How to Cook in an 18-Wheeler Truck

Life can be hard on the road with no home-cooked meals.

Truck drivers call their 18-wheelers home most of the time. On the road, truckers eat, drink and sleep in their trucks. Cooking a meal in a semi-truck is possible with the right equipment. You can buy reliable equipment from a coffee maker to a portable crock pot to a portable pizza maker, all powered by 12 volt receptacles. There are a few things to keep in mind, including safety, appliance durability, size and convenience.

Things You'll Need

• Groceries
• Cooler
• Sandwich maker
• Grill
• Griddle
• Kitchen utensils

Instructions

1. Shop for pre-packaged groceries that do not require too much effort to cook. Look for fruits, vegetables, cheese and meats that are already in portions. This will save you space in your truck because you won't need to pack knives, cutting boards and storage containers.

2. Install a cooler or refrigerator and stock it full of food. There are 12-volt coolers available for purchase at sites like Road Trucker or in truck stops across the country. Trucks come with many outlets to fit the 12-volt appliances.

3. Make hot sandwiches with a 12-volt sandwich maker. For example, the Power Hunt Sandwich Maker provides grilled sandwiches of your preference in just three minutes. It also comes with a power strip and cable for easier use.

4. Grill meat or burgers with a 12-volt grill. This appliance can cook pork, chicken, beef and vegetables. It is perfect for a well-balanced meal.

5. Buy a griddle to make breakfast. A 12-volt griddle can make pancakes, bacon and eggs. For example, the Power Hunt Griddle offers a one year warranty and comes with a power strip.

Tips & Warnings

• Some coolers double as a food warmer. This may reduce your costs.

• Buy an inverter or 12-volt power strip if you have several appliances.

• Purchase plastic and paper utensils and plates whenever possible to save room.

• Buy collapsible or stackable bowls and utensils to save room.

• Some cooking gear requires a higher-amperage 12-volt receptacle.

• Do not operate cooking gear while driving.

• Avoid open flames, propane and toxic refrigerants.

• Beware of low-quality 12-volt appliances with short 90-day warranties.

• Be careful using a 120-volt household appliance in your truck, whether you use a 12-volt cigarette lighter inverter or a higher quality inverter.

References

• Road Trucker
• Power Hunt
• The Truckers Report: Eating on the Go

Resources

• Road Trucker
• Power Hunt
• Truck-Drivers: Choosing a Portable Crock Pot