Home on the Road: Creating Your Own Cozy Cab

Hitting the open road, seeing the country and all its natural beauty, and experiencing the freedom and flexibility that comes from working alone are just some of the many benefits of being a long-haul trucker. However, most, if not all, of these benefits largely depend on how well-prepared your cab is.

If you don’t own your own truck, there may be some limitations as to what you can’t do, depending on the company you work for, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to ensure your cab is comfortable.

Below are some tips we think are important for first-time truck drivers to know when it comes to creating a space that feels like home.

Get an All-in-One Cooker

Let’s dispel the myth that truck drivers only eat fast food while on the road. Nothing could be further from the truth. An all-in-one cooker, or multi-cooker, is a simple automated electrical appliance with a built-in timer that offers many cooking options. Whether you want to slow cook, steam, fry, or bake, this appliance allows you to do it while you drive.

Some of the more popular brands include the Instant Pot Pro 6-quart 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker or the more affordable COSORI 6-quart 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker.

Purchase a Keurig or Mini-Drip Brewer

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It’s the perfect way to start the day. You can skip the lines at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts and make your own coffee by purchasing a Keurig or Mini-Drip Brewer. You’ll save money, be able to choose among numerous great coffee flavors, and never have to worry about standing in line.

Aside from Keurig, there’s the Nespresso Vertuo Next, Cuisinart Grind and Brew, and the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, all of which allow you to brew your own coffee in just a few minutes.

Buy a Collapsible Sink

Having your own collapsible dish basin or portable camping sink allows you to quickly wash your hands, cups, plates, and other utensils, helping you avoid disposable options that can quickly add up in your trashcan. There are numerous options available on Amazon for as little as $8.

Install a TV

You deserve to enjoy every second of downtime, and there’s no better way to do that than by installing a flatscreen TV in your cabin. There are numerous different brand names to choose from. Look for 22-inch or 24-inch models.

Purchase a Thermos

Be sure to have a durable, high-quality thermos. Whether it’s to keep your coffee nice and hot or for storing that incredible stew or soup you made with your all-in-one cooker, a thermos is an absolute must. We recommend any Stanley model because they come with lifetime warranties.

Keep the Fridge & Pantries Well-Stocked

Keep your fridge and pantries stocked with healthy food choices. Avoid the temptation to go with sugary snacks or starchy foods. While treating yourself now and then is fine, eating poorly on the road can make you tired.

Add Extra Pillows & Blankets

Planning your trips means ensuring you’ll be plenty warm and comfortable on cold nights. Depending on where you’re driving, it’s always a good idea to store extra pillows and blankets.

Use a Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs

If you have a hard time falling asleep after a long day’s drive, using a sleeping mask and earplugs might help block out lights and random noise. One study even found that using both helped people attain REM sleep faster. If neither works for you, then YouTube has free playlists with calming rain, wind, and other nature-based sounds that could help relax you to sleep.

Download a Trucker Map App

One of the more popular apps is the TruckMap-Truck GPS Routes. This app provides truck-safe route planning and turn-by-turn GPS guidance that helps you avoid construction and traffic. It also provides trucker-reviewed insight on the best truck stops and eating locations. The app also allows you to plan your trip long before leaving.

Bring Some of Home With You

As rewarding as truck driving can be, there will be times when you need reminders of home. Make sure you bring plenty of family photos and other trinkets and memorabilia. Have a favorite sports team? If so, plan to watch those important games while you’re away. It will give you something to look forward to while you’re on the road.

Purchase a Hotspot

You are guaranteed to come across portions of the country where the Wi-Fi isn’t great. Mountainous terrains, densely wooded areas, and long rural drives often coincide with bad Wi-Fi strength. With a Hotspot, you’ll want to be able to stream movies or watch sporting events during downtime, even in a rural location.

Buy a Watt Power Inverter

Your truck’s battery runs on direct current (DC), which can be converted to alternate current (AC) with a watt power inverter. This will allow you to charge and run multiple devices like your mobile phone, TV, small refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and all-in-one cooker.

Get a Phone Mount

A simple phone mount is both a convenience and a safety measure. Fumbling about trying to answer or find your phone can easily take your eyes off the road. A simple phone mount will attach to your center stack’s air vents, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while answering any incoming calls.

Invest in a Printer

Having a portable thermal printer can be a godsend. Whether you need to print a bill of lading, an invoice, or an email, having a thermal printer like Brother PocketJet makes everything easier. Plus, thermal printers tend to be more durable, especially in environments with varying temperatures. They’re also small, use low power, and don’t have ink that could dry up or get clogged during the summer.

Get to Know Your Seat

You’ll spend most of your time on the road in your truck seat, so make sure it’s comfortable. Most seats offer the option of adjusting lumbar support and height, so spend some time figuring out what works for you. If needed, invest in an extra-thick seat cushion with lumbar support.

Other Tips

Stay Organized

Simple solutions like truck ceiling storage nets, shower caddies, transparent storage boxes, suction cup baskets, and mobile organizers are low-cost solutions that can help you stay organized. Proper organization ensures you’re never wasting time looking for important shipping documents, tools, toiletries, consumables, etc., and helps your space feel more welcoming and spacious.

Plan Your Trips Well

Properly planning your trip isn’t just about identifying the best possible route. There are bound to be times when you’ll have to alter that route due to unforeseen situations. Proper planning is about defining how long you’ll drive, where you’ll stop, and what locations are the safest for sleeping at night.

Among the safest places to park your rig for the night include well-traveled truck stops, well-lit rest areas, or even a customer’s terminal. If possible, always plan your trip around driving most of the day and resting at night. Extended night driving can be dangerous, with long stretches of highway not having proper lighting and the likelihood of becoming drowsy or tired.

Bring Your Pet

Whether you’re bringing a family dog or your own, spending time with your best friend on the road can be rewarding. Small dog breeds do incredibly well on the road. However, it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to bring their cats, as some become well-accustomed to spending time on the road, too. Always ask your employer if this is an option—some transportation companies don’t mind, but others might have issues with the dogs or cats having “accidents” inside the truck.

Get More Tips From TSI

TSI is a family-owned and -operated transportation company that’s committed to helping truck drivers start their careers. We offer a comprehensive six-week new driver program to help you get your CDL. The program includes three days of in-class work followed by six weeks of over-the-road driving to help you get the experience you need.

Please contact us today to learn more about this program or to sign up, or visit our blog for more resources.