cooking in the truck

I use a large black and decker toaster/convection oven in my truck with no problems.common sense should dictate not to run 2 major appliances at 1 time.i've baked full pans of lasagna,cakes etc.i even made cookies this Christmas.

Like I said if you read my original post, I'm just a tad confused and don't have enough knowledge of electrics to go forward. I've had my electric cooker and just a common small wattage light cause the strip to pop, so using the strip is not ideal. Making a comment about using 2 appliances at once was intended for illustration purposes only and I guess you can't treat what you have at home, the same way as what is the truck. Making a wise crack about my lack of common sense is never helpful and as I have said before, my APU puts out 6000 watts. More than adequate to handle any load. I'm only asking for sensible feedback, nothing else.
Thanks.

 

What APU are u using? If so, my dad wants to give his 04 T600 500 HP C-15 mbn to me. I want to install the apu into the truck. What should I take? RigMaster, Tripac, or something else.

 

Most power strips are rated for 15A (15 Amps), which is 1650W (Watts) at 110V (Volts). It's very possible that your cooker is using the entire 15A, so even a few more Watts will trip the breaker.

Obviously, I don't know how your inverter is set up, but a 6000W inverter should have at least four plugs on it. What I would do is go to the local Home Depot or Lowe's, and get a few short (6 to 10 foot) cords rated for 15A ("heavy duty"). Things with heating elements, like your cooker, should be the *only* thing plugged into that cord. The power strip is fine for lower power things, like lamps and chargers.

To use a physical analogy, think of electricity as water. Voltage is the pressure, current is the flow rate. While your source (inverter) can provide 50 gallons per hour (50 Amps), the hose (the power strip) can only pass 15 gallons per hour, which is sufficient for the cooker. Adding another load at the end, however, increases the demand to above the 15 the hose can provide, so it shuts off for safety. Adding another hose (cord) will allow another 15 to go somewhere else.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

My situation is unique, as I am a vegetarian, born and raised in Hawaii. So provided my truck has an inverter, what I consider my complete "kitchen" takes into consideration my diet and easy cleaning.

I have had weight problems in the past, due to eating so much processed and fast foods, so I want to eat healthy as a driver, and eating raw fruit and vegetable is good for the body, digestion process, and thus for energy.

I supplement fresh fruit slices and veggies (broccoli tips, carrots sticks, celery, etc) with dried cranberries and almonds.

I also drink lots of water, and have a weakness for Arizona Green Tea (w/honey and ginseng)...lol.

Lots of water can mean bathroom breaks for some, so you may have to supplement your diet with optional "driver" bathroom aids. Since this is left to your individual tastes I won't go into detail here.

I also stay away from canned goods - way to much bad salt. Adding "good" sea salt (pink, grey, etc.) to your diet can be healthy.

My goal/philosophy is to eat healthier and SAVE my money for investment, vacation, and retirement, as well as being able to buy me a new toy (tv, tablet, phone, etc) when I wish.

I supplement my diet with exercise (aerobics & breathing), meditation, and water.

0. Microwave - I no longer use a microwave as it goes against the whole "healthy" eating thing (do your own research). I would opt instead for a...

1. Compact convection/toaster over in case I want something baked, or get a pizza fit. Keep foil handy for lining bottom - $50-100 (WM). This inverter "wattage dependent" appliance is the first item on the list I could do without. Small selection of bakeware (muffin, flat/sheet, cake, bread) is a useful compliment.

2. Compact Refer with separate external freezer door . More freezer room in these models. - about $150 at "Wally World" (WM). Note: Second item I could do without.

As an option a good (Coleman) 12V cooler will suffice. BTW, water is better for you at room temp.

3. A 2-Quart crock pot w/ removable ceramic insert (for washing) - Very versatile. Cook while I drive (soups/stews). Try to find a "portable" one with the rubber strap lid holder. - Under $20 at WM.

4. Egg cooker/poacher - Quick and easy boiled eggs (up to 6 or 7). Steam cleans itself inside. - Under $20 at WM

5. A 3-cup rice cooker/steamer w/removable pot- I'm from Hawaii, rice is a staple...lol. Brown rice is better for you. Good for steamed veggies too (most models come with tray). Take note - 3 cup size is small. - Under $20 at WM

6. Ninja/bullet style "blender" (pulverizer)- makes great smoothies from fresh/frozen fruit, milk, yogurt, orange juice, etc. Get one that has a 20-30 ounce cup size container option (I use the cup for water after having my morning smoothie). - About $60 at WM (they have a Faberware "Rocket" version for $20, that chops too and comes with several cups)

7. Coffee maker - I use a Tassimo T-disc version, makes perfect cup based on barcode. Easy to clean when needed. I consider it superior to K-cups (about $100). Next option for me would be a K-cup style that makes single cup and includes travel mug for about $50. Otherwise any single cup maker would be okay ($10-20).

8. Electric kettle - Makes HOT water FAST for hot drinks and oatmeal, etc. I use it mainly for tea (cheaper than the Tassimo), and sometimes to make a hot towel for my face when I get up. Under $20

9. Good kitchen knife or set, and cutting board. $-$$$

10. A 12-18 Quart dishpan container/bin for wash up time. You can heat water and then dry stuff with a dish towel, in cab, if needed.

All the above, aside from Refer and Oven, fit in the compartments. Ideally you have a spot where the Oven can mount safely, perhaps even on the Refer.

In the event I had no inverter, I would use a variety of 12v appliances that can be found at many truck stops and RV stores, or online.

Note: I try not to drink individual bottled water, as there are concerns about too much estrogen in plastic bottles. I'm not wanting that kind of chest enhancement, so I try to refill my own water containers at the better (windmill, etc.) machines when I can. Stay hydrated, stay healthy!

Anyway, that's what works for me.

Keep in mind - a mere $3 food/drink budget savings per day, will add up to more than $1000 in a year.

Bon apetit!

 

Overdrive (magazine) Online started a new segment called "Cooking with Overdrive" for the trucking life. So far I saw some smoothie videos, but I am sure they would appreciate input and questions from those on the road.

 

I've read, or skimmed, many many pages of this thread and found a great many ideas. It's great to see that so many drivers are cooking in their trucks.

When I started out I was in a company truck that had no amenities at all. No apu, no inverter... I used one of those small 12v crock pots and a coleman cooler. Also had a propane stove for outside cooking. Made some good meals. I experimented with quite a few of the 12v appliances and found that most weren't worth having. I was soo very disappointed with the 12v coffee maker.

These days I run for a good company whose trucks come standard with a fridge, apu and 2500 inverter. These days I have a micro, full size oval crockpot, electric skillet, 12 cup electric coffee maker and a full size kuerig. Still have the propane stove and coleman cooler too. There's nothing like having a beef roast cooking while you're driving. The smell will drive you crazy all day. I get a big roast, add potatoes and onion about halfway through the day. Makes for a great meal for me and the hubby at the end of the day. With the leftovers I make soup. Just add whatever veges you like, canned or frozen, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (if you like) and voila! another good meal.

I also do pork roasts, same as the beef on the first day. Pull apart and add BBQ sauce for the second day.

Another meal is a whole chicken. Cooks up great and falls off the bone at the end of the day. Or, for two, do two 'baby' chickens. You have 'baked' chicken at the end of the day. Serve with whatever sides you like. I generally micro some cut up potatoes and a vege, maybe a box of stuffing for the hubby. Second day, if there's chicken left over, you can do chicken and dumplings. Takes some work though with deboning the chicken and cutting up biscuit dough. Worth it though.

So many great ideas, just thought I would add a few of my own.

Oh.. I saw someone posted about the propane coffee pot. I've owned and used one in the truck. I always had a window open. Pro is that it brews a good pot of coffee quick. Cons.. it's big and bulky and you won't be moving around at all when you've got it on. Don't want to knock it over. It doesn't get as hot as you'd think though and cools off really quick. We used ours on top of the coleman cooler with a towel under it. Never had any issues. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but it is an option.

 

Twinkies for breakfast today. They're back! Box of 10 at Walmart for only $2.98 and they have banana flavor as well for those who like that.

 

I cook on the truck too, I have a small electric skillet (about $15 at wallyworld) . I also have a toaster over I use to cook biscuits ( canned type from pillsbury) .i have a rice cooker too.

Egg beaters (type of already beaten eggs)from a grocery store. You can cook bacon and sausage in a Forman grill .

 

i am monica just starting out driving. Just getting done with being on the trainers truck. I drive for cr england now. looking for woman friends that drive truck.

I am wanting to stay healthy while living in the truck.....

 

Before I acquired my APU I used an inverter but in order to make my own gourmet coffee I used a propane stove. The ones you buy at walmart. The single burner and you place it on the bottle of gas. Yes I know you're not supposed to use those but I didn't care. Used one for almost 10 yrs without any problems. But I never used it to heat the inside of the truck. I also to this day grind my own beans for coffee. I usually buy a big bag of beans at Costco and I don't use a coffee maker but a French press that works great. I don't use the propane anymore because my APU does it all. If you apply yourself, you can eat just as well in a 5 star restaurant as you do in the truck.
Why would anyone want to eat at a truck stop.