From Rand McNally atlases to wind-up alarm clocks, these are the classics that still earn their place in the cab.

Paper Maps and Road Atlases

One thing was made crystal clear: GPS may come and go, but a map never loses signal.

• Deborah Davis keeps both a CB radio and Rand McNally Atlas in her truck.
• Elvis Johnson, Eric Campbell, Kim Sorrell, and Ron Baker all proudly named their road atlas as their must-have.
• Andrew Milley shared, “I have a distrust for Google and GPS. I like to look at the route and take notes before the exit I need.”
• Patrick Dixon carries an AM/FM handheld radio for local updates—because tech fails, but radio keeps talking.
• John Kingston simply said: “Me.” And that may be the most reliable gadget of all.

CB Radios: The Original Social Network

Long before apps and hands-free texting, there was channel 19.

• Maurice Williams Jr, James Wood, Jerry Blake, Will Titus, and Richard Gadget Greene all still ride with a CB radio.
• Garry Harrison customized his with a Connex board and talkback mic, while Joshua Ainsworth added an echo board.
• Lloyd Dailey pairs his CB with good country music—because some things just belong together.

Manual Transmissions, Clutches, and More

A stick shift isn’t just nostalgic—it’s how many truckers learned to drive.

• Tim Potter, Charity Edelmaier, and Lee Wagner are keeping it real with a manual transmission.
• Billy Graeber and Bill Eberhard both noted that they still use a clutch—a disappearing feature in modern rigs.
• Allen Coons? He’s working with a 13-speed.

Brains, Courtesy, and Common Sense

Surprisingly—or not—the most mentioned “gadget” was the one that can’t be bought in a store.

• “My brain,” said David Miller, Lisa Oscar, Joseph Brown, and Brian Miller, among many others.
• Bryan Vanartsen still reads maps and added, “My mind.”
• Mark Lucier noted, “Common sense, which isn’t so common anymore.”
• Lucky Taylor summed it up with “Common sense and courtesy.”

Everyday Essentials That Still Work

Some drivers kept it simple. Their go-to tools? Nothing fancy—just practical.

• Rodney Henry and Michael Challis both rely on a Rand McNally.
• Ronnie Easterly uses a wind-up alarm clock—no power needed.
• Richard Hohall? A pencil and notebook.
• Robert Joyner sticks with a tire pressure gauge, while John Evans uses a vacuum gauge to monitor fuel efficiency.
• Chris Sheridan brings his Leatherman.

Just Plain Old School (And Still Useful)

Some answers didn’t fall into categories—but they stuck with us.

• Jherhk Phillips carries a Walkman to get local weather updates when the digital signal drops.
• Nicole Hellstrom keeps an analog compass, a tape deck, and a map book on board.
• Nav Aujhla? “A compass—pointy one.”

Why It Matters

Technology changes fast, but experience doesn’t. Whether it’s an atlas, a CB, or just good instincts, these tools represent more than convenience—they stand for independence, preparation, and pride in doing the job right.

If you’re someone who still believes in doing things the right way—even if it’s not the newest way—you’re not alone.

Join the TDUSA community and connect with thousands of other drivers who get it.

The post The Old-School Tools Truckers Still Trust in 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Iowa 80: The World’s Largest Truck Stop

Kyle Yadon praised Iowa 80 for its incredible truck wash and vast store. “But my actual favorite,” he added, “is a little hole-in-the-wall place with plenty of parking, but I won’t say where so it stays that way.” Patricia DePover and Rafael Pardo also gave shoutouts to Iowa 80, with Rafael noting its impressive 900+ parking spots and extensive shopping options.

Scenic and Functional Stops

Rachel E. Jackson mentioned several favorites, including the 7 Feathers Truck Stop in Canyonville, OR, which she loved for its parking and scenery. She also reminisced about the now-defunct Boomtown truck stop. Chris Burke highlighted a stop in Big Cabin, OK, with its massive dirt lot and old-school diner vibes. He also recommended Smiley’s Travel Shop in Virginia, located along I-81.

Classic Favorites That Have Changed

Bill Holloway’s favorite was the Triple T Truck Stop in Tucson, AZ, though he noted it had undergone significant changes over the years. Similarly, Edward Joseph misses the Whites Travel Center in Raphine, VA, now known as Petro.

Modern Amenities and Comforts

Angie Ables recommends the Sapp Bros in Commerce City, CO, particularly for its luxurious Shower #1, complete with a dual shower and a large tub. Dennis Spisak favored Truck World in Hubbard, OH, right off I-80. And Kevin Stewart loves Bill’s Truck Stop in Lexington, NC, a place he’s visited since childhood.

Unique and Memorable Stops

Lyle W. Brunson shared his enthusiasm for Jubitz near Portland, OR, a truck stop that boasts two restaurants, a bar, a movie theater, a dentist, a chrome shop, and much more. Heather Bennett gave a special nod to Stripes for their fresh tortillas and salsa bar, while Benjamin Rickel appreciates any stop with open parking and Pilot for its coffee.

Sentimental Favorites

For some, it’s all about the memories. Ronnie Allen remembers the Giant in Gallup, NM, from the late 1980s. Kevin Stewart shared how Bill’s Truck Stop has been a staple in his life since he was a child.

Your Turn

Truck stops aren’t just places to fuel up—they’re part of the journey, offering comfort, connection, and sometimes even nostalgia. What’s your favorite truck stop? Join our community on Facebook to share your stories and connect with fellow drivers. Click here to join the conversation!

The post Truck Drivers Reveal Their All-Time Favorite Truck Stops appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.