What Should I Bring With Me? Part 1

Time to talk about packing for the extended stay with a trainer.  I have see a lot of people that are unsure of what they need to bring with them to survive life on the road.  Well let me start by saying we are going to use the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Silly) method on this one.  You need the basics folks.  That means toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, comb, shampoo, deodorant and mouthwash. Towels are not needed unless you do not trust others to have washed them properly or have sensitive skin that does not react well to certain laundry soaps.  The major Travel Centers will supply you with a bar of soap and towels, so again for those with sensitive skin you may choose to bring your own soap. Oh and sorry ladies but its showers only no tubs to relax in you will have to wait till its over or your trainer takes home time if you like a good soak in a tub. Now in the clothes department enough for four days should get you by.  You will not be constantly changing your clothes while your out there because as you will find out you will not be stopping everyday for a shower.  Unfortunately its not  always possible, so be ready for every other day.    Good shoes and proper attire are important.  Next would be what do you do about bedding? I recommend a sleeping bag, its simple and easy.  A cold weather bag would be ideal, especially with winter slowly approaching.   Trucks break down and when they go down completely and cannot run it can get quite cold out there.  I speak from experience.   My first winter out over the road my truck had an Auxiliary Power Unit (In English a generator) that was supposed to supply heat or A/C to the cab of the truck. Well, mine broke and the truck had a 5 minute idle shut off (Meaning every five minutes the truck shut off unless you hit the brake to over ride it. Then it would run for another 5 minutes and shut off). Well folks this happened during a 3 day storm that had crossed the country. The temp outside was 0 with a windchill of -20 and my airlines where frozen.  I was running on no sleep.  Keeping the truck idling was not an option and help wouldn't be coming until morning.  I sat out there for 10 hours fighting to stay warm and sleeping in short intervals.   Had I not been prepared for the weather I may not have walked away. Now with that story being told be prepared for the weather, winter isn't far around the corner folks so be prepared.  Remember you don't get to pick the part of the country where you will be doing your training.  Don't over pack because there is not a lot of room in these trucks.   This is your trainer's home and you're only a guest like all those that came before you. Snacks that will last are also a good idea.  You will not be able to stop whenever you want to.  Stops happen when there is time and at times that will be the middle of the night.
We will be covering a few more things that you will want to bring with you as well as helping set your family up for success while you are on the road in the next few posts.