Truck|truck-infosource.com
Apr
10
Filed Under (Travel) by truck
Suzanne At Coops asked:
The winter months can be tough on truckers. A little planning ahead can save a lot of headaches once you hit the icy roads. Of course, carrying extra clothing, water and food (and a can opener if applicable) is a wise move. But there are some truck-specific supplies that can make the difference between a good winter and a bad one for truck drivers.
6 supplies to carry during the winter months:
1. Washer Fluid. When you hit winter weather conditions, you’ll be using your washer fluid more. And, chances are, so will everyone else. So if you run out and need to buy some at a truck stop, you’re likely to find that they’ve run out. Even if they do still have some in stock, you may end up paying twice as much for it as you would pay at a discount store if you bought it ahead of time.
2. Wiper Blades. The more you use your wiper blades the sooner you’ll need to replace them. And if you need to replace them during a snow storm, you’ll find out just how important those wiper blades are. Carry an extra set with you. If you can, get a set of winter blades for your truck- these are wiper blades with a protective rubber cover that are more durable in winter weather.
3. Anti-gel. Diesel isn’t the same as gasoline, and one of the major differences is that when it gets cold diesel fuel can gel up. If your truck is running, you are far less likely to run into a gelling problem. But, much like washer fluid, you’ll want to buy your anti-gel ahead of time. When the temperature drops, truck stops tend to run out of anti-gel additives. Some popular anti-gel additives are FPPF, Power Service and Howes.
4. Melt Down. If you do gel up, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money waiting for a service truck if you have FPPF Melt Down with you. This is different from anti-gel additives, which are intended to prevent gelling. Only use a product like Melt Down if you have already gelled up.
5. Bleach. When you’ve been parked and you want to get rolling, you’ll sometimes find that you don’t have any traction. There are tricks to try to avoid this- such as pulling into a parking spot and driving forward and back a few times to pack down the snow that will be under your tires when you try to leave. But when all else fails, a little bleach on your tires can give you some added traction if you’re stuck on ice. The bleach isn’t intended to melt the snow, it makes the tread of the tire slightly sticky temporarily. Don’t overdo it- it’s not terribly good for the truck tire.
6. Jumper Cables. Your best bet is to make sure your batteries are up to par before winter weather hits- one bad battery can drain all your other batteries. And cold weather makes batteries work harder to start your truck. But if you end up stranded by dead batteries at the truck stop, you’ll be glad you carried jumper cables with you. Even if you don’t end up stranded, chances are another driver will. Don’t buy a flimsy set of jumper cables- the thin cables might work fine on a Volkswagen, but a heavy duty truck will need heavy duty jumper cables. Buy the thickest, longest jumper cables you can find.
SAM
The winter months can be tough on truckers. A little planning ahead can save a lot of headaches once you hit the icy roads. Of course, carrying extra clothing, water and food (and a can opener if applicable) is a wise move. But there are some truck-specific supplies that can make the difference between a good winter and a bad one for truck drivers.
6 supplies to carry during the winter months:
1. Washer Fluid. When you hit winter weather conditions, you’ll be using your washer fluid more. And, chances are, so will everyone else. So if you run out and need to buy some at a truck stop, you’re likely to find that they’ve run out. Even if they do still have some in stock, you may end up paying twice as much for it as you would pay at a discount store if you bought it ahead of time.
2. Wiper Blades. The more you use your wiper blades the sooner you’ll need to replace them. And if you need to replace them during a snow storm, you’ll find out just how important those wiper blades are. Carry an extra set with you. If you can, get a set of winter blades for your truck- these are wiper blades with a protective rubber cover that are more durable in winter weather.
3. Anti-gel. Diesel isn’t the same as gasoline, and one of the major differences is that when it gets cold diesel fuel can gel up. If your truck is running, you are far less likely to run into a gelling problem. But, much like washer fluid, you’ll want to buy your anti-gel ahead of time. When the temperature drops, truck stops tend to run out of anti-gel additives. Some popular anti-gel additives are FPPF, Power Service and Howes.
4. Melt Down. If you do gel up, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money waiting for a service truck if you have FPPF Melt Down with you. This is different from anti-gel additives, which are intended to prevent gelling. Only use a product like Melt Down if you have already gelled up.
5. Bleach. When you’ve been parked and you want to get rolling, you’ll sometimes find that you don’t have any traction. There are tricks to try to avoid this- such as pulling into a parking spot and driving forward and back a few times to pack down the snow that will be under your tires when you try to leave. But when all else fails, a little bleach on your tires can give you some added traction if you’re stuck on ice. The bleach isn’t intended to melt the snow, it makes the tread of the tire slightly sticky temporarily. Don’t overdo it- it’s not terribly good for the truck tire.
6. Jumper Cables. Your best bet is to make sure your batteries are up to par before winter weather hits- one bad battery can drain all your other batteries. And cold weather makes batteries work harder to start your truck. But if you end up stranded by dead batteries at the truck stop, you’ll be glad you carried jumper cables with you. Even if you don’t end up stranded, chances are another driver will. Don’t buy a flimsy set of jumper cables- the thin cables might work fine on a Volkswagen, but a heavy duty truck will need heavy duty jumper cables. Buy the thickest, longest jumper cables you can find.
SAM
Mar
27
Filed Under (Travel) by truck
Suzanne At Coops asked:
These days, trucking companies will let just about anyone train a new driver. As a result, there are more and more drivers who know less and less about the common courtesies truckers are supposed to extend to each other. To combat this problem, we’ve come up with a list of trucking rules that used to be common knowledge. Maybe if we all start following them again, we can all just get along!
1. Flash to Pass.
When another driver passes you, it’s often hard to tell from just looking in the mirrors if he or she has cleared you yet. It’s common courtesy among truckers to flash their lights at the passing driver once he or she has cleared them. This does NOT mean to flash your bright lights if it’s night time. It means you turn your lights on and off a few times. If you flash your brights you’re liable to temporarily blind the other driver at night.
2. Thank You.
Whenever the situation calls for it, truckers should say thank you. To do this, you can flash your four ways, turn on the opposite turn signal (or do a little right turn signal, left turn signal maneuver), or use your marker interrupt switch. Different states have different laws and the legality of the thank you methods is questionable, but the chances of getting a ticket are slim. Times to say thank you:
* When another driver lets you over into his or her lane.
* When another driver flashes his or her lights to let you know you’ve passed.
* When another driver says something nice to you on the radio and you can’t get to your mic.
* Anytime it would be appropriate to say thank you in decent society!
3. Move Over.
If you’ve ever been broke down on the side of the road, you’ll appreciate this one. If you see another trucker on the shoulder of the freeway, move over a lane to allow some space between you if you can. You should do this for anyone who is on the shoulder- cars, people walking, construction and utility trucks, and definitely for police and rescue- it is even the law to do so in many areas. If there is traffic on your left and you just can’t get over, at the very least, slow down.
4. Yield.
If traffic is coming up the entrance ramp, it’s their job to yield. But truckers just don’t have the get-up-and-go that four wheelers have. So if you see a trucker coming up the entrance ramp, try to help him or her out. If you can move over a lane to allow some space for the trucker to merge into, great. If you will be behind the truck, slow down and let it on. Otherwise, if you have the power to do it, speed up and get out of the way. We understand that you can’t always help another driver out in this situation, but it’s common courtesy to do your best.
5. Backing Up.
In recent years, more and more drivers are honking their air horns before they back up. We suppose it’s a good idea in theory, but I doubt the guy trying to sleep in the bunk next to you will appreciate it. Some things you’ll definitely want to do when you’re backing up are:
* Get out and look before you back up.
* If other drivers are waiting to get past you, let them by if you haven’t already started or if you’re taking a while.
* Turn on your cb radio- there’s a lot of bologna, but if there’s a hazard you can’t see, it just might save you from a claim.
* Roll down your window- if someone blows their air horn to warn you of a hazard, you’ll be more likely to hear it.
* Turn on your four way flashers to let other drivers know you’re backing up.
And if you see someone backing up, be patient and wait on him or her. If it’s dusk or dark, turn off your head lights so you don’t interfere with the other driver’s night vision.
6. Double Turn Lanes.
Truckers are supposed to turn from the right lane in all double turn lanes. That means, in a double (or triple, or quadruple…) left turn lane, we are supposed to turn from the furthest turn lane to the right. That also means that in a double right turn lane, we’re supposed to turn from the furthest turn lane to the right. If, for whatever reason, you choose to make the turn from a different lane, you should yield to the guy turning from the furthest lane to the right.
JACKSON
These days, trucking companies will let just about anyone train a new driver. As a result, there are more and more drivers who know less and less about the common courtesies truckers are supposed to extend to each other. To combat this problem, we’ve come up with a list of trucking rules that used to be common knowledge. Maybe if we all start following them again, we can all just get along!
1. Flash to Pass.
When another driver passes you, it’s often hard to tell from just looking in the mirrors if he or she has cleared you yet. It’s common courtesy among truckers to flash their lights at the passing driver once he or she has cleared them. This does NOT mean to flash your bright lights if it’s night time. It means you turn your lights on and off a few times. If you flash your brights you’re liable to temporarily blind the other driver at night.
2. Thank You.
Whenever the situation calls for it, truckers should say thank you. To do this, you can flash your four ways, turn on the opposite turn signal (or do a little right turn signal, left turn signal maneuver), or use your marker interrupt switch. Different states have different laws and the legality of the thank you methods is questionable, but the chances of getting a ticket are slim. Times to say thank you:
* When another driver lets you over into his or her lane.
* When another driver flashes his or her lights to let you know you’ve passed.
* When another driver says something nice to you on the radio and you can’t get to your mic.
* Anytime it would be appropriate to say thank you in decent society!
3. Move Over.
If you’ve ever been broke down on the side of the road, you’ll appreciate this one. If you see another trucker on the shoulder of the freeway, move over a lane to allow some space between you if you can. You should do this for anyone who is on the shoulder- cars, people walking, construction and utility trucks, and definitely for police and rescue- it is even the law to do so in many areas. If there is traffic on your left and you just can’t get over, at the very least, slow down.
4. Yield.
If traffic is coming up the entrance ramp, it’s their job to yield. But truckers just don’t have the get-up-and-go that four wheelers have. So if you see a trucker coming up the entrance ramp, try to help him or her out. If you can move over a lane to allow some space for the trucker to merge into, great. If you will be behind the truck, slow down and let it on. Otherwise, if you have the power to do it, speed up and get out of the way. We understand that you can’t always help another driver out in this situation, but it’s common courtesy to do your best.
5. Backing Up.
In recent years, more and more drivers are honking their air horns before they back up. We suppose it’s a good idea in theory, but I doubt the guy trying to sleep in the bunk next to you will appreciate it. Some things you’ll definitely want to do when you’re backing up are:
* Get out and look before you back up.
* If other drivers are waiting to get past you, let them by if you haven’t already started or if you’re taking a while.
* Turn on your cb radio- there’s a lot of bologna, but if there’s a hazard you can’t see, it just might save you from a claim.
* Roll down your window- if someone blows their air horn to warn you of a hazard, you’ll be more likely to hear it.
* Turn on your four way flashers to let other drivers know you’re backing up.
And if you see someone backing up, be patient and wait on him or her. If it’s dusk or dark, turn off your head lights so you don’t interfere with the other driver’s night vision.
6. Double Turn Lanes.
Truckers are supposed to turn from the right lane in all double turn lanes. That means, in a double (or triple, or quadruple…) left turn lane, we are supposed to turn from the furthest turn lane to the right. That also means that in a double right turn lane, we’re supposed to turn from the furthest turn lane to the right. If, for whatever reason, you choose to make the turn from a different lane, you should yield to the guy turning from the furthest lane to the right.
JACKSON
Mar
09
Filed Under (Travel) by truck
Suzanne At Coops asked:
Any trucker will tell you that a truck stop that treats truckers like kings and queens is a good place to stop. In recent years, many of the old time trucking hang outs have closed their doors, leaving mainly the big boys of truck stops- Travel Centers of America (TA), Petro Truck Stops, Loves Travel Centers, Pilot Truck stops and the like. The old timers recall truck stops from the 76 chain, Ted’s of Ashfork and Quartzite, Arizona, and others- including more recently the Bosselman Truck Stops and the Rip Griffins. The new timers won’t even know what you’re talking about.
Gone are the days of high service diners with personal service. Here are the days of the standardized trucker themed menu with more concern for corporate methods than merit. And, though truckers appreciate standardization in some areas, they don’t like the way standardization seems to squeeze out that personal touch at the truck stops.
Some truck stops and truck service locations that stand out as “unique” these days are:
Danny’s a Big Rig Resort
I 10, exit 136, 67th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 602-484-7046 Truck wash. Chrome shop. CB shop. Alignments. Repair shop. Tire shop. Polishing. Laundry. Deli/grille.
Jubitz Truck Stop
I 5, exit 307, East Marine Drive,Portland, Oregon 800-523-1193 Truck wash (Blue Beacon), The Portlander Inn hotel. Large laundry- full service and do-it-yourself. The Cascade Grill restaurant. The Ponderosa Lounge, a county and western bar. Tire shop. Cinema. Nearby repair facilities and truck dealerships.
75 Chrome Shop
I 75, exit 329, route 44, Wildwood, Florida. 866-255-6206 Chrome shop. Laundry.
Dysart’s Truck Stop
I 90, exit 180, Colbert Road, Bangor, Maine Truck stop restaurant featuring a “truckers only” table.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, Raymond Road exit, Thousand Palms, California 760-343-3448 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 15, Lenwood Road exit, Barstow, California 760-253-2277 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, exit, Eloy, Arizona 520-466-3014 Truck wash. Showers. Laundry.
LOUIE
Any trucker will tell you that a truck stop that treats truckers like kings and queens is a good place to stop. In recent years, many of the old time trucking hang outs have closed their doors, leaving mainly the big boys of truck stops- Travel Centers of America (TA), Petro Truck Stops, Loves Travel Centers, Pilot Truck stops and the like. The old timers recall truck stops from the 76 chain, Ted’s of Ashfork and Quartzite, Arizona, and others- including more recently the Bosselman Truck Stops and the Rip Griffins. The new timers won’t even know what you’re talking about.
Gone are the days of high service diners with personal service. Here are the days of the standardized trucker themed menu with more concern for corporate methods than merit. And, though truckers appreciate standardization in some areas, they don’t like the way standardization seems to squeeze out that personal touch at the truck stops.
Some truck stops and truck service locations that stand out as “unique” these days are:
Danny’s a Big Rig Resort
I 10, exit 136, 67th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 602-484-7046 Truck wash. Chrome shop. CB shop. Alignments. Repair shop. Tire shop. Polishing. Laundry. Deli/grille.
Jubitz Truck Stop
I 5, exit 307, East Marine Drive,Portland, Oregon 800-523-1193 Truck wash (Blue Beacon), The Portlander Inn hotel. Large laundry- full service and do-it-yourself. The Cascade Grill restaurant. The Ponderosa Lounge, a county and western bar. Tire shop. Cinema. Nearby repair facilities and truck dealerships.
75 Chrome Shop
I 75, exit 329, route 44, Wildwood, Florida. 866-255-6206 Chrome shop. Laundry.
Dysart’s Truck Stop
I 90, exit 180, Colbert Road, Bangor, Maine Truck stop restaurant featuring a “truckers only” table.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, Raymond Road exit, Thousand Palms, California 760-343-3448 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 15, Lenwood Road exit, Barstow, California 760-253-2277 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, exit, Eloy, Arizona 520-466-3014 Truck wash. Showers. Laundry.
LOUIE
Jan
26
Filed Under (Travel) by truck
Samantha Davis asked:
Truck campers are the perfect RV solution for you if you are a camping freak and consider going out on a camping experience every week. Truck campers are compact and don’t require a special license to use one of these. These camper vehicles are inexpensive and provide great comfort to travelers as compared to the traditional recreational vehicles. If you have been sleeping on the ground or in a tent on your entire camping experience, then you must consider purchasing a truck camper today.
Believe it, a truck camper will provide you an ultimate camping experience, some of the truck campers have slide-outs and kitchen. They also consist of limited bathroom facilities. These facilities make travelers more comfortable during camping.
Truck campers are manufactured by a wood and steel frame. It is covered by corrugated aluminum or fiberglass. There are some higher models that have insulation for enhanced comfort.
Truck campers can be purchased for an affordable price. You need to do a bit of research in order to find out the best deal for yourself. You can visit some of the online companies in this regard and compare the prices offered by each company for truck campers.
If you consider purchasing a costly truck camper, you can easily benefit from certain additional amenities. You can convert this van and make it more spacious. You can also purchase truck campers as a combination unit. You can also purchase these campers separately in case you already own a truck. It would be wise to purchased used truck and a new camper. Truck camper can be purchased for less than $10,000 and if you consider purchasing used truck, you may have to pay an amount under $30,000. This is much less compared to most new SUVs.
Try to make sure that the truck camper you own handles the added weight. The truck campers are available in various sizes. Make sure that these campers are good for the purpose you are going for.
Here are some of the best features of a truck camper you need to focus on when purchasing one.
a) Economical:
The truck camper you purchase should be economical. Try to compare the prices well prior to purchasing one. Check the appropriate size of weight with your RV dealer.
b) Compact size:
This will make your truck camper very handy for travel to and from the campsite; especially over rough roads.
c) Detachable camping unit:
The truck should have detachable camping unit that can be set on its own jacks either at home or at the campsite. This allows the pick up to be used separately.
d) Use of space:
This is one of the major characteristics to be considered. Truck campers provide a huge range of floor plans. This includes some of the best cabovers, pop-up roofs and slide outs. These extensions work towards maximizing living and storage areas.
e) Amenities:
Make sure that the truck camper you purchase consist good amenities including toilets, showers, kitchen facilities and air conditioners.
f) Winterized versions:
For winters, your truck camper should include a higher BTU furnace, upgraded insulation, heated tanks and double-glazed windows.
Keeping the points mentioned above will let you purchase the best and the most affordable truck camper for yourself. Also try to compare prices via online truck campers dealer.
PATRICIA
Truck campers are the perfect RV solution for you if you are a camping freak and consider going out on a camping experience every week. Truck campers are compact and don’t require a special license to use one of these. These camper vehicles are inexpensive and provide great comfort to travelers as compared to the traditional recreational vehicles. If you have been sleeping on the ground or in a tent on your entire camping experience, then you must consider purchasing a truck camper today.
Believe it, a truck camper will provide you an ultimate camping experience, some of the truck campers have slide-outs and kitchen. They also consist of limited bathroom facilities. These facilities make travelers more comfortable during camping.
Truck campers are manufactured by a wood and steel frame. It is covered by corrugated aluminum or fiberglass. There are some higher models that have insulation for enhanced comfort.
Truck campers can be purchased for an affordable price. You need to do a bit of research in order to find out the best deal for yourself. You can visit some of the online companies in this regard and compare the prices offered by each company for truck campers.
If you consider purchasing a costly truck camper, you can easily benefit from certain additional amenities. You can convert this van and make it more spacious. You can also purchase truck campers as a combination unit. You can also purchase these campers separately in case you already own a truck. It would be wise to purchased used truck and a new camper. Truck camper can be purchased for less than $10,000 and if you consider purchasing used truck, you may have to pay an amount under $30,000. This is much less compared to most new SUVs.
Try to make sure that the truck camper you own handles the added weight. The truck campers are available in various sizes. Make sure that these campers are good for the purpose you are going for.
Here are some of the best features of a truck camper you need to focus on when purchasing one.
a) Economical:
The truck camper you purchase should be economical. Try to compare the prices well prior to purchasing one. Check the appropriate size of weight with your RV dealer.
b) Compact size:
This will make your truck camper very handy for travel to and from the campsite; especially over rough roads.
c) Detachable camping unit:
The truck should have detachable camping unit that can be set on its own jacks either at home or at the campsite. This allows the pick up to be used separately.
d) Use of space:
This is one of the major characteristics to be considered. Truck campers provide a huge range of floor plans. This includes some of the best cabovers, pop-up roofs and slide outs. These extensions work towards maximizing living and storage areas.
e) Amenities:
Make sure that the truck camper you purchase consist good amenities including toilets, showers, kitchen facilities and air conditioners.
f) Winterized versions:
For winters, your truck camper should include a higher BTU furnace, upgraded insulation, heated tanks and double-glazed windows.
Keeping the points mentioned above will let you purchase the best and the most affordable truck camper for yourself. Also try to compare prices via online truck campers dealer.
PATRICIA
