Gear for drivers
Everyday gear that ties in with our explainers. Each link opens Amazon search results, so you compare brands and reviews yourself. We don't test products and don't rank them.
- Gear
Work gloves
Slider release handles and pins can be greasy, gritty or sharp, so gloves help when you handle them. Goes with: Sliding Tandems: Which Way to Pull and Why It Works
- Gear
Flashlight
It helps you see whether each pin is fully seated when you check at night or in poor light. Goes with: Sliding Tandems: Which Way to Pull and Why It Works
- Gear
Tire pressure gauge
A reliable gauge fits into a thorough pre-trip along with the air system checks. Goes with: Why Semi Trucks Use Air Brakes Instead of Hydraulic Brakes
- Gear
Inspection flashlight
Lets you see the gap between the plates and the jaws around the kingpin shank. Goes with: How a Fifth Wheel Locks a Trailer and How to Check It
- Gear
Work gloves
Protects your hands around greased plates and sharp steel. Goes with: How a Fifth Wheel Locks a Trailer and How to Check It
- Gear
Grease gun
Helps you keep the fifth wheel plate lubricated as your company's procedure calls for. Goes with: How a Fifth Wheel Locks a Trailer and How to Check It
- Gear
Block heater timer
It lets the heater run only for the hours before start-up instead of all night. Goes with: Should You Idle a Diesel to Warm It Up in Cold Weather?
- Gear
Diesel anti-gel additive
Added before the cold arrives, it helps prevent wax from gelling and plugging fuel filters. Goes with: Should You Idle a Diesel to Warm It Up in Cold Weather?
- Gear
Ice scraper with long handle
It helps you clear a big windshield during the short warm-up instead of idling longer. Goes with: Should You Idle a Diesel to Warm It Up in Cold Weather?
- Gear
Flashlight
Helps you check skirt panels and brackets on a dark-morning or night walkaround. Goes with: Do Trailer Side Skirts Really Save Fuel? What They Save
- Gear
Work gloves
Protects your hands when you handle cracked panels or sharp edges during a skirt check. Goes with: Do Trailer Side Skirts Really Save Fuel? What They Save
- Gear
DEF funnel or spout
A clean, dedicated spout helps you pour from a jug without spills or contamination. Goes with: What Is DEF and Why Do Modern Diesel Trucks Need It?
- Gear
Disposable nitrile gloves
They keep your hands clean when filling from a jug or pump. Goes with: What Is DEF and Why Do Modern Diesel Trucks Need It?
- Gear
Tire pressure gauge
Checking each dual's pressure helps catch a soft tire hiding next to a good one. Goes with: Why Do Big Rigs Have 18 Wheels? The Weight-Law Math
- Gear
Tire thumper
Tapping each dual during a walk-around helps you spot a low tire by sound. Goes with: Why Do Big Rigs Have 18 Wheels? The Weight-Law Math
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