The trucking industry plays an important role in the world’s economy. They support the free flow of goods and services to sustain success. In the United States alone, trucks have carried around 10.8 billion tons of goods across the country in 2019. Long haul truck drivers commonly spend several days and weeks along the road. As such, they need sleeper cabs to serve as their home away from home. In this article, we’ll check the standard amenities and length of sleeper cabs and how much they cost.

 

What are Sleeper Cabs?

Sleeper cabs are compartments attached behind a driver’s cab. They are also called sleeper berth. These compartments are designed for resting and sleeping. A sleeper cab is a separate area that imitates a hotel room. The very first sleeper cabs were used as train sleeping facilities. It was only in 1920 when they were integrated with trucks. The design became popular among truck manufacturers in 1967. This is right after the U.S. transportation department limits the number of driving hours on trucks. Eventually, federal regulations mandated the size of sleeper cabs to be around 3 to 4 feet long.

Having a sleeper cab on a truck offers a lot of benefits. Truck drivers can save the cost of paying for a room to sleep overnight. They can bring along food and drinks. They can also cook food during long trips. There are also times when they can bring their pets or loved ones along with them. For truck operators, sleeper cabs promote safety. By giving drivers a personal space to recharge and relax, their minds are more alert as they resume driving. And since they give drivers comfort and convenience, they are less likely to leave the company. 

What are the Amenities of Sleeper Cabs?

Sleeper cabs commonly have closets, fridge, kitchen, and storage compartments. Their standard length is around 3 to 4 feet. Modern sleeper cabs are bigger. They can have a size of up to 19 feet long. They are customized based on the truck driver’s preferences. They are almost the same as luxury RVs. Modern sleeper cabs now have bathrooms or portable toilets. They also have cooking appliances, internet access, and satellite televisions. Kitchen appliances like microwaves and refrigerators are common fixtures. And the beds are super comfortable with different choices of mattresses. Some sleeper cabs are also decorated with personal touches.

The Top 6 Best Sleeper Cabs Today

The top 6 best sleeper cabs today are:

Freightliner Cascadia

The Freightliner Cascadia sleeper cab that extends from 4 to 6 feet long. They are custom built sleeper cabs with ergonomic seats, large bunks, and storage with standout designs. 

International Lone Star

International Lone Star sleeper cabs offer two types of build-your-own sleeping berths – a 56 inches low-top and a 73 inches high-rise.

Kenworth T680

Kenworth T680 sleeper cabs are well-loved by truck drivers. They are available in two variants – a bunk on a shelf measuring 40 inches long and a high roof sleeper measuring 76 inches long.

Mack Anthem

Mack Anthem sleeper cabs have a 70-inch stand up spacious sleeper. It’s 35% more space than other sleeper cabs. They’ve got a built-in stainless-steel refrigerator and oversized cup holders. A convenient panel beside the bed gives access to HVAC, power outlets, and ports.

Peterbilt 579

The Peterbilt 579 sleeper cab comes with detachable sleepers in three different sizes – 44 inches, 72 inches, or 80 inches. They have a swiveling mount attachment for flat TVs. Peterbilt’s SmartNav audio system stands out. This includes an iPod, MP3, and satellite radio connections.

Volvo VNL 860

The Volvo VNL 860 sleeper cab has a 77 inches sleeper space. It boasts of state-of-the-art LED lighting inside the cab. They have the best in class cab layout and temperature control. 

9 Trucks with the Biggest Sleeper Cabs

Below is a list of the 9 Trucks with the Biggest Sleeper Cabs in the World today:

• 2019 Kenworth W-990 Sleeper Cab at 95 inches
• 2016 Cascadia AA Sleeper Cab at 126 inches
• 2017 Volvo Big Bunk Sleeper Cab at 147 inches
• 2020 Peterbilt 579 ARI Sleeper Cab at 156 inches
• 2019 Peterbilt 567 Heritage Sleeper Cab at 168 inches
• 2016 Kenworth W900 ICT Custom Sleeper Cab at 180 inches
• 2020 Volvo VNL Legacy Sleeper Cab at 180 inches
• 2007 Peterbilt 389 Legacy Sleeper Cab at 192 inches
• 2017 Peterbilt 567 Sleeper Cab at 220 inches

 

How Much Do Sleeper Cabs Cost?

Today, a new sleeper cab has an average cost of $55,000. While a customized and large sleeper cab may cost up to $150,000. The cost doesn’t include the tractor yet. A new truck with a sleeper may cost around $200,000 to $300,000 depending on the amenities. The price of used sleeper trucks may range from $8,500 to $275,000. Sleeper cab mattresses may cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000. A built-in bathroom in a sleeper cab may cost $2,000 to $3,000. If you want to soundproof the cab, it may cost $1,000 to $2,500. 

With their sleeper berths, sleeper semi trucks provide more convenience for longer journeys. However, compared to day cabs, they usually cost more for their extra compartments. So, if you are looking for the perfect sleeper cab that suits your business and budget, you might want to take a look at the sleeper cab semi trucks for sale listing from UsedVending. 

We offer the largest selection of the best semi trucks in America. Visit our website today and discover hundreds of opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.