Comfort items to put in a truck?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Brownsfan16, Oct 27, 2012.

  1. Brownsfan16

    Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

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    I have read a bunch about how tough life can be out on the road and I am wondering what items in the truck can make being out on the road easier and enjoyable. So far on the list of things that are going in my truck if I actually am able to pull this off are as follow.

    CB radio
    Rand Mcnally GPS--- Even though the truck comes with one it was suggested that this one is better than the one that comes with the truck.
    Microwave
    Satelite TV with the Vuqube 2000. A question I have about that though. Does the trailer ever obstruct the Vuqube from getting a signal? From what I have read they seem to work pretty well.
    Good mattress/pillows
    APU- Not sure yet on this one. There are people who have told me I need one just because I live where it gets super cold in winter and super hot in the summer. Plus I guess it helps keep the engine warm for easier start ups in cold weather. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Now does a APU ever save more money on fuel than the cost of it? Maybe somebody could answer that.
    Game system/laptop
    Inverter- Since I am obviously plugging in lots of electrical stuff.

    I'm basically looking at this as a home away from home. Any suggestions on other things would be appreciated!
     
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  3. .honeybadger.

    .honeybadger. Road Train Member

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    Consider some versatile cooking options because you can spend most of your paycheck living off of truck stop food. A George Foreman grill is very handy, as are crock pots, Burton cookers, lunchbox cookers, ect. You'll save a lot even just cooking a few meals a week on the truck.
     
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  4. KMac

    KMac Road Train Member

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    Since you are planning an inverter and lots of electrical appliances... how are you planning on keeping your batteries charged, especially in the no idle States without an APU?

    Also, if you are driving a company truck you better make sure they allow an inverter, not all do.
     
  5. NavigatorWife

    NavigatorWife Road Train Member

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    A microwave is a great addition, there are so many things you can fix in it as long as you have the right dishes. You may have to get a smaller less wattage type though for the inverter, it will just take a little longer to cook like in the old days before they got so high tech.

    We had the George Foreman, they only thing hubby put 2 screws in the front on bottom to level it off more. It was a little messy sometimes according to what was being cooked. With it level you could cook vegetables easier without them drying out so much, also used it to make fried eggs. Also get the smaller one that is about 8x 9 or so.

    It's your castle unless you have a co-driver. Do you like crafts of any type. I had my crocheting, and books also. Collected rocks when I could sneak them in the truck, had to watch the weight though, so it wasn't often.
     
  6. cadillacdude1975

    cadillacdude1975 Road Train Member

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    screw'em. when i ran the northeast, i idled all the time. NY NJ DE CT MA PA RI included. i dont give a flip what the state laws say. for me to have a legal break as defined by the FMSCR code, i must be comfortable. and 80% of the year that means idling the truck for heat or a/c. the last time i checked, freezing or sweating to death because of some BS clean air crap did not mean a thing to me.

    my .02
     
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  7. snowman01

    snowman01 Road Train Member

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    I'll make a couple of suggestions. A memory foam mattress pad will help you sleep like a log. Also, in the winter use a mattress pad heater. They plug into the cigarette lighter and in the cold weather there is nothing like plugging it in in the afternoon and crawling into a warm bed. I found that I did not have to idle my truck until it was in the 30's with one and they don't draw down the battery. Helped me get many idling bonuses and paid for itself many times over.
     
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  8. snowman01

    snowman01 Road Train Member

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    do not all states with an idling law have an exception for the health and well being of the driver in hot and cold weather?
     
  9. peterd

    peterd Medium Load Member

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    Almost none have an exemption for health and well being unless it is for your pet.
     
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  10. Okieron

    Okieron Crusty Okie

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    well then that means bring a dog or cat ! at least they get treated right !:)
     
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  11. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    You may or may not have time to watch much TV out there. APU will depend on the company and the truck. You might want to take some books or other things that you like to do with you.
     
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