Winter can be tough for truck drivers, with icy roads, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable weather. Being prepared for emergencies and staying warm is key to making it through the cold season.
Members of the RoadPro Pro Driver Council provided tips for what to keep in your truck now that the cold weather has arrived.
Stay Warm
Winter breakdowns can be dangerous, so it’s important to be prepared. Gary suggests keeping extra fuses, relays, a torch for thawing frozen parts, and spare hoses and belts in your truck.
Pro Driver, Idella, keeps alcohol and antifreeze handy to prevent her brakes and air lines from freezing. She also packs a candle and a tin can for emergency heat.
Garvis and Henry recommend keeping kitty litter or rock salt in the truck to help with traction on icy roads. He also uses a large candle, which can give off enough heat in an emergency.
Staying warm on the road is crucial. Many drivers recommend heated gear.
Pro Drivers, Rich and Ashley, suggest using a heated blanket powered by an inverter, extra sweatshirts, gloves, and battery-powered socks to keep warm.
Pro Driver, Matt, also uses a 12V heated blanket under his fitted sheet for extra warmth at night.
Tiffany says it’s important to pack extra blankets, clothes, food, and water. She once spent an entire night without her truck’s heater but stayed warm thanks to her extra supplies.
Hand and foot warmers are a great idea – Pro Driver, Kim, uses them along with a heated blanket to stay comfortable. Henry even keeps a snowmobile suit and goggles for extra protection in bad weather.
Cooking
Having a way to make hot food is important during winter hauls.
Oscar and Natalie use a RoadPro 12V Hot Pot to heat water for quick meals like noodles. They also recommend stocking extra food that doesn’t spoil, in case you get stuck on the road.
Safety Gear
Winter driving requires extra safety gear.
Natalie suggests keeping snow socks and chains for better traction on icy roads.
Don’t forget a CB radio – both Kim and Idella stress how important it is for communication, especially in areas where cell service might be spotty.
By keeping these essential items in your truck, you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Stay safe and warm out there!
