5 Underrated Truck Driver Accessories To Boost Efficiency on the Road
When you’re on the road for days or weeks at a time, the tools you keep with you can make or break your workflow. Every trucker stocks the basics – tiedown straps, tarps, and chains. However, some accessories that save time, reduce hassle, and make your job more efficient fly under the radar.
Below are five lesser-known truck driver accessories every truck driver should have on board.
1. Gear Head Grease Pads: Clean, Quick, Fifth Wheel Lubrication
Traditional fifth wheel grease is messy. And why spend time cleaning up grease when there is a better solution? Gear Head grease pads are a cleaner, more efficient solution. They are pre-greased disposable lubricant pads, ideal for on-the-go lubrication. Just peel and place on the fifth wheel, then hook up your trailer. The pressure from the kingpin does the rest.
Why Drivers Love Gear Head Grease Pads:
- No mess, no cleanup
- Reduces kingpin and plate wear
- Small enough to store away in a glovebox
These pads are a game-changer for cleaner, more efficient fifth-wheel maintenance, outperforming even the best petroleum-based lubricants.
2. Good-N-Tight Ratchet Strap Tightening Handle: More Torque, Less Strain
Ever wrestled with a stubborn ratchet strap in freezing rain or extreme heat? The Good-N-Tight handle gives you extra leverage, torque, and control to tighten straps with ease. No more worries about busting your knuckles or straining your wrists while tensioning.
Why Drivers Love the Good-N-Tight Handle:
- Fits most 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch ratchets
- Gives you triple the leverage of a typical ratchet
- Reduces stress on your body and tightens straps securely
This is especially helpful for flatbed haulers running multi-stop loads needing to quickly re-tighten straps between stops.
3. 15' Truck Height Stick: Know Before You Go
Do you run variable-height cargo? Then you need a height stick to know exactly how tall your load is. This 15-foot telescoping stick measures the exact height of your rig fast. The markings are bold and easy to read, and the included storage bag keeps them clean and compact.
Why Drivers Love the 15' Height Stick:
- Prevents overheight fines, delays, and damages
- Simple to use, even when using solo
- Folds down and stores easily in your cab
Eliminate the risk of fines or damaged cargo due to being overheight. Always measure before you go.
4. 30” Flatbed Pipe Stake: Extra Support for Loose Cargo
Carrying conduit, tubing, or steel pipe? Prevent rolling-prone items from slipping off your flatbed with an adjustable steel pipe stake. Just slide a stake into a standard flatbed stake pocket and tighten it down to create a side barrier.
Why Drivers Love Flatbed Pipe Stakes:
- Prevents side shifting of round materials
- Gives you more peace of mind on loads prone to rolling
- Fits right into standard stake pockets on flatbed trailers
Built from heavy-duty steel, this stake is fully adjustable, up to 30”. When hauling cargo that rolls, having a few of these on hand can save time and reduce stress.
5. Vehicle Accident Investigation Kit: Be Prepared for the Worst
Nobody wants to think about it, but being involved in an accident means you need to act fast and stay organized. This compact kit includes everything you need to gather info after a collision - forms, a witness contact sheet, accident diagrams, and more, all in one handy pouch.
Why Drivers Love the Accident Investigation Kit:
- Ensures legal and insurance compliance
- Helps you stay calm under pressure
- Speeds up claim and reporting processes
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious situation, having the right paperwork ready helps you stay protected and remain professional.
Small Tools, Big Impact
These underrated accessories won’t take up much space, but they’ll add huge value to your workflow. From keeping your fifth wheel greased without the mess to avoiding costly overheight fines and damages, each one helps you work smarter, stay safer, and drive with confidence.
Looking for more tools that make life on the road easier? Call our team of industry experts at 866-444-9990 or email them at customerservice@uscargocontrol.com.
