Tour and look at a truck....

[TxChristianDude]

I would like to get a look at the inside of some of the trucks like at a truck stop or something. My friend tried that and one trucker was not real friendly with him. How should I approach this? I would like to visit a truck stop and talk with some of the drivers. But it would be weird to just walk up to someone I don't know and ask to see the inside of a truck to get a feel of it. I know I would have to strike up a good conversation first.

The truck stop here in Houston on I-45 north is pretty close to me.

How should I handle this situation?

Thanks ya'll.

[JewelsnTools]

I fully understand the funny mix of excitement and curiosity that is behind what, to some, may sound like a strange request. You will be spending the majority of your time--awake and asleep--in one, and you'd like to sort of "try one on for size"!

Without going into a whole bunch of unnecessary detail, let me just say that you'd probably have a better shot at actually getting to climb into and explore one--instead of getting assaulted!--if you went to a local training school and explained to them what you're after. That way, you'll be a lot safer, and it's more than likely that you'd be able to get a few questions answered, too!

Good luck!
Jewels

[Mackman]

Go inside the truck stop and start BSing at the counter and buy a driver a cup of coffee and tell him your thinking about trucking and would like to see the inside of one.

Dont be shocked when you see inside of one that is all gross some drivers dont care and live like pigs.

[Mpneypit]

Maybee you could go to a dealership and look around different trucks.

[Rev.Vassago]

I can see why you're having trouble getting drivers to let you in their trucks. Think of it this way - if you randomly walked up to someone's house and asked if you could go in and look around, they'd probably call the cops on you. Just sayin'.

[Jumbo]

If you use the term "Good Buddy" and throw in a "I am a friend of Dorothy's" someone will let you in their truck. That is the secret code.

[Mr. Ford95]

Or you could go onto the truck manufactuers websites and do some 360 degree virtual look arounds and some post pics of the insides online. Another option is try going onto Truck Paper I think is the name of it, they sell trucks and have lots of pics you can see. Better yet, you want a feel, go into a closet because it can give you the same feel.

[Bigmon]

Originally Posted by Rev.Vassago

I can see why you're having trouble getting drivers to let you in their trucks. Think of it this way - if you randomly walked up to someone's house and asked if you could go in and look around, they'd probably call the cops on you. Just sayin'.

Or they might think you're a cop or a lizard. You could always tell them you're a fan of Steve Booth or Pepe.

[cdswans]

This is all very good advice, especially this . .

Originally Posted by Jumbo

If you use the term "Good Buddy" and throw in a "I am a friend of Dorothy's" someone will let you in their truck. That is the secret code.

If that doesn't work, try a rest area instead and be sure to wear tight, short shorts and a tazmanian devil t shirt. You'll have a much better idea after a few months on the road.

[millersod215]

Go to Used Trucks For Sale at Truck Paper: Freightliner, International Trucks, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack trucks, dump trucks, dump trailers, used trailers for sale., they have plenty of interior pics of all different models, beats the hell out of being weird at a TS, just my opinion.

[Part Time Dweller]

If you really want to get the feel of being an otr driver, just find an 8x6 closet in your house. Put a mattress, microwave, mini fridge, portable tiolet and a small tv in there. Once you do that, spend about 8 hours a day for 3-4 weeks sleeping, eating, crapping and lounging in the closet and you will have the feel of what the big road is like.

[Jumbo]

Originally Posted by Part Time Dweller

If you really want to get the feel of being an otr driver, just find an 8x6 closet in your house. Put a mattress, microwave, mini fridge, portable tiolet and a small tv in there. Once you do that, spend about 8 hours a day for 3-4 weeks sleeping, eating, crapping and lounging in the closet and you will have the feel of what the big road is like.

You forgot to have some commercial company knock on the closet door every now and then at all times of the night. And dont forget to shut of the heat and air in the house. The only way you can heat or cool your closet is to idle, And you must keep the idle time of your closet within such and such of a percentage.

[Justruckin]

Originally Posted by Part Time Dweller

If you really want to get the feel of being an otr driver, just find an 8x6 closet in your house. Put a mattress, microwave, mini fridge, portable tiolet and a small tv in there. Once you do that, spend about 8 hours a day for 3-4 weeks sleeping, eating, crapping and lounging in the closet and you will have the feel of what the big road is like.

You took the words right out of my mouth!

And I do not miss it one bit!

[Orangetxguy]

I dunno man. I have a very low opinion of anyone whom uses their cab for an outhouse.

Really.....he would need to go to the side of the house, and squat between the trailers.

[RootHB]

Some personal notes:
* It varies with the individual driver, but the vast majority do consider their cab (and especially the bunk) pretty private territory.. Expect strangers, especially young ones, to be met with some healthy suspicion. We get to see a lot o Wack Jobs out here - and it gets easy to develop an attitude about a lot o things.
* I, myself, stick with Truckpaper.com to view interiors, specs, of other makes of truck. Too handy.. Truck dealerships are usually grouped pretty close together up and down a given boulevard - I go into the Parts Counter, browse around, buy a pair o gloves or some other little item I need anyway, and ask the parts guys if they got any used trucks out on the lot. You buy stuff/ you're at least partially considered Legit.. Then ask'em if you can have a look out there..
* The Truck Driving Schools, especially the Community College programs, may even be eager to "show you around" their truck lot... Make notes.. I did, and wound up with an inexpensive PTDI cert with my ClassA.
* Never squat in your truck. Unless it's a screaming emergency and there is such a thing......
* Somebody say, "closet"? If you're even a lil claustrophobic.. it's gonna be difficult. I got a 72" standup Cornbinder - and I live in it. But that's me..
* Start Now: Wean yourself off the Spicey Foods! We make most of our own problems.....

[Hawkjr]

If someone ever came to my truck and ask me to look around i would seriously die laughing!!!

[allan5oh]

A dealership or truck show would be best. Or check out your local trucker recruiting office.

[Old Salt_19]

TCD,

Hers's a thought, try attending a "Truck Driving Job Fair."

I'm not certain what these job fairs are like in the Houston area, but up here in the
Minneapolis / St. Paul area the companies attending these job fairs will set up tractors
for display.

They usually bring in driver/recruiters for this purpose.

The tractors I first toured were actual driver occupied vehicles, the drivers cleaned em
up, personal belongings neatly stored, drivers even had neatly laundered clothing
hanging in the closet areas, tractors were run through the truck wash. (Gosh, seeing
all those pretty, clean trucks just makes your heart melt, and ya wanna sign right up).

Anyway, I've seen both local companies and the big "Mega" carriers represented at these
job fairs. It's worth a shot.

[607]

Recently I was able to go to the Tulsa State Fair, thanks to a goofed up dispatch, and there was a trucking company there doing recruiting. They brought one of their trucks for fair goers to check out. It was not as good (IMHO) as the truck I drive. I thought we were driving "low budget" trucks . . . Wow!

At least it will be a good excuse to go to the fair.
Dan

[ronjon619]

Originally Posted by Mpneypit

Maybee you could go to a dealership and look around different trucks.

and we have a winner......great idea