Wife to ride along with hubby otr

by Mary
(St. Louis, MO)

My husband has just started to drive otr. He is still in training with a mentor and seems to really like it but misses me, which is very sweet.

We decided I would ride along for the first year and then we will see how it goes.

My questions is to the ladies who have ridden with their husbands otr.

What is it like? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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Jul 01, 2015
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i enjoy riding along
by: Donna

my hubby started driving otr for a new company, when he 1st started they assured him, he could take me along whenever he wanted to. Not even a year later, they put a letter in his mailbox stating, effective immediately, no riders. I really miss riding along.

Yes, there are some sacrifices but I personally think the benefits outweighed the sacrifices. I love the different scenery, meeting new people when we'd stop, just seeing the various beauty each state has & the sense of adventure, made it all worthwhile.

I realize inflexible people and those that lack spontaneity wouldn't understand what I'm talking about. I miss the commaradi & freedom of being on the road. Enjoy the ride, it may end before you'd like it too

Jul 01, 2015
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young and traveling with pets
by: BDJ

My husband and I are young and he will be new to trucking for a friend of his this fall. With a history of Cancer, and a strong urge to see this beautiful country, I am strongly considering to travel with him for a few months, before I find a place to call home with him, and to start a career.

We are 25, have 2 cats and a small dog. Not many people understand, but I feel in my heart it's something I'd love to do. The only thing that breaks my heart is the thought of our animals being unhappy driving in this truck. I baby them, of course. They are our life.

Is trucking with animals hard? I feel like it's unfair to them, does it affect their health? That is my biggest concern. Any feedback about pets would be wonderful.

Thanks all!

Aug 12, 2014
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I understand
by: Anonymous

This is the exact reason why I dont ride along. I need to own my own bank account pay my own outside of regular bills on my own, and I have done this all my life. My trucker guy understands and doesn't have a problem with it because he isn't trying to change anything about the way I feel.

Once we have become accustom to a way of life it isn't about changing it, it's about doing whats comfortable for us. If you are uncomfortable about the current situation and do nothing but bottle it up things will eventually go wrong, and things might happen you regret later.

If this lifestyle is not for you why try forcing it for the sake of one person it's about the both of you.

Aug 12, 2014
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Quit job to be with husband
by: Anonymous

I am 47 years old and my two children are grown and both in the military. I have been married to my 2nd husband for two years, he drives otr and asked me to come with him permanently.

I quit my job and two weeks ago I joined him on his truck. I have no complaints about anything and my husband does everything possible to make me comfortable and provide me with anything I need or want.

I am however struggling with the fact that I am not contributing to our income. I didn't think I would have an issue with this but I do. I have worked my entire life and always felt that a person should be able to make it on their own and to never be defendant on someone else. My husband is loving and says we are a team and it doesn't matter who makes the money and that he wants to take care of me and for us to be together. I honestly don't know how to get past the feeling of being a loser if I'm not working. I guess i don't know how to not work since I've never been in that position. I could really use some advice!! Thanks :-)

May 20, 2014
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wife ride along
by: Annika

Riding along with my mister has been the greatest experience ever! We both have gypsy souls and love exploring, so it is neat to share. And while we couldn't go and just take paths to walk; sharing new towns, seeing different ways people live in certain areas, seeing the skies change, the scenery change.... its perfect to share alongside someone.

Just be okay with living in small quarters, and believe in team work, and you will enjoy the ride! Happiest and safest travels to you ma'am, don't let this moment pass you by.

May 20, 2014
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Jan 27, 2014
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???
by: Anonymous

this sounds inhumane the way you are treating yourself "piece of your mind" why would you go on like this??

I am so glad my trucker hubby has a consistent run and I have never had to suffer like this!! He is well organized and I shower every day as does he??

yes have been stranded at a late load pick up or drop off....but we drop the trailer and go get a hotel until its ready....

23 years on road and not crazy yet!!

just saying.....

Jan 26, 2014
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I've ridden along OTR, my of things to pack
by: Anonymous

My hubby had driven OTR for awhile before I rode along, both companies he drove for allowed me to ride along at no charge I just had to sign an insurance waiver. Here are a list of things I wouldn't go ride along without:

1-my little 4 cup coffee pot, I love coffee but hubby wouldn't stop just for me to buy a cup because it takes too long & most truck stops are pretty full certain times of day.

2-my total chef cooker-chances are you'll get held up in a parking lot waiting to get loaded/unloaded, I've already sat 34hrs past appt time. This little cooker is takes 400 watts & will cook just about anything you'd want.

3-pantry food, coffee & filters

4-a 5 gal bucket w/toilet seat lid, put a strong trash bag in just like in a trash can then put toilet seat lid on, pour in extreme fresh step cat litter, take extra litter & bags along. My hubby won't/can't stop enough for pee breaks

5-my kindle fire, I load up my kindle with tv shows, movies & books, it's good to have a mental getaway even if you can't actually get away

6-baby wipes, clorox wipes, you'll be very limited on water so wipes is your only way to wash your face & other things

7-make sure to bring chargers for cell, kindle or any electronic

8-water to make coffee, drink & brush your teeth. I spit in my "pee bucket" after brushing my teeth.
If you find my list to be a big turn off you're probably not gonna be very happy in the truck.
My hubby will do anything he can to get me to ride along & is just thankful for my company so I try to be pleasant & positive. I hope my list is helpful & you have an enjoyable ride :)

Aug 19, 2012
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A piece of my mind and not up for ridicule!!
by: Anonymous

How can anyone have fun while driving in a truck 24/7?? It is work all the time how is that fun??
How is it fun when you drive for weeks on end and do little exercise?? How can anyone one have fun being cramped in such a little space days on end??

Only prisoners are able to adjust to this and end up with mental illness after years in prison. This is not a healthy way to live. Only lazy people can adjust to this type of lifestyle. Couch potatoes, hermits, recluses, introverts, are another type of person who can adjust to this lifestyle and these are individuals who have something to do with mental and social disabilities.

So leave the trucking to those who are fit for it and if you are not cut out to be anyone one of the above people then stay at home where it is healthier. Then you can learn some techniques on how to calm down the fitful, angry, stubborn self-centered, gambling, selfish, inconsiderate, lazy, sometimes unbearable, violent/outburst/psychotic individual that they eventually turn out to be truck driver.

Yes a person must be cut out for this job and why take yourself down with it?

Very few professional trucker drivers make it out there, the wise one leaves.

Yes for a person to make it in the truck life they must be well grounded to not go insane.

Which are few than more. With that said, God Bless all trucker drivers, you are brave for taking on such a big responsibility but please don't kill your mind or self over it, just know when to pull out and live a simple life before you explode as I have watch many truck drivers do throughout the last 23 years.

Aug 19, 2012
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Ride Along In Truck
by: Lindsey

I have been riding along with my hubby for almost a year. I'm not going to lie, you live in a small space and you will have your arguments and pet peeves that you will not like. So, communication is a must. You must listen to each other and set some rules.

I cook, clean, do laundry, we have animals that ride with us, so I take care of them. I do some of the paperwork. There is also the upside, you dont have to worry while he is away, you can bond closer in a tight knit area. You find out alot about each other in that small little space. I love seeing the world, you get to see so many different things, its cool.

When were in places and have time, we like to get out of the truck and go see things. We have been to Vegas three times this year. We love going to movies and eating out on date night, date night is a must for us, its gets us out of the truck and we share an intimate moment with just us eachother and no work!

I hope it works for yall! Safe travels!

Aug 05, 2012
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Life With Hubby to go or stay
by: Laura

I rode with my husband for over a year. I loved it. East Coast and what little of the west I saw. What I hated was having to practically do everything for him. I had had enough and decided to leave the truck.

Now, I am going back to help him again but this time I have told him what I expect and what he expects from me. I will cook, clean, do the laundry, and help him navigate. I have learned to read a map and other things.

What I would do is this ride with him for a month, then plan out what you like and hate about it. Don't sugar coat anything. And also what you can deal with. If you find out you completely hate it just ask to go home to stay. Its not a lifestyle for everyone. I love it but I did not like my first go at it now that we have put some rules into effect I am ready to tackle it again.

Aug 05, 2012
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a bit of advice
by: Anonymous

A bit of advice for you:
If your husband is the rude type, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go with him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warning!!!!!

My husband is an OTR truck driver and I've been with him 3 times and I don't know if I'll ever go with him again. My husband has threatened to drop me off off the truck hundreds of miles away from home.

If you and your husband fight a lot, DON'T go with him. Being cooped up in a big rig and fighting is a bomb of a combination!!!

There are parts of going on the truck with my husband I've liked. The adventure is great. Seeing different parts of the country is great. Of course not being alone at home is the best. Going on the truck is sort of like a vacation. No house work. No dishes, etc.

But if your husband is mean and rude, never go with him. He will be rude and mean X 1000 in the truck with you.
Yeah, I don't have the greatest husband, unfortunately.

Wish to God a lot of times I'd never married him.
Didn't know him too well when I married him, BIG mistake on my part! If I would've known some of the things I know now about him, you wouldn't have caught me dead walking down no aisle to say I do!! Nope.

Just evaluate ya'lls relationship. If you have a nice husband who has manners, then go for it.

Aug 04, 2012
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Some other experiances
by: Anonymous

I noticed no one mentioned any bad that can come along with the territory. Here are some.

No privacy for your own me time.
No hot baths
Showers at the truck stops!! eeeewwuuuu
No beauty parlors for nails and hair (No time for it)
Claustrophobia (or cabin fever)

How many times do we women pee??? They get upset if they have to pull over all the time.

If you don't drink enough water because you don't want to bother him to pull over so you can pee, your face will wrinkle soooo much faster and your supple skin will deteriorate to feel like a mans!!eeewwwuuu and........

Your bladder will have problems later on in life from having to hold it so long!!

Feel dirty all the time because of all the dust that flys in the windows. The truck has to stay running 24/7 if you want to keep a cool in the cab or have a fridge!

Hair becomes course, brittle, not soft anymore.
Not to mention feeling like you must sleep all the time from boredom, your body needs to move not sit or lay down all the time.

Haven't you notice older truck drivers with the stomach protruding?? due to lack of exercise and no time to get any in!!!

Aug 04, 2012
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New Too
by: Jim Walker

Hello Mary,

I am just getting into training. My wife and I launched into me driving. with the plan of this being a project for the two of us for a few years. She does not want to drive. She wants to support me, as she has when we have driven thousands of miles on our own.

She shops for groceries and we do not eat fast food. We spend less time sitting to eat and more time rolling. We eat lots of fruit and vegetables and little salt and fat. She navigates. Our obedience-trained dog provides security and makes sure that I get out and get some exercise on a regular basis.

We know that some things will not work out just the way we envision them. On the other hand, I am aiming for a company that has a rider and pet program.

A lady at a driving school was telling us how one of her graduates has done very well because of his optimistic attitude. He makes the best of what comes along. He accepts that everything is exactly the way it should be. Then he goes with the flow.

Good luck in your travels. Just give them a purpose.

Aug 04, 2012
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Lots to learn n get used to
by: Anonymous

Your husband will be learning a lot. So be patient and be a good second eye for him. He will have to be open to your input since it is your safety and well being as well. Don't hesitate to. Bring along your slow cooker and microwave to make pleasant meals for you both and save money. Baby wipes come in handy for everything.

From spills to grease on hands. Be a good map reader with him and always second guess thd gps. I am glad I drove for many years before they were invented. Made me aware of potential wrong routes. Look for fun things to do when you have the time. I feel you need to do this up get out of truck. If is a small space. shower separately sometimes to have some spacx as well. A few private minutes makes a big dif. Help him any you can.....it's a big change and responsibility. Trucking is more than meets the eye.

Good luck and have fun!!!!

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