It’s not uncommon for truck drivers to make trips all across the country. Of course, that means you’ll have to experience all sorts of different climates. One type of trip which truckers struggle with tends to be desert hauls. There’s a few things about these trips you’ll want to keep in mind…
Desert Hauls: How They Differ
Varying temperatures
Desert hauls are infamous for the temperatures they bring. Everyone knows about the heat: temperatures are commonly very high and the air is always humid. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the metal of your truck to become dangerous to touch! This means you have to prepare for being in this heat for long periods of time.
However, there’s also the fact that deserts get frigidly cold at night, especially during the winter. A common mistake drivers make is packing for just the heat, leaving them freezing when the cold rolls around. Therefore, make sure you properly pack for both extremes.
Lack of utilities
Desert hauls are also well-known for their vast stretches of open road. Things like rest stops, gas stations, and other utilities which are common in urban areas tend to be few and far in-between out there. As a result, it helps to plan beforehand for where these stops are at your route, and always make the most of them when you need to.
However, another issue with the desert is spotty cell coverage. Your phone (and most notably your GPS) might have trouble finding a constant, steady signal. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a print out of your route, or a back-up map just in case you need it.
Breakdown risks
The chances of you experiencing a breakdown are also higher on desert hauls. For starters, the temperature can cause your truck to overheat a lot faster than usual. Plus, the increased dust and dirt can end up getting into your truck’s internals, causing damage which you might not even notice until it’s too late.
That’s why it’s important to prepare for these worst-case scenarios. It helps to pack an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, first-aid, and anything else you might think you need. That way, you can stay safe while waiting for help to arrive.