Truck cab comfort. Driving long distances can be uncomfortable, especially if you aren’t used to it. However, there are many things you can do to improve the comfort in your truck to make long drives relaxing and enjoyable. Use the tips below to ensure your long-haul drives don’t leave you in pain.
Keep Your Pockets Empty
Driving for long distances requires a lot of sitting, so you want to make sure you are comfortable. Make sure to remove your wallet, phone, house keys, spare change, and anything else from your pockets, especially your back pockets, and put them into the center console or glovebox. This will ensure that your hips are at the correct ergonomic angle to support your back effectively during the drive.
Adjust Your Seat and Steering Wheel
Make sure that your seat and steering wheel are in the correct position for your height and comfort. Your seat height should ensure that your hips are at least in line with your knees, if not higher. Whereas the recline of your seat should ensure that you are not pulling yourself off the seat back to see while driving or parking. You should be able to easily reach the pedals and have a small bend in your knees, this will help to avoid joint pain throughout the drive.
Finally, the steering wheel should be positioned so that when seated with your shoulders pressed into the seat, your wrists bend over the top of the steering wheel. This ensures that while driving, you have a slight bend in your elbows. You should also be able to see all of the elements on your dashboard clearly.
Keep it Clean
Having a clean workspace is crucial, and for long-haul drivers, that means your truck cab. Make sure to remove any rubbish from the vehicle after each trip and vacuum regularly. Consider wiping down the surface regularly to remove dirt and grime buildup. Throughout the journey, make sure to empty your trash at each stop.
Set the Temperature
Having a suitable temperature inside your truck cab is essential for your comfort during a long drive. However, the external temperature and conditions will affect the inside of your vehicle. Make sure you understand the cooling and heating options within your truck to maximize their use. During the summer months, you may want to consider using window shades and sun visors to help minimize heat absorption in conjunction with the air conditioning system. However, in winter, wearing additional layers can help you to stay warm without relying too much on the heating system.
Take Regular Breaks
Stopping regularly throughout your long-haul trip will help you to maintain both mental and physical health. Not only do these regular breaks encourage you to stretch and move, but they also help you clear your mind. After all, driving requires a lot of mental focus, more than you even realize. Make the time to stop for 15-20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to allow for this physical and mental break. You may even want to consider stopping more often after a complex section of driving. These breaks are also a great opportunity for you to see parts of the country you might not have considered stopping in before.
Have Snacks and Drink Options On Hand
Staying hydrated is crucial as is fueling your body. Create a snack box for your truck cab that contains a range of healthy, protein and nutrient-dense options. This could include beef jerky, dried fruit, granola bars, and nuts. Try to keep it limited to items that are shelf stable and easy to eat. You should also consider investing in thermal-lined drink bottles and coffee cups. This will allow you to keep a supply of cold water in the truck and to keep beverages hot as well. Try to limit the amount of sugar you consume while on the road since you are sedentary for long periods of time.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Finally, wearing something comfortable will make the drive much more pleasant. Opt for loose-fitting pants, a comfortable shirt, and breathable but supportive footwear. Remember, you can always keep a change of clothes in the truck if you want to dress differently for dinner or any other reason.
Driving long distances is always going to be a challenge, but with the tips above you can ensure you stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the journey.
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