3 of the Best Sleeper Cab Trucks
Rest on the road is crucial to the job, your health, and safety, no matter how seasoned you may be behind the wheel. In an attempt to make sure that long-haul truckers are alert while driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Drivers have a 14-hour window to drive their 11 hours, but they are required to take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving. Drivers also cannot continue driving after they have reached 60 hours on duty in a seven-day period or 70 hours on duty in an eight-day period. Drivers may restart their seven/eight-day consecutive period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
Considering how important downtime is to truckers, having a great sleeper cab for rest and relaxation on the road is just as important as the quality of the rig itself. Commercial Truck Trader took a look at some of the top selling sleeper semis and what they have to offer as a home away from home for drivers. Here’s what we found.
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Why Are Sleepers Important?
Being able to sleep well is obviously important, especially after hours of driving. Being well-rested is going to help drivers stay alert when it’s time to go back on duty, but a good sleeper cab is also important for a number of different reasons.
- Expenses: Sleeping in a hotel every day/night while on the road adds up and cuts into your overall profit if you are an independent operator. A sleeper cab provides a place to rest and relax, and you also won’t need to put additional miles on your truck searching for a hotel. You can simply pull over at the nearest truck stop or rest stop.
- Safety: Your freight is more secure from theft if you are in the truck with it. Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle that is occupied, especially if there are a number of trucks parked together with fellow drivers staying in them.
- Comfort: Some people have a difficult time sleeping in a strange place, like a hotel. A sleeper cab offers familiarity, so you can sleep more soundly and be more rested.
The Best Sleeper Cabs
The definition of “best” comes from comparing a variety of factors, including the initial investment (how much the truck costs), comfort, amenities, cost of operating and maintaining the truck, and durability. Based on feedback from drivers, here are a few of the top-rated sleeper cab rigs to consider.
- Freightliner Cascadia: In addition to having one of the lowest base prices, the Cascadia provides impressive power and competitive fuel economy. The sleeper area has space for three different kinds of mattresses, from 36” x 80” up to 42” x 80.” The spacious sleeping area also comes equipped with a reclining sleeper seat, refrigerator, microwave, and the ability to add a TV, sound system, and sleeper desk. The high-top interior offers plenty of overhead storage space that can be turned into a second bunk if traveling with another driver.
- Kenworth T680: The T680 is another great option for the money. There are four headroom options, including the 76” high-roof sleeper, the 76” mid-roof sleeper that deducts 100 pounds from the overall vehicle weight, the 52” mid-roof sleeper, and the 40” flat top sleeper. Amenities include the 180-degree swivel passenger seat which can rotate around to a well-lit workspace table. The table can also swivel 90 degrees over the bunk to provide access to drawer space below. The space features a large capacity drawer-type freezer/refrigerator, a dedicated area for a microwave, and plenty of storage space, including a full-size wardrobe for hanging clothes.
- Volvo VNL 860: Volvo’s top model, the VNL 860 offers a 77” long high-roof sleeper that provides plenty of room for comfort. The space features a 42” x 80” reclining lower bunk and your choice of a fixed 36” x 80” or fold-away 37” x 78” upper bunk with telescoping ladder. The refrigerator is one of the largest available and there is space for a small microwave. The control panel in the sleeper area operates lighting, locks, temperature adjustment, and an alarm. There is plenty of space for storage, lots of outlets for electronic devices, and a dinette option that provides an area for meals or a workspace.
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There are plenty of comfortable and spacious sleeper cab options available that we didn’t mention here, so be sure to check out what other manufacturers like International and Peterbilt have to offer as well. When you’re ready to buy your first rig or trade up to something more luxurious, Commercial Truck Trader is one of the largest online markets of new and used trucks. We’re here to help you find exactly what you need to enjoy greater comfort when you’re out on the road for the long run, so visit CommercialTruckTrader.com.
Barrett Baker
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