Best Gadgets on your truck?

[Jason Pallas]

Always interesting to see what others have come up with - I know there are lots of threads like this, but there's always new members and new ideas.

Here's one for flat tires: We keep a 10-15 air tank on the truck/trailer for flats. This is always a good idea but sometimes a couple of flats in a day or a large tire that needs a lot of air can deplete all the air you've got stored. Instead of a trip to the shop or local gas station, I purchased a little air compressor (about $10) that plugs into the truck lighter/accessories outlet. We use this to fill the tank back -up to 120lbs or so (the compressor doesn't have enough psi/volume to bead tires). It works great and saves a lot of time. Even if someone forgot to refill the air at the shop, we've always got air.

Another quick tip: Tire beading straps run about $30 in catalogs. I've found that with a liitle modification, the tie-down/ratcheting straps you get at the local auto store work just as good. All you need to do is make a loop and hook so that you can cinch the strap (back around into itself) around the tire. It beads a tire like a charm - never a second try needed - and it's a lot cheaper that the beading strap advertised in supplier catalogs.

OK let's hear yours.

[SUNSHINE LAWN]

Orange street cones on really conjested residential areas. 1 about 5 feet in front of truck and 1 about 5 feet behind trailer to keep from being hemmed in by other cars.

[Duncan IN]

If you are really stranded and need to air up a tired to get u buy for awhile or just don't have quite enough air to get the bead to seal, Try gas for Example. I had a tire on a sulky that broke the bead, I didn't have enough preasure to get it back on or a strap. What I did was get some gas and pour alittle bit into the tire and push one side up against the rim and then light it. This will create a small explosion( Don't use more than a ounce unless it didn't work, then use more). This will shoot the other bead against the other side creating preasure inside the tire. It will be enough to get u buy. It works for me.

[stslawncare]

question for u guys with cones, what size? u know how im a fan of cones and it will definitly be a item on my truck when i get one, but what size?

[Ray&Christine]

I'm like Sunshine Lawn, I keep the orange pylons in the truck. I place one by the ramp on my trailer. Once I had someone drive over my ramp with thier car, they were backing out from across the street and didn't see the ramp. The parking eforcement guy seems to look the other way if they know you are working so the pylons come in handy for this as well.

Ray

[Sam Grinold]

Ive always used starting fluid to mount tough to seat beads . It will work on all tires from walk behind to large truck tires.Seems to me to be a little safer than gas since it doesent burn long I always carry atire plugging kit on trailer . Have used it many times and once for acustomer

[Jason Pallas]

Yeah - I've heard about using gasoline and ether to get a tire to bead - just seems a little dangerous to me. But, in a pinch, if it works.... I did read one time about these guys that were trying to cross the artic and had one of their tires go flat and bust a bead. Thay had to use the same technique - only I think it may have been with propane or something. It was a huge tire and quite a spectacular accomplishment.

Anyway - how 'bout this for another idea: We use one of those hand squeeze"bulb" style primers to dispense gas into trimmers and blowers. We've just inserted the pickup hose into a hole in the gas cap of a 6 gal gas can (mixed 2 -cycle fuel) and run about 4 ft of hose out to the bulb and then another 3 ft as a filler spout/hose. Squeeze the bulb - and the fuel flows, no spills - easy as can be and no need for smaller containers. You can fill those small tanks right to the top without spilling a drop. Very accurate for fuel dispensing and very hassle-free.

[Bob Minney]

I took an air hose - put an end on that will screw into the head in place of a plug so I can use my engine as a compressor. It doesn't take up much room, is very powerful, and works great in an emergency. I've seen a similar set-up done with an old a/c compressor.

[Jason Pallas]

Are you talking about the engine your truck? If so, that's a great idea in an emergency. If not, what engine and how does it run w/o a spark plug? ( I assume that's where the hose connects in).

[Bob Minney]

I guess details would help, yes it connects to my truck engine.
I've got one of those little electric ones that are ok for wheel barrows, etc. but this set up fills a truck tire quick. I made it out of an old compression tester.

[GLS]

Since safety cones were brought up...A couple weeks ago I found a nice orange cone with reflecter tape in good shape in my yard along with a "DIP" sign. The next day they were still there so I decided to take the orange cone. Now I just need a couple more. I have no idea why anyone would drop a cone and street sign in my yard. I don't know where the dip sign would've even came from. I don't remember there being one in my neighborhood, so they must have drove a ways. Kinda funny.

[1grnlwn]

I think it would be better to use the gas to drive the truck to a gas station and get air. IMHO

[slplow]

My dump is the best gadget and the A/C isn't bad either.

[plow kid]

I took an air hose - put an end on that will screw into the head in place of a plug so I can use my engine as a compressor. It doesn't take up much room, is very powerful, and works great in an emergency

I thought i was the only person on the planet with something like that.

[little green guy]

Another way tp seat larger tire such as skid steer, and bachoe tires is to use a chian off the trailer, wrap it around the tire and use a load binder to tighten it up, I've done it tons of times and it works great. Same concept as the tie down exept bigger.

We also have cones on the trailer, we usually have like 3 or so. Another thing I did this fall to keep the blowers from rolling around on the trailer was nailed a 2x4 behind the back tires of the blowers. I also have a small compressor for tires, and a water cooler. Those poratable jumpstart units look pretty nice too.

[kenneth parsons]

If you are beading a smaller tires and don't wnat to fool with tie down straps or chains, pull your belt off and use it. It works!

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

The best gadget i have on my truck is my suspension lift and big tires:)

[cajuncutter]

Well since I have not had it EVER in the last 14 years I would have to say my AC is the best gizmo in my truck:D I always seemed to have an ac fail on my older trucks..now I am spoiled:p

[jman00]

looks like you need about another inch of lift to get that hitch out of the dirt.

another good gadget is a large vice, great for taking the bend out of a weedeater shaft after an employee backs over it with the mower.

[We kick grass]

Hey Eric nice ride I'm a powerstroke man myself but I like your wheels have a pair of those welds myself. Gotta have a nice ride or life isn't worth liven and sweatin for. Carry on

[landman]

I can't exactly see what you are saying in that picture. I gather it's something like can you pull me off of this little hill with your FORD. Wait a minute I'll get my Chain.

[KirbysLawn]

My best gadget is a turbo temp monitor (TTM) for my PSD turbo. It connects to my pyro gauge and monitors the temp inside the turbo, if the temp is > than 300 degrees it will keep my engine running after I turn the key off and allows the turbo to cool down. It also provides funny looks when I get out of the truck and it turns off a minute or two later.:D

http://www.dieselpage.com/pics/r4130.jpg
http://www.unionturf.com/truck__trailer_3.JPG

[corban]

In my truck bed I have a tool box called a "Tool Pocket". It mounts on the inside of the bed and goes up over the wheel well. It's great because it doesn't take up any of the length and holds pretty much all I want it to. Also, I don't know if you guys have seent the new bed extenders that attach on the tailgates while they're down. They cost up to $200 but I made my own out of 1" electric pipes and use lock latches like those in a hotel door to hold it on. It slides off and on easily and adds a good foot and a half to my bed. Also, remote locks are one of the best inventions ever made.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Duncan IN
If you are really stranded and need to air up a tired to get u buy for awhile or just don't have quite enough air to get the bead to seal, Try gas for Example. I had a tire on a sulky that broke the bead, I didn't have enough preasure to get it back on or a strap. What I did was get some gas and pour alittle bit into the tire and push one side up against the rim and then light it. This will create a small explosion( Don't use more than a ounce unless it didn't work, then use more). This will shoot the other bead against the other side creating preasure inside the tire. It will be enough to get u buy. It works for me.

I wont visit you in the burn ward for doing this either.

We used to use Eather to blow tire beads out, I have seen to many get hurt.

DO NOT USE THIS!!!!!

Use your brain, it may work and not burn you 1 time but it will soon.

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

Since we're discussing goodies:

In my 2000 F350 PSD:
1. CB radio
2. Fire/police scanner ( I work for the local fire department )
3. VHF radio
4. Salt spreder contoller
5. Switch panel that controls the light bar on the roof, and the strobes in the front and rear, and multiple sirens.
6. 12 volt compressor mounted inside the truck box
7. 115V converter (use it all the time!!! very good buy.)
8. 9000# Winch on my smaller 18' open trailer (obvious uses)
9. Tire plugging kit! Use almost every week!
10. Auxillery lights mounted below the rear bumper, switched independantely. Great for salting at night to see the spread pattern.

[corban]

show off!:cool:

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

;)

[Duncan IN]

I don't do this unless I don't have the time to make a trip into town. I did it this summer when I was a good ways out of town and just about finished saw no need to waste an hour heading into town to get 15psi in a small tire. I had some gas and matches and it worked for me. Saved me alot of time and I got all my work done because of this. I wouldn't advise this to everyone because there are some idiots out there that would use to much gas and get themselves hurt. It only took an ounce and that is not enough to cause the tire To exlode. If I had either I or something easy to use I would have used it. But all I had with me in the middle of no where worked for me.

[Jason Pallas]

I've been thinking about getting one of those 115v convertors - they look like they'd come in very handy. What kind of stuff do you find yourself runnning off of it most often?

[MATTHEW]

MY favorite extra is a tool holder that mounts to the back wall of the cab. It has tons of pockets and all my tools are organized and in easy reach. Gemplers sells them, but I made mine from a bucket style tool holder. You cut it in half, put a piece of flatbar across the seam and use pop rivets to attach it.

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

Originally posted by Jason Pallas
I've been thinking about getting one of those 115v convertors - they look like they'd come in very handy. What kind of stuff do you find yourself runnning off of it most often?

Jason, I use lots in the spring on some commercial lots to power a small pressure washer to clean the underside of the decks after clogging or going to another property. It's nice to have access to a hose at some places. I also use it for drop lights and for the 115 v recessed spotlights on the outside of the enclosed trailer. I don't have a generator (yet! ;) )On really hot days, it powers a house fan when the guys take a lunch break on a hot day while relaxing in the shade!
Like I said, I use it all the time!!!

Scott

p.s. Keep your engine running while using it!

[summitgroundskeeping]

For people that install a lot of mulch and don't have a dump truck...
Have you ever used one of thoes things that you crank in your bed (coveyer belt thing) and the mulch comes out the tailgate?
Do these things work at all?
They seem low $, are they low efficient?
Help would be appreciated.
Does it work better than shovels and rakes?

[summitgroundskeeping]

oh forgot best gadgets,
aux. backup lights
CB radio
Pace Edwards roll top
nerf bars for the ladies

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

Gotta love them CB's! Everybody around here has them. I have a Cobra with a "big" tune-up. Puts out 35 watts swinging. Dead key is 8 watts. Also have one of thoes annoying "Echo-boxes" installed. Reaqlly makes talking on this thing fun, especially when you can hear yourself with the talk-back I installed.

[lawnboy11]

loadhandler

works great for grass clippings, mulch, leaves, even up to 1 yd of soil if you just dig out around the wheel wells a little. If you don't have a dump insert this is the way to go! I just ordered my second one. I was skeptical about it, but it is worth it and then some for a solo op.

[yorkpaddy]

my radio/cd player. and the extra jacket i keep behind my seat