Stuff to carry

theoldprof · Mar 15, 2005

Here is a question for you experienced vanners out there.

In a cargo van, how many different catagories of personal "stuff" does a driver carry? I can think of clean clothes, dirty clothes, medication, shower, tooth paste, etc. Food. Also business material. Entertainment such as books, videos, a tuba, etc. Any other personal items? This doesn't include spare goodies for the truck which is another matter.

Thanks :+ :+

Glen Rice · Mar 15, 2005

Your Tuba! Well when freight is slow you can join a band? Sounds like you got it covered except for water and food. Have fun, and good luck.

Dreamer · Mar 15, 2005

LOL@Tuba....

Good list so far, also you might want to carry pads and pens. You'd be surprised how many times you need to scribble something down, and Walmart is a lot cheaper than truckstops.

Also, may I advise: Extra sunglasses, extra glasses (if you need them) a set of basic hand tools, plenty of drinks if you have room (once again, WalMart is cheaper!) a selection of snacks, Slim Jims, chips, canned fruit, vienna sausages, whatever you like.

Once thing many forget is extra batteries, flashlight, make sure you have your cords for all accesories, such as Cellphone. I also suggest a camera, for pleasure and accident purpose.

And, for the van, depending on your storage capabilities, carry some oil, tranny fluid, antifreeze, fan belt, spare fuses, lightbulbs including a headlight, and an emergency hose repair kit.

Sounds like a lot, but it won't take up that much room if you organize well, use a Rubbermaid tub or something. One time needing something at 2am along the road in Smalltown USA, will pay for the aggravation!

Dreamer

terryandrene · Mar 15, 2005

I recently saw a clever idea for carrying small stuff in a van. A man had three horizontal rows of aluminium gutter fastened to the ribs in a van. He had lots of small parts, foodstuff cans, oil, wiperblade spares, etc. setting in them. Don't forget the end caps!

RichM · Mar 15, 2005

A spare engine and transmission is not a bad idea,also 4 extra tires and a air compressor to inflate them. Extra glass for the windows in case one breaks,you get the idea.. ONLY KIDDING PROF.

Actually a spare alternator is worth while to carry. When your alternator goes out and you pull into Joe Bobs Auto repair you won't hear the words"Sorry it's not in stock,we have to order it and there will be a extra $30. freight charge". I have heard of GM vans going through fuel pumps about once a year.

X1_SRH · Mar 15, 2005

I would personally look into carrying a sousaphone instead of a tuba. Both produce the same tonal range and are played identically, but the sousaphone is much more easily stored and would take up less of your valuable cargo space. I'm glad that my ability to remember useless information can finally be of some assistance on this site. - Scott

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rollingstock · Mar 15, 2005

One essential clothing item. You will want a pair of shower shoes. Make sure you get something that will not absorb water though. The cut foam rubber types are just like sponges and will stay wet for a month. Besides, you are dragging the very thing into your "house" that you are trying to protest yourself against, cruddy water from a public shower stall.

PS, don't forget your very own towels. Just think of the areas YOU dry with your own.

JeffJensen · Mar 15, 2005

Old Prof,

Here's the link to an article we did a couple of years ago on this topic, hope it helps!

http://www.expeditersonline.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi/1/110

Jeff

theoldprof · Mar 16, 2005

Thanks everybody. I was kidding about the tuba. I might take up the harmonica. I looked up the link and printed it. I will read it later. Showers: Do you bring your own towels or rent them, or are they furnished. Is there a time limit in the showers, kind of like at the hose-it-off-yourself car wash? Thanks again. :+ :+

Dreamer · Mar 16, 2005

oldprof,

Each place provides the towels. However, many times it's only one, and it's small.. LOL.. never hurts to have your own.

As for times limits, I beleive most places it's like 1/2 hour or so, but I've never seen it stressed. It's more just a matter of courtesy for the next guy in line.

RichM · Mar 16, 2005

When you are done with your shower,right before you start to put on your socks splash a little alchol on your feet and shower shoes.This will kill any fungus that may have splashed up from the shower floor to your feet and shoes. I met a guy last year who came down with a horrible foot fungus,his foot and ankle swelled up to the size of his calf. As far as time goes there really is no set limit.

theoldprof · Mar 17, 2005

Horrible foot fungus. Yuck!!! I just bought a pair of rubber boots for snow shoveling this winter. Made in USA and on sale by the way. I may want to wear them in the shower. :+ :+