Backing up a truck not as easy as it seems!

It depends on which way you look at it. If you learn from the top of the wheel or if you learn from the bottom of the steering wheel. Practice backing up in a straight line over and over. You`ll get it and it will be come natural.

If you think that is difficult, when I started there was not very many power steering trucks around. Even if you knew what way to turn the steering wheels you would have sweat dripping off your chin after backing into a tight spot at the docks.

 

I`ll add this. It is my opinion that when backing a straight line it is easier from the bottom of the steering wheel. Your straight backing will get it all straight for you. While backing up spot the back end of the trailer, if you can`t see it your looking in the wrong mirror. You`ll see the back end in the other side mirror, from the bottom of the steering wheel steer towards the side where the back end of the trailer is visible. When it disapears then look in the other side mirror and do the same. You`ll get to where small movements with the steering wheel is only neccessary when you get better. As always know what is going on two lanes over from the side of the truck back there. That`s what your round mirrors are for.

 

Turn the wheel in the direction where too much trailer is seen in the mirror.

I also am a fan of 1/4 turns. Unfortunately in the most difficult situations everything you learned is monkey poo and the only thing you can count on is your own Problem Solving Skills.

If other drivers are around most will help you or at least offer. No matter who you work for.

 

When strait line backing it helps if you keep your elbows on the arm rests or against your belly and just use your wrists and hands to steer. Doing that helps to keep you from over correcting.
What I hate is after a long hard day you drop your trailer or jump in the pick up and turn the wrong direction when you back up.

 

I'm just the other way, when i take a corner in my prvt car or pickup, i still swing wide and setup like a 53 still hook up back there Everett

 

HEHE.. I hear that.. .. and when I get to yard and jump in my pickup.. I cant find reverse.. LOL

 

+1 on that......

 

By the way. The trailer does not do anything except go were you send it. Always pull forward as far as possible to set up. Imagine a line into the spot and follow it.

If you set the turn up wrong you are going to have a difficult time. Its mostly in the setup. Take your time. It is better to make them wait than it is go hit something. Pull up if you need to as many times as you need to.

 

PJ...I completely agree (this time...not all the time of course! LOL) As I told all my students..."if you have the space...use it!".

But we are getting off subject, or actually the point of the OP and this threads course...the OP is in school and preparing for his CDL test, which means he has limited space to set up for, and accomplish the maneuvers. Also he will be allowed a limited number of pull ups to accomplish the alley dock section. Most posts here have been making statements about "real world" backing...as to a dock, or in a truck stop...but all in all good advice and a good amount of slightly different aspects to looking at, as well as performing the backing maneuvers!

 

i was the same way my first few days. i was like holy #### this is way harder than i thought and i dont know if i will ever get it!

you will, just keep doing it.

STOP when you start getting off. if you keep going your getting more out of whack as you try to think what to do next. if your going straight back you should never be turning the wheel more than 1/4. if you are thats probably what your doing wrong. if your doing 45s and 90s it comes down to more feel and experience, but thats not on the dmv test so i dont think you will be learning that at a school.