Has anyone tried this

If the DOT was concerned with safety, they would do lots of things they do not currently do, and stop doing some things they do.

But, they aren't.

They are mainly concerned about keeping their own jobs by creating problems that only they can (pretend to) solve. And their solutions generally always require the lowest guy on the totem pole (drivers) to part with his money.

If the DOT was concerned about safety, they'd be locking up most trucking company managers, shippers & receivers.

 

I've heard that as well. "Unmade bunk: fifty-dollar fine." Only in Connect-the-cut.

 

Well, it's not really about the law, it's about the money more often than not, and since you brought up CT, beware of the signs that direct you for fuel which in reality send you in a large out of the way loop, they do it all the time up there. fyi

 

In regards to the question about sleepers.Go to the Feds site,FMCSA.Under all regulations,do a search for rule number 393.76.It will explain the compartment size of a sleeper and the specifications for what type of mattress is acceptable.From what I see,a waterbed is legal.Do remember though that everything stored in the tractor must be secured while driving,personal items and futons.This rule is mainly there to protect the driver in the advent of an accident or hard braking.A cooler,a briefcase flying around the cab might effect your control of the truck or even knock you out.A unsecured futon might hurt worse.As far as different state laws regarding a legal mattress,they may be different.But,do remember,federal laws supercede state law.Waviers to states to supercede federal law are granted but only after they have submitted a compelling reason that the people in the state are at risk of harm by having a federal rule which to the state is inadequate.I doubt many states have bothered to appeal the rule on mattresses.On a lighter note.Many years ago,we had a convict escape from jail.The troopers set up roadblocks.They were asking truckers if anyone was in their sleeper.I drove local at the time.My tractor had no sleeper.One trooper still asked if I had anyone in my sleeper even after I pointed out I had no sleeper.Hope this helps.