Having a "7-Eleven Attitude" can cost you big $$$$

[Capt._Chaos]

While on the road, it doesn't take long to see how expensive it can be to live out there.

One can lessen those expenses by buying as much of their food, water, drinks, personal hygeine items, and most anything else they need in a grocery store about once a week.

Identical items often cost 3 times as much in a truck stop as they would in a Wal-Mart or most any other grocery store.

Most grocery stores (and some Wal-Marts) don't have a problem with trucks parking there just long enough to shop, provided that you're parked out of the way and don't throw trash in their parking lots. It helps to go ask a Manager on duty if it's OK to park there, and politely make it clear to him/her that you will be there just long enough to shop.

[daytrader]

I think one of the BEST investments one can make in OTR driving is a good electric cooler and a Burton Stove (Lunch box stove).

My biggest savings is bring my own drink... It might be a pain to store, but the savings is well worth while.

Soda (2 liter) sam cola taste as good as any other and at .50 each... I'm sure you get the point. A 16oz coke at a T/S will cost ya $1.30 +/-
Gator aid or power aid, any type of sports drink, I buy by the dozen when they are on sale like .75 each... T/S $1.50 each

Coffee and teas... hot water is free carry your own tea bags or Folgers singles (good coffee).

Point is... You don't realize how much $$$ you spend on beverage through out the week, but I assure you... you would be surprised how much.

[daytrader]

Nothing like a few extra gollons of 60 cent water to have on board.

You never know when you will need it. Cooking maybe, hot 100 degree days to whip down. You bet.

A little Dawn dish soap gose a long way as well. I still use it in my washer tank.

[White Dog]

I keep gallons of water in my truck that I have filled at home (sand point well...best water ever).
TNdriver is right; beverage on the road can be your highest cost----we may only eat 2 or 3 times a day, but we drink constantly.
However I admit that I require one pop per day (love pop), and 9 times out of 10 I'll get a 69 or 79 cent can.

I'll admit that I spend way to much for food on the road (more of a habit, than a neccesatiy), and need to practice a little more self control.

I've tried the bologna, bread, and squeezable Miracle Whip diet, only to end up eating more.
I'd start the day out with a couple of sandwiches, but find myself stoping for truckstop food anyway----just doubled my consumption (and waist band).

Self control is a big issue on the "eating on the road" thing. It's way to easy to pick up that bag of chips right next to the register and put it on your dash. Adds up quick, both on your wallet and your waist.

[White Dog]

A little Dawn dish soap gose a long way as well. I still use it in my washer tank.
Don't forget newbies------Dawn dish soap will not keep your tank from freezing when used with water for your wiper wash.

[daytrader]

That is wy you buy the 2 for 1 buck alcohal at the wal mart. Dose a great job on the mirrors in winter time with that heavy salt and meg mix they put down.

I also put a bit in the washer tank. I have had no problems, but heard it could cause problems. Never had it happen with many years of use.

The worst I haev been told that it will dry out the wipper blades.