As a truck driver, your vehicle can act as both an office and a home, and a trucker’s accessories can make all the difference. It’s important to stock up on the necessary tools and accessories to ensure your comfort and efficiency on the road. Further, all the items in your vehicle should comply with DOT regulations, which guarantee your safety and convenience while making long and difficult hauls. Here, we break down a few must-have truck accessories that every truck driver should have when traveling in their heavy-duty or flatbed trucks.
Must-Have Truck Accessories For All Drivers
Stocking up on great truck accessories is one of the best ways to guarantee your comfort and safety as a truck driver spending long hours on the road. Here are 7 recommended accessories for truck drivers:
1. Ratchet Tie-Down Straps
Durable cargo control is essential for flatbed truck drivers hauling heavy cargo loads. Ratchet tie-down straps keep your load securely in place while you drive. This ensures the safety of you and other drivers on the road while preventing damage to the cargo. These must-have truck accessories come in various types and weight capacities, or working load limits (WLL):
- Light-duty straps are typically 1 or 2 inches wide and are designed for securing smaller or lighter cargo. With a WLL of around 1,000 lbs, lighter-duty straps are perfect for holding boxes or even smaller vehicles like ATVs.
- Heavy-duty straps are typically 3 to 4 inches wide with a WLL of 3,000 to 5,000 lbs. These straps are recommended for more heavy-duty cargo control, especially on flatbed trucks.
When purchasing ratchet straps, it’s best to choose ones with a higher weight capacity than the load you’re securing for extra safety and reliability.
2. Truck Tool Boxes
A truck tool box helps you keep all your tools in one secure, organized space, which is convenient for unplanned roadside repairs. You can find truck tool boxes in several different installation options, giving you flexibility depending on your truck’s layout and storage space:
- Underbody tool boxes for trucks are usually mounted under the bed of your truck. This ensures extra protection for all your equipment and tools and helps prevent weather damage.
- Crossover boxes are typically mounted to the side of your truck bed, which gives you easy access to your supplies.
- Side-mount boxes are made to mount onto your truck’s side rails or bed walls, which helps maximise your space.
If you’re looking to save space while keeping tools easily accessible, underbody tool boxes for trucks are a great choice.
3. Truck Bed Mattresses
Truck bed mattresses are great truck accessories for drivers making long and laborious journeys. These mattresses are made to fit in the back of your truck so you can sleep comfortably while on the road. Good sleep helps you stay alert and focused during your drive, which keeps you and other drivers safe. When choosing a mattress, it is recommended to find
one that is both comfortable and compact. Many options fold or compress, making them easy to store when not in use.
4. Chains, Hooks, & Ratchet Binders
For securing heavy-duty loads, chains, hooks, and ratchet binders are your reliable truck essentials. These items help keep your cargo in place on the road, especially when handling oversized loads. Chains come in different grades, such as 70, 80, and 100, each suited for unique strengths and load requirements:
- Grade 70 chains should be used when handling lighter cargo loads.
- Grade 100 chains should be used for heavy-duty loads and more difficult tasks.
5. Flatbed Tarps
When you need to protect your cargo from weather and debris while on the road, flatbed tarps are your top truck accessories. There are various types of tarps, including lumber, steel, smoke, and machinery tarps, which are all designed to handle different kinds of cargo. Choosing the right tarp for you will depend on the cargo you’re hauling and the conditions you’re driving through:
- Lumber tarps are used to cover lumber and building materials during transport.
- Steel tarps protect cargo loads containing steel, such as rods, cables, and sheets.
- Smoke tarps prevent exhaust smoke and road debris from damaging the front of your flatbed load.
- Machinery tarps are used to protect large loads of machinery or construction equipment.
Covering your cargo load properly with a high-quality tarp also prevents fines related to cargo safety and DOT regulations.
6. Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, such as CB radios, dash cams, and Bluetooth headsets, are some of the most important accessories for truck drivers.
- CB radios allow for two-way communication between truck drivers on the road.
- Dash cams record driving conditions and accidents, which is useful in case of accidents. The footage captured may help file an insurance claim if needed.
- Bluetooth headsets help you take hands-free calls, reducing distractions and ensuring safe communication while driving.
Each of these trucking accessories is designed specifically for the convenience of truck drivers. By making them easily accessible in your truck, you can guarantee optimal communication and navigation, which makes your long hauls easier and safer.
7. Trailer Loading Ramps
Trailer loading ramps are must-have truck accessories for safely loading and unloading heavy equipment or cargo without the risk of injury or damage. Here are some tips for using and storing your trailer loading ramps:
- When loading cargo, double-check that your ramps are designed to handle the weight you’re loading. This way, you will not damage them by adding too much weight.
- When you need to store these trucking accessories, use ramp hangers that attach underneath your trailer deck to keep them protected in a convenient place.
Upgrade Your Trucking Experience with Must-Have Truck Accessories!
By stocking up on the must-have truck parts and accessories detailed here, you can upgrade your overall truck driving experience. Proper cargo control, communication, and organization are crucial for staying on schedule and safely completing the longest hauls through the toughest driving conditions. Each of these tools are designed for your safety, comfort, and convenience while on the road, keeping every haul as smooth and efficient as possible.
Remember, your truck is more than just a truck, so investing in high-quality truck parts and accessories will upgrade your vehicle to its highest potential!