Truck drivers have more tools than ever to keep them safe and comfortable. Whether it’s lumbar-supporting, ergonomically designed custom truck seats, special mirrors, or electronic safety gear, there’s a solution for almost every need. These truck driver must-haves for professional truck drivers make life on the road a lot more comfortable and safe.
#1. Replacement Truck Seats
Semi-truck seats can become worn, damaged, and sometimes even inoperable. As a trucker, your comfort on the road is important to your safety and the safety of other vehicles. Investing in a high-quality aftermarket truck seat ensures you stay comfortable and alert and reduces the risk of back problems and pain.
#2. Truck Seat Parts and Accessories
If your current seat is still in decent condition, you have other options to give your seat an upgrade without replacing it. You could upgrade the seat cushion to have more padding. You could get new quality armrests. You could even add a seat heater to keep your seat warm on cold days.
#3. Quality Seat Belts
Over time, similar to seats, seat belts can also start to wear. A compromised seat belt loses its ability to provide the necessary restraint in the event of an accident. If the seat belt in your truck is loose or fraying or the locking mechanism isn’t working properly, it’s best to replace the seat belt.
Because seat belts can be uncomfortable for some truck drivers, you may also want to invest in a seat belt pad that makes wearing a seat belt for hours almost unnoticeable. Covers are available in cotton, sheepskin, and other soft fabrics.
#4. Boot Brush Door Mat
A boot brush door mat accessory is perfect for keeping dirt, sand, mud, and snow out of your truck. The mat is easily installed over the steps into your cab, so you can wipe off your shoes or boots as you step inside.
#5. Cell Phone Accessories
You will want a spare cell phone charger as a backup since cords can break and get damaged. You should also invest in a decent-quality Bluetooth headset so you can talk on the phone hands-free and avoid potential accidents and distractions.
#6. Back-Up Cameras
Backing up in a semi-truck is no easy feat, and while you may have mastered the art, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes, especially behind your vehicle. Back-up cameras are some of the most important safety innovations available. Back-up cameras allow you to see exactly what’s behind your truck, allowing you to avoid hitting pedestrians, docks, vehicles, and other objects when backing up.
#7. Toiletries
You should have a toiletry kit stocked with everything you need when you visit truck stops or rest areas, such as:
- Shower Shoes/Shower Flip Flops
- Toilet Paper
- Flushable Wipes
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Shaving Gel
- Razors
- Toothbrush
- Tooth Paste
- Dental Floss
#8. Specialized Truck Mirrors
Blind spots are a big concern for truckers. Because of the size of trailers, it’s all too easy to miss a smaller vehicle that may be riding alongside you. By replacing stock truck mirrors with a more modern truck mirror design, you can have a greater range of motion and other design benefits that allow better monitoring and visibility into the areas beside and behind your semi-truck.
There are dual-panel mirrors with different viewing angles, automatic adjustable mirrors, and heated mirrors to choose from. Some mirrors include multiple features and options for increased visibility and quick adjustments.
#9. Road Watch Sensors
If you’re looking for cool things for truckers, Road Watch sensors are definitely worth buying. These sensors monitor road temperatures and weather conditions to inform you of when dangerous driving conditions are present. This early warning can be critical to preventing accidents.
These sensors are a crucial must-have, especially if you drive through states that experience a lot of ice, snow, and other wintry weather. When you’re behind the wheel of a big semi-truck, you want as much help as possible to ensure your safety. Road watch sensors will keep you informed of road conditions and warn you when conditions deteriorate. It is a good idea to pull off and find a safe area to stop until road conditions improve.
#10. Document Holders
With all the hours on the road, you will have receipts, bills of lading, log books, and other forms and paper items you need to keep organized. Investing in a set of document holders ensures you can maintain organization and make it easy to find what you need when you need it.
#11. Clothing and Clothing Accessories
You need to have the right clothing and clothing accessories for a variety of weather conditions. You will want a decent set of waterproof hard-toe shoes or waterproof boots to use during working hours. You should also have some high-visibility wear, like a high-visibility jacket, that makes it easier to see you if you have to stop on the side of the road or are in high-traffic areas. Another essential clothing item to have is a few pairs of good work gloves to protect your hands.
#12. Comfortable Truck Mattress
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, often driving for extended periods without breaks. A comfortable truck mattress is critical for your well-being, helping to ensure adequate rest, maintain physical health, enhance mental alertness, reduce stress levels, and overall improve your comfort while on the road.
#13. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential for truck driving safety and well-being while on the road. It enables prompt treatment of minor injuries, prepares you for roadside emergencies, helps you manage pre-existing medical conditions, allows you to assist others in need, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
#14. Food and Drinks
You will want to have food and drinks in your truck to provide you with a variety of options besides fast food and truck-stop grab-and-go food. Your truck should have a refrigerator to store perishable food. You should also have your favorite non-perishable items like canned soup and veggies. You will want to invest in some cooking appliances, like a microwave, slow cooker, hot plate, or InstaPot, to make preparing and heating up food easy.
#15. Other Truck Driver Essentials
Some other truck driver essentials you should have easy access to in your truck include:
- Bottled Water
- Air Fresheners
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Tool Kit
- Roadside Flares/Warning Signs
- Comfort Items
- Entertainment Items
Keep in mind that your list of truck driver must-haves will vary when it comes to more personalized items. Your objective is to ensure you are safe and comfortable when on long hauls covering long distances far from home.
Truck Seats, Accessories, and Gear You Can Trust
With the latest truck seats, accessories, and safety gear, there is no reason why you should not have these truck driver must-haves. Not only do they help make you more comfortable on long hauls, but they also can greatly reduce the chance of getting involved in a costly accident. Find the high-quality gear you need at Suburban Seating & Safety. Browse our products online, stop by our showroom in Lodi, NJ, or call us directly today.
