Domestic & Pet Questions

[KBird]

Hello there! I'm coming back to trucking after a 4year hiatus. I trucked for just a year back then, and am eager to get back at it. A few questions for those of you more experienced than me...



Where do you put the cat's litter box? Before I used the space where the fridge goes (Freightliner Century Class) but would really like to have a fridge this time around. Ideas? Suggestions that work for you?



I was always jealous of people that cooked in their rigs. I talked to folks that had hotplates, grills, crockpots, etc... how do you do it? Where do you store it? How do you clean it? Do you really cook going down the road?



Any other helpful hints for a returning newbie would be awesome. Thanks so much!

[SevenOfNine]

Originally Posted by KBird

Hello there! I'm coming back to trucking after a 4year hiatus. I trucked for just a year back then, and am eager to get back at it. A few questions for those of you more experienced than me...

Where do you put the cat's litter box? Before I used the space where the fridge goes (Freightliner Century Class) but would really like to have a fridge this time around. Ideas? Suggestions that work for you?

I was always jealous of people that cooked in their rigs. I talked to folks that had hotplates, grills, crockpots, etc... how do you do it? Where do you store it? How do you clean it? Do you really cook going down the road?



Any other helpful hints for a returning newbie would be awesome. Thanks so much!

If you have a small closet area and won't be using it for clothing,you can fit a reasonably sized litter box or maybe under the bed if you have an open space there. Keeping a litter box in a small area will present quite a challenge as it can get odorous rather quick.

Not to mention that for some reasons cats tend to scatter litter to hell and back when they bury their offerings.

Also unless the cats are use to riding in a moving vehicle they make really nervous riders and will either try to cower under your seats....very dangerous or they will cling to whatever surface they can,usually that nice leather or fabric siding inside the trucks.

Let's talk about "scratching", it's their nature to sharpen their claws,I haven't clue how anyone can explain to the owner of the truck why the inside of the truck looks like it had a visit by a DR wood chipper.

Oh let's not forget that cats shed an enormous amount! You and the truck will look like one giant hair ball and again explaining to your boss could be interesting.

No matter what kind of pet you plan to take,you will need permission for the owner and might have to pay a pet deposit. That is if you aren't the o/o to start with.

My personal feelings are cats are not the best traveling companions,how about a pet rock instead?

Cooking in the truck isn't always the best idea for several reasons,the small area of the truck will end up stained and food smells tend to get stale quick. Washing the dishes can be challenging,if you aren't shy you can carry the dirty dishes into the truckstop bathroom and wash them in the sink,otherwise paperplates,plastic forks and spoons. Remember space is limited to so having too much "stuff" can hurt instead of save time and money.

Hot plates are a big nono because of the danger they present.

Crockpots might be okay but not while the truck is in motion. Spills can be very messy and their is a danger of fire.

Microwaves are a safer bet,although the variety is a bit limited that can be prepared.
There are little cookers that can be used to heat up stuff out there that are geared for trucks
A charcoal grill makes a nice alternative for when you have time to use say on a rest period but no propane grills,they are a no no to carry in the truck.

Having a fridge is nice but you will need to invest in a good inverter. And electric cooler does a good job to carry foods in also. The cooler is a bit easier on the wallet too.

Thats all I got. I am sure some of the real experts have more ideas and advice.

BOL to ya!

[KBird]

7of9...

Thanks for the response! I traveled with a cat and a dog for a year last time I drove OTR and loved it. I was just hoping other people had tips on how to better manage the space with pets than I did.

Funny... response across the various boards all recommend to not cook while in motion... and yet I spoke with folks on the CB all the time that were cooking in crockpots, rice cookers, etc.

Thanks again!

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by KBird

Hello there! I'm coming back to trucking after a 4year hiatus. I trucked for just a year back then, and am eager to get back at it. A few questions for those of you more experienced than me...

first off, you are aware that you might find it difficult to find another trucking job with so little experience and such a long abscense? you might have to go back to a trucking school for at least a re-fresher course.

Where do you put the cat's litter box? Before I used the space where the fridge goes (Freightliner Century Class) but would really like to have a fridge this time around. Ideas? Suggestions that work for you?

in the basement or in the rear hall of the house. you will need to know if you can even take along a pet.

I was always jealous of people that cooked in their rigs. I talked to folks that had hotplates, grills, crockpots, etc... how do you do it? Where do you store it? How do you clean it? Do you really cook going down the road?

i never cooked, instead i used to take prepared meals and eat them without re-heating them.

Any other helpful hints for a returning newbie would be awesome. Thanks so much!

check first to see what requiremments any trucking company will have with you re-joining the industry. don't be too surprised if its a difficult task at first.

[SevenOfNine]

Funny... response across the various boards all recommend to not cook while in motion... and yet I spoke with folks on the CB all the time that were cooking in crockpots, rice cookers, etc.

Let's hit this logically.

Due to the fact you are not a newbie,you know that at times making a quick stop in a big truck can be a less then smooth scenario.

You hit the brakes,any loose items end up flying all over the cab. Stuff in the sleeper area ends up flying to the front and most times can hit the driver.

Meanwhile while the driver is trying to guide the truck safely through a quick stop and not jackknife and lose control and crash, tip over, and most important not kill himself and others.

Now add that crockpot thats been cooking that lovely beef stew all day. That flys all over and it's HOT as hell and you can expect you will not react well getting burned. Besides wearing beef stew is soooooo out of fashion!

There you go,the biggest reason why you should not be using any appliance that creates very hot temps while driving and it's unsafe!

Just because some dingbats on the childrens band told you they do it doesn't mean it's safe or smart. They are the ones that say....Nay! It can't happen to me!

Anyway, I wish you luck and invest in a lint brush for the cat fur and a large bottle of Urine Begone for the smell and happy trucking!

[KBird]

Wow I came here for advice from folks that have had the same experiences as me and love their pets and get slammed instead? What a warm welcome to these boards. Thank you so much!

First... I already have a job back with my same company. Second... I was just looking for some creative ideas. If you are so bored as to only want to flame people looking for honest responses... well friend... you have issues.