4 gadgets that belong in every semi cab

Most truck drivers spend an annual average of 300 days on the road. That’s more than 80% of the year!

Time away from home is part of the job, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Considering your semi cab serves as your home away from home, it’s important to make it as comfortable as possible. After all, when you enjoy spending time behind the wheel, you’re less likely to get frustrated or burnt out.

There are hundreds of accessories that you can use to deck out your semi cab, but we’ve collected a few of our favorites. Keep reading to see which items made our list.

1.) Dashboard mounts for your electronics. Do you use your smartphone or a GPS unit to help navigate? If so, consider picking up a dashboard mount. Looking down at your phone or navigation device for even a second could result in a serious accident. A dashboard mount puts the map, directions or other information at eye level, allowing you to focus on the road and the other vehicles around you.

2.) High-quality cooler or a mini-fridge. When you’re on the road, there’s little access to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins or whole-grains. Sure, there are plenty of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, but if all you eat is junk, you’ll feel lethargic or unwell throughout the day. Even worse? Eating poorly over an extended period increases your risk of serious health problems.

Give your body the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs to thrive. With a cooler or mini-fridge inside your semi, you can pre-make healthy meals or store perishable items like salads or fruit slices you might not be able to otherwise.

3.) Seat cushion and/or lumbar support pillow. A recent survey of 410 truck drivers found that 59% experienced low back pain. Sitting behind the wheel of a truck takes a significant toll on your entire musculoskeletal system. A seat cushion or lumbar pillow provides additional support and encourages proper alignment. And when you practice good posture, it alleviates pressure on your back and neck.

4.) Cab Commander. Up until this point, we’ve only discussed generic items, but for No. 4, we wanted to highlight the “Cab Commander” from Duluth Trading Company. This heavy-duty cloth organizer makes it easy to eliminate clutter that’s collecting on your passenger seat or dashboard. There are pouches to hold all of your gadgets, from flashlights and hand tools to file folders or a road atlas. Built-in side sleeves make it easy to store a thermos, water bottle or other canister-shaped items.

What gadgets do you keep inside your semi cab? Would you add anything to your list? If so, visit our Facebook page and let us know.