cooking in the truck

first and foremost, using a propane appliance w/out proper venting could kill you. I'm not saying it would but it could if you happen to fall asleep or something. why take the the chance. graveyards are full of people whom if were able to speak, their first words would likely be "uh, I didn't think..."
there are all sorts of thing on the market. even the small 12 volt pots in the truck stops work well if used properly. The lunchbox is good and has removable pans, {i just use tin foil} the popcorn pot lined with foil is fine for soups and other canned goods, as well if a little water is put in the bottom it is great for leftover or precooked ckicken, beef, ribs , whatever.
I also have a 12 volt microwave. it takes a little longer but works great. or an inverter with a 110 volt. (don't skimp on the wire size. 6 Guage is good but expensive. you can use 14/3 g extention cord, strip the ends and splice them together making 5 Guage.} good luck

 

This is what I do. First of all I only use open flames inside the truck during emergency situations, for obvious safety reasons. I bought a cheap camp cookware set from Walmart. I have a 12v, 12 cup coffee maker (don't buy the small ones, you'll be waking up from your 10 hrs down when it's ready). Now go and buy yourself some canned meats if your are a meat eater, (Chicken, Beef, or Tuna). Next buy some dried meals such as instant noodle meals, instant rice, instant grits and such. They cost around $.50-$1.00 per meal. Mix your meal in the camping pot, add in some meat, go inside the truck stop and get a large cup of hot water or run water through the coffee maker. The later takes longer. Add hot water to the camp pot and place on the coffee pot heating element for about 20 to 30 minutes (with the coffee pot on). Start your meal then go take a shower, do your logs or get your next route ready. It'll be ready in about 20-30 min. You can also buy dehydrated food in bulk online or dehydrate it yourself and cook the same way. If your broke down with no power, you can use sterno cans or a small alcohol stove to cook with. For no cook meals such as cereal, buy some dry milk and pre-measure the amount for bowl of cereal and put in a quart zip loc bag. When you want a quick meal, just add about a cup of water to the bag, seal and shake, then pour into your camping pot. Every thing I have mentioned here except the 12v coffee maker can be found at Walmart.

Truckers Keep America Supplied!

 

I haven't been out on the road yet, but for Christmas I received a gift that might be handy for some of you guys who like spaghetti or other types of pasta. It's called a "Pasta Boat".

It's made from a plastic type of material that looks like tupperware, but it's microwave safe. All you have to do is put your spaghetti in it, fill it about half way with water, and then microwave for about 14-18 minutes, depending on how much spaghetti you are cooking. It comes out perfectly.

Another handy feature that could be useful on the road is that it has a top that just slips on it when you take it out of the microwave. There are holes in the top so you can just tip it over to drain the boiling water out.

I've used it quite a bit since Christmas. I think my sister found it at Walmart for about $10. I don't know if there are many pasta eaters out on the road. I know I eat too much of it myself, but it sure is good.

 

very few of us are allowed to have the Power inverters nessary to run a microwave, and for 18 minutes you better have some GOOD batteries, even with the truck running that will run them down big time...


When I use my microwave I idle while im useiing it and then for 30 minutes after, if I dont the batteries will NOT hole a charge.



American Trucker

 

That takes care of that idea I guess. Just goes to show I have a lot to learn. Thanks for the response American-Trucker.

 

My Coleman cooler took a crap. 2 fans. One on the outside and a smaller one on the inside. The inside one died. It still ices up. Just doesn't circulate the cold air.

Do they sell the inside ones anywhere?

Probably be getting a new one. IIRC Wally World only charges $6 for a replacement policy/warranty. I didn't get it. I will this time!

 

It is essentually a CPU fan.. Most computer stores carry them

 

Rug Trucker, I had 2 Colemans and they both bit the dust within weeks and months. I lost way too much food. The fan motors constantly went out. Do yourself a favor. Buy a Kool-a-tron. Bought mine at a Petro and used it for 8 months with no troubles. Started driving a day cab now, and only use it on longer trips about once a week or road trips in my personal vehicle a couple of times a year. My wife likes to use it to transport food to Christmas dinners and other family get togethers. After about 8 months OTR and about 2 years of weekly use, it's still running strong.

 

The inside one is much smaller.

 

CPU fans are small. It's the computer fan that is bigger