Sleeping in your cab overnight can be a necessity for long-haul drivers. It saves on accommodation, means you can keep driving as long as is safe, means you can set off again early the next day without fuss and also means you’re on track to meet the ferry if travelling between islands. Many trucks have a sleeping space, with some larger than others. 

Having a designated sleeping section in the cab is best but not all cabs have the luxury of extra space. Ensuring a restful night’s sleep is essential for safety, health and for when you’re on the road again the next day.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a safe, good night’s sleep no matter the size of your cab, space or bed.

Choose a Safe and Legal Parking Spot When Sleeping in your Cab

• Park in well-lit, designated truck stops or rest areas whenever possible.
• Avoid isolated or unsafe roads to reduce the risk of theft or disturbance.
• Check that it’s okay to park overnight to avoid getting a fine or being moved on.
• A good option is to park on the road in a residential street if you know the house owner/occupier.

Prepare Your Sleeping Area Well

• Make sure you have a good quality mattress or mattress topper. Choose one that includes quality fibres to keep its shape.  It’s worth splashing out on comfort. You can justify it by the money you’re saving on accommodation.
• Make sure you are warm, as being cold will mean a disturbed sleep. Use window shades or curtains to block light and insulate against cold or heat.
• Get used to wearing an eye mask to make the cab feel dark. These can range from under $15 to the more expensive bluelight blockers. Ortorex has a good mid-price blackout mask.

• In warm weather use a battery-powered fan to keep cool.
• In cold weather, go to bed in warm layers, invest in a decent sleeping bag, one that is suitable for the climate, eg, in Auckland one that has an extreme of 0° should be warm enough but just out of the Desert Road, one that is up to -10° extreme is more suitable.
• Use earplugs or a white noise machine to block out sounds from outside.

Maintain Personal Hygiene When Sleeping in your Cab

• Think ahead about where you can clean your teeth and shower. Use wet wipes and hand sanitiser when a shower is not possible
• Change your clothing for bed. This signals to your brain that you are no longer working.
• Try to stick to the same bedtime each night.
• Avoid drinking coffee too late in the day.
• Try to wind down by reading or listening to music.

Secure Your Cab

• Lock all doors and windows and make sure valuables are out of sight.
• Make sure your phone is charged.

Remember, we clean inside the cab too (and outside your truck). Contact us today for a thorough clean.