Being on the road for long periods means you need to be relatively self-sufficient. As a trucker, your tool kit is a mobile maintenance depot that allows you to keep your truck up and running even when you are far from the nearest rest stop.
Today, let's break down three must-haves for trucker tool kits. By the end, you’ll be able to ensure your tool kit is always stocked and ready for another journey.
What Is a Trucker Tool Kit?
A trucker tool kit is an emergency tool kit or maintenance supply stash that truckers keep while on the road. With a trucker tool kit, a trucker will hypothetically have everything they need to perform basic or emergency repairs on their vehicle, even if they are stranded far from civilization.
Carrier companies may supply individual truckers with tool kits, too. A good tool kit is one of the most important elements of a trucker’s supplies, and no carrier should leave a depot or rest stop without one. After all, you never know when your truck may run into mechanical trouble that you’ll need to fix if you hope to deliver your cargo on time.
Every truck driver needs a tool kit, so they don’t have to do heavy-duty repairs at a truck stop or their home.
When Do You Use a Trucker Tool Kit?
There are many times and places where you should use a trucker tool kit.
For example, before beginning any new trip, you should perform a pre-trip inspection, checking tire pressure, headlight functionality, engine health, oil quality, and more. You can use your trucker tool kit to do an inspection reliably every time.
But you should also use your trucker tool kit when you notice that your truck isn’t running or performing as well as normal. If you detect something off with your truck, you can fix it with your tool kit before the problem worsens.
If your truck breaks down, you’ll always be happy you have a trucker tool kit on hand. For minor issues, you may be able to handle the problem in a matter of minutes and get back on the road to deliver your cargo on time.
Even if the issue is minor, a trucker tool kit can help you fix up your truck enough that you can get it to a repair station.
What Should Go in a Trucker Tool Kit?
Now that you know the importance of having a trucker tool kit, you need to ensure your kit has everything you’ll need in case of a mechanical emergency.
No matter your truck type and experience, there are three broad supply categories you should make sure your kit is stocked with.
Adjustable Tools
The first is an adjustable toolset. This includes a set of socket wrenches (or socket set), vice grips, adjustable wire cutters, pliers, and ratchets. A good wrench set will allow you to perform lots of mechanical work on your truck without needing an emergency mechanic to drive to your location.
Getting a ratcheting screwdriver set with your trucker tool kit may also be wise. The ratcheting screwdriver set should include slotted, small, and large Phillips, Star, and Hex Bits. With this toolset, you can make headlight adjustments, perform work on your engine, and so on.
Don’t forget a set of crescent wrenches. You should have wrenches that can attain the three basic sizes: 6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. Combination wrenches or dog bone wrenches are excellent multifunction wrenches to include as well.
Your adjustable tools should be stored in a small toolbox where you can organize them. That way, you can quickly acquire your tools and get to work at a moment's notice.
Adhesives
Your trucker tool kit should include a variety of adhesives so you can make emergency repairs. We recommend having some electrical tape at a bare minimum; that will ensure that you can safely make repairs to your truck’s electrical system and at least get back to a rest stop where you can request further assistance.
Extra Supplies
After a set of adjustable tools, you should make sure your trucker tool kit is equipped with extra supplies and tools, including:
- At least one sledgehammer, ideally three pounds or more. Sledgehammers are great for releasing stuck fifth wheels or for checking low tire pressure
- A tire air pressure gauge, which is particularly important if you drive in areas with fluctuating temperatures
- At least one flashlight, but preferably two
- A metal dowel rod, which you can use to release stock or frozen brakes. These can be used with your sledgehammer
- A truck trip inspection tool, which allows you to check the tire tread depth, brake shoe thickness, windshield crack damage, etc. Such a multitool can usually be stored in a toolbox
- Safety goggles or glasses, which are necessary when performing any work on your truck that might create sparks or debris
- Gloves to protect your hands and fingers, especially when delving deep into the bowels of your truck’s engine
Don’t forget fuses, a first aid kit, coolant, and bungee cords, along with a depth gauge.
The Bottom Line
A good trucker tool kit should include the above three things, plus any other emergency supplies or tools you can think of. When push comes to shove, or if you’re supremely unlucky, a well-stocked tool kit could be the difference between disaster and a momentary breakdown.
With RPM at your back, you also benefit from comprehensive remote call and tech support services. Contact us today to see how working for RPM could be the best decision for your trucking career.
Sources:
How to Use an Adjustable Wrench | HowStuffWorks
What Is the Recommended Tire Pressure for Your Car? | Nationwide Blog
Eye and Face Protection - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
