A Frustrating Day

Today was a frustrating day....I think I learned some things though but would love to hear from some of you how I might have better handled today...

It started out great I had trip planned my delivery to no just be on time but to be close enough that I would be able to take my 10 hour break and then deliver without having to go on logs.

Everything was fine except there has been an annoying hissing sound from my seat air hose. I tried to tape it but that did not work. Well...this morning it finally broke. So I had to call our Break down and find out what they wanted me to do...I took it to the closest TA and sat on my hands while I waited for them to literally unbolt the broken line and bolt a new one in. So my clock started as I drove to the TA. 4 hours later and I was on my way to my drop and hook pick up.

I should have fueled at that TA but my thought process was to that I wanted to get to the drop and hook as quick as I could and find a place to fuel and over night so I could fuel and pre-trip at the same time. Bad move as my Reefer was bellow the required 3/4 of a tank to drop and I forgot to check that (lesson learned).

Anyway...I went and got fuel and then got my pick up and with not much time left on my clock...I parked in a rest stop actually as a sitting duck but walked to the rest stop and found an open hole and moved...I would not have been able to sleep where I was.

My questions are as such.

Do you just cut your losses when you burn 4-5 hours of wasted clock and find a place before you drop and hook?

I know some of the stopping places will become familiar as I am driving longer...but what a good way for me to find a good spot to stop?....I rely very heavily on my GPS and that makes me nervous.

How much time is reasonable to leave left on my clock? I get really nervous about getting close to an hour...I just do not want to be forced to stop somewhere I am not comfortable.

Where are some good stops with good food close by? (All around the country as I think most of us will be around...I am mostly East but when I go west I sure would like to have a good meal with a good rest.

Sorry for the thesis.

Gator