Do any of you live 100% out of your truck?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Newbie1981, Aug 17, 2013.

  1. scythe08

    scythe08 Road Train Member

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    Its easy if you're single and disciplined. Buy things things that will keep you entertained (laptop, dvd player, smartphone) Just bank your money and pay off bills as fast as you can. Get a finacial advisor to help you devise a plan to maximize you r money. Take only 2 years and put $25k per year into an account that will give you a minimum of a 10% ROI and you'll have a great start for retirement.

    The important thing is to get out of the truck on your days off. Go find a hotel for a day or 2 and forget about the industry. Go see a movie, have a healthy lunch, go for a nice walk in the park, just get the hell away from that truck.
     
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  3. texasbigbird54

    texasbigbird54 Light Load Member

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    I'm just getting into the industry, but I plan on living out of my truck. Loneliness and solitude are not issues for me, as I currently have more or it living in the middle of nowhere, divorced, and only a brother that I rarely see as family. I don't really mind it, and I never have, although I do like people in general. I would actually have contact with more people driving a truck OTR than I do now. My brother has agreed to let me use his address as permanent. I will rent a PO Box at a Mailboxes Inc, or UPS Store in my main terminal city to have mail sent to. My goal is to retire in ten years with enough money to buy a house somewhere that I have traveled to that I liked a lot. I am even considering retiring in the Philippines, or Ecuador, countries that are beautiful that I could live very well in as a retiree. I also intend to do as mentioned above and rent a motel room for two or three days every six or so weeks to get out of the truck somewhere in the US and enjoy the area I am staying in. That is still a lot cheaper to afford than rent, a mortgage and car payment, and all the other expenses. As for staying fit, nobody is stopping a driver from doing so but himself. I already take brisk walks, and work out with an elastic band set that takes up practically no space. The driver also controls what he puts into his mouth, so eating healthy can be done with a little planning and effort. The bottom line is that OTR lifestyle works for me, but those with a wife, family and a mortgage are in an entirely different situation that frankly, I don't know how they can do it. Of course if I can't get through the driving academy and orientation, it is all moot.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2013
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  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Try to do a thouroughal research on companies so hopefully this is a long lasting company for you.Trucking has a huge turnover rate due to low miles and low pay.But if you can find one with good miles then you can live on the road easy.My last company had the miles but low pay I didn't complain about the pay because I had the miles to make up for it.
     
  5. JohnBoy

    JohnBoy Road Train Member

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    I never did or wanted to live out of my truck 100% of the time. Those drivers that do, for whatever reason, are no different than me. I was determined when I first started this journey 33 years ago to try and have a life. I think I was able to do that. After all these years, I succeeded in getting married to the love of my life, putting 3 kids through college, in 3 years having my home paid off, and starting a business that I was able to have for 11 years while still driving that I was able to sell 4years ago that took care of mine and my wife's retirement and then some. I chose not to live in a truck. If I had to do it all over again, I would consider doing it. Bank everything for a few years then settle down. But if you are going to live in the truck then spend money to stay in motels, rent a car, sightsee, eat every meal out and never have a relationship, then what have you gained? You really won't be saving that much money if you do. But I must admit, if you want to check out for a few years, living out of a truck will surely do it.
     
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  6. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Man if I was single I would do it in a heartbeat. You could bank a lot of money in a relatively short time and like others have said. Take a weekend and rent a car and be a tourist. Sounds not too bad to me. I already live in my truck more than my house so I don't think it would be a problem.
     
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  7. roadlt

    roadlt Medium Load Member

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    Yep, agree with ya on that. It is all about what your goal is. We all know, it doesn't come easy and ya have to work for it.
     
  8. Big Ole Bear

    Big Ole Bear Light Load Member

    I do live outta my truck 100% and its my choice to do so. After my divorce 9 years ago my truck is my home. I use a family members address for my CDL and TWIC and have a UPS PO box for my important mail.
    The company I work for has no problems whatsoever sending me where I want for time off or when I want. I have a pickup at my main terminal so when truck is in for shop/service I go where I want. On average I take a week off every three months and then a couple days off here and there when I feel the urge to "get away". Why as a divorced/single fella do I want to pay rent/mortgage,utilities,renters/home insurance and so many other "monthlies" I could list? When im ready to "sit down" somewhere Ill do it in the style I wish. Nine years ago I was many thousands of dollars in debt. Today in the words of Dave Ramsey. I AM DEBT FREE!

    Someone made the statement about health living in a truck. Yes that can be an issue If you allow it to be. Since I left the drama of my previous home life ive lost well over 100 lbs and can actually breathe and sleep at night.


    Is this a life for just anyone? Absolutely not.
    Personally,,, I Love It!
     
  9. roadlt

    roadlt Medium Load Member

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    Yep, Bear, you are right. I fully understand where you are coming from and can see myself doing what you did. Can't say i would go as long as you have.
     
  10. Big Ole Bear

    Big Ole Bear Light Load Member

    I wish you the best in your journey and believe me when I tell you, you will discover things about yourself you had no idea of. God Bless and Be Safe.
     
  11. iraqralph43

    iraqralph43 Road Train Member

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    check out philippinesplus.com it will give you a lot of info on living there its a blog by a retired american living in philippines
     
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