I just realize that today is the first time that I've taken a 53" trailer out on the road... I've been working for half a year already, day in and day out I go with 28" trailers, double or even a triple... But I've NEVER taken a 53" trailer out on the road... Even when I got my license, I did the test with a 45" trailer...
Question is, how do I do a right turn properly? Is that any tricks? Nobody ever taught me that, my trainer put all his time to train me all the tricks on the double 28. I've made a few turns with it today, it's always too wide, probably because I was being caution... But that raise a problem, what if I don't have that extra space, how much space do I need to make that turn? Or, how much space is required as a minimum?
All I know is I can make a tight right turn with 28", I just need 1 lane, 45" trailer is 1.5 lanes, 53" is 2 lanes? Can I do it with less?
I have no problem backing it, played with it quite a bit in the company yard...
I just have never driven it out on the road and don't wanna side swipe anything... Well, I should say I've done it today, but it was all in industrial areas, main road and highways so I had so much space to manuver...
53" trailer... A very simple and dumb question...
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011.
Page 1 of 2
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
If possible, slide your tandems up as far as you can, especially running empty.
That will shorten the turns some. Swing it wide. -
The too wide turns won't get you in trouble.....
Watch your mirrors and be ready to stop if the trailer jumps the curb. -
However, I am interested in the minimum space I need to make the turn, and any tricks while I am making the turn. Because knowing it means I won't kill myself with an IMPOSSIBLE TURN! -
Too wide will get you in a ton of trouble !!!!!
-
keep in mind the trailer axles follow the tractor about 1 lane in on a turn,ck the mirrors,never panic,or be hesitant about stopping,it happens,watch for other vehicles
-
If you do slide your tandems up, watch out when backing or making really sharp turns, the back end of the trailer could hit something if you don't have much room.
-
once the trailer tires reach the edge of the curb, crank it..lol you may need two lanes or maybe even more...ever try to turn on a street that was at a 45 degree angle? or tighter?
-
Swing too wide and watch the fool four wheeler try to turn inside of you. Dont swing wide enough and take out the light pole on the corner. Every turn will be different so you just need to get used to your turning radius. Lots of people have different techniques for their turns. Myself, I would rather do a button hook using the second and third lane over than have to make someone back up but it all just depends on the situation.
-
It really depends on lane width and how many lanes there are. A 4 lane intersection with no "buffer area" is different than a 4 lane intersection with a 3' buffer,(like a bike lane). If there is a parking lane then 2 additional lanes (in the same direction) both from the street you are turning from and the street you are turning onto, you can turn from the slow lane into the fast lane with no problem. But be cautious of fire hydrants, telephone poles and pedestrians.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 2