Tips for living on the road?

**CobraDane** · 06.28.2012

Hi Everyone,
I am in CDL school right now and want to go over the road when i graduate. I wanted to hear from experienced truck drivers on how they live on the road. Specifically how they stay in shape, how they save money, innovative ways to add some creature comforts to your day, things like that. Another thing, I use the internet A LOT anyone have any ideas on how to keep internet cheap and readily available?

I know you should stay away from junk food and avoid buying things in truck stops but i was wondering if there were any other good ideas?

**Colorato** · 06.28.2012

Verizon or Att mifi for wireless. Mine was $35 per month. Plus most times the unit can be had for free.

**CobraDane** · 06.28.2012

Ok thank you. Do you know how much you can use per month on that plan?
thanks

**Colorato** · 06.28.2012

I believe the smallest plans start at 2 MB. Not 100%. I never use my now but I'm still getting to pay for it.

**lonewolf4ad** · 06.28.2012

If you're not running alot of northwest then Sprint is 1 of the best ways to go for wireless and internet. Unlimited data plan I have this thing fired up nearly all the time I am sitting, not to mention I use Facebook and the forum on my phone as well. In MOST areas i have at least .5m+ plus speeds on 3G. where 4G is available I can usually get upwards of 1meg on either ( I like 3 since it is more reliable signal)

As far as other creature comforts that is going to depend on the company you're with, what equipment they run, and what they will let you put in as far as inverter goes. Personally I have a 22" LCD TV, my laptop, and my xbox 360 as well as a small library.

**CobraDane** · 06.28.2012

You mean some companies won't let you put a power inverter in your truck?

**BossOutlaw88** · 06.28.2012

Get you a 150-watt inverter from Love's truckstop the you can put in the cigarette lighter plug. Also buy the cup holder power outlet with three other plugs and a USB plug. Before you gp any further, wait until you get your truvk. If it has an APU, go to Walmart and either buy a Black and Decker frig or the Coleman cooler. Get a microwave also. Buy a weeks amount of food at a time. Get your those resistance bands out of the sports section to work out. Get you some 35 pound dumbells. The last thing you need is the pushhup bars. I never do them outside on the ground unless not at a truckstop. Some truckers piss on the ground lol! Make sure you get some slip resistant steel toes wirk boots also. Trust me, you don't want to feel the power lol! Whenever you have time either at the end of your day or during your day, take a walk or run. Physical fitness is very important in truvking, contrary to popular belief.

**flyingmusician** · 06.28.2012

i made sure to put an inverter in my truck.....my company allows 1800w and i got a hardwired permanent installation and have a 30" flat screen and dvd player, a fridge and microwave. the food is by far the biggest area you can save money in my opinion. eating out....and not just fast foods but anywhere is just prohibitively expensive..... i have a coupon clipping wife that hits the grocery store before i go out and i eat well, even with snacks and treats for $50 or less a week and that puts as much food as i can stuff into the cabinets

i've also got my laptop and carry an electric guitar and small amp with me as well for extended downtime.....don't get much of that but when i do i've got plenty to do sitting right there in the truck

definately if nothing else get out and walk at least once a day.....i try to stop at least every few hours enroute if possible and get out and walk and stretch the legs....keep the blood flowing down there for sure.....too much sitting is never a good thing unless you're just on a load that requires you to keep it rolling

**TMWren** · 06.28.2012

good info boss

**JasonL** · 06.28.2012

When I was driving, the hardest thing was trying to maintain a high level of fitness. I was normally OTR for M-F and home on Sat and Sun... I would try to squeeze a week's worth of workouts into those two days... It doesn't work.