Useful Items To Bring On The Road?
Topic 32981 | Page 1
Also wanted to add, today was the first day I drove in traffic in the manual. And boy that was a little tricky! I over-revved a few times not paying enough attention to my rpm's. And sometimes forgot what gear I was in and didn't use the trick I was taught to look at my speed to find out what gear to be in. Also been a few years since I was on the road at all. But it went well!
Do you know how to float gears?
Also wanted to add, today was the first day I drove in traffic in the manual. And boy that was a little tricky! I over-revved a few times not paying enough attention to my rpm's. And sometimes forgot what gear I was in and didn't use the trick I was taught to look at my speed to find out what gear to be in. Also been a few years since I was on the road at all. But it went well!
Float Gears:
An expression used to describe someone who is shifting gears without using the clutch at all. Drivers are taught to "Double Clutch" or press and release the clutch twice for each gear shift. If you're floating gears it means you're simply shifting without using the clutch at all.
Do you know how to float gears?
Also wanted to add, today was the first day I drove in traffic in the manual. And boy that was a little tricky! I over-revved a few times not paying enough attention to my rpm's. And sometimes forgot what gear I was in and didn't use the trick I was taught to look at my speed to find out what gear to be in. Also been a few years since I was on the road at all. But it went well!
Not a bit, these last few weeks were the first time I drove a manual anything! And the instructor only taught us and wants us to double clutch , as that is what you are required to do on the test.
Float Gears:
An expression used to describe someone who is shifting gears without using the clutch at all. Drivers are taught to "Double Clutch" or press and release the clutch twice for each gear shift. If you're floating gears it means you're simply shifting without using the clutch at all.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
I’ve recommended this before and I’ll recommend it again. Bring a back scratcher
And since summer is coming up, bring a fly swatter and maybe some fly strips.
This. Exactly this! Especially if you pick up at meat plants 🤮
I’ve recommended this before and I’ll recommend it again. Bring a back scratcher
And since summer is coming up, bring a fly swatter and maybe some fly strips.
My recommendations around this time of the year is clothes for every season. You can experience all 4 seasons in one day. It sucks when it's hot and all you have is long sleeves or cold and you only have shorts. (Trust me on that, a 34 in FL during Dec when it's 100° but you only have jeans and sweater isn't any fun). Enough chargers and cords. I can't tell you how many of those things break. And just in case you wondered those truck stop prices are not what you want to be paying on a rookies salary. Emergency supplies or necessities can be procured with a quick trip to Wal-Mart but definitely call first! A lot of places aren't allowing us to park anymore. Also, pack you some DUDE wipes (or baby wipes). They will definitely come in handy. I would also keep an emergency stash of easy open can goods, granola bars and water. You never know when you will be stuck out here with no facilities, food or electricity. Good Luck on your journey 😁
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Here's a short list of things I keep on my truck:
Microwaveable Bowl Enjoy ramen noodles and soup on the road. Great on a cold, wet day and easy clean up.
Leatherman Accept no substitutes. Gives you blades, a pair of pliers, can opener, bottle opener and pair of scissors all in one!
Crocs Make great shower shoes and dual purpose as slippers if you're lounging in the truck or a hotel room.
Wipes I hate it when someone else drives my truck and the steering wheel comes back sticky. Wipes are a quick and easy way to clean your truck's control surfaces so you can get back on the road without worrying about catching hepatitis.
Shower If you have to shut down someplace without a shower or you pull into the truck stop and see the dreaded, "Our showers aren't working" sign. This gives you a heated shower ANYWHERE - just stand in a storage bin, bathe, then dump the water out. You can rinse out the tub and store the shower unit and your towels inside until you need them again. Stores nicely under the bottom bunk.
5G Router Gives your truck wi-fi! Plug your sim directly into the router (if your carrier allows), otherwise connect the router to your phone with a USB cable and set your phone up as a hot spot with the USB connection.
One more:
SEALSKINZ Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor
We all get caught in the weather - why be miserable? This covers your head, ears and your neck. Waterproof, insulated and breathable. BONUS - counts as mask if you find yourself in mask nazi territory.
Whether in the army going to the field or deploying to Iraq, or going camping as a civilian. The first this I always pack is a comfortable pillow.
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Going back OTR in a month, almost done re-doing cdl school! Learning on a 10 speed, and I really enjoy shifting! It is actually really fun going through the gears, and especially downshifting. Could only imagine how fun it would be with a old straight piped truck lol.
When I go back on the road, I want to make sure I am prepared. It always sucks being out there and realizing you don't have something you wish you brought. I want to make sure I bring a first aid kid, a small tool set, garbage bags, things like that. What are some items not commonly considered that I should bring? And what would be the most useful toolset to bring with me? Thanks guys.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.