Questions about life inside the cabin.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Al Bundy, Feb 15, 2013.

  1. Al Bundy

    Al Bundy Bobtail Member

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    I've been reading a lot about trucking. Got a great book I'm reading right now and I'm almost done.

    Just wondering a couple of things. What is the length of those twin beds in the cabins? I'm 6'2 and pretty wide. I like being able to stretch out. Would this be an issue for me?

    Another question. Electronics-wise, I'm constantly on my laptop since I make a lot of music on it using my keyboards. I'm actually an audio engineer so I have a full blown studio with synthesizers, computers, microphones, etc. I know I won't be taking this studio with me on the road, but I have a laptop running 85w and a USB powered mini-keyboard that I can bring with me to make music on my headphones. Do you think it's possible to do this in the truck, considering the power a laptop requires? Can you get wifi in those trucks? Is there room to set up something like a comfortable seating position where I can put my laptop on a platform and my little 24" keyboard on something, and have room to sit comfortably. I can't imagine doing it laying down in the bed, I'd probably fall asleep. The reason I ask is because this is more than a hobby for me. It's part of my life and I make money from it, so it is very important that if I'm out on the road for days or weeks that I am able to somewhat comfortably still pursue this occupation.


    Thanks for those who take the time.
     
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  3. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Most of the bunks have a super twin. I'm 6' and a bit beefy, can't say I really stretch out.

    As far as the electronics question, you can set up a folding t.v. tray for that and sit on the bunk. The power source will depend on whether your company allows you to have or they provide a wired in inverter, say like 1500W would provide what you need.
     
  4. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Also, I used to drive a Volvo that had seating and a pull down table. Really big. If you got something like that, you'd score ;-)
     
  5. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    It all depends on the truck. Can you sit on the edge of a bed and play the keyboard on your lap, or does it need a stand?

    If you are a single driver I don't think it would be a problem, even to bring a stand. There is a small desk type area in most trucks that will fit a laptop.

    You will need to run a power inverter and might need to run the truck to power it depending on your consumption.

    For me, the best price and reliable access to internet was tethering my laptop to my phone.

    I've only driven two trucks. A 2009 Cascadia and a 2010 volvo midroof. The cascadia had much more room lengthwise for the bunk. I am 6' and fit in both.

    Both were plenty wide for a single person of almost any size.

    Mikeeee
     
  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Most of the beds are extra long, the smaller sleeper trucks may have a twin or even a smaller width, but the length is longer than a regular twin.
     
  7. MrEd

    MrEd Road Train Member

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    You won't have issues with using your laptop. I use one. not to write music, but to play games and communicate with family and friends. A little inverter that can be plugged straight into a cigarette lighter plug will run a laptop just fine.
     
  8. nascarchuck

    nascarchuck Road Train Member

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    The beds are usually a Twin XL. The bedding is hard to find. I learned that it is actually seasonal (makes sense, huh?). I found the bottom (fitted) sheet at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Had to use regular Twin sheet on the top but works out ok.
     
  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    An inverter that uses the 12V plug wll work just fine. They can provide 150W, and it works just fine with my laptop. I even plug in an external HD sometimes, and that takes more power than your keyboard.

    I'm 6'1", and I have about 3-4 inches extra between the wall and m head in a solo type of Volvo - with my feet touching the other side.
    The ProStar, Cascadia and Volvo 780 all have much more room to really stretch out - both ways.

    WiFi - yes.
    I have the Verizon MyFi2200 broadband.
    You can use the stuff provided at a truck stop, but you have to be very close to get a signal. Plan on stopping for the day at around 1500 to get a spot that close.
    Plus you pay for it, which means if you are not at that truck stop chain you don't get it.
    I guess you could spend $100 bucks each month to get coverage from all the major's, but you would still have to be at one of them.
    My Verizon works nearly everywhere, and usually at speeds good enough for Netflix. Good luck streaming Netflix at a ts.

    The only seating in a truck is either one of the front seats or the bunk.
    Take your pick, and make do with either.
    You'll probably either sit in the right seat with the laptop on the dash, set the laptop on the pull out table and sit on the bunk with no back support, or sit on the bunk with your back against the wall with laptop in lap or in front of you on the bunk.
    I usually do the latter.

    And if you think a 2 foot keyboard is a mini, well, you'll learn to mini some more in a sleeper cab.
    And, I just realized you are not taking about a computer keyboard, but a piano keyboard. So I guess it really is a mini.
    But still, I don't think it should be a problem with power with a good plug-in inverter. Try the Cobra 400W.
    How much does it consume?
     
  10. sazook

    sazook Road Train Member

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    Usually 80 inches long.

    I've found that some Wal-Mart locations have Twin XL sheets year round, but the best time to find them is in late July and August when kids are going to college, since those are the size of dorm beds.
     
    25(2)+2 Thanks this.
  11. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The sheets are available often in truck stops, at least used to be, the regular twin fitted will stretch over the narrower than twin mattress and the extra long fits loosely on the narrower 1 I have now.

    I drove a small flat top for quite awhile and learned a few tricks from that.
     
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