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My truck - my home?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009.

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  1. Nov 1, 2009 #1
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    I'm pretty sure that my truck will be my home (at least my sleeping quarters) even when I'm at home. I know that for the first year or so I'll have to make do with whatever truck/sleeper my company provides. After that I hope to buy my own rig and outfit it with whatever sleeper I want or can afford.
    I don't see many 75" plus sleepers out there. What's the problem with the larger sleepers? Are they just too burdensome to be practical? Is maneuvering a rig with a large sleeper that much of a problem?
    I will have no particular ties to a specific "home base" so I can see myself parked anywhere in the US during off-times.
    Comments/advice will be appreciated!

    P.S. I know I'm really naive at this point and I really don't know for sure what I'll feel when I actually get out there, but please bear with me.
     
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    #1
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  3. Nov 1, 2009 #2
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    I believe that the only issue with the "large cars" is a GVW issue. The bigger the sleeper, the heavier it is, which limits how much you can haul.Unless, of course, you do the over-size/over-length hauling. Then, it's all about your permits and such.

    Good luck!

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Nov 1, 2009
    simplyred1962, Nov 1, 2009
    #2
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  4. Nov 1, 2009 #3
    Nophix

    Nophix Light Load Member

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    Manuverability will depend on the truck. You grab a long-nose Pete with a huge sleeper, and you'll be getting a workout in any but the most open docks. However, you can get the Aero cabs with a larger sleeper, like the Volvo VNL780, and Pete 387, and they turn nicely. Better MPG, too.
     
    Nophix, Nov 1, 2009
    Nophix, Nov 1, 2009
    #3
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  5. Nov 1, 2009 #4
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Hey NoPhix,
    Thanks for the reply! How's your first year? Any advice? How're your miles?
    Thanks again and BE SAFE!
    ONWB
     
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    #4
  7. Nov 1, 2009 #5
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Thanks Judi Kay. Good info!
     
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
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    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  8. Nov 1, 2009 #6
    ziggystyles

    ziggystyles Road Train Member

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    I dont know too much about the extended sleeper rigs and what you can / can't haul with them.

    However, keep in mind that if you simply live in the truck with no place as your actual home...thats going to mess up your taxes. At least pay someone you know 10 bucks a month for rent or something, to prove you have a 'taxable home base', that way you can get all that per diem back. If you simply just live in the truck without a room or apartment or house somewhere, and an ability to prove it...you lose a ton on taxes.
     
    ziggystyles, Nov 1, 2009
    ziggystyles, Nov 1, 2009
    #6
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  9. Nov 1, 2009 #7
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Thanks Z,
    This is the kind of info I need. I didn't even think of the tax implications. Get miles and BE SAFE!
    ONWB
     
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
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    ziggystyles Thanks this.
  10. Nov 1, 2009 #8
    beboppinbigun1

    beboppinbigun1 Light Load Member

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    Kenworth makes a 86'' studio sleeper that looks pretty nice i have seen them on t-660. t-800, and w900 models
     
    beboppinbigun1, Nov 1, 2009
    beboppinbigun1, Nov 1, 2009
    #8
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  11. Nov 1, 2009 #9
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Thanks BBB1,
    After I read your response I check out some of the 86" studios in TruckPaper. Your steered me straight. From what I could tell from the pics in the ads there's at least room to move around comfortably and maybe even stand up to dress. I'm 6'1" tall and I've got far too many bumps and cuts on my noggin'. I'm thankful to be on the low end of "tall" or I'd probably have brain damage by now. I just can't learn!
    ONWB
     
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
    JustSonny, Nov 1, 2009
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    beboppinbigun1 Thanks this.
  12. Nov 1, 2009 #10
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Officially, a sleeper is measured from the rear bulkhead to the rear of the front seats. So, a 72" sleeper has stand-up room between the seats and the edge of the bed, which is normally 42" wide. A 36" flatop, for instance, will have no stand-up room, and the beds edge will be directly behind the seats. (and the mattress will be 36", not 42").
     
    Allow Me., Nov 1, 2009
    Allow Me., Nov 1, 2009
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    Ducks and JustSonny Thank this.
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