Demonstration at the end of lecture @ 2:58.
I have been driving for a number of years and one of the biggest issues you will face is a shower it is a pain for all parties involved. It is a supply issue there are not enough showers in most truck stops to service everyone that wants one and you end up going to bed dirty.
Post Katrina it was reported that the showers at the flying J truck stop had a 8 hour wait because all the residents didn't have anywhere else to clean. I went to pick up a load in Deslile Ms. They didn't have the load ready I had no truck stops around and after a cat 5 storm this place had no problem with my taking a shower there in the parking lot the security guard said he had something similar set up at home because his house was now in the Gulf of Mexico.
Well no more do you have to do without you have an option and it doesn't have to cost a fortune I have seen kits cost $100 for a shower kit that heats water and pumps it. History channel has shown custom truck sleepers that cost over 100K. While all that might be nice all you need is a container and a shoulder high place to set the container the water will gravity flow. Just get on your swimming outfit and get clean This setup I have will give me 3 showers no kidding. That is a huge relief if you are running late and can't find a parking spot. This gives you the flexibility to locate non-traditional parking and still get a shower. Keep a key hidden on the outside of your truck in case you lock yourself out. Try to keep a key on a string around your neck or wrist you want to keep the door opposite you locked so Jason doesn't slip in when you are not looking.
Carry a few towels and face cloth sometimes I just dry off with a face cloth just keep wringing it out until I am dry enough to sleep get back in the truck you can get dressed in private. I like to use those little bottles of shampoo from motels that way you just bring a few small items out and get it over with this takes very little time you are in and out just like that. Crocks and socks are good to wear for this since the water does not affect them. Use extreme caution you are all wet after a shower you can slip in the crocks that is why I recommend wearing socks too prevents slipping. Your hand can slip on the handrail when entering the cab. To get in please take your time entering the truck slip and fall.
You should keep water on hand anyway you never know when you will enter a situation where the interstate might be shut down due to a chemical release or you get caught inside a disaster situation you have to think of these things it could mean your life. I have had situations where the batch was messed up and I had all this time on my hands over 12 hours I wanted to use some of this time to clean up the truck so I got out my water and was able to scrub the floors clean the windows apply rain x to the windows and mirrors things that I didn't get to do as of yet.
Try to refill the water when you fuel so you will have plenty when you need never let it get below ½ remember this is your emergency supply. I carry a MSR miniworks filter to turn this water into drinking water should the need arise but you can add a tablespoon of bleach for every gallon and it would be safe to drink.
Cost about $6 for the container $5 for the little showerhead and you should already have duct tape. Best $15 I ever spent it makes my job so much easier knowing I have a way to get clean.
You can save water in just about anything but these containers are really thick and have held up to the constant jarring of the truck I have yet to find a truck where this container will not fit.
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