When he got through, he had achieved what some might consider a miracle — he'd engineered a shower into a 74-inch Kenworth Studio Sleeper. Hulett, 32, is an owner/operator from Federal Way, Wash., not too far from the factory that built the 1999 W900L that replaced his old Aerodyne cabover. He's contracted to Bekins, and moved up to the large car conventional for its greater comfort and living space.

"I do trade and electronics shows, and I'm also back to moving furniture with Bekins. It's a lot of coast-to-coast runs, and I have to stay around the trade shows. The Studio Sleeper lets me stay comfortable without paying motel bills," he says.

The cab has button-tuck charcoal grey upholstery with grey buttons, while the sleeper is a lighter silvery grey. Hulett hired a friend to outfit the sleeper. "I started out just wanting a sink where I could brush my teeth, then decided I wanted a microwave and convection oven, too. Then I added a refrigerator and freezer," says Hulett, who has been an over-the-road driver since 1989.

They installed a Datron automatic satellite TV, 13,500-BTU roof-mounted HVAC unit, a Kubota 7.5 kilowatt generator, and 104 lights on the tractor. Hulett also has a factory-installed Alpine stereo with six speakers and is planning to add six more speakers.

"Then I told my friend a birdbath wasn't enough on the road. So he put in a shower behind the passenger seat." In-truck showers, of course, are rare, even in larger custom-built sleepers, much less factory models. But they found room for it — and made it pretty, too.

"The shower has a glass door with brass around it. Everyone who sees it is amazed. People don't believe it when I say I'm gonna stop and shower in the rest area. A lot of husband and wife teams who see it realize they could live in their rig and not have to rely on truckstops for showers," Hulett says. Hulett carries about 60 gallons water in a tank between the fuel tank and his tandems, and a smaller tank under the bunk. The system is plumbed so the engine heats the water.

His wife, Lisa, loves the convenience of the shower when she rides with him. The couple have two children, Cassie, 7, and Carissa, 3, who think Daddy's swell for having such a fun place to play. They just wish he'd bring it home for them more often.