DAYCAB BED:

[Lewis friend]

Alright i couldn't take it no more so i decided to make my own bed for use in a daycab:



Another view:


Notice how the bed follows the contour of the dash and the truck's other features; This is a Freightliner Columbia daycab model.



What i did was i took a big piece of carboard and traced what would fit taking into consideration the truck's dash and other features especially the gearshifter. I wanted maximum surface area for maximum comfort. I got a 4'X8' wood sheet from Home Depot for about $22.50. The thickness of the wood is about 1/2".

I then cut the carboard shape out making a template. I traced the shape of the template onto the wood. Using a jigsaw i cut the shape out of the wood. The rounded edges as opposed to sharp (right angle) edges not only give the bed a nice touch but make the bed easier to handle.

I also traced the template shape to a memory foam mattress topper which i got a Kohl's for about $60.

I then used 3M "super 77" adhesive which is perfect for foam. I mated the foam to the wood. I then i had my bed.

NOTES:

1) This is still not real comfortable but it beats sleeping on the floor which i've done countless times. And it beats sleeping slumped over the steering wheel which, really, is not good sleep.

2) This foam is actually not enough in my opinion; This foam is about 1 and 1/2 inches thick. It would be nice to have more. Say at least 4 inches. But this is a good for a start.

3) I understand about the whole logging thing. This post isn't about that. It's about doing what you have to do to survive current working conditions.

4) I'm not advocating this. I'm not nessesarily encouraging you to do this. And i'm not saying i'm happy about this. This is something i felt i had to do to given the circumstances.

5) if you drive doubles at night or any other nightime driving job with a daycab, you may want to consider something like this. You will sleep better.

NIGHTIME DAYCAB JOBS:

It's really a numbers game-----How long/how many more hours can you stay awake? How much more of the assignments can you take from the dispatchers? How quickly can you get done so you can get to bed----in your own bed, not in the truck.
It's really a race against time every night.

[Mackman]

Looks kinda nice. Wish i had that when i plowed snow and was in a truck for 36 hrs. :shock:

[Lewis friend]

Yes, thank you. It does look a bit like an aircraft carrier, but i wanted maximum stretch out space. I don't like to sleep on my back anymore; I like to sleep on my sides and/or stomach. Plus the dashboard of a columbia is anything but simple and straight as you can see.

This "bed" allows me to stretch out completely from head to foot. There is just enough room in the cab for the top of my head to touch on armrest and my feet to touch the other armrest. Being able to stretch completely out really helps you get better rest, i feel. Sleeping all cramped up in a fetal position really sucks; I know--- i've had to do this on the floor many times before i finally decided to "make my bed" so to speak.

As far as sleeping slumped over the wheel----forget it. You're really screwing yourself long-term. If you think the job is really that important you need to think again.
Every now and then ok. But night after night you're going to mess your health up.

CONCLUSIONS:

There are reasons, good reasons, why DOT regs will not let you log off duty anytime you are in a daycab.

This bed is not a cure all to your sleep problems. It is merely, i feel, the best chance for restfull sleep given the circumstances. The circumstances being: You need this job until you can find another one. and 2) You get sleepy 200 miles away from home and this beats sleeping over the steering wheel.