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Eating on the Road & Saving money

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009.

Page 1 of 8
  1. Jul 29, 2009 #1
    Flatbroke

    Flatbroke Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2009
    Derry, NH
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    I have looked for another thread but not quite.
    As a rookie I am open to suggestions, opinions etc. about saving a buck and eating on the road. How many cook in there truck? (lunchbox ovens, micros)

    Seems to me that one could go broke eating at truck stops etc..

    Guessing that the supermarkets are a good start. Trying to purchase non-perishables that are healthy. I am trying to formulate an approach to cheap healthy approach for the new lifestyle.

    Brent
     
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jul 29, 2009 #2
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    What we did, is added an APU to the truck, and converter, a small refrigerator with freezer and a microwave. The converter runs the fridge, 24X7. The microwave runs off the APU, since he can't cook and go down the road. LOL

    Since adding this combination to the truck in April, hubby has lost 20lbs and is feeling much better. It really helps when sitting in line waiting to load/unload as well. No wondering what time you will actually get to eat.

    We only spend about $40/week on groceries too. So its a huge savings.

    If you get a company truck with an APU, I'd suggest doing something close to what we are. You can always stop at a Walmart on the road to restock the fridge.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    #2
  4. Jul 29, 2009 #3
    Vitointn

    Vitointn Light Load Member

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    Jul 12, 2009
    Clarksville, TN
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    I assume you meant an inverter rather than a converter - so you could run AC appliances in the truck.

    I've thought of bringing a two element hotplate along once I get my own truck - as I'm not too crazy about living on processed foodstuffs that can be tossed into a microwave.
     
    Vitointn, Jul 29, 2009
    Vitointn, Jul 29, 2009
    #3
  5. Jul 29, 2009 #4
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Yes, I'm sorry. LOL

    Well, we don't buy the banquet meals, we buy the better ones. He mostly eats fresh foods, apples, oranges and fresh vedgies.

    Lean meats for sandwiches and the better whole grain breads.

    Its a learning process, when your out there, what works and what doesn't.

    Lots of bottled water in the fridge as well.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    #4
    Vitointn, future driver and dino6960 Thank this.
  7. Jul 29, 2009 #5
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Hi, Flatbroke.
    Check out a couple of threads in the ladies room.
    One is "Ideas, Recipes, And How to Save Money On The Road", I can't remember the name of the others... They are in the section titled "The Ladies Room".

    Lots of good ideas, and even some recipes.

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Jul 29, 2009
    simplyred1962, Jul 29, 2009
    #5
    Vitointn Thanks this.
  8. Jul 29, 2009 #6
    dino6960

    dino6960 YOUDAMAN

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    lol very good info bullhauller,im the ham and cheese king along with bologna,and love salads!!!!!
     
    dino6960, Jul 29, 2009
    dino6960, Jul 29, 2009
    #6
  9. Jul 29, 2009 #7
    TruckerLlew

    TruckerLlew Medium Load Member

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    If you have a cooler and at least 300w inverter, consider getting a crock pot. You can cook lots of stuff in a crock.

    Buy a pound of hamburger, throw in a cup of water, some noodles and tomato sauce, mushrooms and other suitable veggies, season to taste and in 3 hours you got some killer spaghetti.

    Buy a roast, toss in some taters onions and whatever else, 8 hours cook and you got a heckuva good meal.

    Whatever you don't eat, you can store in the cooler for leftovers tomorrow.

    Buy a crockpot cookbook and you're in business
     
    TruckerLlew, Jul 29, 2009
    TruckerLlew, Jul 29, 2009
    #7
    Vitointn Thanks this.
  10. Jul 29, 2009 #8
    Flatbroke

    Flatbroke Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2009
    Derry, NH
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    Thanks Judi and everyone else responding to my post.
    I will look that over in the ladies room..hmm almost sounds (oh never mind)

    Surprised someone hasn't written a book on the subject? Maybe I will sharpen my pencil?

    I avoid processed foods (salt), but dry goods like apricots, raisins etc. are good and yes fruits and veggies. Its a company truck (or will be)

    Brent
     
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    #8
  11. Jul 29, 2009 #9
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    The more truck stop behind the glass food you can avoid, the better off you are.

    I'm hoping that you get one with an APU, that will really help.

    But if not, there are quite a few thread here on just eating out of the fridge in a healthy manner.

    Keep us posted.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 29, 2009
    #9
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  12. Jul 29, 2009 #10
    Flatbroke

    Flatbroke Light Load Member

    77
    16
    Jul 15, 2009
    Derry, NH
    0
    The company sadly enough doesn't have APU's. I will be able to run a small inverter off the 12 volt cig liter. I understand these are also rated for low current? Aside from the luxuries I will have to be creative about meal prep.

    I did see the post in "The Ladies Room" Some good ideas. Maybe I need to put together a cookbook for truckers utilizing the typical 12v cooking tools at our disposal. Someone must have done this?

    Brent
     
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    Flatbroke, Jul 29, 2009
    #10
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