Questions about what I need OTR

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by hsingh_2, Sep 13, 2021.

  1. hsingh_2

    hsingh_2 Light Load Member

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    Hi drivers,

    I have never been OTR on tractor - trailer, but will be very soon. I just need some tips and advice from fellow company drivers and Owner ops on what I will be bringing with me OTR. I plan on being home every other weekend, so basically 2 weekends a month.

    1. I currently use a meal prep company (company that prepares healthy meals). At the moment, I order 21 meals a week, which is 3 a day. All meals go in the fridge because they can last a week in the fridge without any issue.
    I plan on using this company while I am OTR. I might cut it down to 14 meals a week instead of 21, but either way, I plan on bringing 2 weeks of meals OTR. So my question is, What option do I have to freeze the 2nd weeks worth of meals? Week 1 meals go in the fridge, but I've seen truck freezers aren't that big enough to accommodate.
    And let's say, I go OTR for 3 weeks out and 1 week home, what option do I have then in terms of freezing the meals. Are there freezers made for trucks, that can hold this?
    The reason I want to do this meal prep stuff, is because of the obvious reason, save money, avoid the bad truck stop food, and stay healthy.
    Also, in terms of drinking water, how much water do you guys carry on the truck? Do you carry gallons or bottled? I want to avoid having to buy stuff while OTR.

    2. How does the fridge/freezer run when you shut off? Let's say I shut off for 34 hours, obviously the truck won't be idling or running. What are my options in this case? And how would I charge electronics such as iPad / Laptop, etc, running the A/C, etc.

    3. I plan on bringing some exercise equipment with me on the truck. Like 2 sets of dumbbells, jump rope, foldable bench, and a exercise mat. Is this a good idea?

    Going OTR wasn't a plan for me at first, but I realized I have to, if I want to achieve my other goals in trucking. OTR will be short term for me, but either way, I want to make sure I stay healthy and in shape.
     
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Two thoughts, first freeze dried food is better.

    second is if it don’t fit in a bag and you can’t carry it, leave it at home.
     
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  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    I keep a 3 to 4 gallons of water at all times in the truck, but I go through it. Especially in the summer time. I don't keep that much in here. I have canned foods, stuff to drink, tools, cigarettes and a lighter. I don't keep many clothes either, because that way if I have to do laundry on the road, I keep those costs low. Eating out on the road is not as expensive as drivers make it out to be. If you're eating a steak every night, then yeah it will be expensive. If you're buying your own food, like in your case, you'll greatly reduce costs. Many guys/gals have to sit down and eat that "home cooking" every night, when you can just go to Wendy's and spend half that money. That's just an example for those who eat out of the truck stop.
     
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  5. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    I always carried bottled water. Bare minimum 1 full case.
     
  6. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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  7. mwhjr1988

    mwhjr1988 Bobtail Member

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  8. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    After getting stuck on various interstates for endless hours because of accidents or Winter storms I've learned to keep several gallons of spring water, canned foods to eat and always bring meals prepared at home too. I have one of those Alpicool refrigerators that slides neatly under the bunk in my W9. I love it. I still buy stuff on the road to eat though. Coffee, the occasional junk food item and a sit down meal in a decent restaurant remind me that I'm still human and alive.
     
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  9. hsingh_2

    hsingh_2 Light Load Member

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    This looks perfect. Is it possible to have this AND a refrigerator version of it hooked up in the truck running at the same time?
     
  10. hsingh_2

    hsingh_2 Light Load Member

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    Apr 6, 2021
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    Thanks bud. I saw a youtube video on someone who has i believe its called a dometic fridge and freezer. What are your thoughts on this? I think its a good idea since it has alot of freezer space which is what i need. can i have this and a regular fridge hooked up at the same time?
    https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-...t=&hvlocphy=9052549&hvtargid=pla-570777645301
     
  11. hsingh_2

    hsingh_2 Light Load Member

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    Has tbe alpicool ever got bad on you? Or even the regular fridge in the truck. Has it ever been shut down or drained the truck battery?
     
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