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53" trailer... A very simple and dumb question...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011.

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  1. Apr 12, 2011 #1
    defencerulez

    defencerulez Light Load Member

    129
    14
    Oct 28, 2010
    In between the LAKES!
    0
    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...
     
    defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011
    defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011
    #1
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  3. Apr 12, 2011 #2
    bigjoel

    bigjoel Road Train Member

    1,573
    1,833
    Jan 20, 2011
    Houston, Tx
    0
    If possible, slide your tandems up as far as you can, especially running empty.

    That will shorten the turns some. Swing it wide.
     
    bigjoel, Apr 12, 2011
    bigjoel, Apr 12, 2011
    #2
  4. Apr 12, 2011 #3
    Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

    588
    205
    Aug 11, 2009
    Cornholio, OR
    0
    The too wide turns won't get you in trouble.....

    Watch your mirrors and be ready to stop if the trailer jumps the curb.
     
    Bent Wrench, Apr 12, 2011
    Bent Wrench, Apr 12, 2011
    #3
  5. Apr 12, 2011 #4
    defencerulez

    defencerulez Light Load Member

    129
    14
    Oct 28, 2010
    In between the LAKES!
    0
    Yea, I know wide turns won't get me in trouble that's why I have been doing wide turns with it yesterday.

    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!
     
    defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011
    defencerulez, Apr 12, 2011
    #4
  7. Apr 12, 2011 #5
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

    10,555
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    Oct 22, 2010
    32179
    0
    Too wide will get you in a ton of trouble !!!!!
     
    123456, Apr 12, 2011
    123456, Apr 12, 2011
    #5
  8. Apr 12, 2011 #6
    paulll

    paulll Bobtail Member

    27
    1
    Apr 11, 2011
    quebec
    0
    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
     
    paulll, Apr 12, 2011
    paulll, Apr 12, 2011
    #6
  9. Apr 12, 2011 #7
    txladycando

    txladycando Bobtail Member

    18
    9
    Dec 7, 2010
    dallas, tx
    0
    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.
     
    txladycando, Apr 12, 2011
    txladycando, Apr 12, 2011
    #7
  10. Apr 12, 2011 #8
    cruisecontrol

    cruisecontrol Medium Load Member

    340
    115
    Apr 13, 2010
    Rockingham, NC
    0
    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?
     
    cruisecontrol, Apr 12, 2011
    cruisecontrol, Apr 12, 2011
    #8
  11. Apr 12, 2011 #9
    rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

    1,393
    673
    Apr 17, 2007
    Pacific Northwest
    0
    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.
     
    rockee, Apr 12, 2011
    rockee, Apr 12, 2011
    #9
  12. Apr 12, 2011 #10
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,366
    11,200
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    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.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 12, 2011
    Allow Me., Apr 12, 2011
    #10
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