10 "Must Haves" for Inside Your Truck

If you’re reading this, it’s likely your truck is like your second office (or perhaps your only office). So, it makes sense to ensure it has everything a truck needs to guarantee operational efficiency and cabin comfort.

To start, here is a list of 10 things your truck needs so that you can run a successful business out of it.

1. A Mobile Phone

You need your phone to keep in touch with clients, take photos of jobs, handle invoicing or as a GPS. Therefore, it is wise to have a secure dock and in-car charger on-hand for when you’re on the road.

Also, please don’t cop a fine for using a mobile while operating a vehicle! Make sure the dock securely attaches to your dash board and if your vehicle doesn’t already have Bluetooth capabilities, invest in a radio system that does. It will allow you to take calls whilst driving and play your favourite music as well.

2. A Logbook

Whether it’s fuel consumption, kilometres or hours, having a record of what you’ve done in your vehicle is good for future planning and claiming expenses for tax purposes. Keeping a log of this information and knowing when things like services are due or when parts are likely to wear out will save you time and money in the long run.

3. Oil and Water 

Know what kind of oil your vehicle uses and keep some distilled water on hand. Perform a regular check on your levels while the engine is cool and make a note of when and how much oil and water goes in (perhaps in your logbook). This should prevent your vehicle from overheating and costing you thousands in repairs.

4. A Secure Place for your Tools

They are expensive to buy, and you can bet they’ll be expensive to replace. Don’t trust on the kindness of strangers and make sure you have a secure place to put your tools. Invest in a sturdy lockbox with good hinges and a heavy-duty lock. In any case, try to make a habit out of bringing your tools home with you at the end of the day.

5. A Spare Set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It may seem excessive to some, but it’s an investment in your safety and will save you time in the future. If a piece of PPE gets lost or destroyed, you can keep doing the job without having to be unsafe or waste time on sourcing a replacement.

6. A First Aid Kit 

For all your basic first aid needs, make sure you have a well-stocked kit in your vehicle. You can tend to medical issues like cuts and burns, or - when the wheels really do fall off - make use of an Amputated Parts Module.

7. Safety Triangles

Did you know that any vehicle or combination with a GVM greater than 12 tonne must be equipped with at least 3 portable warning triangles? Well now you do! Even if you only operate with a light vehicle, having warning tringles with you is important in the event of a breakdown and will keep yourself and other motorists safe.

8. A List of Important Phone Numbers 

Maybe your phone dies or you’re somewhere without mobile service. Do you want to just sit around? Or would you rather fill your pockets and gain some more billable hours? Then it’s best to have a directory of clients, staff, suppliers, fellow tradies or safety numbers on a piece of paper or two. Print them out, laminate them and keep them in your vehicle.

9. Drinking Water

Australia is a hot and dry continent. If you’re working in the heat with all that PPE on, you’re going to work up a thirst. Humans need around two to three litres a day, but that amount increases when you’re physically exerting yourself.

Try to keep away from energy drinks as the caffeine will make you dehydrated. Instead, grab something like Hydralyte and put it in your first aid kit as an extra precaution. They will replace the salts that flow out of your body through urine and sweat with electrolytes and fluids.

10. Jumper Cables

Make it easy for you to get help if your battery dies and make yourself the hero to whoever you may find yourself helping. We know battery failure is most common in the cold, so be prepared. You might even make a new client this winter!

Honourable mentions:

• Toilet paper – Don’t laugh. You’ll be thanking us later.
• WD40 and Duct Tape – To make things move or make them stay put.
• Spare Tyre and Jack – I don’t think we need to tell you that.
• A Street Directory – See #8.