Trying to find a little more comfort and convenience on the road?
While being a long-haul truck driver can be tough, there are ways to make your time go more quickly and to make the process go more smoothly. A few well-chosen trucking accessories and upgrades to your cab can make a world of difference.
Below we’ll look at the 8 top accessories and upgrades every big rig truck driver needs to have.
1. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
One of the best upgrades you can get for your truck is a tire pressure monitoring system. While a tire pressure monitoring system can be costly, it can also be a great help when on the road.
When installing a monitoring system, sensors will be mounted on your truck’s tires. You’ll also keep a monitor with you in the cab.
When you use a tire monitor system, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on your tires and will always know their temperature and how much pressure they have. Having a monitoring system can help you prevent blow-outs and high temperatures as well as the inconvenient delays that often go along with these problems.
2. A Modified Engine
In some cases, you may want to upgrade your truck engine completely. An upgraded engine will have more durability and can provide your truck with more power, better fuel mileage, and many more benefits.
While this is not an upgrade to take lightly, in many cases, it is a great choice. If you own your truck for a long time, an engine modification or upgrade will be worth it and will give you a lot more value over time compared to other upgrades you can make
You’ll probably want to learn more about the N-14 Celect Plus if you think you may be ready for an upgrade.
3. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is also a necessity for any long haul truck driver. While your trucking company likely has already installed a first aid kit into your cab, you’ll want to double check it to make sure it’s not missing anything and that it’s up to snuff. These are often notoriously old and ill-equipped.
A first aid kit can be a literal lifesaver when on the road and can allow you to have better peace of mind should something unexpected happen. Make sure you get a well-equipped first aid kit and put it somewhere that’s easy to access and where you’ll always remember it.
4. Mini Fridge
No truck cab would be truly complete without a mini fridge. Having a mini-fridge on hand gives you more options for what you can eat on the road and will allow you to store healthier options such as veggies or fruits. You’ll also always have a cold drink ready to go no matter what, even if you’re in a warm climate such as California or Florida.
Having the same meals at diners or fast food restaurants over and over again can get old so it’s great to have a fridge that will serve you well during your long journeys.
5. A Television Set
Sometimes you simply have to take a break and unwind. When you’re feeling tired or missing your family, sometimes simply letting your mind go and watching your favorite movie or television show can work wonders. A 12-volt television set is great to have for those times when you need a bit of entertainment.
Additionally, if you want to go even further with your television, you may choose to get some accessories for it. A mobile satellite dish, a gaming system, or a Netflix subscription can all be a big help for staying entertained when taking a break from your day.
6. Mobile Satellite Dish
Of the many accessories you can for your television set, a mobile satellite dish is one of the most useful. A mobile satellite dish can be a great solution that can maximize the use of your TV and make your downtime move a lot faster.
With a mobile satellite dish, you’ll be able to access a huge amount of channels from anywhere you happen to find yourself. DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Bell ExpressVu are all valid options that can allow you to get access to your favorite sports channels, news channels, movie channels, or any other channels that you love to watch when you’re at home.
7. Mobile Wireless Internet Hotspot
A mobile wireless internet hotspot is also an essential installation that can help make your life on the road a much easier experience. Truckstop WI-FI connections sometimes aren’t as reliable as you would wish they were. Luckily, you can get a mobile wi-fi hotspot and have plenty of access no matter when and where you need it.
Along with a laptop or tablet device, a mobile wireless internet hotspot will allow you to easily access entertainment options, read the news, or keep in touch with family and friends.
8. Laptop Mount
A laptop mount is another truck upgrade that can be a big help for truck drivers. A laptop mount is easy to install and will keep your computer close by, in an easy-to-reach spot where it will be safe and secure.
Doing your job well requires you to have accurate information and up-to-date records at your fingertips. When you need to use your laptop to access information, a laptop mount can be a huge help and can make using your computer easy and effortless.
Of course, make sure to be careful with using your laptop in your vehicle. Using a laptop while driving is one bad driving habit you really don’t want to make the mistake of doing.
Choosing the Best Trucking Accessories For You
While there are many more trucking accessories and upgrades that can improve your life on the road, the above are some of the best of the bunch. Make sure you use this list to find some of the best trucking accessories that are right for you.
Looking for tips for being safer on the road? Click here to see our top tips for being safer on the road and avoiding accidents while driving.