Backing tips please.....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jpsldaddy, Mar 28, 2015.

  1. jpsldaddy

    jpsldaddy Bobtail Member

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    Dec 19, 2012
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    I have had my cdl for a few years but have recently started driving. I am having trouble backing. My question is how far do you pass the hole before you angle out? When your in a super tight spot do you angle out at all or do you try a 90 degree alley dock? Any tips or suggestions would be really appreciated. I'm starting to get discouraged. Thank you. I am looking for a set up for a spot with a good amount of room as Well as a spot with barely any..
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2015
    Mr.X and Saturday Thank this.
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  3. Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 31, 2013
    Spokane, WA
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    I treat it just like it is an intersection, so your passing the hole/dock just enough for your trailer tires to clear the curb as you turn right. If there’s enough room you can continue and straighten out so you have good view of the trucks on both sides.
    If you dont have enough room then your still basically doing the same thing but will have to crank hard to the left at the end so you have room to get the rear end started into the hole, and there aint nothing wrong with getting out and looking when in question.
    The more you do it the easier it gets.
     
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  4. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    Merrimack, NH
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    Just repeat to yourself. STEER INTO DANGER

    If the trailer is going to hit something on your left then turn the steering wheel to the left
     
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  5. w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    Chicago, il
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    Remember there's a delay from your input to the tandem. Once my tandem is about 2 ft from the hole I start to angle it. Once my trailer start to go where I don't want it, I stop right away, if you keep going it's just gna make it worst. Pull up strange and try again.
     
    Meganleigh Thanks this.
  6. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Can't say about anyone else right now, but I have 2 downtown Boston stops, with a 53 foot trailer/twin screw day cab. As a result, my tandems are all the way forward, and it is still TIGHT down there. As a result, I cannot turn my steering wheel at the same speed as the others, as that 53 goes squirrel on me if I do.Seriously for you, and if you can, you say that you have had your CDL for a few years, but just started? Are you able to practice at your terminal? Unless we are there to help you, trying to explain it can be a bit difficult. If you can ask an older guy at your terminal for help, you might be better off than asking a younger guy. But then again, some older guys get cranky as well.
     
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  7. Trckdrvr

    Trckdrvr Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 25, 2010
    Georgia
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    Advice on backing?..hmm?

    I can simply say I would rather be long on my setup than short..in other words rather start my turn to late than to early.
    oh,and never apply any gas while backing just let the engine and the low reverse gear walk it back..
    .
    .
    Edit:I remember now how many great videos there are on www.youtube.com on backing..
    Go watch a few..
     
  8. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    hastings, Fl
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    The only way to master backing is by doing it.Practice, practice, practice,repeat,repeat, then do it all over again. No verbal instructions or reading a book can give you the judgement to master putting a trailer where you want it to go. These hands have given good general advice, but each truck / situation is different. You can master the skill, but it takes a little time and effort. Good luck.
     
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  9. stevep1977

    stevep1977 Road Train Member

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    Chicago, IL
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    One thing that is overlooked when backing is pulling up/forward. Doing pullups and setting up for backing is more important than the actual backing process.
     
    Meganleigh Thanks this.
  10. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    This pretty much sums it up. What is really needed is aerial, straight-down videos from a drone, of a truck/trailer executing several types of common backs in "real-world" settings. These should be done by someone who is "pretty good" at various backing setups. Doesn't have to be perfect with no pull-ups, but the setup needs to be correct and the back obviously needs to be done as smoothly as possible.

    This would help new guys to better visualize and comprehend what is going on. I have a drone (and others do too) and if you have access to a quiet facility with trucks trailers parked as in a truck stop, and would want to volunteer a little time, speak up. I've seen various youtube vids shot from ground or through truck mirrors but these offer little help or guidance in reality as they provide no real space and/or positional perspective.
     
  11. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Yeah, too many want to get it done is one shot. In all my years I can safely say that I have taken more pull ups than some newbies, as I want (and actually need) to be dead on at my stops.

    I have 2 stops in particular, that if I am not dead on perfect, the weather will blast me as I unload. At my starting warehouse, if I am not dead on, the weather blasts the dockworkers, then they poke fun at any driver who cannot back near perfect.

    I'd rather have my chops busted due to several pull ups, then anyone busting me for a piss poor docking. Cuz when I'm done, all busting stops, and the dock workers stay dry and warm.
     
    Meganleigh Thanks this.
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