e. dvd player, tv, books, magazines, crossword puzzles, something to do
  power inverter to power electronics
  flashlight
  small hammer to check tires
  tire pressure gauge
  small toolbox filled with various wrenches, pliers, tape, etc
  fifth wheel puller
  gloves
  electric cooler or fridge
  window cleaner, cleaning supplies
  rags or paper towels
  bath towels and shower accessories (soap, shampoo, etc)
  Window scraper for the snow and ice
  Nice set of boots, possibly steel toed if you can afford them

there is more but i'm too lazy to list everything

[Soladad]

The first item on the list that nickbtubas said was a map. If you can afford the wire bound large print edition I highly recommend it. Much easier to find road on and much easier to read going down the road for those quick references.

My trainer taught me to write down my routes (I-75, US 456) and directions into the shipper or receiver on a dry erase board. The erase board sits up on the dash and is quick reference and again easy to read. You can get the small dry erase boards at Walmart along with pens and eraser. I still use my dry board as a back up to my laptop with GPS that has the routing on it. Never know when the computer might take a lunch break on me and I don't want to be stuck without back up directions.

Personally I like a nice zipped binder (Office Max) to hold my log book, ruler and pen and a copy of the long form of my last DOT physical. Keeps the log book neat and safe. I have a clip board with an interior space for my spiral 8x11 notebook that I write down all my load info, directions (for future reference if I return to the same place), BOL and payroll sheets

Power inverters...check with your company on the size allowed before you buy. Some companies limit size and it must be installed by company mechanic.

Shower shoes are a must for those not so clean shower stalls and floors. A roll of toliet paper is nice to have along also. Sun glasses, small spiral pad to write down milage when you fuel, change filters, arrive at S/C and end your day. A small plastic box behind your seat is a good place to put a pair of wire cutter (to cut seals), flashlight and other misc items needed. A padlock if your company does not suppy one.

I always carry a duffle bag and a few extra carrying bags. Never know when you might have to leave your truck (accident or breakdown) and you need to pack up things to survive a few days away from the truck or even get sent back home minus your truck.

Coffee mug, bedding, an extra pillow or two to lean up against in the bunk in the evenings. A CB is expected by a lot of places and is handy to find out why traffic is moving slow or road conditions.

Do a search on supplies. There have been numerous postings over time and there are good lists to work from off this board.

Soladad

[Useless]

Some things that don't get mentioned often;

1.) Extra toilet paper.

2.) foam ear plugs; when you are rolling as a team, they can reduce the noise. If you are shut down, they will allow you to sleep if your trainer snores.

3. A good pair if binoculars; nothing high dollar needed here, but they will come in quite handy at times.

[just_froggy]

Alot of the items posted are good things to have, but just don't get to carried away with stocking your truck. Having to switch over to a new truck in 100 degree Dallas heat has taught me to pack lighter. LOL

You need baby wipes!! They not only can help you keep clean when a shower is not possible, but they can be used to clean your truck too!! Never hit the road without them!

[Useless]

You need baby wipes!! They not only can help you keep clean when a shower is not possible, but they can be used to clean your truck too!! Never hit the road without them!

Excellent Point!!! 8)

[dle]

isopropyl alcohol
hand-held vac cleaner

[flyinphoenix]

U need to know to stay out of the center and hammer lanes.....until u can handle them,,,K :-) an don't waste your time on a big radio... buy a 29 and tune it...!!!!

[flyinphoenix]

ooohhh ya.....shower shoes and lysol

[piaa_nissan]

The best investment I made was the motor carrier atlas in the laminated version and dry erase markers. Not only can you mark your route on the atlas you can use the markers to write directions directly on either a wing window or a spot on the windshield. Nothing nicer than being able to look out your window and see your directions without having to pick up the map book (except at night when this method will not work) Microwaves are expensive or impossible to use without a large inverter which some don't allow in a company truck. I use a small inverter with a cigarette plug connection which allows me to charge AA batteries, phone, computer, what have you.
I bought a lunchbox oven and love the ability to cook soup, meat, burritos and just about anything that needs heat. I buy the aluminum cook trays at Wally world though because the ones they sell in truck stops will kill your wallet. Baby wipes definitely a must. Satellite radio- nothing beats being able to have a routine listening schedule versus being in the Nevada desert and only getting one religious channel. I have a laptop with WiFi and a DVD drive so not only can watch movies I can sit around and surf the net.
Plus a good electric cooler allows you to store food that you couldn't without it (plus who likes warm soda?)

[havicks29]

CB Radios: what kind is the best for the least amount of $$$$? Any suggestions?

[redsfan]

I'll second the motion on the dry erase marker, but you don't really need the board. You already have a cab full of them made of glass... I use the markers almost daily, but I just write on the window. It wipes right off and when you do finally start to get a little buildup, Windex takes it right off.

I'll write directions and such on it, but if I'm on an unfamiliar route I also write the mile markers for rest stops and truck stops so I know at a glance how far I have until the next pee break or fuel stop.

I also recommend the laminated, spiral bound atlas. They hold up much better than the glue bound type.

[piaa_nissan]

CB Radios: what kind is the best for the least amount of $$$$? Any suggestions?

A Uniden Pro520XL is a perfect radio for general use. With a good antenna no one will know you only spent $50 or so on the radio. The 510 is cheaper but doesn't have the RF gain which is nice if your talking to someone nearby you can turn it down to avoid overdriving your radio. The Cobra 25 or 29's are also nice and can be tuned easily by a cb shop but are going to cost more. They also make these ones with Weather bands which is nice if you need to keep up and don't have satellite radio to get weather. I've used the 520 for years and was always complimented by the clean sound. Look on Ebay you can find some really good deals there.