Inside of a semi-truck: Detailed truck tour and FAQs

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Are you on your way to becoming a truck driver and wondering what the inside of your future home-away-from-home is going to look like?

The biggest difference from semi-truck to semi-truck is whether it has a sleeper or not. A truck with no sleeper is called a day cab and a truck with a sleeper is called a sleeper truck. The interiors of sleeper trucks look generally the same, but they do vary based on a truck’s year, make and model.

Let's take a tour through what the inside of a semi-truck with a sleeper berth typically looks like.

Semi-truck interior overview

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to find inside a semi-truck cab:

Driver’s side:

• Steering wheel (adjustable, with control panel).  
• Driver’s seat (air ride, with adjustable arm rests).  
• Door control panel (lock, window and mirror controls).
• Gauges (rpm, oil pressure, fuel, speedometer, air gauge water temp).
• Ignition switch.  
• Headlight switch.
• Shift lever.
• Left and right turn signals.
• Wipers.
• Overhead storage compartment.

Center console

• Samsung tablet.
• Radio.
• Heater controls.
• Brakes (tractor and trailer).
• 12-volt outlets.  
• Cup holders.
• Overhead storage compartment.
• Forward-facing camera.

Passenger’s side 

• Overhead storage compartment.
• Spot to mount a CB radio.
• Behind passenger’s seat
• Spot for a microwave.
• Flatscreen TV mount.
• Pull-out drawer.
• Mini-fridge.
• Overhead storage compartments.

Behind driver’s seat

• Overhead storage compartments.
• Slide-out desk.
• Wardrobe-style storage compartment.

Bunk area

• Curtains.
• Windows (with shades).
• Vents.
• Upper bunk with ladder.
• Mesh netting for storage.
• Auxiliary fan.
• HVAC controls.
• Power invertor control.
• 12-volt plug-in.
• Reading light.
• Additional door for moving supplies in and out of bunk.

Want to see these features in action? Check out a tour of the inside of a semi-truck to get an up-close look at the space with Schneider Driver Ambassador Sharon:

Questions about the inside of a semi-truck

Are there beds in 18 wheelers? 

Yes, semi-trucks with sleeper berths include a bed that is typically twin-sized. 

While sleeping in their cab, truckers typically park at company facilities, rest areas, truck stops or customer facilities.

Do sleeper cabs have showers?

No, standard sleeper cabs do not come with built-in showers. Truck drivers typically shower at truck stops, rest areas or company facilities.

Can truckers cook meals in their cab?

Yes. In fact, many semi-trucks come with a spot for a microwave and a mini-fridge to help truckers make their own meals.

Truck drivers can also invest in extra pieces of cooking equipment, such as a skillet or blender, to have more options and eat healthy on the road.

Do semi-trucks have bathrooms?

No, standard semi-trucks do not come with built-in bathrooms. Truck drivers usually rely on rest areas, truck stops and service stations for bathroom facilities.

How do truckers keep their sleeper cab comfortable?

Semi-trucks can be spec’d with several features to ensure drivers stay comfortable on the road, such as memory-foam mattresses, APUs and bunk heaters.

Truck drivers can also buy extra accessories, such as seat cushions and sunshade covers, to help stay comfortable and organized.