Rfrogger, you also asked whether a cooler would help cut your food bill, and the answer is yes - absolutely. The more you can purchase at places less expensive than truckstops, the less you will pay for it. You'll also have a better selection, and food that's right at your fingertips. If you do 'eat out', and have enough leftovers for another meal, or a snack, you can save them for later. You can keep your beverages cold, too.
Don't forget, truckstops provide free ice, as long as you put it in your own cup - if you fill a jumbo cup with ice, and transfer it into a ziplock bag, you will have it for keeping drinks cold, or just helping the cooler keep it's chill.
Or dropping down the back of your shirt, if you're hangin out, say, in Laredo...
