More newbie questions...

Now this is a serious question... how do you stop your butt from hurting from sitting so long? (I know this could lead to a bunch of joke answers - but I'm serious - LOL) I have lost several pounds and now find without the padding I use to have, my butt gets sore faster. Is there any 'special' pillows/seats/covers that seem to work? I drove the other day about 5 hours (broken up by a pick up and potty stops) and by the end of the day my butt was 'tired' of sitting! I need to think ahead for when I'm working and sitting 11 hours instead of just 5!!

Another question - Klingon (20+ years ago) had a 'break check tool'... it was a long 'wrench' type of thing that you could use as you are under the truck to pull and check the 'slack' on your breaks to adjust them without having to go inside and set and mark and all that. (not a real good explination I'm sure - since I never saw or used it) He has been looking for one in the T/S locally - but we haven't seen one... any ideas where to pick one up? (If you even know what I'm talking about - LOL - I wouldn't be able to pick it out of a line up myself )

Thanks in advance...

 

you change the height or angle of your seat,put your legs in a different position---crank up the lumbar support--sometimes that helps to relieve the sore butt
i have one of the brake check tools from days gone by--the problem is ,is that they dont work that great on auto slacks--but it is a cool little tool---want it?

 

If its the one my hubby has been looking for - sure just let me know how much

 

My Cascadia has a rotating lumbar support, kind of like a massage chair (without the heat or vibration) Makes a big difference

 

Does that help the back side, or just the back? Sounds wonderful in either case!!

 

Had same prob as you when I started. I am a small dude 135-140 lbs, 29inch waist. My ace hurt like a mother_____!! when I first started driving. I would move from one cheek to the other. Sitting on one cheek all quirrley, for a half hour or so, then switch to the othere cheek ets. same thing with my hands. They just killed me from the steering wheel. Its just goes away with time. Changing your seat positions around helps a lot two. Airing up and deflating part of the bottom or back tilting it down and up adjusting hight, how much it reclines, it basically places your weight in different places kinda like switching cheeks. Advil works well because its an anti-inflammatory, and it doesnt contain acetopimine, which is bad. Caffeine which shrinks your capillaries and veins helps, kinda sorta like advil. You could buy one of those hemorrhoid pillows if you dont mind every person who sees you laughing at you. I prefer the pain myself. Just time is all it is. Your body will adjust and you will get used to and and not fill the pain anymore after a month or so. I bought those fingerless gloves when I first started those helped my hands a lot two as well. Gave them up after a few months. Trucks are made to accommodate people with fat aces and fat hands. Not many small people driving truck so we have to improvise, adapt and overcome our differences that the grotesquely obese people have imposed upon us.

 

Really, just helps you keep from getting fatigued. You are going to be stopping every few hours for a quick restroom/refreshment break, or at least I do. Driving as a team, if you are awake, get out of the truck and get the blood moving even if you do not need the restroom. If you are running so hard you cannot stop, your biggest issue will be stress anyway.

 

I use to be one of those 'obese' folk - and the butt would get 'tired' but not like it does now!! OMG - I have bones in this here butt I never knew I had!! Unfortunately I have to stay away from regular use of advil (and other NSAIDS) but I can have limited caffein... just don't really drink but one cup of coffee / day though... driving gloves sound good though - and a small butt pillow - I just have to limit what I bring with me (trainer's truck) but will keep those in mind!!

 

LadyK I wouldn't worry about the brake tool. Central does not want drivers adjusting brakes. Especially owner ops, big NO NO! None of the trailers would have brakes if they did!

 

LadyK you can buy some really good custom padded seat covers. Usually the seats in the trucks are pretty nice though. In fact I would highly recommend you use seat covers that way if any thing happens you won't have to pay for replacement seats. Plus when they get dirty you can chuck them and buy nice new ones. I used to have a little travel pillow I would use to prop behind my lower back. You can get back problems from sitting for a long time like that. Your back muscles actually get weakened and can allow your disc's to slip around. Exercise is going to be key!