Prepare for Winter with Winter inventory check

Make Your Truck Winter Ready with Winter Trucking Equipment

Winter is fast approaching and will be here before you know it! Truck driving in harsh, cold, icy weather can send a cold shiver down any driver’s spine. However, if a trucker prepares with winter equipment check, they can not only make it through the winter months but excel in strides.

Prepare for Winter with Winter inventory check

The first step a trucker must take when preparing for the Winter is to take a thorough look at their winter equipment and take winter inventory of what they have in their cargo control portfolio. Open up your truck toolboxes and determine the condition of your gear and what valuable items you may be missing.

Some gear can be repaired, but other used items may need to be fully replaced. Begin to write a detailed winter inventory list of what you currently have and what you need. This list will make it easy to determine what you need to purchase to make it through the harsh winter months.

It’s Time to Check Your Winter Trucking Equipment

Winter brings a whole new set of challenges for truckers that they must consider before hitting the road. Even if you typically drive home to a warm, southern state, chances are you’ll have a route that could take you up North. In this case, you may be used to the warm weather, but you and your gear must be adaptable to the situation.

It’s time for your Winter Equipment Check! Below I’ll break down everything you need to know to be prepared for these harsh winter months

Mytee Products has everything you need for safe and productive winter truck driving. We invite you to browse our entire winter equipment for the following critical supplies:

1. Truck Tarps for Winter

Every trucker who does flatbed work needs to have a full selection of tarps for winter on hand at all times. During the winter months, the trucker’s choice of tarps for winter can mean the difference between adequate protection and taking risks with cargo. In terms of fabrics, there are three main choices:

Best Tarp for Winter

i. Poly Tarps

Made of polyethylene or polypropylene, poly tarps are considered all-purpose tarps. They are generally UV-treated and waterproof, so they’re not bad as general tools for cargo control. They may not be the best choice during harsh winter weather that can include very low temperatures.

ii. Vinyl Tarps

Also known as heavy-duty tarps or machinery tarps, vinyl tarps tend to be the strongest and most durable that truckers can buy. They provide the most resistance against stress, tearing, and abrasions, and they can handle cold temperatures exceptionally well. The best vinyl tarps on the market don’t even flinch at temperatures well below zero.

iii. Canvas Tarps

Canvas tarps are a good choice when breathability is an issue. They also handle cold temperatures well but struggle with standing water. Canvas tarps are subject to mold growth and could tear as a result of ice buildup. It is advisable to use them with caution during the winter.

2. Tires and Snow Chains for Trucks

Every trucker knows how critical tires are in bad weather. Make sure all of your tires are in good condition before winter weather sets in. Trucks not only need good tires, but they need dependable snow chains as well. Snow chains for trucks are an indispensable tool for winter driving.

As an experienced flatbed trucker, you know that there are some jurisdictions around the country that mandate the use of chains under certain weather conditions. Do not get caught having to wait at a chain bank until another trucker comes down the road with a set you can use. Buy your own heavy-duty tire chains for winter, so you are always prepared for winter.

Winter Truck Tire Preparation Tips

All our tire chain carriers come from a well-known manufacturer and are constructed with the trucker’s safety in mind. We have both twist and square link chains for you to choose from. You can purchase both singles and doubles as well. Not having snow tire chains on board during the winter season is asking for trouble. Don’t tempt fate. Instead, buy your trailer tire link chains from Mytee Products and be ready for the snow when it comes.

Tire Chain Comparison

Consider purchasing this lockable tire chain carrier to store your assortment of chains so you never lose or misplace them.

3. Straps, Winches, and Binders for Trucks

Cold temperatures and high winds can make securing cargo a real challenge during the winter. Cargo control is easier when the truck driver has the right kinds of supplies in good working condition. Therefore, check your toolbox for an ample supply of mesh and bungee straps, chain binders, winches, tie-down straps, and chains. If any of your straps are worn, keep in mind that cold temperatures could cause them to fail at any point. Worn straps should be replaced.

Check the Condition of Winter Inventory

Along with straps, binders, and winches, drivers should have an ample supply of corner and edge protectors. Remember that even vinyl tarps can get brittle in cold temperatures. Where corner and edge protectors may not be necessary during the warmer temperatures of summer, they could make a real difference in protecting your tarps once temperatures drop.

Having the correct rubber bungee straps for the Winter is also important. In warmer climates, synthetic EPDM bungees perform better. However, they can become brittle and actually snap in colder weather. For the cold weather, make sure you have a supply of natural rubber bungee straps, as they are better suited for Winter.

8 Steps to Ensure Your Truck is Winterized or Not!

Winterize Your Truck

Ensure your truck is winterized or not with these 8 simple steps.

1. Check your Tire Pressure

Cold weather can cause your tire pressure to go down below their recommended PSI. This can lead to lower fuel mileage and increased wear and tear.

2. Charge the Battery

Winter conditions drain your truck’s battery faster, so ensure it’s fully charged.

3. Inspect the Cooling System

Ensure your truck coolant has a proper freeze level and inspect all your belts and radiator hoses.

4. Emergency Supplies

Breaking down in the Winter can become a life-or-death situation quickly. Ensure you have an emergency kit with hand warmers, food, water, shovels, snow boots, flares, and any other supplies that will help you survive if your truck breaks down in the cold.

5. Fuel Additives

Hydrocarbons in your diesel fuel can actually freeze in the winter. It’s crucial to choose a fuel that is optimized for the winter and add anti-gel additives each time you fuel up.

6. Air Dryer

Your truck’s air dryer ensures water does not enter your brake lines. Ensure it works before hitting the road.

7. Engine Block Heater

Diesel fuel engines require more heat to get started than gasoline vehicles. Consider using an electric engine block heater especially if you park your truck for extended periods of time in the Winter.

8. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades & Fluid

Imagine you driving through a torrential snowstorm and one of your windshield wipers breaks. That’s a situation that can cause a dangerous accident.

Also Read: 5 Things to Have on Hand for Winter Flatbed Driving

Get What You Need Now

Investing in the trucking supplies you need for winter earlier ensures that you will receive everything you order before the weather begins to get troublesome. Winter weather makes for more difficult driving even with the proper supplies on hand. Don’t make your job more difficult than it needs to be this winter by ignoring your winter inventory of trucking supplies. Order your supplies from Mytee Products; if we do not have something you need, contact us anyway. We might be able to get it for you.

Check the above video to get more information on how to make a truck winter-ready with winter equipment.

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