While it is a given that every over-the-road driver needs to make sure to have plenty of water on their truck as well as shelf-stable foods, we wanted to get some ideas from our trucking community on a few items they keep on their truck that might not be as obvious but prove to be very useful. We asked for their top 10 under $10 and here is what they said:

“Matches, a large 3-wick candle, and a roll of duct tape,” said Bill Weaver, a driver that is known for his musical talents; “In a shut-down in frigid weather, a 3-wick candle in a truck sleeper will not keep you warm, but will keep you alive, and warm up a can of soup if you have no power. The duct tape will help seal off any cold air leaks.” Although you might think that is a good tip for the winter months - with weather as unpredictable as it has been it is quite possible this could be a useful tip no matter what time of year. As most of the drivers we talked to – he also mentioned a basic first aid kit. This should include things like bandages, Neosporin®, peroxide, and a good pain reliever of your choice.  

Robert Greene, a member of the RoadPro® Pro Council, had a great list that he shared. The first was Super Glue®, it has multiple uses, not only to fix an item that needs repair - but can also be used to seal a deep cut on a hand or finger until you can seek further medical treatment. A must-have is a multi-bit screwdriver set, “RoadPro has a multi-bit set for $6.99 that I picked up at a travel center,” Robert advised “You will find that it is a must-have on the truck and will prove useful.” He also recommended 70% rubbing alcohol as it is not only good for first aid situations but to wipe down those touchscreens on devices without damaging them. It also works well in a pinch for sanitization of hands and surfaces.  He did recommend if you are a company driver that you make sure you are advised on their policy as some companies do not allow rubbing alcohol on their trucks. With the hot summer months approaching he also recommended having Listerine® on hand. Not only for its typical use but if you rub it on your wrist and ankles it will drop your body temperature when you are overheated or even when you have a fever. Instant ice packs are also on his list for cooling down or for minor strains and pains. For hydration during summer months or even when you are sick he advised always having powdered Gatorade® on hand. Having some form of epoxy has also saved Robert on many occasions not only for a repair on the truck to hold you over until you get to the shop, but he also used it to hold together his torn shoe until he could get to a place to buy a new pair. He listed a few other items but the most touching one was that he always carries a few stuffed animals on his truck. With his lengthy driving career, he has come upon many car accidents that have included small children. Handing over a small stuffed animal to a distraught child seems to make the chaos of the situation a bit better.

We also reached out to Gary Johnson, another member of RoadPro’s Council. While he listed a few items that were common with the other drivers we talked to, a few that stood out. He suggested a good pocket knife, extra fuses, an Atlas map book and a bathroom rug or something soft to put your feet on the floor board. 

The common suggestions from most were paper towels, paper plates, plastic utensils, pens, a pack of screws and bolts for minor repairs, good pair of utility scissors, microfiber towels, flathead and Phillip’s head screwdriver, glass cleaner.

While there are more than 10 – we hope this will help guide you to having a well-stocked truck for almost any situation you might encounter on the road.