Unanswered questions about living on the road

candun · Jun 7, 2009

I have several questions about living on the road that I haven't seen answered since I started monitoring the boards. I'd appreciate some wisdom.

For reference, I will be literally living on the road with virtually no home time (maybe once a year!), so even simple things like laundry become an issue.

1) How do you keep your bath towels from mildewing? or for that matter your dirty clothes if they've gotten wet. I've yet to see a sleeper cab with a towel rack!

2) I want to eat out of my truck as much as possible but I may need to delay buying a buying a microwave and fridge for a while. If I bring along something that needs to be heat, like maybe a bowl of soup, will I be welcome to use the truckstop microwave or am I likely to be run out for not buying anything?

3) How do you do dishes on the road? Are there sinks (aside for the restroom) that I could use at truckstops or do I need to plan on washing with bottled water at the side of the truck?

4) How do you do laundry on the road? I'm assuming that truckstops have laundry machines, but I'm sure they are also expensive. Saving it up to take home won't be an option for me. Does anyone ever go to public laundrymats or is just paying at the truckstop the easiest solution?

5) What do you wear to sleep? At home, I'm accustomed to not wearing anything to bed, which is not likely to be a good idea in a truck. Do most of you just sleep in your work clothes? Do you change into PJs or shorts or something?

6) I've heard some say they sleep with earplugs at night to keep out noise and that seems like a good idea. However, I'm wondering if anyone wears earplugs while driving/on duty for ear protection or even if that is legal. I'm sure the noise of the engine depends on the make/model/age of the truck, but does anyone find it necessary to wear ear protection when faced with 11 hours of it?

Thanks for sharing!

bubba mark · Jun 7, 2009

1) I hang mine up in the back of the truck. I put a bar up across the back of the sleeper to hang my clothes up. So I just hang the wet stuff up there.

2) I don't see why you couldn't use them. I have seen more than one trucker do it.

3) I usually wash mine in the truck. Sometimes I take them in when I go take a shower and do them in the sink in the shower room.

4) I usually do mine at home. But when I have to do it out on the road I try to find a laundry mat. Problem with that is you have to drop your trailer somewhere and bobtail to the place.

5) I wear my batman pj's.

6) I am already half deaf. So I don't wear any kind of ear plugs.

Hurrycne · Jun 7, 2009

Hey Candun!
How'd the first week of class go?
Any troubles getting your permit?
Whaddaya think so far?

leannamarie · Jun 7, 2009

candun said: ↑

I have several questions about living on the road that I haven't seen answered since I started monitoring the boards. I'd appreciate some wisdom.

For reference, I will be literally living on the road with virtually no home time (maybe once a year!), so even simple things like laundry become an issue.

1) How do you keep your bath towels from mildewing? or for that matter your dirty clothes if they've gotten wet. I've yet to see a sleeper cab with a towel rack!
In my husband's truck, there are handles that we use to hang wet items on. Stick on hooks can also be utilized to hang up items. If you shower in a truck stop, usually they will provide towels for you so you won't use your own towels daily.

2) I want to eat out of my truck as much as possible but I may need to delay buying a buying a microwave and fridge for a while. If I bring along something that needs to be heat, like maybe a bowl of soup, will I be welcome to use the truckstop microwave or am I likely to be run out for not buying anything?

My husband uses a small butane camp stove to cook all his food, with a small BBQ for the occasional treat. He prefers not to be around truck stops so using their microwaves isn't an option.

3) How do you do dishes on the road? Are there sinks (aside for the restroom) that I could use at truckstops or do I need to plan on washing with bottled water at the side of the truck?

Wipe out dishes well, use the melted water from your ice chest to soak/wash them, use salt for washing, take them in with you when you shower, etc. There are many different ways of dealing with this.

4) How do you do laundry on the road? I'm assuming that truckstops have laundry machines, but I'm sure they are also expensive. Saving it up to take home won't be an option for me. Does anyone ever go to public laundrymats or is just paying at the truckstop the easiest solution?

Often you can do laundry in your company's terminals, other than that I can't comment.

5) What do you wear to sleep? At home, I'm accustomed to not wearing anything to bed, which is not likely to be a good idea in a truck. Do most of you just sleep in your work clothes? Do you change into PJs or shorts or something?

Get out of your dirty work clothes before you go to bed!

6) I've heard some say they sleep with earplugs at night to keep out noise and that seems like a good idea. However, I'm wondering if anyone wears earplugs while driving/on duty for ear protection or even if that is legal. I'm sure the noise of the engine depends on the make/model/age of the truck, but does anyone find it necessary to wear ear protection when faced with 11 hours of it?

Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

I'm not a driver, but I can offer my two cents.

simplyred1962 · Jun 7, 2009

candun said: ↑

I have several questions about living on the road that I haven't seen answered since I started monitoring the boards. I'd appreciate some wisdom.

For reference, I will be literally living on the road with virtually no home time (maybe once a year!), so even simple things like laundry become an issue.

1) How do you keep your bath towels from mildewing? or for that matter your dirty clothes if they've gotten wet. I've yet to see a sleeper cab with a towel rack!

2) I want to eat out of my truck as much as possible but I may need to delay buying a buying a microwave and fridge for a while. If I bring along something that needs to be heat, like maybe a bowl of soup, will I be welcome to use the truckstop microwave or am I likely to be run out for not buying anything?

3) How do you do dishes on the road? Are there sinks (aside for the restroom) that I could use at truckstops or do I need to plan on washing with bottled water at the side of the truck?

4) How do you do laundry on the road? I'm assuming that truckstops have laundry machines, but I'm sure they are also expensive. Saving it up to take home won't be an option for me. Does anyone ever go to public laundrymats or is just paying at the truckstop the easiest solution?

5) What do you wear to sleep? At home, I'm accustomed to not wearing anything to bed, which is not likely to be a good idea in a truck. Do most of you just sleep in your work clothes? Do you change into PJs or shorts or something?

6) I've heard some say they sleep with earplugs at night to keep out noise and that seems like a good idea. However, I'm wondering if anyone wears earplugs while driving/on duty for ear protection or even if that is legal. I'm sure the noise of the engine depends on the make/model/age of the truck, but does anyone find it necessary to wear ear protection when faced with 11 hours of it?

Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

1)We own our truck, and I don't know how your company would feel about this, but hubby and I bought a couple of the larger, self-stick hooks to hang wet clothes/towels, etc.

2)Yes, most of the truck stops won't mind you heating your food in their microwave.

3)I bought a small dish tub, and when I don't use that, we just take our dirty dishes into the shower with us, and wash them there.

4)There is a GREAT laundry mat at the 102 in NM. They have the regular size washers, for one load, the bigger washers for 2-3 loads, and the super-duper size washers if you've had to let your laundry collect for a bit.
We also take advantage of the washer/dryer when we have to go to the yard for repairs, maint., logs, etc.

5)I brought several pairs of PJ's, and in a pinch, I will wear one of hubby's t-shirts over an old pair of sweat shorts.

6)I've never worn ear plugs, as for me, they just seem to amplify the noise, in a muffled sort of way. Besides, for me, the sound of the reefer, or truck engine, or APU, is like a lullaby. When we go home, I have trouble sleeping....too quiet!! LOL

Hope this helped!

Judi Kay

dancnoone · Jun 7, 2009

I'll answer 5 & 6

5...Any way I want to. It depends on the mood, and my location. If I'm at a truck stop, with little danger of having my door caved in for a wake up call....nothing. At a customer, pj's or shorts.

6. Not while driving, it interfers with normal hearing....which can lead to tickets, BIG tickets. I have used them while sleeping though.

candun · Jun 7, 2009

Hurrycne said: ↑

Hey Candun!
How'd the first week of class go?
Any troubles getting your permit?
Whaddaya think so far?

Click to expand...

Hey Hurrycne,

1st week was good; a little slow. I'm anxious to learn as much as I can and I sometimes feel time is wasted that could be used to pack more content into the class. But I can't really complain.

No problem with my permit. I am scheduled to start my first range session Monday PM. I told Lewis to schedule me MWF for both weeks and then two a day MTW the fourth week. That should minimize my driving to Nashville and get me gradgiated ASAP! He also said he would take a look at the simulator schedule to see if I can get extra time beyond what is normally scheduled.

Are you driving yet? Scheduled for orientation?

nikondvr · Jun 7, 2009

candun said: ↑

I have several questions about living on the road that I haven't seen answered since I started monitoring the boards. I'd appreciate some wisdom.

For reference, I will be literally living on the road with virtually no home time (maybe once a year!), so even simple things like laundry become an issue.

1) How do you keep your bath towels from mildewing? or for that matter your dirty clothes if they've gotten wet. I've yet to see a sleeper cab with a towel rack!
You won't need bath towels if you use the towels provided by the truck stop to shower, many companies that have showers in the terminals also provide towels, if you do use yours.....string a line or bar in the bunk area.
2) I want to eat out of my truck as much as possible but I may need to delay buying a buying a microwave and fridge for a while. If I bring along something that needs to be heat, like maybe a bowl of soup, will I be welcome to use the truckstop microwave or am I likely to be run out for not buying anything?
Never had a problem using the microwave.... I use a 12v pot to heat soup, noodles, etc.
3) How do you do dishes on the road? Are there sinks (aside for the restroom) that I could use at truckstops or do I need to plan on washing with bottled water at the side of the truck?
I wash them in the truck with a little bottled water and an old tooth brush to scrub them with.....wipe dry with a paper towel
4) How do you do laundry on the road? I'm assuming that truckstops have laundry machines, but I'm sure they are also expensive. Saving it up to take home won't be an option for me. Does anyone ever go to public laundrymats or is just paying at the truckstop the easiest solution?
Don't use the machines at the truck stop.....they rarely work(driers especially), if your terminals don't have machines......find a laundromat that you can get your rig to
5) What do you wear to sleep? At home, I'm accustomed to not wearing anything to bed, which is not likely to be a good idea in a truck. Do most of you just sleep in your work clothes? Do you change into PJs or shorts or something?
I'm the nothing to bed type too, but keep sweats, a tee shirt, and something you can get your feet into in a hurry in case you have to jump up on short notice sitting where you can grab them in a split second ( going to the door nekkid to tell the lot lizard no just sends mixed signals)
6) I've heard some say they sleep with earplugs at night to keep out noise and that seems like a good idea. However, I'm wondering if anyone wears earplugs while driving/on duty for ear protection or even if that is legal. I'm sure the noise of the engine depends on the make/model/age of the truck, but does anyone find it necessary to wear ear protection when faced with 11 hours of it?
You'll get used to the sounds and will learn to sleep through anything but some idiot backing into your rig.........and forget the earplugs while driving
Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

And you're welcome

Hurrycne · Jun 7, 2009

candun said: ↑

Hey Hurrycne,

1st week was good; a little slow. I'm anxious to learn as much as I can and I sometimes feel time is wasted that could be used to pack more content into the class. But I can't really complain.

No problem with my permit. I am scheduled to start my first range session Monday PM. I told Lewis to schedule me MWF for both weeks and then two a day MTW the fourth week. That should minimize my driving to Nashville and get me gradgiated ASAP! He also said he would take a look at the simulator schedule to see if I can get extra time beyond what is normally scheduled.

Are you driving yet? Scheduled for orientation?
Click to expand...

I know how ya feel about the wasted time aspect, unfortunately, it really doesn't get much better. I used most of my "free" time in class working ahead in the book. Once finished with all the chapters, spent the time fillin' out apps and tryin to think of questions to ask the instructors.

Not driving yet, scheduled for orientation # TMC on the 29th. (Had some unfinished bidness with da AF to take care of before could head out.)
I'm really looking forward to it.

7mouths2feed · Jun 7, 2009

candun said: ↑

I have several questions about living on the road that I haven't seen answered since I started monitoring the boards. I'd appreciate some wisdom.

For reference, I will be literally living on the road with virtually no home time (maybe once a year!), so even simple things like laundry become an issue.

1) How do you keep your bath towels from mildewing? or for that matter your dirty clothes if they've gotten wet. I've yet to see a sleeper cab with a towel rack!
I use the synthetic towels. Like the "Shammwow" kind. Works very well and dries in no time itself. Rain suit can help keep clothes from getting too wet. You can run a clothes line from window to window to dry clothes when your sleeping.
2) I want to eat out of my truck as much as possible but I may need to delay buying a buying a microwave and fridge for a while. If I bring along something that needs to be heat, like maybe a bowl of soup, will I be welcome to use the truckstop microwave or am I likely to be run out for not buying anything?
Have someone you know look for used camp gear, microwave, mini fridge, crock-pot, etc.
You can heat many items on your exhaust or vlave cover with aluminum foil. Trucks already hot might as well use it. Pop few holes in a can of soup, make a grilled ham and cheese, or just re-heat your leftovers say from the dollar menu at McD's or the occasional diner.

3) How do you do dishes on the road? Are there sinks (aside for the restroom) that I could use at truckstops or do I need to plan on washing with bottled water at the side of the truck?
Salt is an excellent cheap, absorbant, abrasive. Any salt residue left will dry and can be easily wiped out before your next meal. Also because of the salt if there should be anything missed it won't rot or go sour. Dry sand works also depending on where you are.
4) How do you do laundry on the road? I'm assuming that truckstops have laundry machines, but I'm sure they are also expensive. Saving it up to take home won't be an option for me. Does anyone ever go to public laundrymats or is just paying at the truckstop the easiest solution?
Your kinda stuck with whats available on this one
5) What do you wear to sleep? At home, I'm accustomed to not wearing anything to bed, which is not likely to be a good idea in a truck. Do most of you just sleep in your work clothes? Do you change into PJs or shorts or something? Get something comfortable. PJ's, Shorts, just keep your running gear close so if you need to jump quick your not scrambling to find your clothes.

6) I've heard some say they sleep with earplugs at night to keep out noise and that seems like a good idea. However, I'm wondering if anyone wears earplugs while driving/on duty for ear protection or even if that is legal. I'm sure the noise of the engine depends on the make/model/age of the truck, but does anyone find it necessary to wear ear protection when faced with 11 hours of it? Sleeping with plugs is ok but I find it more anoying because only the white noise is filtered not the low pitch tones so ALL I can hear are the engines running. Get a CD of nature sounds, birds, rain, rivers etc. It is illegal to drive anything that impairs your hearing.

Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

Best of luck.

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