What is a sleeper truck?
What does the word "sleeper" in combination with the word "truck" mean?
Over the road, long-haul truck drivers know best what sleeper trucks are because they make their lives much easier.
What is a sleeper truck?
A sleeper truck is a tractor unit that has an extended cabin that has attached sleeping compartment behind the driver's cabin.
These types of trucks are used by long-haul truck drivers that deliver loads that they can't deliver in one working shift and, by law, they are forced to take a 10-hour sleeping period.
Unlike other vehicles, sleeper cabs are duty-heavy trucks that have to be handled by licensed expert truck drivers. They are responsible for the safe operation of commercial vehicles that transport the products that we use every day.
Sleepers also enabled team drivers to be on the road for several days or weeks at a time. They use the formula of one driver driving while the other one is sleeping. In this way, team drivers keep the truck moving continuously.
Do all trucks have sleepers?
Not all trucks have sleeper cabins.
Heavy-duty trucks were created with the sole purpose of hauling heavy loads across long distances even though all the trucks at that time were day trucks.
Because a day cab has no sleeper cab, truck drivers were forced to lodge in hotels or sleep in their trucks on upright seats.
When the first tractor trailer sleeper cabins were installed, that change allowed drivers to spend months on the road.
Today, we have day cabs vs sleeper cabs. Which one you choose depends on your hauling needs and, of course, on your budget.
How much does a sleeper truck cost?
A used sleeper truck may cost between $40,000 and $250,000. A new custom-made sleeper cabin may cost between $200,000 and $300,000.
Sleeper trucks are expensive but you have to remember that sleeper trucks are there to bring in more money in the long run.
Generally, the more you spend on your sleeper the higher the quality of your super sleeper semi cab will be.
If you get basic features in your truck, it'll cost you cheaper than if you'd order a custom-made luxury miniature home on wheels.
Basic sleeper cabs
The high-end tractor units come with plenty of storage for personal items, blackout curtains, and climate control. The only important thing that they lack is the bathroom facilities.
- Sleeper berth area: This area is where drivers sleep. Most sleeper trucks have a twin bed that pulls down from the wall.
- A thick curtain usually divides the sleeping area from the cab of the truck to keep out light.
- Storage compartments: Because storage is limited in a truck, a truck sleeper cab has a few storage areas where truckers can keep clothes, food, utensils, toiletries, and other personal items.
The features listed above are the most common amenities featured in a sleeper truck with basic features.
Custom made luxury sleeper cabs
Custom sleepers are those designed to match the sleeper inside layout specifications of their owners. Because of that, they tend to be much more costly than ordinary sleepers.
Most custom-made sleeper made sleepers tend to have:
- bigger bunks
- a kitchen
- a bathroom
- a fridge
- a microwave
- a TV
- gaming console
- electricity
- AC and heating
- and so on.
Technically, custom made sleepers have more features the basic sleepers with a bunk and storage places.
Custom sleeper cabs are designed to help drivers to feel comfortable while being in their sleeping or resting period.
Owning a sleeper truck allows you to park whenever you want and take a nap, cook, or eat.
