How to Watch TV In a Semi-Truck?

Truck Drivers

Oct 5, 2022

Have you ever wondered how a truck driver watches TV in a semi-truck? We're filling you in on the best ways to do it.

It probably doesn't come as too big of a shock that the life of a trucker is a lot different than a typical nine-to-five job. Life on the road and being away from family and other loved ones is incredibly challenging. That, coupled with the intense pressures that come with delivery deadlines and constantly fighting traffic, is a recipe for exhausted workers. It's no wonder why rest and recovery time is so essential in the industry.

Finding at least a couple of activities or ways to relax and disconnect from the day's stresses is crucial for truck drivers. A lot of truckers take up hobbies like reading or exercising. Others choose to learn an instrument or a new language is also a great way to unwind. 

But, the best way for all to relax and settle in for the night, one that just about everybody can all get on board with, is watching TV. But how do truck drivers watch TV on the road? Well, there are a few ways they can do this. 

Continue reading to learn more.

 

How to Watch TV in Semi Trucks

 

There are many ways truckers can watch TV, movies, and other types of content during their time on a long haul. Some haulers prefer to keep it old school and off the grid by watching their go-to shows and movies offline. This method requires a TV, DVDs, a DVD player, and the necessary cables. Today, buying DVDs isn't too expensive. However, if you're an avid collector, you might spend a lot of money on your collection. Also, you'll want to remember that many new releases are not readily available on DVD. 

Another excellent option for truck drivers wanting to watch shows and movies on the road is streaming services. There are over 200 different streaming services you can subscribe to; however, you'll have a hard time catching up on the news, current sporting events, and shows that are airing in real-time. With most streaming services, you're left watching episodes of shows and movies that have been available for months or even years — content that you have likely already seen.

Not too long ago, watching TV — the same TV you would watch at home on your couch — on the road from the cab of a semi-truck seemed like it could never be a possibility. Thankfully, truck drivers can now watch their favorite TV programs and movies from the comfort of their trucks. 

 

How Watching Satellite TV in Semi Trucks Works

 

Giving a trucker the ability to watch premium in-vehicle satellite TV is an exciting option! To watch TV while they're on the road, they'll need some equipment:

  • A satellite dome and receiver
  • TV screen
  • Cabling and mounting equipment
  • Local area antenna 

The beauty of satellite TV is that it works from anywhere at any time! There's no worrying about fighting for WiFI bandwidth at busy truck stops or dead zones with little or no signal.

 

Great for Owner-Operators or Members of Fleets

 

Watching satellite TV while you're on a long haul is an exciting potential where awesome innovation and advanced technology meet. Whether you're an owner-operator or a fleet member, you can outfit your truck with satellite TV in a few mounting options.

 

Options for Satellite Mounting

 

It doesn't matter if you're smack dab in the city or the middle of nowhere; finding a signal isn't an issue with these mounting options:

  • Roof Mount — Roof mounts feature three footings that are permanently attached to the top of the truck cab.
  • Rear Mount — Rear mounts are permanently and securely attached to a slip bracket near the truck cab's rear.
  • Window Mount — Window mounts attach to a small, temporary bracket that hangs from the driver or passenger window. The satellite dome and mount are taken down and stored inside the truck cab when it is not in use or the semi is moving.

Today's aerodynamic and sleek satellite dome designs and these great mounting options decrease wind resistance, thus eliminating any negative effects on your trucks' fuel mileage.

 

More on How to Watch TV in Semi Trucks

 

The ability to watch TV and movies during rest and recovery time during a long haul is an exciting concept for semi-drivers. It wasn't all that long ago that this idea would cost multiple thousands of dollars. Now, equipping your semi trucks with satellite TV is a simple and modest investment. Here's how it works:

  • For obvious safety reasons, semi trucks must be stationary.
  • Park your truck so the satellite dome has an unobstructed view of the southeastern sky.
  • The trucker has an easy-to-use switch to turn the satellite on and off.
  • After a few minutes to calibrate, your satellite will retrieve the signal.
  • Turn on your receiver and TV and watch your favorite live or recorded television shows and movies!
  • When drivers are sleeping or behind the wheel, they can use the DVR to record any shows they don't want to miss safely.

Want to Watch Satellite TV In Your Semi Truck? Get EpicVue!

 

Watching TV from the comforts of your semi truck has never been easier than it is with EpicVue. We specialize in outfitting your trucks with premium in-cab satellite TV. 

Life behind the wheel and on the road can be incredibly isolating; however, watching TV during those long hauls can help counteract those lonely feelings. It's the perfect way for drivers to spend their mandatory rest and recovery time. If you want your drivers to be happy and healthy and stay with your fleet longer, give them a piece of home with EpicVue.

With more than 180 premium satellite TV channels, your drivers will surely find something they'll want to watch, regardless of their TV-watching preferences. Contact us to learn more today!

Apr 19, 2023

Here’s What Not To Do As a Fleet Manager

Read More

Mar 8, 2023

Your Total Guide to Making Your Long Haul Truck Feel Like Home

Read More

Feb 15, 2023

5 Steps to Developing a Truck Fleet Management Strategy

Read More
Quality truck fleet management with a good strategy is a vital element for success in the trucking industry. These systems are necessary for communication, and processes are sure to succeed. There’s no doubt that the best semi-truck fleet teams are those that are effectively and efficiently managed, making a great fleet manager worth their weight in gold — and then some!  But what is it exactly that makes a fleet manager great? It all comes down to a solid fleet management strategy and reliable semi-fleet processes. In fact, these are essential to finding both short- and long-term success. If you’re in charge of a semi-truck fleet and are looking to build a fail-proof truck fleet management strategy, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you some tried-and-true tips and tricks for developing a solid plan. With a little hard work and the right strategy, you will surely see increased profits, fleet growth, and a happier, healthier, and more productive crew. Keep scrolling to learn more.

5 Things to Consider When Developing Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

If you want to develop a quality truck fleet management strategy, make sure to consider the following:
  1. Invest in a Fleet Management System — You could be the most experienced and focused manager, but you will still have difficulties staying organized and productive without a quality truck fleet management system in place. Managers of old used to rely on elaborate systems involving paper spreadsheets, filing cabinets, and more to run their business, but there are simpler ways to get the job done. Join the digital age by digitizing your workflow and operations; you’ll find that processes are optimized, and your team’s performance is improved! A good system will allow you to keep track of the best routes, maintenance schedules, driver and vehicle efficiency, automating various tasks (such as routing and scheduling deliveries, billing and invoicing, sending jobs to drivers, etc.) and more so you can maximize the potential of your fleet.
  2. Find Ways to Cut Maintenance Costs — It’s no secret that the economy is in an exciting place right now. Inflation is on the rise, and maintenance costs are not exempt. A solid semi-truck fleet manager must prioritize finding ways to reduce costs. Taking a defensive, preventive approach to maintenance is key. Improving fleet efficiency and ensuring that your rigs and necessary equipment are in tip-top shape and ready to go can help you stay ahead of maintenance issues. Consider utilizing a good fleet management system that can tell you about the vehicles’ engines and other diagnostic features to help extend the life of your trucks. These tools can help you quickly identify any problems with your trucks and avoid issues down the road when they become more serious, thus cutting maintenance costs. Another way to reduce maintenance costs is to base your trucks’ service schedule on accurate engine usage hours instead of an arbitrary calendar. This helps to eliminate unnecessary repairs and potential hours and revenue lost, allowing you to make the most of your fleet while still taking great care of them.
  3. Find Ways to Save Money on Fuel — As a fleet manager, it almost always comes down to budget. And one of the biggest portions (we’re talking between 50% and 65%) of overall operating costs is dedicated to fueling costs. As mentioned above, having a good management system and GPS tracking in place can help you develop an excellent management strategy. You’ll be able to monitor your drivers’ driving performance, habits, and behavior and monitor fuel usage, which directly affects fuel consumption. By tracking and analyzing this information, you’ll be alerted to issues sooner than you may have been otherwise. Moreover, tracking this info will keep you apprised of any safety concerns, such as aggressive driving. Addressing these issues will help you reduce operational costs associated with your fuel budget.
  4. Perfect and Optimize Your Drivers’ Routes — Customers and clients demand quick and on-time deliveries, so taking the perfect and optimal route is absolutely crucial. Your business’ reputation counts on it! Inaccurate arrival time estimates, delays, and inefficient routes will only lead to frustration. Hiccups and issues along the way are bound to happen and are an inevitable part of any industry, including trucking. But, by automating customer notifications and other processes, fleet managers can experience a lot less stress, allowing them to spend time and put their focus elsewhere.
  5. Prioritize Your Drivers’ Health and Wellness — One of the biggest parts of developing a good truck fleet management strategy is prioritizing your team’s health and wellness. Feeling isolated on the road comes with being a truck driver; it’s part of the territory. So fleet managers who promote a healthy work-life balance and positive mental health are typically much more successful.

Here are some ways managers can prioritize employees’ health:

Include EpicVue in Your Truck Fleet Management Strategy

Developing a truck fleet management strategy is essential to the success of your business, and EpicVue is here to help make it happen. EpicVue will outfit your fleet with premium in-cab television so your drivers can enjoy a bit of home on the road and catch up on their favorite shows. Contact EpicVue today to learn more.