Must-Have Truck Accessories
If you’re a new trucker, you’re probably still getting your rig outfitted. A good setup is the key to smooth, comfortable trips that let you get home on time. Of course, it’s hard to know what you really need without a few thousand miles under your belt. That’s why Utility Trailer of Washington is here to offer the wisdom that can only come from experience. With four brick-and-mortar stores and six mobile locations, we are equipped to serve not only the entire state of Washington but parts of Idaho and Oregon as well. Whether you’re in Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR, we can fulfill all your truck supply needs. Here are fifteen things a new trucker will want to have.
In The Cab
1. Sunglasses – Whether you’re driving directly into the sunset or just experiencing bright conditions, you will most likely want a pair of sunglasses on hand. While a pair of cheap shades can be found at any rest stop for a few bucks, a more solid pair can last you for years before needing to be replaced. More expensive sunglasses will usually have better coatings as well, reducing eye strain.
2. Work Gloves – A good pair of work gloves can protect your hands whether you are tying down a load, changing a tire, unloading your freight, or anything else that may come up. The ideal pair will be comfortable but durable. It may be worth it to look for an insulated pair, as they can be used in the winter to protect your hands when the metal parts of your truck start to freeze.
3. Hygiene Kit – You may be away from home, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on hygiene. A nice, clean shave can do as much for your mental state as it can for your appearance, and brushing your teeth will help prevent bad breath.
4. Slow Cooker – There might not be enough room for a Michelin-star kitchen in your big rig, but a slow cooker is just the right size. A warm, home-cooked meal beats fast food any day, and you’ll get to enjoy the smell of delicious food filling your cabin.
5. Multi-Tool – When something goes wrong, it’s nice to have the socket wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and other tools you need to deal with it. Realistically, though, you can’t have your whole garage with you at all times, and that’s where a quality multi-tool comes in handy. Whether it’s cutting your apple with the pocket knife or fixing a battery connection with the pliers, a multi-tool is useful in an endless array of situations.
6. Satellite Radio/Aux Cord – Having something to listen to can help make even the longest trip feel much shorter. Satellite radio is great because it offers many options, including talk radio, news, and music. If you don’t have satellite radio, you can still access music, podcasts, and audiobooks via your phone or MP3 player. An auxiliary cord will allow you to plug these devices straight into your truck’s sound system for a better listening experience.
7. GPS – A high-quality GPS will help you find the fastest route to your destination. Some of the better models even have features to help you to avoid traffic, car accidents, or other obstacles that would otherwise slow you down.
8. First Aid/Emergency Kit – While you don’t have to go to full “prepper mode” in outfitting your rig, it’s important to have a few emergency supplies on hand. Space blankets, basic medical supplies, spare batteries, a flashlight, and flares will be helpful if something goes wrong.
9. Water Jugs – A 6-gallon water jug is surprisingly helpful for long trips. Whether you need a little bit of water to brush your teeth or you have to cool down an overheating radiator, a dependable water supply is always important.
10. Tire Pressure Monitor System – Your tires are the part of your truck you should monitor most closely. While far less complicated than your engine, they are also far more likely to give out and can halt your progress just as easily if they fail. If tire pressure is too low, it can lead to premature blowouts. A tire pressure monitoring system can help you stay ahead of any potential trouble. They come in many different models, so do a little research and find a trusted brand before you make a purchase.
On the Truck
11. Custom Lights – Good lights are vital for trucking. Rack lights are for lighting up the road in front of you. If you find yourself needing to work on your truck at night, runner lights and trailer lights will help you see what you are doing.
12. Quality Mirrors – Depending on the size of your truck, you may have up to 57 feet or more of trailer behind you. You simply cannot drive something of that size safely without solid mirrors. Your mirrors should be big enough to provide a look all the way down the length of your trailer. Convex mirrors can give you a wide-scope view while also eliminating blind spots.
13. Mud Flaps – Though partially a decorative element, mud flaps also help you avoid kicking up dust, rain, and debris. Without them, you might end up with a mini-hurricane following behind you, ruining the day of anyone who gets close to you on the road.
14. Tie-downs and Straps – Tie-downs and straps are indispensable for securing loads of various sizes whether you have a box trailer or a flatbed. Load sizes can vary, so being able to tie down as little or as much as you need is the safest option.
15. Attractive Paint Job – If you own your truck, why not make it represent your personality? While this is more of an aesthetic choice, a few flame decals or a uniquely colored paint job will liven up your ride and make it easier to find your rig in the truck lot. Don’t be afraid to go wild, because the customization options are endless!
This list represents just the basics of what you’ll want when you start your career in trucking. No two drivers are the same, and you’ll want to add or subtract from this list as is appropriate for you. Once you do find that perfect setup, your trips will start to just fly by, and you’ll enjoy your job that much more. Utility Trailer of Washington is proud to offer truck supplies to customers throughout Washington state and beyond, and with our four dealerships and six mobile locations, we’re never hard to find.