Tool Kit for an HDT

[Vegas Teacher]

Well even though I don't have an HDT yet I figured I could start getting ready. What kind of tool kits do you all carry in your trucks with you? Such as items that are not of the norm like an air compressor to help remove tires if they need replaced or go flat.

 

Tools are always an expense so if I get that out of the way before I buy that will be one less thing.

 

I am on truck trader and truck paper every day. What are other good websites to look at for Volvo's? I have also been on Ebay but not very impressed with the lack of organization. I feel like Ebay is more of a Rumage sale. So looking for good advice. Once agian looking at the summer to buy, just because as a teacher I have all of July to find it and go get it.

 

The truck of choice for me is a Volvo 780, Ishift, air ride, Green if possible (green is my favorite color). I live in Vegas so somewhere in the western half of the united states would be nice to find one for sale. I am not planning on singling it out but after much research and the desert climate I have changed my mind from a wooden flatbed to a steel bed on the back, just need to find somewhere to do that.

 

Today I gave a test over population ecology and diversity. I get operated on, on my throat on Tuesday and my parents are driving in from S.E. Kansas and will be here tomorrow. So I have a lot to do and a little time to do it.

 

Later,

 

Cory O

[Darryl&Rita]

Before worrying about what tools you'll need, decide what you can use. No point carrying a 1" impact, if you can't pick it up. Or an oscilloscope, if you've never touched one before. We carry basic hand tools, and rent or borrow what we don't have. Taller ladder, borrowed. Bigger set of wrenches, rented. Table saw, waited until in a park with one available.

[NoDirectionHome]

Besides the obvious properly sized wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars etc., I'd start with a compressor, hoses and tire gauge for dual wheels. Then a good multi-meter and learn how to use it. That should get you started. After you have selected a truck, I'd build a "spares" collection.

KNOWLEDGE is always the most important tool.

[Alie&Jim's Carrilite]

A basic set of Metric and SAE wrenches, sockets-1/4 thru 1/2 drive, screwdrivers, a pry bar, meter, star bit screwdrivers, allen wrenches, a quality hose cutter, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 Torque wrenches.

I have a few sockets and wrenches that are "Specialized" for me. The 28mm socket for the never lube hubs on the trailer, other sockets or wrenches that just have 1 job.

Then as the saying goes....

"For everything else there's Mastercard!"

[RandyA]

You can use the truck's air supply with a tap into the air line for the seats or cab air bags for tire inflation. IMHO, yet another air compressor is not needed - just some extra lengths of air hose. Changing a tire? Not something you will likely be doing on a HDT - trailer maybe. If you think you might be removing a truck tire get a torque multiplier with a 33mm socket and a pry bar to lift the tire onto lug nuts as needed. Good 1/2" battery impact wrench will handle torque of trailer tire lug nuts. Like Jim and Darryl noted, a good set of metric sockets and wrenches, torx bit drivers, nut drivers, multi-meter, fuses, tire plug kit, electrical tape, Gorilla tape, rags, disposable cover-alls, first-aid kit, safety glasses, zip ties, ground tarp, Go-Jo, spare lamps for lights, WD-40, mechanics gloves, flashlight, flares, USB jump drive with collected (free) truck system manuals - especially for electrical and brakes, 12 ton bottle jack, wheel chocks, fire extinguisher - pretty much anything you would carry in a LGT tool kit, except maybe larger sizes. Spare parts will depend on your truck make, model and condition. And, I agree with what Jim wrote, Visa or Mastercard with plenty of credit left. 7th year HDT anniversary for me is next month - tools and spare parts keep changing as I learn more about my truck and what I can or can't do.

[dlcarsonak]

RandyA, Your list is good. You forgot a safety vest if you are on the side of the highway.

[GlennWest]

Whisper leak detector

[Big5er]

I'm with Randy. I can change a trailer tire with the trucks compressor and my 1/2" air impact. For a truck tire, I'm calling Coachnet. So I don't need another compressor. I thought about an air jack but the manual one I already have works great. What tools do you carry now? Those will do fine, unless you are really a mechanic. I have way to much crap to carry now that I won't, can't or don't use. I certainly don't have room to haul extra tools that I won't, can't or don't use.

[VegasFlyer]

I think you should carry a cell phone, a huge tool kit from Snap-on and a German Shepherd.

 

The cell phone is for the misfortunate time(s) you might break down.

 

The tool kit is to look cool when you show off your truck to friends.

 

The German Shepherd is trained to bite you if you ever attempt to open the tool kit.

[rickeieio]

I carry a Milwaukee M-18 1/2" impact, because I might be in a situation where I can't start the truck for air.

 

Another thing for the list is an assortment of air line repair parts. Some line and the o-rings and bushings listed in another thread for DOT style fitting repair. Just used my kit yesterday.

 

On edit: An assortment of chemical aids. brake clean, electrical contact cleaner, rust disolver in your favorite flavor, aint-seize, thread locker, etc.

[noteven]

Black electrical tape.

 

Duct tape

 

Tire plug kit (whoa up there safety police! - take your plugged tire to a shop asap for proper repair)

 

Zip ties

 

Flash lights, LED - / magnetic type, headlight, small

[Vegas Teacher]

Vegas Flyer - always good for a laugh! Pam agrees with you! I hope your truck bed looks great when you go to see it. I wish I could go. Parents are still in town. I am trying to get them to go to Bill's office, offered to give them a tour.

 

Later,

 

Cory O

[Big5er]

I think you should carry a cell phone, a huge tool kit from Snap-on and a German Shepherd.

 

The cell phone is for the misfortunate time(s) you might break down.

 

The tool kit is to look cool when you show off your truck to friends.

 

The German Shepherd is trained to bite you if you ever attempt to open the tool kit.

Now that's funny

[SuiteSuccess]

As George Carlin said, "enough stuff to fill every available space". If you make some space, get more stuff. That's why I'm following this thread. I've got some space so I need more stuff.

[sclord2002]

Like Rickeieio, I carry a battery powered impact wrench. Mine is a Ridgid 18 volt model and it has plenty of guts for a trailer tire. Much more convenient than my air compressor. I also carry more tire tools than most folks......well, maybe just more tools of all kinds than most. I have manually dismounted and mounted truck tires and properly patched them with mushroom patches from inside the tire but truck tires are heavy suckers....let someone else do the heavy tire work if they are available. A long cheater bar has come in very handy...mine is a 6 foot piece of pipe that will slip over the end of a breaker bar. Sometimes, tools are as much about peace of mind as they are about anything else. Be safe, Charlie

[RickW]

Like Rickeieio, I carry a battery powered impact wrench. Mine is a Ridgid 18 volt model and it has plenty of guts for a trailer tire. Much more convenient than my air compressor.

 

I agree on the cordless/battery powered impact wrench. I have the 20v DeWalt 1/2" & 3/8" impacts. The 1/2" is rated at 400#. I forget what the 3/8 is rated at but I can tell you I use both of them, alot. I have 1.5ah, 2ah & 5ah batteries. Even on the 1.5ah battery, when fully charged I will give out before the battery does.

 

Sometimes, tools are as much about peace of mind as they are about anything else.

I guess that is why I still throw the air impact in the tool bag when packing for each trip.

[Brad & Jacolyn]

I carry good road service.

 

Brad

[RandyA]

Last winter, Charlie and I along with several good friends spent Jan & Feb holed up in Melbourne, FL. We were fortunate enough to have a Harbor Freight minutes away. I honestly believe that between Charlie and me we had enough tools and spare parts to build a third truck. What we didn't have we could snag at HF, Tractor Supply or Northern Tools. Lots of folks laugh at what we haul around and wonder why. Well, my feelings are "why not?" The extra weight of tools and parts doesn't interfere with truck mileage or performance. I have plenty of room to store them away - in fact I often forget what I have where . But, when we needed a circular saw, we had one. When one of our group tore up the side of his roof on a tree limb my pneumatic staple gun and CO2 pack tacked back the damaged aluminum that we had to cut with the vibrating blade of my Rockwell Multitool. Before we left Melbourne we had used drills, rivets, rivet tools, grinders, breaker bars, soldering irons, wire, tape, jacks, air impact tools, JB Weld, super glue, grommet tools, multi-meters, digital oscilloscope, inverter welder, inspection camera, hydraulic crimper, buffer/polisher, C-clamps, A/C manifold gauges and more ....... IMHO, you can't have too many tools. I imagine we will have even more that we will use this coming winter. I've already started sorting and packing. Go for it Carl! If you have an empty space.... well, shame on you . Wait .... I spoke too soon.... save some space for the stuff you will buy at Goodwill or salvage from the big green gift bin (dumpster). I came home with a bicycle and a gas powered edger/trencher that I had to find room for.

[SuiteSuccess]

Randy,

 

Can't fault you too much. I carry an axe, jig saw, circular saw, and vice. Guess what? I've had occasion to use all of them.