How hard is it to sleep in a reefer truck for light sleepers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Safe-Driver, Jul 11, 2024.

  1. Safe-Driver

    Safe-Driver Bobtail Member

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    Jul 11, 2024
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    Like the title says…so is it difficult?

    I have read online that you get use to it and it drowns out the outside sounds at truck stops, but that didn’t mention if they were light sleepers.

    I have been in day cabs attached to reefers and know how loud they can be but I don’t know what it’s like to sleep with that noise constantly. Does it wear on you over time or do you get use to it?
     
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  3. Blagoje

    Blagoje Medium Load Member

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    I remember the very first night I slept in front of a reefer, it woke me up the first time it kicked on and then after that it actually helped put me into a deep sleep. I recommend getting some of those soft earplugs. My issue is not necessarily the noise but rather the vibration, I am one of those guys that will drop their trailer and pull their truck up just a little bit so that there is no contact between the trailer and the truck / fifth wheel. The vibration when the reefer starts is what actually tends to wake me up.
     
  4. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    They are quieter than a Tripac apu on truck next to you
     
  5. Safe-Driver

    Safe-Driver Bobtail Member

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    I would have never thought of that. That’s a good idea!
     
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  6. TurkeyCreekJackJohnson

    TurkeyCreekJackJohnson Medium Load Member

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    When I hauled reefer, which wasn't long, I got the point that I woke up if it click off. But I did get used to it pretty quick.
     
  7. dave01282000

    dave01282000 Medium Load Member

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    I'm one of those guys that likes the white noise of the reefer and I sleep great with it running.

    Some have said they do better when it's in continuous and not kicking on and off, but I don't notice a difference and sleep through it either way.
     
  8. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Medium Load Member

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    I don’t mind sleeping next to a reefer as long as it’s not turning off and on every 30 minutes.
     
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I just loved to have a running reefer, it put me to sleep quickly and I didn't hear the TS crap going on like the idiot with straight pipes coming through the T/S at 3am with his jakes on or the idiot who is idling, running the A/C on a 40ºF night with his the fan kicking on every three minutes and the air compressor purging every four minutes.
     
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  10. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    Set it on continuous and it’s not noticeable after a few days plus drowns out sounds like doors slamming , air dryers popping etc .
     
    Hatt91, Safe-Driver, Bud A. and 5 others Thank this.
  11. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    What he said - and run it on continuous. The other on/off is what is disruptive.

    And if you have a choice - go park next to another reefer.

    Im flatbed and we often group together or with vans to avoid the reefer units given a choice.
     
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