As a truck owner, having the right tools on hand can make a big difference in your ability to handle minor repairs, maintenance, and roadside emergencies. When you’re on the road or at a job site, you don’t always have the luxury of being able to run to the hardware store or wait for a repair person to arrive. Having a well-stocked toolbox and supplies in your truck allows you to quickly take care of issues yourself. So what are the most essential items every truck owner should keep in their vehicle? Here is an overview of the must-have tools and supplies to be prepared for common truck repairs and maintenance.
Page Contents
Basic Hand Tools
Some basic hand tools are a must for handling minor repairs, adjustments, and maintenance. Here are some of the top basic tools every truck should be equipped with:
- Socket set – A set with both standard and metric sockets in 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ drives will allow you to tackle most fasteners on your truck.
- Combination wrenches – A good set of combo wrenches (open-end and box-end) in standard and metric sizes will cover anything a socket set can’t.
- Pliers – Slip joint, needle nose, and channel lock pliers can help you grip, pull, twist and turn all types of truck parts and fasteners.
- Screwdrivers – A variety pack with multiple Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in different sizes is essential.
- Hammer – A standard 16 oz. claw hammer comes in handy for pounding, prying and pulling.
- Utility knife – For cutting, scraping, trimming etc.
- Wire cutters/crimpers – For electrical repairs and modifications.
- Hex key (Allen) wrench sets – For turning hex fasteners on trucks.
- Crescent wrench – Adjustable crescent wrenches work where other fixed wrenches can’t.
Having these basic tools will allow you to tackle the majority of minor repairs and maintenance that could come up unexpectedly. Socket sets and wrenches in particular are essential for loosening or tightening bolts, nuts, and other fasteners on your truck.
Supplies for Roadside Repairs
In addition to basic hand tools, it’s wise to carry some supplies specifically for handling common roadside repairs and issues. Some must-have supplies include:
- Duct tape – Temporary repairs of hoses, belts, etc.
- Electrical tape – Insulate wire connections and temporary hose repairs.
- Zip ties – Affix broken or loose parts temporarily.
- Spare fuses – Replace blown electrical fuses.
- Jumper cables – Jump start a dead battery.
- Fix-a-flat tire sealant – Quickly seal minor tire punctures.
- Tire gauge – Check air pressure when tires look low.
- Tire irons – Change out flat tires.
- Work gloves – Protect your hands from cuts, scrapes and burns.
- Shop rags – Wipe up spills and grime.
Having these supplies on board can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major problem while out on the road. Duct tape, zip ties and electrical tape allow you to secure damaged or detached parts until permanent repairs can be made. Jumper cables, tire sealant and a tire gauge/tire irons provide the essentials for dealing with battery and tire issues. And work gloves and rags help protect yourself and clean up any leaks or spills.
Fluids and Lubricants
One of the most common roadside repairs involves adding fluids. Always carry extra motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant/antifreeze. Also keep spray lubricants like WD-40 that can loosen stuck parts and penetrate rust. Basic containers and funnels help transfer fluids conveniently. Having the right fluids and lubricants on hand prevents more costly damage from running truck systems low on vital fluids.
Emergency Gear
In addition to repair-related tools and supplies, every truck should carry some basic emergency gear:
- Spare phone charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper battery
- Warning triangles
- Fire extinguisher
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
These emergency supplies provide safety, sustainment and survival gear to get you through an unplanned overnight breakdown or extended roadside delay. The jumper battery allows you to jump start your truck without relying on outside help. Warning triangles alert other drivers you’re stopped or broken down. Fire extinguishers prevent minor engine or electrical fires from spreading. And first aid kits treat minor injuries until full medical treatment is available. Having these essential emergency supplies in your truck at all times reduces risk and hardship in the event of a breakdown in a remote area.
Seasonal Considerations
Some additional tools and supplies may be warranted seasonally:
- Winter – Ice scraper, snow brush, road salt/sand, warm blankets, gloves, hats, waterproof boots, etc.
- Summer – Extra coolant, sunshade for windshield, bug remover, sunglasses, sunblock, etc.
- Wet Season – Umbrella, tarp, raincoat, dry towels, etc.
Adjust your in-truck tools and supplies based on weather conditions you’re likely to encounter during the year. Having seasonally-appropriate gear will help handle conditions unique to that time of year like winter storms, hot sun exposure or monsoon rains.
Tool Storage and Organization
Once you’ve assembled all of the tools, supplies and spare parts you want onboard, proper storage and organization in your truck is important. Some tips:
- Invest in a high-quality toolbox that mounts securely in the truck bed or behind the seat – protects your tools from moisture, dust and shifting cargo.
- Use removable bins and trays to group like items – makes finding specific tools/supplies quick and easy.
- Label bins and shelves so items are returned correctly.
- Strap down loose containers or tools so they don’t shift and get damaged.
- Choose portable bag/case for tools needed away from vehicle.
- Keep inventory list in vehicle – replace missing or broken items promptly.
Proper organization reduces frustration when trying to quickly find the right tool or part when a repair is needed. It also protects your investment in tools and equipment by keeping them secured, damage-free and easy to access.
Top Recommended Truck Tools and Supplies
Now that we’ve covered the major categories of must-have truck tools and roadside supplies, here is a summary checklist of some of the top recommended items to keep on board:
Basic Hand Tools
| Socket set with 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ drives | Duct tape |
| Combination wrench set | Electrical tape |
| Channel lock pliers | Zip ties |
| Slip joint pliers | Spare fuses |
| Needle nose pliers | Jumper cables |
| Adjustable crescent wrench | Tire sealant |
| Screwdriver set | Tire gauge |
| Utility knife | Tire irons |
| Hammer | Work gloves |
| Hex key wrench set | Shop rags |
Lubricants and Fluids
| Motor oil | Brake fluid |
| Transmission fluid | Power steering fluid |
| Antifreeze/coolant | WD-40 or similar lubricant |
Emergency Gear
| First aid kit | Blanket |
| Flashlight | Bottled water |
| Jumper battery | Non-perishable snacks |
| Warning triangles | Fire extinguisher |
Having these basic tools and supplies in your truck at all times will help you safely handle common roadside repairs and maintenance needs. Investing in quality tools and being organized and prepared for unexpected issues will give you confidence in dealing with whatever comes up while out on the road or at remote job sites. Your fully stocked truck toolbox will become an invaluable asset that keeps you on the move.
Conclusion
Being prepared for unexpected truck repairs or maintenance with the right onboard tools and supplies is essential for any professional driver or vehicle owner. Start with good quality basic hand tools that give you the capability to tackle minor faults with fasteners, electrical systems, tires, and more. Supplement with specialty supplies for roadside repairs like duct tape, jumper cables, tire sealant and lug wrenches. Don’t forget lubricants, fluids and seasonal gear as well. Investing in the inventory listed above and staying organized with labeled storage provides assurance that you’ll have what’s needed for common issues and avoid more costly repairs. Keep your truck toolbox stocked and ready for anything! Having the proper tools on board keeps you safely on the road.