Lug Nuts

Do you guys carry your own torque wrenches to check for tightness of lug nuts after maintenance or whenever? ... or do these rigs typically come with their own tools?

...also , what size socket is used on the lug nuts of these beasts, typically?

I'm just starting up a list of "Things to keep in Truck"

Do you guys carry your own torque wrenches to check for tightness of lug nuts after maintenance or whenever? ... or do these rigs typically come with their own tools?

...also , what size socket is used on the lug nuts of these beasts, typically?

I'm just starting up a list of "Things to keep in Truck"

Nope, the shop will most likely Torque your lug nuts each time they come off so I wouldn't worry about it and yes I do own my own tools but they stay at home. They are primarily meant for personal use and the size is probably 33mm and they aren't cheap. The cheap brand will go for about $25 then add on a wrench and a torque wrench.

I wouldn't keep mechanic tools in your truck. Just keep basic light stuff like screwdrivers, wrench set, box cutter, allen wrench set, tire pressure gauge, tread depth tool and some reflective or just regular duct tape.

I agree with Driver, you are going to be in and out of terminals plenty enough for them to take care of any of your needs. I carry a small amount of tools, but only just some basic stuff like a hammer, pliers, and a few screw drivers. I've really only had to use the hammer a few times for a minor assist in something. I can remember thirty years ago seeing drivers on the side of the road removing tires and busting them off the wheel. Those days are long gone, and these trucks are so sophisticated now that I wouldn't even begin to know how to work on them. Relax your concerns about maintaining things on your truck, the trucking companies have whole departments and specially trained and certified technicians to handle all that stuff.

Thanks guys, One more thing to check off the list :)

Someone told me that you can't work on the truck when you're on the side of the road. What about flat or ruptured tires?

Robert, whatever company you are working for will have a breakdown department. During your orientation you will be given phone numbers for all these different departments that are there to help you while you are out on the road. When you have a flat tire you will call breakdown and they will take care of all the details from there. Usually you will sit right where you are and they will have a service truck come out and change the tire for you. They have a nationwide network of vendors already set up to take care of any needs you have while out there on the road. This is one of the great benefits of working for these large carriers. I have never sat on the side of the road for any more than about an hour before I had someone out there taking care of my flat tire.

Robert, whatever company you are working for will have a breakdown department. During your orientation you will be given phone numbers for all these different departments that are there to help you while you are out on the road. When you have a flat tire you will call breakdown and they will take care of all the details from there. Usually you will sit right where you are and they will have a service truck come out and change the tire for you. They have a nationwide network of vendors already set up to take care of any needs you have while out there on the road. This is one of the great benefits of working for these large carriers. I have never sat on the side of the road for any more than about an hour before I had someone out there taking care of my flat tire.

Sweet. How often do you have a flat? Is it more common in hot areas like Arizona?

Do you guys carry your own torque wrenches to check for tightness of lug nuts after maintenance or whenever? ... or do these rigs typically come with their own tools?

...also , what size socket is used on the lug nuts of these beasts, typically?

I'm just starting up a list of "Things to keep in Truck"

You don't really need a torque wrench though. You can hand-tighten it to about 80 ft. pounds per nut just by feel.

There is absolute no way I would torque my Lug Nuts on my Tractor at 80 FT. Pounds, thats what I torque my Mini Van at.

You can pick up tourque indicator tabs or use a paint marker on on flat of the nut and watch for movement. the shops do tourque them but i know from experiance that they can back off after maintence