How long can I stay out on the road?

Basically as long as you want

 

They may be out there, but I'm not familiar with companies that make you go home. Both companies I've worked for have been perfectly happy letting me stay out as long as I want.

 

As long as you want, man. I know of a couple of guys that actually died in their truck cabs. The ultimate trucker bliss!

 

Look for a coast to coast refrigerated company that has trucks set up right for the driver. Large sleepers, APU, refrigerator, Direct TV, etc.
Freymiller is a good example. This company hires new cdl grads. The website has "experience required" but that's incorrect. You will need to graduate from a 160 hr. cdl school.

 

Drive team for C.R. England. People rave about them on this board

 

i wonder how companies get rid of the strong human smell when the driver quits or gets fired after living in the truck for so long. I know the person in the truck doesn't smell it but others can detect it miles away...

 

Like others have said, as long as you want. I don't know any OTR companies that limit your time.

 

One thing I would advise...have a physical address you list as "home" even if you pretty much never go there. Without it, the IRS doesn't consider you being away from home, so the meal allowance will not be allowed. I know husband/wife teams who sold their home and bought one of those mega-sleeper trucks and show no physical address, they make a lot, but can't take advantage of the meal allowance because their truck is their home, and they are never away from their home in the eyes of the IRS.