Cooking And Refrigerators In Your Truck?

Starting my second week of CDL school. Never been in a tractor/trailer. What does everyone do for cooking or keeping items cool. Are the trucks big enough for a little refrain.

My truck has a factory installed fridge and an 1800w inverter, which allows me to run a microwave. I do most of our cooking with the microwave, crockpot, and electric kettle. For companies that don't allow inverters, you can use a 12v cooler, lunch box cooker and crockpot. Some drivers also use small propane powered hotplates (like you use when camping).

My truck has a factory installed fridge and an 1800w inverter, which allows me to run a microwave. I do most of our cooking with the microwave, crockpot, and electric kettle. For companies that don't allow inverters, you can use a 12v cooler, lunch box cooker and crockpot. Some drivers also use small propane powered hotplates (like you use when camping).

I too am also curious about the subject. I had no idea there were companies that did not allow inverters. Is it because they are seen as a fire hazard? How well does a 12v cooler work? Do they require ice or anything?

I too am also curious about the subject. I had no idea there were companies that did not allow inverters. Is it because they are seen as a fire hazard? How well does a 12v cooler work? Do they require ice or anything?

The 12 volt coolers work good. They basically keep the temperature about 45 degrees cooler than the temperature in your truck. They don't work as well as an actual mini fridge but they work fine, they're cheaper, and they're 12 volt so you don't need an inverter. They do not require ice, nor do they have an ice maker the way the mini refrigerators often do.

Almost all companies allow inverters. I know Swift has some sort of a policy against them but I don't know any other companies that do offhand.

I had no idea there were companies that did not allow inverters. Is it because they are seen as a fire hazard?

Generally yes, companies that don't allow them have that policy because they are a fire hazard if improperly installed or used. They also tend to put a strain on the vehicle's batteries and electrical systems if they're aftermarket, potentially leading to failure of these components earlier than normal.

How well does a 12v cooler work? Do they require ice or anything?

They work fairly well, I had one when I worked for Swift and they are good at keeping things cool. They cool to around 30 degrees below ambient air temperature. You can get true 12v refrigerators, but they're pricey and don't do all that much more than a thermoelectric cooler in my opinion. They don't require ice to operate (although some drivers go that route, with a traditional cooler). Costs around $100 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

I have a 12v cooler. No ice needed or made in it. It may run down your truck batteries as it uses almost 5 amps. I unplug mine when I hit the sack, and plug it back in when I get going. The stuff inside does stay cool for those hours.

Also, I am on my third one in less than a year. Yes, the fan may stop, an it won't cool. Coleman has been good at sending me replacements. I plan to get new fans, and have the largest private collection of Coleman 40 qt coolers in the US!

Brett explains:

Almost all companies allow inverters. I know Swift has some sort of a policy against them but I don't know any other companies that do offhand.

Swift does not allow the larger inverters that connect directly to the battery. (Anything that plugs into the 12v system is fine.) If an Owner wants to buy a larger one, Swift will install it for him.

Actually been thinking about Swift, along with others. I'm probably going to need an inverter that will handle a C-PAP machine. I can't imagine them drawing too much amperage. I believe most companies are on-board with C-PAP users these days, so I'm really not anticipating any problems. I'm totally compliant, heck, I actually love using mine. They just gave me a new machine back in April and it's even better then the last one. It even has WIFI and I can access it from my phone. LOL!

JJ

I too am also curious about the subject. I had no idea there were companies that did not allow inverters. Is it because they are seen as a fire hazard? How well does a 12v cooler work? Do they require ice or anything?

The 12 volt coolers work good. They basically keep the temperature about 45 degrees cooler than the temperature in your truck. They don't work as well as an actual mini fridge but they work fine, they're cheaper, and they're 12 volt so you don't need an inverter. They do not require ice, nor do they have an ice maker the way the mini refrigerators often do.

Almost all companies allow inverters. I know Swift has some sort of a policy against them but I don't know any other companies that do offhand.

Knight did not allow them when i talked to them at MATS, just an fyi

I could definitely understand a company policy regarding inverters that would need to be wired to the battery. I guess I have only ever seen the ones that plug into the 12V cigarette lighter sockets and allow you to plug in your 120v stuff. I am sure they have some kind of max rated capacity you can run your truck.

I could definitely understand a company policy regarding inverters that would need to be wired to the battery. I guess I have only ever seen the ones that plug into the 12V cigarette lighter sockets and allow you to plug in your 120v stuff. I am sure they have some kind of max rated capacity you can run your truck.

anything over 400 watts will blow fuses..... been there done that.