28 trucker accessories to improve your life on the road
By The Schneider Guy
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Whether you’re a regional or over-the-road driver, it’s important to follow a truck driver packing list to make sure you don’t leave home without any must-have items.
At Schneider, we prioritize driver comfort by equipping our trucks with mattresses, APUs, power invertors, refrigerators and more. While these built-in features are great, bringing the accessories mentioned below can make life even better on the road for drivers.
Whether you are about to start your first driving job or are looking for some new gadgets to add to your cab, check out our list of trucker accessories that will improve your life on the road.
28 accessories for truckers to add to their packing list
Cleaning accessories
Air seat blow guns can be used to efficiently clean out your cab. They’re typically easy to install and can quickly clean floors, vents, controls and other nooks and crannies on the dash.
Instead of using a plastic bag to house your garbage, buy a waterproof trash can specifically invented for cars and semi-trucks. Not only do waterproof trash cans look neater, but they are sturdy and prevent liquids from leaking out. Plus, they can be strapped to the passenger seat and carried like a backpack.
A handheld vacuum is an essential cab accessory for truckers who want to keep their truck clean. It's portable, easy to use and can reach all those tricky corners where dirt and dust tend to gather.
4. Floor mat.
Floor mats are a great investment for keeping your truck's interior clean. They trap dirt, dust and other particles that you might track into your truck. Make sure to buy one that fits your specific truck make and model.
Organizational accessories
This caddy-style bag can attach to your passenger seat and store things like your cellphone, pens, reading glasses, sunglasses, laptop and more. With this organizer, you’ll never feel tempted to just throw stuff on your seat again, and the items you need most will be within an arm’s reach.
Organization is key when living on the road, and a toiletry bag is a great way to keep all your personal care items neat and accessible. Look for a bag with multiple compartments to hold items like your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and other essentials. Some toiletry bags even come with a hook so you can hang them in the cab for easy access.
A cargo box organizer can help keep everything in its place, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. These organizers come in various sizes and designs, including options with adjustable compartments and secure straps to keep items from shifting during transit.
Cargo nets and bungee cords help drivers secure their items within the cab. Offering versatility and reliability, they not only secure cargo but also keep personal items and equipment organized, making them a must-have for every trucker.
9. Laundry bag.
Keeping your cab tidy is a crucial part of maintaining a comfortable living space on the road, and a laundry bag is an essential tool to achieve this.
Comfort accessories
10. Seat cushion.
With the amount of time spent sitting as a truck driver, you owe it to yourself to invest in a high quality, comfortable seat cushion.
11. Sunshade cover for windshield, side windows and rear windows.
Shade the interior of your truck with sun visors that go over the windshield, side windows and rear windows. If you tend to drive at night and sleep during the day, this is the perfect solution to help keep your truck dark and cool.
12. 12-volt fan with mounting clip.
When you need a little extra air circulation in your truck, a fan that can plug into the 12-volt power source and clamp to just about anywhere, is the perfect solution.
Relax after a long day of driving by watching TV in your cab. To get local channels, a portable TV antenna is a must. Most portable TV antennas can pick up local broadcast channels from 50+ miles away and require little to no assembly.
14. Heated blanket.
When the temperature drops, a heated blanket adds an extra layer of comfort on the road. Electric blankets provide the right amount of warmth during chilly nights.
15. Mattress topper.
A mattress topper can greatly improve truck drivers’ quality of sleep. Memory foam and gel mattress toppers are good options, as they provide added comfort and support during long-haul trips.
16. Sunglasses.
Sunglasses are a must for all truck drivers. Polarized sunglasses, in particular, help reduce glare from the sun and reflective surfaces like wet roads or windshields, improving visibility and safety. Find a pair that’s right for you by checking out our picks for the best sunglasses for truck drivers.
After a day on the road, you may want to unwind with some music or your favorite podcast. Noise-canceling earbuds are a great way to do this.
Cooking accessories
When it comes to eating healthy on the road, a 12-volt portable stove is a must-have. This gadget plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt power source and heats up your pre-cooked or canned meals to perfection.
19. Coffee maker.
For early morning starts or late-night hauls, a coffee maker is an essential trucker accessory. Look for a 12-volt model that can plug into your truck’s power source.
20. Mini-fridge/Cooler.
If the company you drive for does not spec its trucks with refrigerators, like Schneider does, you can invest in your own mini-fridge or electric cooler. Find a cooler that fits your needs by checking out our picks for the best coolers for truck drivers.
21. Blender.
Blenders are a great appliance for truck drivers looking to eat more fruits and vegetables. Drivers can use a blender to make healthy foods and drinks like smoothies, sauces and soups.
22. Crockpot.
A crockpot is a great option for truck drivers who don’t have the time to prepare a fresh meal at lunch or dinner. Drivers can buy ingredients from a grocery or convenience store, put them in a crockpot before they start driving and enjoy a meal that's ready to eat by day's end.
Another essential piece of cooking equipment for truck drivers is reusable food containers. Drivers have limited space within their trucks, so stackable or nestable food container options are helpful.
Safety and utility accessories
24. Toolbox.
With room in the tractor at a premium, look for a small, compartmentalized toolbox that can hold all your tools for minor repairs and adjustments. Remember to include common tools for truck drivers like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and a good flashlight.
With a tire tread depth gauge, you can ensure your tires are in top condition. Good tire health ensures better traction on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions. This simple tool can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
A fifth wheel pin puller is a simple and effective tool that makes it easier and safer to release the kingpin. It can help prevent injury and reduce the back strain that can come with manual pin pulling.
27. Emergency kit.
Regardless of what type of truck driver you are, being proactive and preparing for the unexpected is a must. While it’s not mandatory, Schneider does encourage its drivers to keep a truck driver emergency kit in the truck with them at all times. It’s especially essential for drivers who are over-the-road, often travel in cold weather and haul freight through high-traffic areas.
28. LED headlamp.
An LED headlamp can help provide visibility during early morning or late night pre- or post-trip inspections. Headlamps can also help during inspections by freeing up your hands for important tasks.
Don't forget to add these tools to your packing list
Truckers aren’t expected to be mechanics, but having a few simple truck driver tools on hand can save you a lot of time if a breakdown occurs. Check out our list of essential tools for truckers to see which ones you should keep on hand.
Schneider Guy loves the "Big Orange." He's passionate about the trucking industry and connecting people to rewarding careers within it. He's been the eyes and ears of our company since our founding in 1935, and he's excited to interact with prospective and current Schneider associates through "A Slice of Orange."
