Some Ideas on How to Make Your Truck Comfy & Cozy
Over-the-road Class A CDL truck drivers spend a lot of time in their trucks – going days, even weeks, without getting home. That’s why some drivers go to great lengths to turn their rigs into a cozy home away from home.
If you’re an OTR driver, an out-and-back driver, or even a home daily driver looking for some advice on how to do the same, then you’ve come to the right place.
First – Buy supplies and get things organized.
When a driver is assigned a sleeper truck, it typically comes with only a few things including a small storage area, bunk, and a mattress, which is what’s provided at Paper Transport, Inc. For that reason, you’ll need to get other supplies that will last you while you’re on the road. This may include changes of clothes and footwear, bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, tools, a first aid kit, and food and snacks (which will be focused on later). After you buy what you need, then it’s important to get it organized. To do so, turn to smaller storage bins and drawers, hanging nets, hangers, and totes to keep things safe from rolling around, neat, and easy to find. (Tip: Secure storage containers with bungee cords to keep in place.)
Second – Make sure your sleeping space is comfortable.
Spec’d mattresses in your rig may not be enough to keep you sleeping sound when you’re out on the road. Consider it an investment by upgrading that mattress and purchasing some high quality bedding. This was pointed out by one of our drivers:
A good supportive mattress and pillow. Comfortable sheets and blanket. That simple setup right there alone makes a difference. It’s a mental thing I guess. My girlfriend got me my sheets and I use an old blanket that has seen more countries then most have seen states. I can’t tell you the thread count, but I know it’s high enough that it’s close to silk without having to worry about sliding off.”
– PTI OTR driver Justin Underwood
Third – Do a little decorating.
Even though you don’t have a lot of space to decorate in your truck, you can still bring some touches from home with you on the road. A few options include adding some photos of family and friends to the walls in your truck, maybe a few small pieces of artwork, some floor mats or a rug, curtains, a small lamp or light (which is also functional to use at night), a string of LEDs, and hanging up a flag.
Fourth – Ditch the truck stop food and set-up a kitchen area.
If you really want to feel like you’re at home while you’re out of the road, then creating a place to cook your own meals is a definite must for your truck. It’s actually pretty easy to do. Simply follow these steps:
- Install a fridge to store perishable food and use your other storage for items that won’t spoil.
- Add a place to prep food like a small folding table where you could place a cutting board to prep your food. Some trucks also have slide out tables that you could place a cutting board.
- Add a single electric burner to the mix along with a small frying pan and you’re good to cook a good meal. You could even add a small microwave to your space and a coffee maker to really feel like you’re at home.
Finally – Don’t forget to have something to do when you’re not sleeping.
Finally – Don’t forget to have something to do when you’re not sleeping.
Your 10-hour break is time to recharge and reboot your body and mind. Eat, sleep, exercise, and entertain yourself. For your home away from home, install a small TV in your truck or buy a tablet to watch movies or shows on Netflix (download the movies to the device while you’re at home to avoid buffering or exhausting your data plan!). Bring books or magazines to read. Pack small weights and other workout equipment to stay fit and active.
Learn how to best prepare meals while out on the road with our article Packing For The Road.