Is it possible to live in the truck 24/7?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by PowerOfSolitude, Apr 6, 2012.

  1. PowerOfSolitude

    PowerOfSolitude Light Load Member

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    Mar 30, 2012
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    Hello,

    I'm a 28-year-old diehard bachelor with few ties and a longstanding addiction to driving while listening to audiobooks. I'm strongly considering becoming a truck driver. I know a lot of people who get into driving want a local route, but I think I'd be just as happy, if not happier, with OTR. My needs and desires are minimal. I need to work out and eat a good diet. I need to read books, and listen to them. I need time to be alone and think. I like the occasional handheld video game session. I am, basically, a contented loner. I value the family I have, and try to stay in touch with them every day, but have no desire to marry or father children.

    My question is this: If I'm willing to live full time in the truck (presumably one with a sleeper cab), will there be a need to maintain a normal residence? Even if I was only making $20,000 a year as a new driver, that would work out to be quite a bit of money in my pocket if I had no rent, car payment, utilities, etc. to deal with. What would I do about receiving mail, filling out forms that request an address, etc.? When I was working as a receiver, one of the truck drivers I befriended once told me that drivers who actually *want* to live this way are in high demand. Is this true?

    Also, I'm 6'6" with long legs. Some of the cars I've had to drive have been so cramped that I couldn't get my legs beneath the steering wheel. I once asked a truck driver who delivered to my store to let me sit in his seat so I could see if I fit. He gave his assent. I fit just fine, but I wonder whether all trucks will be as accommodating. Is there a possibility I'll run into problems because of my height?
     
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  3. xFreeWord420x

    xFreeWord420x Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2012
    Leetonia, Ohio
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    I'm 6'5" and haven't had a problem yet.. except for with my day cab now.. knees bang on everything.. But every truck I've sat in with a sleeper has had plenty of room.
     
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  4. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    i live in my kw 700 just fine 24/7 with a frig inverter tv laptop microwave coffee pot
    no truckstop crap food a cheap cb and sirius radio i am good to go.
     
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  5. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    I lived in one for 2 years straight. But there is no place like home. You can live comfortable. The mattress is like 6'8" with extra room on both ends. As long as you save that money for a future goal, there is nothing wrong with it and it can be fun. Many companies buy condo's or stand up sleepers anymore. They have plenty of headroom.

    It's hard to eat well on the road, but it can be done. A dorm fridge, microwave, crock pot and tv makes life easier. Preferably working for a company with an APU and 2500 watt inverter so you can use that stuff.

    The mail thing, either use a relatives address or get you a medium size PO Box. The small box doesn't quite cut it when you stay out more than a month.
     
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  6. Onetruckpony

    Onetruckpony Medium Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2011
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    A cab is a cab..only difference between a day can and a sleeper is the sleeper..
    Lived in a truck for many years full time when younger..not bad and a great way to save money.
    Get some experience then look into the entertainment industry, perfect for someone like you..
    Google...
    Upstaging
    Stagecall
    Roadshow
    Extreme
     
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  7. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    Yeah you can live in a truck which is basically what I do now while being stuck at Tyson lol. Once you get a microwave, fridge, stock up on food, laptop, TV with DVDs, comfortable bed set, you can live out of your truck easily. When I shut down I forget that I am in a truck, feels like a bedroom. I own a home but purchased a UPS mailbox (medium sized for $220 per year) to keep my mail secure and they email me when packages arrive as I love to order things from Amazon weekly.
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2012
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  8. AZS

    AZS Honk if anything falls off

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    IF you can get with a company that allows/has inverters you will find it much easier.
     
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  9. Wookie Dude

    Wookie Dude Light Load Member

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    Jun 15, 2010
    Slidell, LA
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    Ive been on the road for six months now and have pretty much stocked up on everything I need. Fridge, lunchbox stove, tv, comfy bed set, cheap cb, currently working on getting extra luxuries like a laptop and ps3 for the truck. Its fine being out there and be comfortable. My company has apu's for the truck but no inverters, and its not that bad. would love to have a dorm fridge with freezer and microwave, but meh. not a deal breaker.

    i work out in the truck as well. i have a pair of powerblock adjustable dumbbells that i use for basic lifting. I started this year at 337, but am now down to 308. getting away from home is stressful, but its doing my body good. hahaha!
     
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  10. Boogers

    Boogers Light Load Member

    I think so.
    Sounds like you could be very happy with life on the road.
    I'm 6'1" and I have plenty of room to stretch out laying down and standing up. It's about 8ft high inside the bigger sleepers.
    I like the fact that every day is the same, yet different.
    Each new assignment is it's own little adventure.
    Staying fit will be the biggest challenge for you.
    You will likely make more than $20k too...it's more like $30-35k for starters. In a couple of years, you will easily be making $50k+.
    With the low overhead of living in a truck..thats plenty of money.
     
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  11. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    I started out with dumbells but some shippers load me until I only have 1 pound to spare on weight so I took them out and bought that bungie cord type workout thing and man I never used it before but it works great. I can do a lot of different exercises with it. Get the one that has adjustable length, I didn't see that one at a Walmart where I got mine but saw that somewhere else.
     
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