Ways To Keep Expenses Down On The Road?

Ok, getting ready to get back into OTR after a long Hiatus So I know many things have changed , Prices on everything in truckstops went way up since I was out on the road before . SO what ways do you use to save money while out on the road . Myself I used to use a cooler, lunchmeats, PB&J and being ex military I had MRE's I kept on hand etc. Also Had Canned meats like Vienna Sausages etc.. Now I wasn't a 3 meal a day person but I did like to get at least one HOT meal a day because it helped me unwind from day on the road and definitely heard some quite "entertaining" conversations during my 1 hot a day .

I used to take 2 weeks worth of clothes out on road with me to try and NOT pay the damn laundromat fees at the truckstops but I found out that once i switched from running van to flatbed work it was pretty hard to keep them from getting really stinky IE getting soaked in rain tarping, mud, grease etc.. So I always ended up spending the damn money for laundromat fees.

Most places let you use points for laundry, but I generally just do mine at home or at a company terminal for free.

I keep a portable freezer and cook 90% of my own meals.

Get a crockpot. You can do cheap meals in that while you drive. Slow cook beans, steam veggies, stews, whatever really.

I use a French press for coffee and make my own in the truck using the hot water spigot at the coffee area in the truck stops (it's free) for water. The press requires no electricity. The press cost me $17 and a can or bag of good coffee (I don't compromise on coffee ) costs me about $8 but lasts me over two weeks. I just use the sugar and creamers at the TS's as well so no money spent there. I use a small electric skillet ($24) which will cook or steam virtually everything from hot dogs to chicken fried rice. I have an inverter which will be needed to run your 110v appliances. If you have an inverter, a dorm sized fridge is a must to preserve food and save on ice for coolers. If not, try to utilize free ice opportunities (at your terminal's drivers lounges, etc.). Ice costs add up quick in a cooler, so the fridge is worth its weight in gold. Water is always free at most truck stops so I just fill up one of those huge fountain cups at every fill-up and overnight stays. Showers are easily accessible and free with your fuel rewards cards. Most truckers never need to pay for showers. Laundry will always be cheaper at home, so pack enough to last you to your next home time. I use dark colored work pants/cargo shorts mostly because of durability and work shirts to allow me to wear them two days in a row ( not the underwear or socks, got to change those daily lol). I am a dry van hauler, but I wouldn't do this if you are flatbed, etc. because you'll never be able to make them work for more than a day.