Table of Contents
Introduction
Driving an 18-wheeler is akin to commanding a fleet in itself – except your battleground is the open road. Outfitting your rig with the right accessories equips you to conquer the daily gauntlet of tight schedules, harsh conditions, and miles of asphalt ahead.
Study each accessory, weigh costs against benefits, and integrate them into a versatile arsenal to thrive on the highway.
Selecting the right 18-wheeler accessories prepares you to prevail despite the many obstacles truckers face daily. But choose poorly, and you’ll be left stranded when equipment fails.
SUMMARY
- Shop for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Get Blind Spot Mirrors
- Acquire a Dash Camera
- Make a Transaction for Cargo Bars
- Bargain for Cab Steps
- Purchase a Truck Wash System
- Shop for Tire Chains
Overview of 18-wheeler Business Accessories you Need to Succeed
Pros & Cons of 18-wheeler Business Accessories you Need to Succeed
What to Watch Out For
Pro Tips
Recap
1. Shop for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Blowouts are a constant risk for 18-wheelers carrying heavy loads. A tire pressure monitoring system provides real-time alerts to prevent dangerous failures. Having real-time tire pressure alerts is essential for 18-wheelers to prevent catastrophic blowouts at highway speeds that put lives at risk.
These systems provide peace of mind when hauling heavy loads long distances with hundreds of PSI in each wheel. Tire pressure monitoring offers critical safety data to proactively optimize maintenance and prevent failures before they strand a rig. In some jurisdictions, governments mandate monitoring systems due to proven dramatic safety benefits.
- Displays PSI for every tire
- Drops an alarm if pressure drops
- Helps prevent blowouts at highway speeds
- Sensors screw into valve stems for easy install
- Monitors dual tires with sensors on both wheels
- Detects slow leaks and temperature fluctuations
- Needs battery replacement of sensors
- Triggers false alarms if sensors loosen
- Lacks automatic inflation for tires
- Buy for $200-$500 from online or at truck stops
- Lasts for 1-2 years before battery replacement
- Test system before each trip to identify issues early
- Monitor recommended PSI levels for specific tires
2. Get Blind Spot Mirrors
Even with multiple side mirrors, 18-wheelers have substantial blind spots. Blind spot mirrors provide rearward visibility to monitor lanes. Having real-time tire pressure alerts is essential for 18-wheelers to prevent catastrophic blowouts at highway speeds that put lives at risk.
These systems provide peace of mind when hauling heavy loads long distances with hundreds of PSI in each wheel. Tire pressure monitoring offers critical safety data to proactively optimize maintenance and prevent failures before they strand a rig. In some jurisdictions, governments mandate monitoring systems due to proven dramatic safety benefits.
- Attach to existing mirrors for expanded rear views
- Let drivers see into blind spots without head turning
- Provides safety
- Enables seeing vehicles in adjacent lanes
- Offers low cost add-on starting around $30
- Use universal mounting clips to fit most mirror styles
- Experience ineffective mirror angle setup
- Lacks efficiency level of OEM mirrors
- Adds extra wind noise at high speeds
- Causes distraction with extra reflection
- Purchase at online or at auto parts stores
- Measure mirror mounting points for proper sizing
- Adjust angles to optimize visibility
- Inspect mounts regularly for loosening
3. Acquire a Dash Camera
Situations of hearsay disputes after accidents often go against truckers. A dash cam provides video evidence in case of incidents. Mounting a dash camera records unbiased footage to definitively settle insurance claims and disputes. Video evidence deters fraudulent blame claims against truckers after accidents if events are caught on film.
Dash cams document incidents in real-time from the cab perspective. Extra features like collision detection and GPS tracking further enhance accountability. Its recording capability is essential in case any driving offenses or collisions end up in question.
- Records driving footage and audio
- Saves video clips of collisions or traffic events
- Helps settle insurance claims decisively
- Aids accident fault determination
- Deters false claims of unsafe driving
- Features like night vision and GPS
- Has privacy concerns over continuous recording
- Need to download and save relevant clips
- Obstructs view out windshield
- Needs extra step of checking and recharging camera
- Ranges from $100-$300 at electronics stores or online
- Look for night recording and impact sensor capabilities
- Use HD resolution for sharpest video footage
- Reformat memory card regularly to clear space
4. Make a Transaction for Cargo Bars
Cargo bars are an easy safeguard to secure loose cargo in trailers preventing dangerous shifting during transport. Using cargo bars is an inexpensive flexible way to restrain general loose cargo at risk of shifting in transit. They allow quick and easy temporary securement enroute if needed.
Their lightweight design serves as supplemental restraint in addition to tie-downs and load locks. You can conveniently tighten and rearrange the bars as needed to dial in cargo.
- Inserts into E-track or other tiedown points
- Reaches adjustable length across varying cargo
- Secures different load types
- Has low-cost flexible restraint starting around $50
- Provides lightweight inexpensive alternative to load locks
- Has multiple styles and capacities
- Do use for extreme heavy-duty securement
- Reduce effective with improper installation
- Struggle with bars can sliding out if not fully tightened
- Has max load capacity around 3,000 lbs
- Get it at truck stops, hardware stores or online
- Select bar weight rating suited to your cargo
- Use with other securement as part of full system
- Pad sharp cargo edges to prevent damage
5. Bargain for Cab Steps
Slipping when entering or exiting the high cab of an 18-wheeler risks injury. Added cab steps provide secure footing and handholds. Installing heavy duty cab steps drastically reduces slips and falls getting into or out of the high driver cab.
They provide a much larger stepping surface than narrow OEM designs. Automatic deploying ensures consistent safe footing is ready every time a driver enters/exits. Grab handles ease the cab entry process under all conditions. Aftermarket steps with grip struts supply stability and confidence for climbing in/out.
- Deploys automatically when door opens
- Bolt securely to chassis for stability
- Has larger stepping surface than OEM steps
- Eases cab entry/exit with hand grab-handle
- Helps prevent falls entering or exiting
- Folds away discretely when not needed
- Struggle as wind gusts can deploy steps unexpectedly
- Experience mechanical failures and improper extension
- Face extra cost and installation complexity
- Procure for $200-$500 at truck stops or online
- Match steps to door type (passenger vs. driver)
- Consider heated options to prevent ice buildup
- Inspect mounting bolts regularly for loosening
6. Purchase a Truck Wash System
Maintaining a clean 18-wheeler is vital but washing rigs by hand is incredibly time consuming. Onboard wash systems simplify cleaning. A high-pressure truck wash system reaches deep dirt in crevices normal scrubbing misses.
Onboard washing saves hours of tedious manual scrubbing after trips. You can quickly spray down rigs anytime, anywhere. The portable utility enables washing capabilities at remote job sites. High-volume spray nozzles significantly reduce water consumption compared to hand washing.
- Cleans hard-to-reach areas with high-pressure spray
- Saves hours of manual scrubbing
- Reduces need to visit truck wash stations
- Allows quick cleaning anywhere, anytime
- Frees up time and energy between hauls
- Uses way less water than a manual wash
- Requires installation wiring into electrical system
- Purchase system with upfront cost of $2,000-$4,000
- Repairs due to system fails or malfunctions
- Refill water tank periodically
- Find at truck dealerships or transport equipment suppliers
- Has typical tank capacity of 100-200 gallons
- Possesses diesel-powered pressure washer for best cleaning
- Look for optimized spray nozzle configurations
7. Shop for Tire Chains
Carrying tire chains provides emergency traction when navigating snowy or icy conditions. Carrying tire chains is often legally required for 18-wheelers to traverse certain areas during winter storms.
It provides much-needed traction to keep rigs moving when road conditions get slippery. Having chains available allows pressing on cautiously in severe weather rather than hazardous rerouting or parking. In snow and ice, chains are the last line of defense against becoming stuck.
- Has extra traction in slippery conditions
- Allows continuing driving in some snow storms
- Use especially in winter conditions
- Provides alternative to hazardous snow route detours
- Carry out quick self-installation on the roadside
- Slows top speed when chains are mounted
- Damages paved surfaces when used improperly
- Lacks compatibility with some tire and wheel setups
- Reduces effectiveness as chains wear over time
- Pick out at truck stops or automotive outlets
- Carry multiple sets for dual-wheel positions
- Practice proper mounting before snow emergencies
- Check state regulations for chain requirements
Overview of 18-wheeler Business Accessories you Need to Succeed
Operating an 18-wheeler involves far more than just the tractor and trailer to succeed. The right accessories tuned for the demands of over-the-road hauling help maximize safety, efficiency, and reliability. Outfitting your rig with purpose-built gear protects cargo, prevents breakdowns, enhances capabilities, and provides peace of mind mile after mile. Items like tire pressure monitoring systems, cargo restraints, and cab steps address pain points like blowouts, shifting loads, and slips.
Meanwhile, dash cams, blind spot mirrors, and onboard wash systems boost accountability, visibility and professionalism. Choosing the right accessories means thoroughly evaluating your needs, assessing durability, and consulting experienced truckers. Investing strategically transforms rigs for peak performance across long hauls.
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How to Choose 18-wheeler Business Accessories you Need to Succeed
When selecting 18-wheeler accessories, first outline your operational pain points and needs. Then realistically assess which additions can provide the best solutions without unnecessary complexity. Durability should be proven, not marketing hype.
Quality builds pay off over time, while flimsy bargains fail when you need them most. Ease of use is also paramount – accessories should integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
Finally, carefully weigh costs versus the tangible value and ROI the accessory will realistically deliver long-term.
Pros & Cons of 18-wheeler Business Accessories you Need to Succeed
Pros
- Prevent costly breakdowns and accidents
- Save time through automation and ease of use
- Increase transport security and accountability
- Expand capabilities to take on new freight
- Enhance professionalism and reputation
Cons
- Suffer with extra upfront purchase and maintenance costs
- Face complex installations for some accessories
- Worry over compatibility concerns with upgrades
- Experience potential downtime if accessories fail
What to Watch Out For
Be cautious of accessories that:
- Lack durability certifications from trusted testing organizations
- Come from unknown manufacturers with no reputation
- Have limited or vague warranties that avoid claims
- Rely more on gimmicks than proven functionality
Pro Tips
- Leverage recommendations from experienced truckers
- Choose vendors known for reliability and service
- Thoroughly inspect accessories upon delivery
- Test accessories extensively before relying on them
- Research optimal installation and usage practices
Recap
Operating a successful 18-wheeler business requires the right accessories to navigate the challenges of the open road. These accessories enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Items like tire pressure monitoring systems, cargo restraints, and cab steps address issues such as blowouts, shifting loads, and slips. Dash cams, blind spot mirrors, and onboard wash systems improve accountability, visibility, and professionalism.
When choosing these accessories, consider your operational needs, prioritize durability, and evaluate the value they bring.
While they come with upfront costs, they can prevent breakdowns, save time, and enhance your reputation as a professional trucker.
