Without trucks hauling goods across the country, the economy would probably collapse. Speaking of collapsing, truck drivers spend an average of 4 to 6 weeks on the road and can have driving shifts that last up to 11 hours.
After that much driving, a driver will definitely want to collapse into a comfy bed. But hotels get expensive, and nobody is going to couch surf for a month. Of course, not every drive is that long; some deliveries are over and done within a couple of hours. That’s why day cabs and sleeper cabs exist — to cater to the needs of all truck drivers.
What Is a Day Cab Truck?
A day cab isn’t intended to be sleeping quarters. There is just one compartment for the driver, and it’s intended for driving — just seats and controls.
Day cab trucks will make runs within a single day in a limited range. In fact, regulations exist that prevent drivers from sleeping in day cab trucks on extended runs. In the rare case that a day cab truck driver needs to get some sleep, their company will generally arrange for a night’s stay at a motel.
While there are federal limits for trailers and semitrailer lengths, there is no federal limit on overall length with the truck tractor included.
In Europe, a semi-trailer truck must be 18.75 meters long, which is why cab-over designs are so common, but American restrictions were lifted in 1986. This lifting has resulted in day cab trucks in America becoming reasonably spacious and luxurious compared to their European and pre-1986 counterparts.
What Is a Sleeper Cab?
A sleeper cab truck contains a compartment that acts as sleeping quarters or a resting area. The compartment may or may not be accessible from the main cab of the truck.
While early truck sleeper cab designs were very basic, modern sleeper cabs can be quite plush and luxurious. Keep in mind that increased maintenance and repair costs come with increased amenities and features. Engineers know that the more complex something is, the more ways it can break.
As for the amenities that a sleeper cab may feature, the first, most obvious amenity would be a bed. Long gone is the uncomfortable bench of years past — sleeper cabs can contain highly comfortable mattresses. They may also have microwaves, fridges, televisions, and even restrooms with toilets and showers!
Comparing Sleeper Cabs and Day Cabs
When choosing a day cab vs. sleeper cab truck, an owner must first determine whether the sleeper cab is necessary. Is a sleeper cab worth the extra cost? If your drivers don’t need to go long distances, is a day cab worth it? Companies must get the trucks they need so they don’t overspend or get an inadequate vehicle for their requirements.
One comparison point it’s important to mention is that day cab trucks may or may not have a rear window. This feature aids visibility and makes driving easier. Sleeper cabs seldom have a rear window, which means that drivers are fully reliant on mirrors and cameras.
Fuel Cost
As you may imagine, sleeper cab trucks are significantly larger and heavier than day cabs. Extra fuel will be required to push them through the oncoming air and keep them at speed.
They also use more energy to drive accessories, such as lighting, air conditioning, and cooking appliances. Even using solar panels to drive the creature comforts can’t negate the fact that there’s just more truck for the engine to haul around.
Winner: Day Cab
Convenience
When speaking of comfort, sleeper vs. day cab is no contest. Having the option of heading into the sleeping quarters for a nap or a full night’s rest is incredibly convenient.
Day cab trucks are convenient in that they are more efficient, quicker, and easier to drive. They exist for the convenience of drivers who don’t want to be away from their families for weeks at a time. However, the deciding factor is that it’s hard to beat the convenience of a built-in bed, microwave, and TV.
Winner: Sleeper Cab
Distance
For short jaunts, a day cab is ideal. They get better fuel mileage, and since they don’t have to carry as much of their own weight, they can haul more cargo, too. But if it’s a long, multi-day haul, any driver would be thrilled to have sleeping quarters available at all times. If you want a truck to go the distance, you want a sleeper cab.
Winner: Sleeper Cab
Truck Size
Day cab trucks are smaller by nature. They fit into spaces more easily, are simpler to maneuver, and have better visibility. Sleeper cab trucks are larger, longer, and generally tougher to get into the same spaces.
Winner: Day Cab
Environmental Concerns
Because sleeper cabs may have to keep their engines running to power interior amenities, they are responsible for creating more pollutants. Combined with their inherently lower efficiency compared to day cabs, they are definitely less ecologically friendly.
However, the aforementioned solar-powered systems for interior HVAC systems and device charging are becoming more common, which not only reduces fuel consumption but cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Winner: Day Cab
Which Is Right For You, Day Cab or Sleeper Cab?
The biggest determining factor in deciding between day cab trucks and sleeper cab trucks is how far you need to go to deliver goods. Both designs are excellent at their respective roles, and that’s why they both exist.
A day cab truck would be a poor place to spend time for a cross-country trek, and a sleeper cab truck would be overkill for local deliveries. Many trucking operations employ both to cover their bases.
From the perspective of the driver, they get paid more for long-haul drives or over-the-road (OTR) drives, so a sleeper cab is essential! Just be prepared for extra fuel and maintenance costs.
Still, it’s better than sleeping upright in the driver’s seat, which isn’t legal anyway. Owner-operators who have to buy their own truck may have to pay more out of pocket for a sleeper cab, but the extra comfort can be worth it.
FAQ
Yes, thanks to day cab trucks’ smaller size and weight, they are more maneuverable and have a better power-to-weight ratio.
Regulations forbid drivers from sleeping in day cab trucks on extended trips. Companies generally arrange for motel stays in these instances.
When they were first introduced, sleeper cabs were little more than benches behind the front seats. Now, they rival RVs for comfort and amenities.
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