Essential Equipment for Your Truck and Trailer

We interviewed construction professionals to determine the essential items they store in their truck. The aim was to establish the quantity and type of equipment contractors and tradespeople commonly carry in their truck cabs. We spoke with experts from various trades and were surprised to find that their lists were remarkably similar. We identified over 60 items, which did not include trade-specific tools such as saws, drills, and hammers.

Emergency Construction Gear.When equipment or tools fail, break, or stop functioning, you must be prepared. The items in this category facilitate restarting or relocating the faulty equipment while ensuring your safety. Survival gear such as food, blankets, and rope were not popular among the professionals we interviewed, but carrying a lighter was, even among non-smokers. Tire plug kits warrant their own category, and we delve into them in greater detail below. While compact inflators were not all that popular due to their recent entry into the market, those who carried them appreciated them greatly.
Essentials for Tire Care.Building and remodeling a house involves a significant number of screws and nails. Therefore, flat tires are a common occurrence. A complete tire plug kit will pay for itself the first time it is used. We acknowledge that tire experts recommend against plugging a tire from the outside and that plugging a tire on the sidewall is inadvisable and usually ineffective. However, we know that many truck owners have plugged at least a few holes over the years. One professional we spoke to claimed that he had plugged a minimum of fifty tires, including his own and those of others, without any failures, safety concerns, or detrimental effects on the overall life of the tires.
The Essential Construction First Aid Kit.Obtain an inexpensive first aid kit, add some high-quality bandages and a bottle of ibuprofen, aspirin, or your preferred painkiller. Ensure that you include a bottle of eye drops to flush any foreign particles from your eyes, as well as a good quality pair of tweezers to remove slivers. Lip balm is necessary, but always purchase the tube rather than the stick since the latter can turn into a gooey mess on a 95-degree day.
Gear for Working Smarter.Keeping a flashlight on hand is essential, but one with a built-in laser pointer is even more practical. A good headlamp is irreplaceable when it’s dark and you still require both your hands. Lithium batteries are an excellent option for powering small lights because they have a shelf life of up to 20 years. If only our truck batteries lasted that long! Some newer trucks come with AC outlets built right in, while others do not. If you frequently work on powerless job sites, invest in a small inverter to ensure you always have a way to charge the batteries that power your cordless tools.
Gear for Maintaining Cleanliness.Construction work is often a dirty job, but it’s important to maintain personal hygiene to present a professional appearance. Carrying a comb, wipes, and deodorant can go a long way in keeping oneself presentable. It’s also important to have mints or gum on hand to prevent bad breath. Many professionals use their trucks as a multifunctional space, such as an office, break room, and repair shop. Carrying a garbage can or bag can help prevent a messy work environment.
Essential Safety Equipment.Ensuring jobsite safety is crucial not only for immediate work but also for long-term health. Carrying spare earplugs, safety glasses, and dust masks can help protect the body from negative impacts after years of labor.
Essential Workwear.The types of workwear carried vary based on the trade, but it’s important to have extra and different kinds of gloves on hand for various work conditions. Thin, tight-fitting gloves work best for small hardware or wires, while thick sturdy gloves are more suitable for rough construction or demolition. Dry socks and disposable ponchos are also important. Sunglasses and old prescription eyeglasses that can get scratched or splattered with paint are recommended.
Towing Equipment.Carrying all three common size ball mounts (7/8-inch, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch) is a good idea for hauling a trailer. It’s crucial to ensure that the truck, receiver, and ball mount are rated to haul the trailer. Carrying an adapter that converts a 7-way RV to a 4-way flat or vice versa is also important.
Hauling Equipment.Carrying four tie-down straps and about a half-dozen bungees is recommended to keep items secured. A red flag is also necessary. Stretch-film is a popular tool for holding items together for hauling and for wrangling together many of the other items mentioned in this article. Tool bags and toolboxes are common ways to store hauling gear.
Essential Tool Kits.Carrying a separate set of tools in the cab at all times is not uncommon and can vary depending on the trade.