Backing up a truck not as easy as it seems!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by onthefence, Sep 30, 2010.

  1. onthefence

    onthefence Medium Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2010
    Rensselaer, NY
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    I have been 'driving' for 3 half-days now and the whole 'turn the wheel the opposite way you want the trailer to go' is really messing me up. As long as the truck doesn't drift, I'm fine, but once the trailer drifts, I either turn too much or too little. Its very frustrating. Tomorrow is our 'mid-term' (2 weeks in) and I am scared. I have tried for 9 months to find a job with no success, so I went to CDL school (3 1/2 weeks). The job seems cool, once you get the hang of it.

    Keep your fingers crossed for me guys (and gals).
     
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  3. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Once the trailer drifts, STOP, catch your breath, look at your hands and the steering wheel, collect your thoughts, and start over again.
     
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  4. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    "the whole 'turn the wheel the opposite way you want the trailer to go' is really messing me up ". Try Holding the steering wheel at the bottom.
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2010
  5. Okieron

    Okieron Crusty Okie

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    My Trick is small movements on the wheel no more than quarter turn ever! at one time and go easy! slow and accurate and no hoods shall be KILLED!
     
  6. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    You have to use a little intuition. Don't let the trailer drift. This way you won't be correcting it. Get the trailer off in the direction you want little by little. Remember it takes a few seconds for what ever you do in the cab to happen in the rear. Also try driving with your tandems if you know what I mean. Watch your rear tire not your trailer. Just steer in little increments. Also if you are drifting to much stop and pull it forward just a little bit. This will make it easier to correct then doing the "snake". I know this sounds a little funny but try not to stress while doing it. Just relax. You will need this skill once you are on the road and you are in a crowded truckstop with 50 trucks waiting for you to park so they can park while they are all hollering at you on the radio. Good luck!
     
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  7. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    >>>>You will need this skill once you are on the road and you are in a crowded truckstop with 50 trucks waiting for you to park so they can park while they are all hollering at you on the radio. G

    I'm really looking forward to that! lol
     
  8. You'll get it. It's not all that hard, really, just something that's different to you. Like mentioned above, hold the steering wheel at the bottom, and move the bottom of the steering wheel the way you want the trailer to go.

    In addition, here are some things I've done to teach new guys to back.

    Don't turn the steering wheel unless the truck is rolling. Make small corrections and see what it gives you. Most of the time, when I see guys really struggling, they are just moving the steering wheel too much.

    I usually try to start a guy out in a big lot with no obstructions and just let him drive around backwards. Rather than try to put the trailer anywhere specific at first, just drive around backwards. It'll give you a feel for what corrections on the wheel will result in at the rear of the trailer.

    After a little bit, I'll have them back big circles in both directions, and then try to put the trailer between something specific or in a spot.

    You didn't start out driving a car in rush hour traffic with everything happening fast and without any room around you, why would you start trying to learn to back a large trailer in a really small space? Start by getting a feel for it and what your corrections do, then try to put it somewhere.

    Relax and don't let it defeat you. Breathe, slow down. It's not a race. If you need to pull up to start over, go ahead and do that. Don't get frustrated and don't let anyone rush you. Show me a driver that says they NEVER have to pull up to try again and I'll show you a liar. You'll get better and better and soon, you'll be doing it on the first try.

    Oh, and a good deal of backing starts before the truck is in reverse. Learn to properly set the truck up to back. Pay attention to your target while still pulling forward. If you need to pull up, only pull up far enough to get the rig into proper position. I see guys all the time get really close and only need to pull up to make a small adjustment, but they'll pull all the way up and start all over again. Usually, they'll end up in the same position or worse off than they would have if they'd have just pulled up enough to get their truck into position to get the trailer where they need it.

    It's gonna come to you, it just takes a little practice. Everybody had to learn to do it just like you are doing.
     
  9. Chain Drive

    Chain Drive Medium Load Member

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    Nov 28, 2008
    Nova Scotia,Canada
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    this is what worked for me and I still do it: look in your mirror, if you see more trailer in your drivers side, turn to the drivers side and visa versa, sounds odd, but try it works every time, and I know for your test they take points if you pull ahead but trust me you lose all your points if you hit something. keep at it good luck
     
  10. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Paddletrucker has some good tips too! I don't know if the school will let you but if you can just drive around in reverse in a big parking lot this will allow you to get a better feel of trailer response. Also whenever you move your tandems you have just completely changed your response times. It's just going to take getting used to.

    Walstib, Oh yeah wait till the 5pm crash up derby at the truckstops! If you are experienced this is very entertaining. If you are a new driver it is your worst nightmare. One good tip, don't always trust the other drivers on the CB. A lot of them will back you into a truck on purpose! It sucks and is very stressful but if you are in doubt or even close get out of the truck and look! Yeah there will be trucks lined up down the road waiting for you but it is far worth it instead of a preventable backing accident. Another good tip, stay away from the truck stops from 4pm till 10pm. Try to get your shower midmorning to early afternoon. Not only will this help you avoid the stress of truckstop traffic but it also lessens the chances of you being run into too! Plus you are just burning up your clock trying to park and waiting 2 hrs for a shower. This is one really good reason you see a lot of guys prefer the night driving. Good luck to you guys!
     
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  11. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    This has been a great thread, keep the tips coming!
     
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