Sleeper Trucks: The History, Benefits, and Features
For those of you who have made trucking your life, you’ve probably had long drives that lasted for days. While you can always lean back in your driver seat at a truck stop, that isn’t always the most comfortable arrangement. We here at McCandless Truck Center want you to know that making deadlines and staying comfortable don’t have to be mutually exclusive, which is why we wanted to talk a bit about sleeper trucks below. To learn more, or to see the sleeper trucks we have for sale, contact our stores throughout Colorado and Wyoming, today!
What Is a Sleeper Truck?
Sleeper trucks are similar to semi trucks, but they include a compact and efficient living space behind the driver’s seat. This living space typically includes a cozy bed, efficient lighting, and many modern conveniences like a mini-fridge, microwave, a small dining space, and plenty of storage. Most modern models also include a flat-screen TV, bathroom facilities, and kitchenettes for all the comforts of home.
History
Back in the 1920s, the first sleeper trucks had sleeping berths built between the cab and the engine. While this could allow a tag-team arrangement where one person drove while the other slept and vice-versa, it put the sleeping person in a dangerous place if an accident occurred.
With that design flaw made clear over the next few years, manufacturers modified the sleeper trucks to ensure a safer sleeping space. 1953 saw the first overhead sleeper model, though the berths were only between 18-24 inches wide. Federal regulations mandated a larger space, and the size was extended to between 36-48 inches.
Where They Come in Handy
Sleeper trucks are incredibly useful for saving money, long-term. While you could always find a motel to get some rest at, a sleeper truck provides a more cost-effective means of stretching out with your own private space. While a sleeper truck may cost more up front, these savings quickly outweigh that initial expenditure. They also ensure operators stay happy and rested, helping them remain productive and safe.
What They include
Sleeper trucks come in a wide variety of sizes and layouts, and each layout has its own benefits and drawbacks. The amenities they can include are:
- Electrical outlets to charge and power phones, laptops, and gaming consoles.
- Modern furnishings to keep you comfortable and give you space to stretch.
- Abundant storage with separate compartments for clothes, food items, gadgets, and toiletries.
- A portable toilet.
Ready to see what a sleeper truck can do for you? Contact us at McCandless Truck Center to learn more, or to see the sleeper trucks we have available. We proudly serve the people of Wyoming and Colorado—let us serve you today!