Truckers' Gear Guide Volume 35

NOV-DEC 2023

Holiday Gifting

Look for these GREAT BRANDS at Travel Centers!

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Listen Longer, Truck Smarter with Premium dēzl Headsets from Garmin

By Mike Cummings, Garmin

With as many hours as you spend on the road, finding the right headset is essential for truck drivers. When looking for a device that lets you keep your hands on the wheel while staying connected to dispatch, fellow truck drivers, and your navigation equipment, look no further than the purpose-built Garmin dēzl Headset 100/200 series. These trucking headsets deliver excellent sound quality, noise canceling capabilities, and long-lasting Bluetooth® talk time to make sure you’re never running out of battery.

Launched last summer, the headsets include a versatile 200 model that can be converted during breaks from a single-ear headset to full-stereo headphones as well as a 100 version that features the classic ergonomic one-ear design. Keep reading to learn the ways a Garmin dēzl headset can help you hear better, talk longer, and truck smarter.

Wireless smartphone/dēzl navigation compatibility Built-in Bluetooth technology allows for easy pairing of the dēzl Headsets to a compatible smartphone for hands-free calls. The headsets also seamlessly integrate with Garmin’s dēzl OTR trucking navigators. With the press of a button, you can activate hands-free control of your navigation and instantly blend the prompts into your audio stream. Truck drivers can also speak commands into the boom mic to control the navigator.

Designed for the long haul Just about everybody has worn an uncomfortable pair of headphones. After a while, they’re just not worth it, no matter how good the audio. The lightweight dēzl Headsets are crafted with the comfort of truck drivers in mind. They’re designed for all-day wear and are adjustable to fit any size. They’re also durable, designed with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction and memory foam-padded ear cushions.

Up to 50 hours of continuous talk time While it’s not likely that you’ll need to talk to anyone for 50 Flexibility for on- or off-duty use hours straight, with the dēzl Headsets you’ll have that capability. The versatile design of the dēzl Headset 200 can be converted Though we recommend giving your voice a rest every few hours. during your breaks, from a single-ear headset to full stereo headphones when you’re ready to jam out to your favorite musicians Active noise cancellation or listen to a podcast. No tools or extra hardware are needed.

Nothing is more frustrating when on the phone than not being able to hear the person on the other end; or if they can’t hear you Ready to make life on the road sound infinitely better? Purchase in a noisy truck cab. Active noise canceling technology in both your Garmin dēzl trucking Headset in a travel center near you, or the ear cup and adjustable boom mic mitigates this problem, online. For more information about Garmin dēzl Headsets and all allowing you to hear and be heard without issue. other trucking-specific products, visit garmin.com/dezl

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3 Easy Recipes for Cooking in Your Truck This Holiday Season Cooking in a truck can be challenging due to limited space and appliances, but it’s still possible to prepare delicious meals that remind you of home. Here are three easy recipes that you can make in your truck.

Pasta Primavera

Ingredients • 1 cup pasta of your choice • 1 cup of mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) • ½ cup of canned soup (cream of mushroom or your choice) • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper to taste

Trucker’s Breakfast Burrito

Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients • 2 large eggs • 2 tortillas • ½ cup cooked sausage or bacon • ¼ cup shredded cheese • Salt and pepper to taste • Salsa or hot sauce • Optional additions: sliced tomatoes

Ingredients • 2 slices of bread • 2 slices of cheese • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine • Optional additions: sliced tomatoes • Thinly sliced deli turkey

Instructions • Boil the pasta in a saucepan, following the package instructions. Drain and set Instructions aside.

• In a skillet or microwave-safe • In the same saucepan, add the mixed container, scramble the eggs. vegetables and cook them until they • Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet or are heated through. microwave.

• Pour in canned soup and stir well.

• Place the cooked eggs, sausage or • Add the cooked pasta back to the bacon, and shredded cheese in the saucepan and toss everything center of each tortilla, dividing equally. together.

• Season with salt and pepper and add • Top with Parmesan cheese and season salsa or hot sauce if desired. with salt and pepper if desired.

• Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll • Cook for a few more minutes until it up into a burrito. the cheese is melted and the sauce is • Serve and enjoy your breakfast on the creamy. go!

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Instructions • Heat a skillet or griddle.

• Butter one side of each slice of bread.

• Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.

• Add a slice of cheese on top of the bread.

• Top with turkey and a second slice of bread, buttered side up.

• Cook until the bread is golden brown; and the cheese is melted, flipping once.

• Remove from the skillet; let it cool for a moment, then slice and enjoy.

By Dave Hollis

Even with the pace of inflation easing slightly, many Americans – and especially those in the trucking industry – remain wary of the economy. In fact, the economy topped the recently released “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry - 2023”.

Compiled by the American Transportation Research Institute, the economy was the survey’s number one issue of concern for trucking industry stakeholders, including drivers.

Because of this, and the continuing freight recession troubling many truckers, it’s likely that a significant number of people will reevaluate their holiday spending plans. With that in mind, we’ve found an array of potential holiday presents for the trucker(s) on your gift list that won’t break the bank.

Here are some thoughtful, yet moderately-priced gift suggestions all of which cost no more than $25.

Cummins Mechanic Gloves A trucker’s hands are subject to plenty of wear and tear while on the road. Protecting

them just makes good sense.

These gray and black synthetic leather anti-vibration and antiabrasion gloves are ideal for the trucker on your holiday list.

They have reinforced palms for added protection. However, they are supple and provide the kind of dexterity you need while driving or doing a pre-trip inspection. Available online.

Field Notes Notebooks No matter where you drive you have lots on your mind and plenty of details to remember.

The best way to keep all the details in order is to write them down. Handy, pocketsized notebooks provide a convenient place to do that.

Their 48 pages can be ruled, graphed, or plain. A three-pack of these 3 ½” x 5 ½” notebooks is available online.

Gift Cards While they may seem impersonal, gift cards can be a godsend for a trucker. They are convenient and can be ideal for quick purchases of snacks during a fueling stop. The three major travel center chains – Loves, Pilot and Travel Centers of America – all have cards, and you can always get a card from one of the major credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard as well. You may also consider a gift card from Grubhub for food delivery to your trucker almost anywhere they may be parked.

Duke Cannon Winter Survival Tube Winter takes a toll on the trucker’s body. The Winter Survival Tube from Duke Cannon can repair dry and chapped skin that comes with the season. The tube contains Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair

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Balm, Offensively Large Lip Balm, Standard Issue Face Lotion and three Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels. All of these can bring refreshing relief after a long day driving or being outside tarping a flatbed load. Available online.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag A driver will need a place to stash the Duke Cannon products and keep them handy. This toiletry bag from Bagsmart will do that nicely.

Available in both medium and large, this bag provides plenty of space for your personal hygiene products. It is made with a dry/wet separation waterproof PVC zipper pocket in the back and a full-open zipper pocket in the front, with elastic band and mesh zipper pocket to sort your toothbrushes, razors, electric trimmer, or other small items.

Both sizes are available online.

DOT Handbook: A Complete Guide for Truck Drivers There’s nothing wrong with a Christmas gift being practical.

This DOT handbook from J.J. Keller covers critical topics truck drivers need to know, including key FMCSA regulatory compliance topics, general information on orientation and company policies, trip preparation, onthe-road information, and incident/accident handling procedures. Ideal for new drivers or for those who want to polish up their knowledge.

This item is available online.

RoadPro Neck Pillow Anything that helps a driver relax and feel more comfortable is a fantastic holiday gift. This soft neck pillow is filled with hypoallergenic polyester and has an easily cleanable microfiber cover. After a long day on the road, this neck pillow may be the ideal thing to add some much-needed comfort to a driver’s sleeper berth. Available online in assorted colors.

Steeped Coffee The quality of truck stop coffee has improved over the years, and many travel centers even have specialty coffee outlets like Starbucks. Still, there are times when you may find yourself wanting or needing a cup of coffee when there’s no restaurant or convenience store handy. That’s when Steeped Coffee’s brew bags come to the rescue. These are like tea bags, but they contain ground coffee. Steeped offers eight varieties and a decaf option. They come in packs of eight, 16 and 24 bags. The eight-pack is available online.

Cummins 20oz Stainless Steel Tumbler Sipping any cup of coffee is made easier and more enjoyable when you have a suitable mug. The 20-ounce tumbler from Cummins is made of stainless steel and it’s double-wall insulated. This tumbler will keep your drinks hot or cold. It has a leakresistant and splashproof lid.

Available online in black and red.

RoadPro Wheel Spinner An iconic accessory for the trucking industry, the wheel spinner helps drivers when maneuvering in tight spaces. It is attached with an adjustable universal clamp for proper fit.

This is one time that being behind the 8 ball is a good thing. Available online for $16.40.

First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit Let’s face it, accidents do happen. If you’re lucky, they are modest and far from lifethreatening. The 298-piece first aid kit contains items sufficient to tend to most minor cuts, scrapes, burns and bruises.

The two-sided, 9.25” x 7” kit is the perfect size for a truck’s cab, and contains adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use first aid items.

Available online for under $25.00.

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Wigwam Merino Wool Socks As kids, most of us were disappointed on Christmas morning when we unwrapped a gift and found underwear, pajamas, or socks. Fastforward to today and most truckers would love to get a pair of these high-quality wool socks. Made of 62% Merino wool, these are actually designed for hiking so they will offer support and softness all day long. Made in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the socks are available online in a variety of colors and sizes for under $25.00

Mira Water Bottle Drivers are always cautioned to stay hydrated. Getting enough water during a long day’s driving can be important to fending off fatigue, which can lead to drowsiness and accidents. This 17-ounce, stainless steel bottle will keep your cold beverage cold for up to 24 hours, and your hot beverage hot for as long as 12 hours. Leakproof and spillproof, this refillable bottle features a hinged cap and spout lid for ease of use.

Available online in a variety of colors.

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Diesel Fuel Gelling: A Chilly Challenge for Diesel Vehicles

By Rich Guida, Brand Manager

Known for its efficiency and power, diesel fuel is the lifeblood of many vehicles and industries worldwide. However, when the temperature drops, diesel fuel can develop a problem known as gelling. This phenomenon occurs in colder weather and can wreak havoc on diesel vehicles and equipment.

Understanding Diesel Fuel Gelling Diesel gelling is the result of the fuel thickening enough to turn from a liquid to a solid, a process which can begin as soon as temperatures hit 32°F (0°C). Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. At lower temperatures, these hydrocarbons can crystalize and bind together. This is more likely to happen when there is higher paraffin wax content in the fuel. When wax crystals form, they can block fuel filters and restrict the flow of diesel fuel to the engine, causing several problems for diesel vehicles.

Effects of Diesel Fuel Gelling on Diesel Vehicles 1. Engine Stalling: The most severe cases of fuel gelling can cause your engine to stall or prevent it from starting altogether, leaving you stranded in the cold. Starting or restarting a gelled engine can be a challenging and timeconsuming affair. It will likely require heating components that may not be readily available.

2. Engine Power Loss: As wax crystals clog the fuel lines and filters, the engine receives less fuel, resulting in reduced power and performance. This can be especially problematic in situations where you need maximum engine power, such as during acceleration or when hauling heavy loads.

3. Reduced Fuel Efficiency: When the engine doesn’t receive an adequate supply of fuel due to gelling, it must work harder to maintain its performance, which can result in reduced fuel efficiency. This means more frequent trips to the pump and higher operating costs.

4. Fuel System Damage: The solidified wax crystals can damage fuel system components, including fuel pumps and injectors. These repairs can be expensive and require excess downtime, making diesel fuel gelling a costly issue for vehicle owners.

5. Increased Costs: Gelling may cause the need for premature fuel filter replacement or even a tow. Both are expensive solutions to a problem that can easily be avoided.

3 Easy Steps to Preventing Diesel Fuel Gelling Preventing diesel fuel gelling is crucial for the smooth operation of diesel vehicles, especially in colder climates. Here are some strategies to prevent gelling: 1. Keep Fuel Tanks Full: Keeping your diesel fuel tank full reduces the air space inside the tank, minimizing condensation and water content, which can help prevent gelling.

2. Use Winter-Blend Diesel Fuel: Winter-blend diesel fuel may contain additives designed to lower the gelling point of the fuel or contain a blend of No2 diesel and No1 diesel. Both make it less susceptible to cold weather conditions. You should note that while winter-blend diesel fuel may be treated with fuel additives, the type and amount aren’t necessarily clear. Treating with your own additives will eliminate that guesswork.

3. Add Anti-Gelling Additives: Quality anti-gel additives lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of diesel, the lowest temperature fuel will flow through a specific filter. It prevents the fuel from freezing even in extreme cold. Howes makes a full line of diesel additives, including Howes Diesel Treat, a guaranteed anti-gel and fuel conditioner.

How to Handle a Gelling Emergency Despite preventive efforts, there may be instances when diesel fuel gelling occurs. In these situations, immediate action is necessary to restore the fuel’s flow.

• Emergency Fuel Additives: There are specific emergency additives, often called “fuel thaws” or “emergency reliquefiers,” that can help reliquefy gelled fuel. The additives are designed to dissolve the wax crystals that have formed and get the diesel flowing again. Howes Diesel Lifeline is the only emergency product that doesn’t use alcohol or harmful solvents to combat gelled fuel.

For more information on all Howes products, visit a travel center near you or howesproducts.com.

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FIRST GEAR for new CDL drivers

How to Minimize Accidents During the Busy Holiday Season Navigating the highways during the holiday season can be challenging, especially for truck drivers. With increased traffic, adverse weather conditions, and tight delivery schedules, prioritizing safety is imperative. We asked our RoadPro Driver’s Lounge Facebook Group of truck drivers how they plan for traffic and minimize accidents during the busy season. Here are a few of their answers.

1. Don’t Be in a Rush While meeting delivery deadlines is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid rushing through traffic on the road. Plan your routes and account for potential delays due to holiday traffic and weather.

Stick to a safe and consistent driving speed, even though you may be running behind. Remember, safety will always come first.

The delivery can be late.

4. Consider Switching to Graveyard Shift To avoid traffic, consider switching your driving schedule to the night shift when less traffic is on the roads. This will greatly reduce stress while navigating busy highways during the holiday season.

5. Stay Well Rested Fatigue is a significant contributor to accidents. Follow federal regulations regarding rest breaks and hours of service. If you feel tired, don’t hesitate to pull over and rest, stretch, and grab coffee.

2. Drive Defensively When you drive defensively you must keep a few things in mind.

Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles and be prepared for sudden stops or lane shifts. Be cautious when merging onto highways and watch out for aggressive drivers.

Always avoid using a handheld device while driving and stay focused on the road as you drive defensively.

3. Keep a Watchful Eye Continuously scan the road ahead and around your truck. Watch for vehicles in blind spots, especially smaller cars that you may not see in your mirrors. Be alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. When weather conditions are bad, reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

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FIRST GEAR for new CDL drivers

How To Adjust to Being Away from Home This Holiday Amid the holiday season, while families gather and homes glow with warmth, there exists a community often overlooked – professional truck drivers. On the highways, far from home, they are the unsung heroes who keep our world moving, ensuring that essential goods get where they need to be. To all the truckers, this is a reminder that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

Being away from home during the holiday season can be incredibly challenging, but our community at RoadPro Driver’s Lounge Facebook Group shares valuable insights from their experiences. Here’s how to make the most out of your holiday while on the road: 1. Cook a Meal in Your Truck One way to bring the essence of home to your truck is by preparing a meal yourself. Skip the fast-food restaurants and cook dinner in your truck. Consider bringing a pre-made meal from home and heat it up using your microwave or the RoadPro 12-Volt Stove – a quick and easy way to enjoy a homemade meal on the road.

2. FaceTime with Family During your rest breaks, take the time to connect with your loved ones at home. With technology at your fingertips, use FaceTime or video calls to check in with your family and friends. These virtual connections can bridge the distance despite the miles between you.

3. Take Advantage of Travel Center Offers Travel centers appreciate the hard work of truckers and extend special offers during the holiday season. Whether it’s a complimentary meal at a restaurant near the travel center, free coffee, or exclusive gas deals, make sure you don’t miss these offers. Many travel centers will promote their offerings through apps. Be sure to download the apps of travel centers you visit frequently!

4. Connect with Fellow Drivers The road can get lonely, especially during the holidays. Strike up conversations with other drivers on the road or while stopping at travel centers. Investing in a CB radio can help you communicate with fellow drivers on the same route as you, creating a sense of friendship and shared experiences.

RoadPro Pro Driver Council Members, Jeremy and Tiffany Wallin connected with another driver they met over the road, showing him their truck.

5. Celebrate When You Can Remember, a holiday doesn’t have to be celebrated on the exact day designated on the calendar. If your job keeps you on the road for an extended period, plan to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones when you return home. Creating your own special moments, even belated, can make the holiday memorable and meaningful.

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PRO DRIVER TIP Purchasing an Inverter - Jenn Kohl

Jenn Kohl and her husband have been driving together for 12 years but have 50 years of combined experience. They currently run team for a small mid-west freight company and travel with their five fur babies as well as manage a Facebook group called Cooking on the Truck.

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Recipe from a Truck Driver – Marcus Dodson

PASTA WITH SAUSAGE Ingredients: • Fully Cooked Pasta - as pictured • Sweet Italian Sausage • Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce • Cooking Spray • Water Directions: • Plug the RoadPro Stove into a 12-volt outlet.

• Pour a small amount of water into the bottom, enough to cover it.

• Place a tin tray inside the stove and spray it with cooking spray.

• Arrange half of the sausages at the bottom of the pan.

• Cook the sausages until they are fully done.

• Meanwhile, heat up the pasta separately using a microwave or another cooking appliance.

• Once the sausages are cooked, pour your desired amount of tomato sauce into the pan.

• Stir the ingredients together and cook until the sauce is warm, and the flavors are well combined.

Need More Recipes?

Check out the Cooking With RoadPro Video Library!

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Gear Up with Cummins!

If you haven’t written your Christmas list yet, then this is for you! Whether you are looking for a gift for an avid Cummins fan, spouse, friend or family member, Cummins merchandise is a perfect gift.

Apparel Now you can show off your Cummins pride in any season! Apparel is available in various sizes and colors, made from a cotton blend or 100% cotton. On your next visit to a travel center, check out the Cummins zip-up hoodie, fleece pullover, long sleeve shirts, pocket shirts, winter knit beanies, and trucker hats. You can also find all apparel on the Cummins Amazon storefront.

Cellular Accessories There is no such thing as having too many cell phone chargers.

Choose from metal braided, steel, or flex steel design. The charging cables are available in 4ft or 8ft lengths, while the aux cords come in various lengths. All Cummins aux cords, and cellular cords come with a cable wrap attachment to help keep them organized when not in use. These cords are compatible with most Apple® or Android devices and are perfect for use in your truck, car, home, or office.

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Power Inverters If you need to power your phone while on the road, the 24-, 32- or 120-Watt Dual Port Car Charger will provide a powerful charge and multiple ports for other devices. For higher wattage needs, 400W, 2000W, 3000W, 4000W, and 5000W inverters are available. The larger inverters have four AC outlets with protective port covers, Bluetooth monitoring control, short circuit protection, temperature protection, and overload protection to safeguard the unit and connected equipment if the power or heat exceeds standards. The Cummins Power Inverter app is available for 2000W, 3000W, 4000W, and 5000W and can be downloaded on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Knives There are a variety of Cummins knives to suit your need. If you’re looking for a standard pocketknife, there are four great choices, each with varying blade lengths perfect for everyday carry. The EDC knives include the tanto pocketknife, hot shot pocketknife, serrated torque pocketknife, and torque pocketknife. The cleaver pocketknife will be your go-to for all your butchering and cooking needs.

Gloves Whether you need split leather palm gloves for versatile work, latex, and nitrile-dipped gloves for a secure grip, or mechanic gloves for high-performance tasks, there is a wide range of options for everyone. With durable materials and thoughtful designs, Cummins gloves will ensure your hands are well-protected in any job.

Drinkware-Coolers Cummins official licensed tumblers and coolers have launched just in time for morning coffee to keep you warm this winter. Choose between a red or black matte tumbler with a secure snap seal lid and magnetic base. Also new to the Cummins lineup; The sleek, compact, and highly portable coolers that can hold 12 cans and are a must-have for keeping in your vehicle for all adventures.

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Cargo, Controlled.

The finest in cargo securement since 1968

Kinedyne.com

Kinedyne is a world-class manufacturer of cargo securement, capacity, and access solutions. Committed to responsive design and quality manufacturing, Kinedyne continues to keep roads safe.

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Look for these GREAT BRANDS at Travel Centers!

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