Are there any electrical outlets in the sleepers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Lysander, Oct 27, 2007.

  1. Lysander

    Lysander Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2007
    Austin, TX
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    I originally intended to stick to smaller trucks, but am now curious about 18 wheelers. Are there any electrical outlets for small ac appliances (such as a blender, a dorm fridge, etc.) in the sleeper?

    Probably won't go OTR, just thinking about it right now, but the idea has a little appeal. I'd like to be able to make smoothies and maybe do some juicing as well. (I'm fighting off blood sugar problems, and eating only raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and drinking water and juices from my juicer is helping alot.)


    Thanks. :)
     
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  3. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    They make appliances with cigarette plugs or you can get an inverter for your truck to use your appliances.
     
  4. cutloose

    cutloose Light Load Member

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    Jul 9, 2007
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    as a trainee, that wont be issued.. but some co's will allow you to install inverters.. you will have to call to find out. but basics will have adapters, for our needs. try radio shack 4 info. and go somewhere else to buy.
     
  5. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Duncannon, Pa
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    The best inverters will have a power on/off and a circuit breaker on them. The biggest offered in the truckstops is a 2500 watt hard wired to your battery system. The cost is about $250.00 to $300.00 The newer trucks will have 3 or 4 power outlets for your "appliances" you can get an adapter and split 1 power outlet (cigarette plugs) into 3.
    What I have done is install a 1500 watt inverter in my side box above the battery box and bought a shop extension cord with an on/off lighted power switch and surge protector built into it as well. I ran the shop power strip to the tv console cubby and mounted it inside. Now I can plug my household appliances into the power strip that is connected to the inverter that is connected to the batteries. I keep the inverter off until I actually want to cook something. When I am done I turn it off (I can access the inverter by lifting the bunk or stepping outside the truck and opening the side box door to turn it on or off. I carry a microwave, a toaster oven, a sandwich maker, an electric cooler, a cpap machine, and a laptop computer in addition to my cell phone. Looking at a larger truck refrigerator but the cost is around 500 bucks.
     
  6. Lysander

    Lysander Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2007
    Austin, TX
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  7. ductapensuperglu

    ductapensuperglu Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2009
    Knox, IN
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    Do most trucks have the 12v car outlets in the actual sleeper? I am going to GTI to start with a trainer. I haven't gotten my list of what to bring/not to bring yet, but I am betting that an inverter is on the not to bring list.

    So just to be prepared i am getting a 12v charger for my laptop (if a laptop is even allowed) so I dont have to worry about that but if there aren't any outlets in the sleepers of Century, Columbia, and Classic Frieghtliners then I wont even be able to use it unless he is ok with wires running up to the front of the cab.

    When I get my own truck you better believe an inverter is going in there, I 've used one for several years in my own car and have yet to set one on fire :)
     
  8. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Owensboro , KY
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    Buying a small inverter for your laptop is far less expensive than buying a DC charger . I power my tv and laptop off an inverter and extension cord .
     
  9. BIG GUY

    BIG GUY Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2009
    Greenville Michigan
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    what size inverter do you need to power i small fridge , laptop
     
  10. ductapensuperglu

    ductapensuperglu Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2009
    Knox, IN
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    Well I already have an inverter 1000 Watts, and it has handled everything so far that I could stuff into a 4x4 blazer. I am just concerned that I wont be able to bring the inverter with me during my 4 week training at GTI. So to keep my laptop juiced I have to have a 12 charger (only $40). But if trucks dont have 12 volt outlets in the sleeper I will need splice in a longer cord so the wires aren't hanging through the cab pissing of my trainer. They will be running along the floor and out of the way.
     
  11. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    True, but the power cord uses less of the battery.

    My cord cost about 45.00 for the new computer. Only to find out the DC cord from the old computer would have worked too.

    The inverter was 20.00.
     
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