Choosing the Right Gear for Long Haul Trucking
Practical gear for power, food storage, charging, organization, and navigation on the road.
Long haul trucking gear does not need to mean every gadget on the market. Most of what gets sold to people on the road ends up in a drawer by the second month. What earns a permanent spot in the cab is gear that fixes a real, recurring problem: not enough power when the truck is parked, food that spoils or costs too much at every stop, a dead phone at the wrong moment, a cab that slowly fills with wrappers, and routes that were not planned with a tall, heavy vehicle in mind.
For a closer look at gear focused specifically on life inside the cab, see our guide to Long Haul Truck Cab Essentials for Drivers
That short list covers a surprising amount of daily life behind the wheel. This guide looks at five pieces of long haul truck gear that each address one of those problems, and it explains where they fit, what to check before buying, and where the limits are. Think of it as a way to sort out which items match how you actually run, not a shopping list to work through from top to bottom.
Comparing These Long Haul Trucking Gear Options
| Product | Main purpose | Key feature | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station | Portable power away from shore power | 1070Wh capacity, 1500W output, 100W USB-C, LiFePO4 battery | Drivers who spend many nights without external power |
| BougeRV 12V Refrigerator 23 Quart | Keeping food and drinks cold without ice | 12/24V DC and 110V AC operation, no ice required | Drivers who carry their own meals |
| BESTEK Power Inverter 300W | Powering everyday electronics from a vehicle connection | 110V AC output, PD65W USB-C, USB-A | Drivers who charge phones, laptops and small devices |
| HOTOR Car Trash Can | Managing small amounts of cab waste | 2 gallon leakproof design with adjustable straps and magnetic snaps | Drivers who want a tidier cab |
| Garmin dezl OTR700 7-Inch GPS Truck Navigator | Truck specific route planning | 7 inch touchscreen, custom truck routing, load to dock guidance | Drivers who route around vehicle restrictions |
Portable Power for Long Stops and Overnight Needs
- 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰: Start with 1024Wh and expand to 11kWh by adding up to 5 battery packs (Battery packs so…
- 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Guaranteed priority power. Four AC outlets are split across two independently controlled circuits…
- 𝟏𝟎𝐦𝐬 𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟑𝐤𝐕 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:While plugged in, this Portable Power Station switches to battery in under 10 millise…
Anyone who has sat through a 10 hour break knows the trade off. You want the laptop charged, the phone topped off, maybe a small appliance running, but you would rather not idle the engine all night or drain the batteries. Truck stop electrification is not available everywhere, and it is not always convenient when it is.
A portable power station is one way to separate those needs from the truck’s own electrical system. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 lists a 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, with a 100W USB-C port for charging compatible laptops and phones. It uses a LiFePO4 battery and supports fast charging, according to the listing.
In practice, the useful question is how many watt hours your habits actually use. A phone and a tablet barely dent a battery this size, while heavier loads drain it much faster. It also takes up real floor or bunk space and has real weight, so think about where it would sit and whether you can lift it comfortably. For drivers who spend a lot of nights away from shore power, it can make sense. For a driver who mostly stays plugged in at home terminals, it may be more than needed.
Keeping Food Cold Without Ice on Long Runs
- What You Get: The CR22 12V refrigerator comes with a 2-year Tech Support. If you have any questions about the product, p…
- Fast Cooling Down to 32℉: With Compressor refrigeration technology, this 12v car refrigerator could achieve 15 min fast …
- 60W Low Power Consumption: With ECO energy saving mode, this 23 Qt portable refrigerator’s operating power is less than …
Eating on the road adds up quickly, in money and in how you feel by week three. Carrying your own food and drinks gives you more control over both. The trouble with a traditional cooler is the ice: it melts, it leaves water at the bottom, and you end up buying more bags at fuel stops to keep going.
A portable refrigerator works differently. The BougeRV 12V Refrigerator, in its 23 quart size, is a portable refrigerator and freezer design that needs no ice. The listing shows it running on 12/24V DC and 110V AC, so it can be powered from a vehicle outlet or from a standard household style plug. It is described as designed for road trips and portable use.
That flexibility matters for a truck, but so does the practical side. A refrigerator draws power continuously, so consider how you will keep it running when the engine is off, and whether your setup can support that. That is where the power station in the previous section can come into the picture, though you should match the two carefully. Twenty three quarts holds a few days of basic groceries for one person, not a full week for two. Measure your available floor space first, because a fridge that does not fit where you can secure it is not much help.
Simple In-Cab Power for Everyday Electronics
- BESTEK Advantage Upgraded: Bestek is power inverter patents owner, America’s leading power inverter brand. Our inverter …
- Upgraded to PD 30W Fast Charging: Our car inverter upgraded to 30W USB-C charging port that allows you to quickly charge…
- Ultra Compact and Lightweight: iPhone-sized design ideal for use on vacations, work trips, and camping. 32 inch cigarett…
There is a difference between having a big battery and having a convenient way to charge things while you drive. Most of the time you just need to keep a phone, a laptop or a tablet alive without fumbling with a pile of adapters.
That is the gap an inverter fills. The BESTEK Power Inverter 300W takes 12V to 17V DC input and produces 110V AC output, so you can plug in a device that normally uses a wall outlet. It also has a PD65W USB-C port and a USB-A port for charging devices directly. It is designed to work from a vehicle power connection.
The number to respect is 300W. That is enough for small electronics, chargers and similar low draw items, but it is not a way to run heaters, large cooking appliances or anything with a high wattage rating. Check the label on each device you plan to plug in. Also look at the 12V to 17V input range, since it points to a 12V vehicle system. If your truck or your outlet setup differs, verify compatibility before you buy. Finally, remember that many vehicle outlets have their own limits, so the truck’s wiring may cap what you can safely draw before the inverter does.
A Small Organizer That Helps Keep the Cab Clean
- ✔ADJUSTABLE STRAP & COLLAPSIBLE SHAPE – The car trash bag features an adjustable strap that allows it to be attached on …
- ✔MAGNETIC SNAPS: There are 4 metallic magnetic snaps inside of HOTOR car trash can for fastening the extra trash bag. Co…
- ✔DURABLE LEAKPROOF INNER LINING – This garbage can for car adopt waterproof and leakproof material, easy to clean and wa…
Trash is not glamorous, but it is one of the first things to make a cab feel cramped. A receipt here, a bottle there, a fast food bag pushed under the seat. After a few days, the space where you eat, work and sleep starts to feel like a bin.
A small dedicated container solves this more than you might expect. The HOTOR Car Trash Can is a 2 gallon unit with a leakproof, waterproof design. It includes adjustable straps and magnetic snaps, and it is built for compact storage. Nothing about it is complicated, and that is the point. It gives waste a place to go so it does not spread across the dash and floor.
Where you put it matters more than the product itself. It should be within easy reach from the driver’s seat without getting in the way of your feet or the shifter, and you should be able to empty it quickly at a stop. Two gallons is small, so it works best if you empty it regularly rather than treating it as long term storage. If you carry a lot of food or drinks, consider whether you would fill it faster than you would like.
Truck-Specific Navigation for Long Routes
- Large, easy-to-read 7” touchscreen offers a bright, crisp, high-resolution display.Special Feature:Custom Truck Routing,…
- Get custom truck routing (Not available in all areas) based on the size and weight of your truck, and see alerts for upc…
- View truck-friendly parking information along your route
Getting the cab set up is one part of the job. Getting the truck where it needs to go, without a wrong turn onto a road that was never meant for a tractor trailer, is another. A general car GPS may not account for the things that matter to you, like height, weight, length or roads that restrict commercial vehicles.
The Garmin dezl OTR700 is a truck navigator with a 7 inch touchscreen. It is designed for truck specific navigation, with custom truck routing based on your vehicle information. The listing also mentions load to dock guidance, which is meant to help with the last stretch into a delivery location, a part of the trip that can be harder than the highway miles.
Before buying, think about the details that affect your own routes. Make sure you know how you will enter your truck’s dimensions, and be prepared to double check unusual routes against signage and your own judgment. No navigator replaces awareness of what is in front of you. A larger screen can help with readability, but it also needs a secure mounting spot that does not block your view. If you often drive unfamiliar regions or deliver to tight facilities, this kind of unit addresses a problem you already know well.
What to Look for Before You Buy
Start with power, because three of these five items depend on it. Add up what you want to run and how long you want to run it. A power station’s capacity is measured in watt hours, while an inverter is limited by watts, and the difference decides whether a device works for an hour or for a night. The Jackery lists 1070Wh and 1500W, the BESTEK tops out at 300W, and the refrigerator draws continuously, so treat them as parts of one system rather than separate purchases.
Voltage and compatibility come next. The BougeRV lists 12/24V DC and 110V AC operation, while the BESTEK lists a 12V to 17V DC input. Confirm what your truck provides at the outlet you plan to use, and check whether the outlet is fused for the load. Do not assume that two products will work together just because both plug in.
Capacity and space go hand in hand. A 23 quart refrigerator and a 1070Wh power station both need a stable spot in the cab, and neither is easy to rearrange on the road. Measure before ordering. Portability matters for anything you plan to carry in and out, because weight becomes noticeable when you handle it daily.
Ease of use is easy to overlook. A trash can with magnetic snaps and straps is simple, and a navigator you cannot program without stopping is not. Think about how much setup you are willing to do.
Finally, ask whether the item solves a real problem for you. If you never park without power, a power station may not earn its space. If you always eat out, a refrigerator may sit empty. Buy for the way you actually run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much portable power does a long haul driver actually need?
It depends on what you run and for how long. Add up the wattage of each device and multiply by the hours you use it to get watt hours. Phones, tablets and laptops use modest amounts, while a refrigerator or any heating device uses much more. A power station like the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 lists 1070Wh, which is a useful benchmark, but your own list of devices should decide what capacity makes sense.
Is a portable refrigerator worth carrying in a truck?
It can be if you regularly prepare your own meals and drinks. You avoid buying ice and can store food more reliably than in a cooler. The tradeoffs are power use, floor space and cost. A unit like the BougeRV 23 quart lists both DC and AC operation, so consider how you will power it during long breaks. If you rarely cook or eat from your own supplies, a cooler may still be enough.
What can a 300W power inverter safely power?
Anything you plug in must stay under 300W, so read the wattage label on each device. That range generally suits chargers, small electronics and similar low draw items. It does not suit heaters, large cooking appliances or other high wattage equipment. Also remember that your truck’s outlet and wiring may set a lower limit than the inverter does, so check the fuse rating and your setup before running anything close to the maximum.
How can a small trash can help keep a truck cab organized?
It gives small waste a fixed place instead of letting it collect on seats and floors. A 2 gallon unit with straps and magnetic snaps, like the HOTOR, is designed to stay put and stay compact. Mount it within easy reach but out of the way of your feet and controls, and empty it at every fuel stop. Small habits like that keep a sleeper cab from feeling cluttered over a long trip.
Is a truck-specific GPS different from a regular car GPS?
Generally, yes. A truck navigator is designed to use vehicle information such as size and weight when planning a route, while a car GPS is built around passenger vehicles. The Garmin dezl OTR700 lists custom truck routing and load to dock guidance. Even so, always watch for posted restrictions, because no device replaces careful attention to road signs and conditions.
The five products featured in this article are collected below for easy reference.
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