I'm currently in a truck driving course and we're learning 'turning while backing'. The instructor for this particular task isn't so great and won't tell us certain cues & clues to use while backing and turning. I know I'll probably get the feel of it eventually, but what I'm looking for are certain tips to think about/look for/points of reference...whatever...to help me as I do it. There are all these things for other manuevers that we learn so I imagine there is something out there for backing and turning. Anyone got any suggestions? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

The best advice that i can give you is take your time,and G-O-A-L,If you haven't heard that one yet its (Get Out And Look)as many times as you need.And the best start to a good back-up is a good set-up. We all didn't learn over night,Good Luck

Can't be put much more clearly than that.
Also, don't over-turn your steering wheel. That's a problem I still have sometimes. Especially when straight-line backing, make small corrections early. If you get to where your having to saw the wheel back and forth, pull up and reset. Don't feel you have to get it the first time. Or the second. You WILL get it eventually, and if you don't hit anything in the process, that's the point.
You're going to have to learn to anticipate where your tandems are going to go. That's different from seeing where they're already going. The only way you'll get it is to keep doing it. At least, that's the way I finally got it. You do it wrong so many times and eventually you do it right. If you're watching not only your tandems, but the back edge of your trailer as it relates to the spot your backing into, you'll see the difference. A light will go on. A miracle. Then you'll set up another one and screw it up. It just takes practice.
Oh, and what really helped me was doing it without the instructor around. Something about having him watch just wasn't working. I guess it's about pressure. Relax. Have fun. Keep hammering at it.

Don't be too hard on your instructor there. That's not something that really can be explained in words. You pretty much have to get the feel for that on your own, and the only way that's going to happen is by actually doing it.

__________________
Z-Lady's devoted hubby.

To back straight:
Put your hand on top of the wheel. Watch the trailer in the mirrors. Move your hand toward the side of the trailer (as if you were going to push it) that shows up most.
To turn:
Put your hand on top of the wheel. Watch the trailer in the mirrors. Move your hand toward the side of the trailer (as if you were going to push it) that you want to move.

when i was in caveman's trucking school some eon's ago, we were told to look for a "reference point" on the ground to start turning the steering wheel. sometimes it was a shadow, sometimes a crack, sometimes a dead body from the previous driver's backing attempt ( j/k).

its all got to do with timing, and each of us can back up great one day, and the next day we are all like rookies..........

you will "get it" as we all did, it just takes time. afterall, Rome wasn't built in a day..........because too many slaves were crushed by the huge marble columns that kept falling on them.........

hang in there..................you'll get it...........!!!!!!!!

If u gotta a pick up truck and car trailer or boat practice with it a shorter wheelbase trailer responds faster so if u can get it down pat it will help. At least thats what a few truckers have told me soo I hope it helps.

A short trailer will get away from you real fast. I think that will make him oversteer to much.

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

i hated backing my jet-ski trailer up. yet had WAAAY less trouble with the 16-20 foot flat trailer we use for friends business.

__________________

tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"i've been working all week, and i'm tired and i dont wanna sleep and i wanna have fun... it's time for a good time!!!!" alan jackson

"turn into trouble"
If the trailer gets too far one side, turn into it (just a little dab will do ya!)
"check both mirrors (but just use one)"
one mirror will tend to be a 'ghost' and not reflect reality, you will be 'chasing your tail' and weaving around, pick one
"line up the entire 53' or 48', not just the tires"
watch the trailer (like a straight line) pointing to where you are heading

__________________