i start a new job on monday which is gonna be tramping. i have done the odd nights out before but never full weeks away.
i have the “things to take list” which i am getting together. i dont know what the unit will have fitted though so whats the best way to keep the cold stuff cold if i havent got a fridge fitted. i have a single burner gas stove which was fine for the odd times i used it, would it be better to get a double burner or not??
basically i want some advice from you more experienced drivers on here
in the winter i just keep cold stuff in an outside locker, not in the cab. can be a bugger if it gets too cold though, waking up for breakfast to find the milk frozen
Nate:
in the winter i just keep cold stuff in an outside locker, not in the cab. can be a bugger if it gets too cold though, waking up for breakfast to find the milk frozen
Just reminded me, I stayed up at Perth last winter and put a pint of milk on the roof to keep it cool overnight what I didn’t realise was coming was -10 temps and a wake up to a frozen bottle of milk!
What I can recommend for winter season though is a 2/3 season sleeping bag, one of these will keep you warm without running the night heater.
loopyjuice:
whats the best way to keep the cold stuff cold if i havent got a fridge fitted.
Buy a cold box/fridge.
loopyjuice:
i have a single burner gas stove which was fine for the odd times i used it, would it be better to get a double burner or not??
Boiling a kettle to make a brew/pot noodle = single
Full blown cooking = double
thanks for the advice so far guys.
also is there any other advice or hints/tips that the learned can bestow upon me 
Normal washing and shaving gear but also at least 2 towels and sewing kit with safety pins, box mixed plasters, wet wipes ( 4 the behind as we’ll as the hands and face ) plastic bags, washing bowl if you think it will be used. And anything else that is lightweight but will make life a little more tolerable!!! I use a double quilt in half on a blanket but then I’m just average size so stay covered okay. If you can always leave the roof hatch open a touch - it makes a hell of a difference with condensation is, I believe healthier! HTH!
Its difficult to tell you exactly what you need because everyones different, once you start you’ll know what things you need and don’t need. Fews things that are quite useful, 30l water bottle, kitchen wet wipe for cleaning the dishs, flips flops for showers, inverter 24v and you’ll probably need the plug converter can get these from services, lots of spare clothes and couple pair of trainers, cash. Most people have a rug or piece of carpet over the engine cover instead of the proper fitted mats etc.
Just remember your away from home all week and you don’t know where you’ll end up so always make sure you can make a meal and most importantly have plenty of drinking water.
Happy to try and answer any specific questions you mite have.
This might help
Desperate:
What I can recommend for winter season though is a 2/3 season sleeping bag, one of these will keep you warm without running the night heater.
Double duvet, folded in half, is better, cheaper, and easier to launder.
Harry Monk:
Desperate:
What I can recommend for winter season though is a 2/3 season sleeping bag, one of these will keep you warm without running the night heater.Double duvet, folded in half, is better, cheaper, and easier to launder.
I agree. I don’t sleep in a sleeping bag at home, so why should I when in my truck? Quilt all the way.
the maoster:
Harry Monk:
Desperate:
What I can recommend for winter season though is a 2/3 season sleeping bag, one of these will keep you warm without running the night heater.Double duvet, folded in half, is better, cheaper, and easier to launder.
I agree. I don’t sleep in a sleeping bag at home, so why should I when in my truck? Quilt all the way.
We had this discussion not long ago
Hot water bottle? 
Who would admit to that?
Goldilox:
Hot water bottle?Who would admit to that?
ahh, bless.
Saaamon:
Goldilox:
Hot water bottle?
hair gel, moisturiser, hairdryer, hair straighteners ,eau de cologne ,suit ,condoms !!!Who would admit to that?
ahh, bless.
the maoster:
Harry Monk:
Desperate:
What I can recommend for winter season though is a 2/3 season sleeping bag, one of these will keep you warm without running the night heater.Double duvet, folded in half, is better, cheaper, and easier to launder.
I agree. I don’t sleep in a sleeping bag at home, so why should I when in my truck? Quilt all the way.
exactley quilt for me
If you get a fridge, make sure the motor is brushless or it will be noisy:
amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000 … ken=Obidos
Single burner stove is fine. Get some ear plugs, but only use them if you think you’ll hear your alarm through them.
Take plenty of bedding and back up blankets as it gets cold in the cab if you don’t want to be listening to the night heater all night.
24v inverter is worth having for running your dvd/laptop through.
Most of the travel kettles you can buy are rubbish.
single stove is cool-heat your carbs first then leave them in the water with lid on to stay hot then cook your main in the meatime. just a tip
Silver_Surfer:
If you get a fridge, make sure the motor is brushless or it will be noisy:amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000 … ken=Obidos
Single burner stove is fine. Get some ear plugs, but only use them if you think you’ll hear your alarm through them.
Take plenty of bedding and back up blankets as it gets cold in the cab if you don’t want to be listening to the night heater all night.
24v inverter is worth having for running your dvd/laptop through.
Most of the travel kettles you can buy are rubbish.
How do you hear the night heater with ear plugs in? 
Seriously, you’ll find that when tramping you will probably take stuff you don’t need and leave stuff you do need at home to start with. Over time you’ll adjust accordingly.
Tramping makes you appreciate your own bed and house that bit more. It seems like a good idea for about half a dozen nights and then you’ll be wanting shifts again…drivers seem to be either they love doing the boy scout bit or they consider the bunk is there to put their fleece on… 
I’m dainty like that…
Well said though Truckulent, tramping is a way of life and it’s not for everyone, I’ve found in the past, it’s rosy for a couple of months then it usually starts to ■■■■ me off but times is hard. It’s does depend what sort of work you’re doing though and how much they get the whip on you as to wether it’s bearable or not.
The most important thing is to plan where you are going to park a couple of hours before the end of your shift. Take in to account whether you have a thievable load on, this should only be parked in services not in layby’s, least you can say you tried. Check your employer’s advice on overnight parking.
If you’re empty, open a door so some scrout doesn’t cut the curtain just to check. You can chance your arm & try and park in or near the customer for the night but bear in mind this may not be possible if the roads are small.
loopyjuice:
i start a new job on monday which is gonna be tramping. i have done the odd nights out before but never full weeks away.
i have the “things to take list” which i am getting together. i dont know what the unit will have fitted though so whats the best way to keep the cold stuff cold if i havent got a fridge fitted. i have a single burner gas stove which was fine for the odd times i used it, would it be better to get a double burner or not??
basically i want some advice from you more experienced drivers on here
Who are you on for loopy juice? Birds?