money question...how much do YOU spend?
#21
If you eat in truck stops you can count on spending about $10-12/per meal. Some drivers will get along on as little as $50/week by eating out of the truck. I prefer to eat breakfast and one other meal in the truck. When my wife isn't with me I will usually eat cereal for breakfast and possibly a sandwich for either lunch or dinner. I usually eat at least one meal out of the truck per day. I try to eat vegetables once per day. Everyone has their own way of eating on the road. If you plan on eating all of your meals out of the truck then I would expect to spend about what you do on groceries at home. There may be some extras you may want to keep in the truck, but that should give you an idea. You need to try to eat healthy when you eat out of the truck. Stay away from the snack foods, such as potato chips or those things high in carbohydrates. All they do is make you fat. If you want some snacks try some cut up vegetables or nuts. You really need to watch your diet.
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 70
Not that I didnt want O/O comments, just that "money per week" would also mean fuel, repairs, etc. You answered exactly how I wanted you to.
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#23
Originally Posted by GMAN
If you eat in truck stops you can count on spending about $10-12/per meal. Some drivers will get along on as little as $50/week by eating out of the truck.
#24
Board Regular
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: I94 Exit 69
Posts: 358
Re: money question...how much do YOU spend?
The key variable is if a truck stop sells beer, or if you must go to a nearby bar. One night at a bar will cost more than a weeks worth of buying six-packs.
Originally Posted by truckingtiger
Just wondering how much you guys, on average, spend weekly. This is for company drivers, not so much for owner operators because you O/O's will spend a LOT more. Im trying to see what I will be able to save while Im on the road.
Ill eat in the truck mostly (if I GET to a truck...lol. That's a different story). Maybe will eat out once or twice per week. Will stock up on drinks/snacks at wal-mart/Sam's club before I hit the road (a months supply becasue I dont wanna come home much). So, knowing the above...how much do you guys spend on stocking the truck, eating out, drinks/snacks, etc. per week?
#26
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: pod# 110 -Shared with a high risk in a red jumper.
Posts: 2,240
Originally Posted by Orangetxguy
Originally Posted by BIG JEEP on 44's
Originally Posted by Karnajj
Originally Posted by Rev.Vassago
Originally Posted by Uturn2001
When I was on the road I budgeted about $20 per day for food and drink. I'd have to try hard to eat $20 worth of food and drink per day. Just a safety reminder, if you use propane, butane, sterno or whitegas make sure you do it in a well ventilated area. Many a driver has killed himself not paying attention to that little detail. i always do my cooking outside the truck usuually when lifting weights ,and i cook enough for a day or 2 which is why i had two 40 qrt coolers . when i ate out of truck stops i always felt guilty ,as my protein intake was at best only between 50-100 grams so out of my 3500-4000 calorie intake that was only 200-400 calories and the rest from prcoessed sugars and saturated fats ,which does nothing for long term heath ,and does not supply the nutrition for good recovery between work outs . I'm a big guy. I feel bad when I consume 2500 calories. I'm an O/O..and the Op didn't really want our imput, but....I spend $5.45 a week for bottled water(16.9 oz), 1 case from walmart. I spend about $45.00 per week stocking canned fruit, crackers, tuna, cold cuts, cheese and fresh fruit. I usually get a 6 pack of bottled (16.9 oz)diet coke ($2.50)and 2 liters of gatorade($2.89 each) as well. Some times I buy a package of bagels and some cream cheese. I also eat 3 times a week in the truckstop..usually about $14.00 per meal, including the tip. So I spend right at $110 per week for food. Is that bad for 7 days of living? Doubtfull .
#27
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 183
We spend about $150 in 2 weeks (for a team). We stock up on a bunch of microwavable soup, noodles, kippered snacks, crackers, tuna and all kinds of other stuff that doesn't need refrigeration. We do have a 1500W inverter for the microwave and vacuum cleaner we got on the truck. Then we eat once a week in a truck stop (usually Flying J or Petro). You can also keep fresh fruit for a couple of days and sodas/water. I don't drink coffee while out on the road as I don't want to get stuck on the toilet for hours (which also means I have a wholesale supply of Immodium on the truck :lol: ). We both have IBS so truckstop food and fast food don't go well with us and we want to drive; not get stuck in toilets all over the country! :roll: :wink:
#28
Board Regular
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Southern Ontario Canada
Posts: 280
i spent about 20 per day when i was out i think, my truck was so tiny i had no room for anything, all i had was a little cooler for water, and thats about all, ate breakfast out usually, and then ate out again for supper.
I really liked to go to subways, and usually always got water to drink in resteraunts for free. i dunno why everyone thinks long hauling is such a money maker, i didn't make anymore money long haul than i did local, so know i am back local.
#29
if you pick up road kill and cook it on your radiator, you can eat virtually for free.
if you dont feel like cooking, you can eat here http://www.road-kill-cafe.com/roadkill.html
#30
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Auburn, CA
Posts: 763
I feasted on Subways everyday... I did the whole arbys diet for a whole two days before I got sick of it and I can't even go into a loves or pilot with out feeling sick...blah
I would get a energy drink in the morning and a coffee and be fine until night time when I would eat a sandwhich from subway or make one myself. Walmarts are great for stopping at as long as they allow trucks.
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