Real Stories
The Best Truck Stops in America
We compiled a list of 7 outstanding truck stops all over the United States 1. Iowa 80 Truck Stop – Walcott, Iowa 755 W Iowa 80 Rd, Walcott, IA 52773 The World’s Largest Truck Stop has been around since 1964, hailed as “Trucker’s Disneyland” according to their website. It’s no surprise that this stop is number one on our list. Truckers and non-truckers alike flock to the World’s Largest Truck Stop to see what all the hype is about, and it lives up to it! If you find yourself on I-80 make sure you don’t miss this truck stop. Amenities: Barber shop, chiropractor, convenience store, dental office, laundry, showers & more! This is a truck drivers heaven. Food: Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, DQ, Orange Julius, and Caribou. There’s also a family owned Iowa 80 Kitchen that offers homestyle cooking. Wendy’s and the Iowa 80 Kitchen are both open 24 hours, while the other restaurants close at 11 pm. 2. South of the Border – Hamer, SC 95-U.S. 301-501 | Hamer, South Carolina 29547 A Mexican themed attraction off of interstate 95 with a 24-hour Hot Tamale Diner. South of the Border also has something very rare: The Reptile Lagoon. It is the largest indoor reptile display in the US including 15 species of crocodilians, 50 species of snakes and more. You won’t get that at every truck stop! If you’re on I-95 near South Carolina, make sure to stop in! Amenities: Trucker’s supplies, Showers, Trucker’s lounge Food: Hot Tamale Diner (24 hours), Sombrero Restaurant 3. Shady Lawn “The Big Chicken” Truck Stop – Elkton, TN 1371 Bryson Rd exit 6 on I-65, Elkton, TN 38449-5248 This newly re-modeled Travel Center features a 24-hour Restaurant, Charley Biggs Chicken and Sauce and plenty of parking! According to Mike Boyles on Facebook, Shady Lawn Truck stop is a “nice place to stop for a break along I-65. Always friendly staff & Great food in the restaurant!!” Amenities: Trucker’s lounge, showers, laundry, and more. Food: Charley Biggs Chicken and Sauce Restaurant (24 hours) 4. Jubitz Travel Center – Portland, OR 10210 N. Vancouver Way Portland, OR 97217 Jubitz has 15 acres of lighted truck parking (the largest truck lot in the northwest). Truckers can really take a load off here and stay a while with all that Jubitz has to offer. The Ponderosa Lounge & Grill can satisfy your hunger while you enjoy live western music, and you can even wash your dog! Amenities: Full showers and Jacuzzi’s, driver’s lounge, dog wash, driver’s services convenience store & more! Food: Jake Brake Deli, Ponderosa Lounge & Grill 5. Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop – Johnstown, CO 2842 SE Frontage Rd, Johnstown, CO 80534 Dine in at Johnson’s Corner Restaurant while you view the Rocky Mountains from your table or take an order to go if you’re in a rush. This spot is famous for their cinnamon rolls, selling 15,000 a MONTH! Steve Griffin said, “the food is still great, and the cinnamon rolls are to die for. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You just don’t find many places like this anymore” – Steve Griffin on Facebook. It’s a home away from home for many truck drivers on I-25. Amenities: Full showers, laundry, truck accessories and supplies, plus more! Food: Johnson’s Corner Restaurant 6. Little America Travel Center – Little America, WY I-80, Little America, WY 82929 Sixteen fueling islands, hotel accommodations, a delicious grill & deli, and dozens of other amenities are worth a stop! This charming place has been servicing truckers since 1952. If you’re feeling adventurous, Little America is under 5 hours from Yellowstone National Park and under 4 hours from Grand Teton National Park. If you love adventure but want to stay a bit closer, the Bear River State Park is an hour away with breathtaking views. Amenities: Repair shop, 24-hour convenience store, laundry facilities Food: 24-hour fuel center deli, Travel Center Grill (6 am – 10 pm) 7. Dysart’s Truck Stop – Hermon, ME 530 Coldbrook Rd, Hermon, ME 04401 This truck stop has been family owned since 1967. They offer a comfortable place for truck drivers to stop in northeast United States. Dysart’s went viral in 2018 for this hilarious blooper reel! Even SNL had to remake it. The video features two regulars, Sonya and Jack Palmer, who struggle to get their lines right. Maybe you’ll be able to meet these local celebrities as you stop into Dysart’s of I-95. Amenities: Travel stop store, truckers lounge, private showers, and a full-service truck center Food: Restaurant & Bakery (7 am – 8 pm) featuring Maine specialties
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How to Get the Right Size Truck Mattress
Need a mattress for your truck, but aren’t sure what size to order? That’s one of the most common questions we hear at Estee Bedding. Choosing the right size mattress for your sleeper area doesn’t have to be a headache! Here are some tips for successful sizing. Check Your Current MattressAre you replacing a worn out mattress? Before you toss it, take a close look to see if it fits your sleeper space well. Some drivers spend years sleeping on mattresses that are too big or little. Your mattress should fit snugly in your berth, without gaps of more than an inch. A mattress that is too small can slide around, causing unsafe conditions. Cramming a larger mattress into a small space isn’t recommended either. It can damage the supportive and cushioning materials inside, resulting in poor performance and bad sleep for you. Read the Law LabelIf your old mattress fits well in your truck cab, then look for a legal label sewn on to the end of your old mattress. The top of this tag says, “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW, THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY CONSUMER.” This label will list all of the materials in the mattress and also the finished size, including the length, width and height.The law label is the easiest way to check your current mattress size. Jot down the details or take a picture of the label. Then, when you shop for a new mattress, you’ll have all the current measurements and materials to help you look at the new products. Grab a Tape MeasureIf you can’t find a law label, then measure the length, width, and height of your current mattress (assuming that you are happy with its size and fit).If you don’t have a mattress, or the one you have fits poorly, you can measure the interior of your cab’s sleeper space. You’ll need to measure the length, from one end to the other, and the width from the wall to the end of the platform. Also consider the height of your berth. A standard truck mattress is usually between 6 and 9 inches thick, and that’s the range we use at Estee Bedding, too. Make sure you’ll be comfortable with the mattress height, as it fits into your sleeper cab area. Ask Your Truck ManufacturerIf all else fails, contact the company that made your semi truck to get specs for your sleeping area and ideal mattress size. Use the links below to get an email address or phone number.International TrucksPeterbilt Motor CompanyMack TrucksFreightlinerWestern Star TrucksKenworth Truck CompanyVolvo Trucks Take Note of Standard SizesFollowing are the 7 most common sizes for truck mattresses:32×80 34×80 36×75 36×79 38×80 42×80 42×85Chances are, your berth size was made to hold one of the sizes above. Once you’ve determined what size is right for you, you’ll be ready to choose a model based on other features–including firmness, cushioning, and price. Be sure to check out the Made to Ride® line at Estee Bedding when you begin shopping for a new truck sleeper cab mattress. You won’t find better quality or value anywhere else!
Made to Ride Hero: James Rogers
Our October Made to Ride Hero James Rogers is another warrior of the pandemic. He and his small company out of Missouri immediately began hauling emergency relief supplies all over the country when the lockdown began. They were hauling goods from Illinois to Salt Lake City and Seattle, and a few places in between. Rest stops and restaurants were closing but these drivers got creative. They stockpiled food and even invested in camping toilets! When one of his drivers contracted the virus, James drove to Wyoming to pick up his load and deliver it himself. James reported to us that he spent 6 months away from home during the roughest time of the pandemic. He is a disabled veteran who was injured in Afghanistan during his 11 years of service. After having a few difficulties adjusting to civilian life again, Rogers was inspired to start his own trucking company which he owns and operates to this day. Keep up the amazing work James and enjoy your new Dreamliner Mattress! Source: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/james-rogers-spartan-direct
What Size Is a Semi Truck Mattress?
Estee Bedding has been making semi-truck mattresses for over 45 years, so we know a thing or two about the odd semi truck mattress sizes. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular sizes by semi-truck manufacturers, to help in your search for a mattress. We know how much of a toll the road can take on your back, body, and mind. Once you find the mattress size that fits in your semi truck cabin, check out our line of premium semi truck mattresses that provide comfort and relief on the road! Freightliner Mattress Sizes Freightliner is known for the Cascadia sleeper truck. They also have the 122SD truck with a sleeper cab option. Between these two trucks, the most common Freightliner mattress sizes that fit in Freightliner trucks are: 42×80 38×80 39×8034×80 International Mattress Sizes International features three trucks with sleeper cabs: the LoneStar, LT Series, RH Series, and the Prostar. Between these models, International trucks commonly have these mattress sizes: 42×8036×79 Kenworth Mattress Sizes Kenworth’s semi trucks with sleeper cabs include the W990, T680, and the W900. Kenworth’s most popular truck cab mattress sizes are: 42×8042×7838×8032×80 Peterbilt Mattress Sizes The sleeper models include the Peterbilt 579 and the Peterbilt 389. Peterbilt trucks common mattress sizes are: 42×7835.5×7836×85 Mack Mattress Sizes The two sleeper models are the Anthem and the Pinnacle. The two common Mack truck mattress sizes are: 36×7538×80 Volvo Mattress Sizes The VNL series features 4 models with sleeper cabs, and they happen to list their exact mattress sizes right on their website. Lucky you! Here are the Volvo truck mattress sizes by model: VNL 40036×75VNL 74039×81VNL 76039×81VNL 86042×79 If you still aren’t sure what size mattress you need, check out our tips on getting the right size for your semi-truck mattress here.
Made to Ride Hero: Susan Dawson
We came across Susan on TransportTopics website where they have a Truckings Frontline Hero series. They reported that Susan has been driving all over the USA during the pandemic, ensuring essential items are getting where they need to be. She’s gone to Washington, Florida, New York, and more! In May she drove 13,000 miles compared to her coworkers 8-12k miles. When asked about her experience, she said “my country needed all of us drivers out here and the way things happened so very fast, it was actually scary.” Susan even opted to skip her home time, choosing to keep hauling around the country. Way to go Susan, enjoy your Dreamliner mattress! Read more here.
Healthy Snacks to Eat While Driving
If you are a semi truck driver or frequently find yourself driving for long hours, you’re probably used to eating on the road. You don’t always have time to stop for a full meal. That’s where a healthy snack that’s easy to eat comes in handy. We’ve made a list of ten categories of snacks with tons of recommendations to satisfy your hunger on the road. If you want to ditch the chips and try out some healthier options to eat on the road, check these out! A. Protein Snacks To-Go There are so many different single serving protein packs on the market now. These are the most convenient way to get a delicious and balanced snack on the road. You can take the time to cut up your own cheese and grab some nuts, or you can buy a prepackaged one! Here’s our recommendations: Sargento Balanced Breaks P3 Portable Protein Snack Pack with Chipotle Peanuts, Sunflower Kernels & Original Beef Jerky PRO2snax Sliced Apples, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Dried Cranberries & Cashews Pld Apple Cheese & Pretzels Snack B. Veggies with Hummus Veggie’s can be plain boring when they are on there own, so hummus adds a little somethin’. We’ve linked some single’s packs and pre-cut veggies to fulfill your hunger in the car. Sabra Hummus Singles Roasted Red Pepper Sabra Hummus Classic Fieldpack Unbranded Petite Carrots Celery Sticks Broccoli Florets C. Protein Bars Again, we know these are a no-brainer! There’s rows upon rows of them at gas station’s and rest stops. But we thought we’d narrow down those endless choices with a few delicious recommendations of protein bars for the drive. Nature Valley Protein Chewy Granola Bars, Coconut Almond, Gluten Free ONE Protein Bar, Peanut Butter Pie Perfect Bar, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter w/ Sea Salt RCBAR Blueberry KIND Protein Bars – Almond Butter Dark Chocolate GoMacro Protein Bars – Banana Almond butter D. Fruit We hope you’re familiar with these guys… pick up a couple to keep in the car or semi-truck for quick and healthy snacking. We’ve also provided links to some prepackaged fruits for easy storage. Some great options for long drives are grapes, apples, bananas and oranges because they are easy handheld snacks. Pineapple Chunks Diced Peaches Peaches, Pears, Mandarins Variety Pack E. Veggies Veggies might not be the most appealing snack compared to a huge bag of chips during a long drive, but they won’t give you a sick feeling in your stomach afterward! Grab some of our suggestions for a healthy snack behind the wheel. Veggie Tray with Ranch Baby Carrots Sweet Mini Peppers Sugar Snap Peas F. Crunchy Snacks These suggestions are for when you want a little crunch on the road but are also looking for a healthy option. There’s tons of dried fruit options at the stores, but dried mango seems to be the biggest hit! Hippeas “nacho cheese” flavor Skinny Pop Original Utz Pretzel Rods Dried Mango G. Nuts Nuts are easy to pick up in a gas station in a single serving pack, but you can get larger containers on the cheap to keep in your car or truck. They even make single serving nut packs in bulk to make it easier to keep portion control. Mixed Nuts Pistachio Lover’s Mix Individual 100 Calorie Nut Packs I. Granola According to Healthline , “granola is calorie-dense, as well as rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients”. ENOUGH SAID! Granola is a tasty and nutritious way to stop those stomach pains when you’ve got miles and hours left in your trip. Quaker Honey, Raisins & Almonds Bear Naked Fruit & Nut Nature Valley Big & Crunchy Oats & Honey J. Beef Jerky Beef jerky is full of protein, usually containing 9 grams in just 1 ounce! These little guys can pack a punch in your hunger. Delicious and filling. Slim Jim Snack-Sized Smoked Meat Stick Old Trapper Old Fashioned Jerky Jack Link’s Variety Snack Packs K. Fruit With Nut Butter You can’t go wrong with a little peanut butter with fruit. You can go with the classic apples and peanut butter or switch it up with any fruit & nut butter your heart desires. Keep it clean and easy with these to-go options where no knife is necessary. Pre-cut Apple Slices To-go Peanut Butter
Made to Ride Hero: Gerald Johnson
Our August Made to Ride Hero is Gerald Johnson, known as Trucker G on Facebook. We were looking through trucking news when we came across an article, “Trucker Takes Dying Former Truck Driver and Military Veteran on His Final Ride”. The veteran, Jim, is dying of cancer and just wanted one last ride in a truck. His wife Connie decided to reach out to the trucking Facebook community to see if someone could drive him. Trucker G and his wife saw the post and jumped to fulfill Jim’s wish. He managed to get a route that would take him to Nebraska where Jim lives. When everything was confirmed, Trucker G was on his way. He filmed their journey on his Facebook page which you can watch here. In the video, Connie speaks for Jim who can’t be heard on video saying, “He’s really happy that you came by”. We thought this act of kindness deserved our August Made To Ride Heroes title, and shipped Trucker G our top of the line Dreamliner truck mattress. God Bless Jim, Gerald, and their wives.
