Extended Sleepers

Blair, I thought about making that joke (or really not a joke) about dumping gray water in truck stop parking lots in my post but I figured no one would get it.

 

I have no problems. You will have to learn to drive them a little differently ie wider turns etc. I deliver to hospitals all over the country if you have ever been to a hospital loading dock you know it's tight. It may take me a few minutes to get docked but I'll get in

 

I'm here for all the abuse at facilities I can find & attempt to see if general freight market can actually work. Reefer, to boot! LOL

Came to it fully aware of all potential issues & limitations, and have ability to move to other markets if not. Just HAVE to see how it goes, if nothing else just because......!

Reason I finally went with 120" over more desired larger. Trying to be somewhat conservative, if can even be called that.

And, you are definitely right. At least it could be a major comfort if you are sitting for 2mos waiting to find a load!

So far, so good.

Already had a couple of pretty tight places that several regular sleepers had difficulty, but had no issues myself. Believe there will at least definately come a time where I may have to flip a jocky some cash. Will just have to see.....

I'm out here 24/7/365, so this has been a long overdue necessity.

My situation is not the truck working for what I've been doing, rather as much as moving the truck into whatever works for it (so it works out for me).

By the way, your buying was also informative to me. I remember seeing all your thoughts of DYI mods, your lead up & final leap.

✌

 

I have one of these green egg type grills 200 bucks works perfect.
I usually open up the top deck and set the lawn chairs and grill there but I had about $60 million on the lower deck that I didn’t want to burn down

 

@FullMetalJacket
How’s your adventure going lately?
Challenges? Successes?

 

Apologies for not replying sooner.

Went down for trailer repairs that took way, way too long for a 1 1/2yr old trailer, then serious medical issues reared their ugly head. Still dealing with that.

Actually, have been surprised that I have not run too many of issues that I was completely expecting going into it. Tight facilities that are much, much worse for size? You betcha. But, nothing I haven't been able to deal with considering approach. Still haven't had to pay a jockey to dock, but might just happen at some point.

Bigger problem has been crapola spot market, but several brokers I have established relationships over the years have helped tremendously. It's a lot less stress when I do not have to negotiate for peanuts, when they will give me the max they can from the start without all the BS games.

Weight has definately limited me as far as open spot market. From my best estimation, I loose out on at least 30% of available loads based on weight capacity alone.

First run to Cali from AZ w/truck, bailed a carrier/broker from emergency breakdown situation. Was supposed to be 26,000# as contracted, wound up at 40,000# after all picks. Was pissed, but rolled with as was paying emergency rates. And, did I mention this was 1st time into Cali with new.....LOL

Anyways, after multiple reworks, found that I CAN actually carry 40,000# if balanced PERFECTLY, with water drained & fuel low.

So, end result is I actually restrict myself to looking for loads 36,000# or under, to keep cushion for shippers that do not know what they are doing/or are just screwing you.

Successes? Well, do not think there is much to say about that considering running spot market reefer in current market.

But, I still have many options/offers to move to a different market. I just wanted to see how this would work out in what I have been doing for last 10+ yrs.

I have a different situation than most in that truck/trailer are paid off upfront & I retired early from a past life. In retrospect, I should have made this move years ago due to my situation & truck being my home 24/7/365.

I would NOT necessarily suggest to anyone else unless financial house is in order or they are running specialized freight contracts.

Still going to roll with this situation for awhile longer, if medical things do not go wayward, just for ####s & giggles too see.

But, am getting older & reefer crap is finally taking it's toll.

If I stay out, will likely not be long until I step out into more specialized market.

Peace

 

Have to say, having shower has been the single most game changer of all.

Been stuck for 2mos dealing with medical issues at place with no showers, but has available water.

Kitchen close second, for sure.

Toilet has definately comes in third, but surprisingly not as much as the first 2.

If anyone has been thinking of customizing/working things out in their current typical truck, this company might just tickle your fancy for some ideas.

Was going to utilize a few things of their's in last truck if I reworked things myself, before I just said screw it & bought custom.

I actually think some of these ideas would actually work out better incorporated in my overpriced custom.

Hope it get's some ideas going for someone.

Joolca.com

Peace