Updated on Mar. 21, 2025
Construction pros spend more time than most in their trucks. Turn your truck into a productivity hub with just a few of these handy gadgets.
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Many new truck models come with built-in outlets for connecting devices to the trucks’ electrical power supply. But if yours doesn’t, just buy a power inverter and connect it to your truck’s battery. A single power inverter could change the way you operate on the road and is an essential part of turning a truck into an office-on-wheels. Charge laptops, phones, tool batteries, all from the cab of your truck.
Doing office work without being connected to the internet in 2019 is like canoeing upstream without a paddle. Sure, it could be done, but it is going to seem slow and inefficient. The internet is the most powerful tool in the history of humanity- put it in your truck. There are several ways to get Wi-Fi in your truck. Mobile hotspots can be generated through most smartphones and dedicated devices like the Mighty WiFi M1 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. Most new trucks will also have models available with built-in cellular data connections, so keep that in mind if you are upgrading any time soon. Just remember, data plans will come with a monthly fee.
Trucks do not run without gas. In the same way, many construction pros just do not “run” without coffee. Get a portable and durable coffee maker for your truck like the COFFEEBOX that will allow you to brew hot coffee on the jobsite. Thermoses are great, but nothing really beats that fresh-brewed taste. If you are feeling nice, you could even share some with your crew.
Doing paperwork in the cab of a truck is, at the very least, a pain in the neck- unless your passenger seat happens to double as a desk. The AutoExec Front Seat Car Desk creates a professional workspace without taking up too much space in your cab. Car desks like the AutoExec provide storage space, organization options and attachments for mounting laptops and phones.
Getting a stand-alone GPS might seem a little redundant at this point. If you have a cellphone, you have access to multiple apps that can get you directions to where you need to be. But what happens when you are on a phone call and a turn comes up? If your phone is pressed against your ear, you might miss your turn, making you late for a meeting and looking unprofessional in the process. A dedicated GPS can save you a lot of headache, and come at a relatively inexpensive cost.
Having a printer on the road for printing out invoices and project plans at the last minute could be a lifesaver. Printers are not massive, bulky machines anymore, either. CANON makes a mobile printer that prints in full color and can print photos and documents directly from a mobile device, completely wirelessly. It does all of that all while being about the size of an encyclopedia.
No office is complete without a bulky storage system. The CargoDeck from TruckOffice is a filing system built directly into the back seat of your truck. CargoDecks can double as both tool and file storage, with wide compartments and sturdy, level platforms that support anything from folders full of invoices to power tools. If you are planning on running a business successfully, organization will be essential. With just a CargoDeck and a few file storage boxes, you will be well on your way.
Yes, usually it is legal, so long as you follow local parking regulations, including not idling where it’s restricted. “You’ll want to make sure you’re parked in a safe spot where you’re not blocking any traffic or violating any parking signs,” says Carrillo.
Usually, as long as it uses lawful mounts and doesn’t interfere with your visibility or airbags. However, in some places, using any electronic device can be akin to texting while driving, and therefore illegal. But, even if it’s legal, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
“Anything that takes your concentration away from driving is not only a potential violation but also greatly increases the risk of fatal collisions,” says Carrillo. “To stay safe, always use your computer or any mounted device only when your vehicle is parked.”
