Sleeper vs Day Cab Truck
Using the right truck makes a world of difference. It can help increase work output, decrease operator fatigue, and improve the overall work experience. But knowing the right truck for your needs can be a challenge. The following buyer's guide can help you make a decision between two common options: a sleeper truck and a day cab truck. If you have any questions or want to shop sleeper and day cab trucks for sale, visit California Truck Centers. Our dealership is based in California.
About Sleeper Trucks
Sleeper trucks offer a unique advantage: the ability to enjoy a good night's sleep inside the vehicle. These models contain a separate area in the truck's cabin, which is specifically designed for sleeping and resting.
This extra feature came about soon after the Department of Transportation was created. The new organization set a limit to the number of hours that truck drivers could work. This resulted in a greater need for drivers to find somewhere to consistently sleep, which could be difficult to get. There is the inherent cost of overnight lodging, which wasn't a fee drivers were excited to pay. Plus, it's a hassle to find and book an overnight's stay (especially in more remote locations where lodging options were less common). Many drivers ended up simply sleeping inside their truck...and truck manufacturers took notice.
Eventually truck manufacturers started unveiling models with a dedicated sleeping area. These new vehicles quickly grew in popularity and are now a common sight at any truck dealership.
The main advantage of a sleeper truck is, of course, the dedicated sleeping area. The longer your trips are, the more you will appreciate a guaranteed (and free) place to sleep. Skip the stress and cost of booking a reservation somewhere and instead enjoy a good rest inside the sleeper truck.
These models also tend to be designed with a greater focus on aerodynamics. This is partly due to these trucks spending more time on the road and partly due to their ability to consistently reach higher speeds. The streamlined design helps result in a smoother drive, making the overall trip more pleasant. These models also tend to be a bit larger and offer more space.
About Day Cab Trucks
A day cab truck, on the other hand, lacks a sleeper cabin in the back. It's possible to spend a night in this vehicle, but it won't be as comfortable. The discomfort of regularly sleeping in a truck is what led to the creation of sleeper trucks, after all!
But there are plenty of benefits to day cab trucks. These models can handle a heavier load, allowing drivers to pack a bit more cargo in every trip. The more trips you take, the more this extra space adds up.
The truck's design also lends itself well to easy navigation of tight spaces, such as inner-city facilities. It'll be easier to maneuver heavy traffic and get to the destination with less stress.
Day cab trucks also tend to be the most affordable option. These models usually offer more basic features, which helps keep the asking price lower.
Which Truck To Pick
The right truck for you depends on your priorities.
Get a sleeper truck if:
- you take many overnight trips and want to save money on lodging
- you take many overnight trips in more remote areas where it's difficult to find lodging
- you want improved comfort for work breaks
Get a day cab truck if:
- you rarely need overnight lodging
- you want a lower upfront cost
- you need a more agile vehicle
We hope you found this guide to sleeper and day cab trucks helpful! If you want help determining which models to get, chat with the experts at California Truck Centers. Tell us about your budget and needs, then we can suggest the truck category that will best suit you. We can even recommend specific models if you want. Whatever you need, find it at our truck dealership. We proudly serve those throughout California.