Truckers spend a huge portion of their lives driving from one location to another. This solitary lifestyle can be rewarding but also challenging. No big screen televisions or fancy home theater systems inside the cab of a big rig. While certain mundane items are considered necessities (like a GPS unit or CB radio) there are other gadgets that can help make those long hours easier to endure. Here are a few gadgets and gizmos for life on the road.
Gadgets and Gizmos for Life on the Road
Heat/Massage Seat Cushion
When your job requires you to be seated for eight to ten hours a day, nothing can be better than having a heat and massage auto seat cushion behind you. These practical devices are 12 volt powered and can do wonders to make those long hauls easier to handle. Besides being a great comfort, they also help to promote upper body circulation, and in the winter, the heat function is a warm welcome.
Portable Refrigerator
While space is at a premium inside an 18-wheeler, a portable, 12-volt refrigerator can be just the thing for food and drink storage. They can be a perfect way to save money on the road food budget, and a great alternative to fast food stops. A typical 26 Quart model can easily hold several drinks and food items, yet is only about 11” by 17’ in size. They are lightweight at less than 12 pounds and sell for less than $100.00. Should your truckers needs require more space you can find larger models up to 80 quarts.
Portable Stove
With all that food you can carry in your Portable Refrigerator, you surely need a Portable Stove to cook it! 12-volt models can heat up to 300 degrees while the outside stays cool and safe. Cook up some hot dogs in about five minutes or a hearty canned soup in about 20 minutes. They are small, economical (at under $40.00) and easy to clean.
3-Way Multi Socket Converter
Many truckers have power Inverters that convert DC power in AC for small devices that require AC power. But many things are available with DC plugs for use in the cigarette lighter socket. For those a 3-way converter can be just the ticket. It allows you to use three DC appliances with just one cigarette lighter socket; a small but indispensible gadget for any over-the-road trucker.
12-Volt Electric Blanket
It can be very costly for truckers to spend night after night at a hotel, so many spend them in their sleeper cabs. For those long cold winter nights, an Electric Blanket can be just the thing. These simple items can be easily overlooked but will greatly help you with a good night’s sleep. They are often inexpensive costing less than $40.00 and plug right into a cigarette lighter socket (good thing you got that 3-way converter).
Spending most of your life on the road can be demanding, but a few gadgets can make it more enjoyable. You may not be able to have all the comforts of home (like that big screen TV) but you can enjoy many of them right inside your truck.
Author Bio
Robert Wilkes is an on the road freelance blogger for thetruckersreport.com, a one stop shop for information for Truckers. He is also a regular poster on their Trucking forums.
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