just started driving solo

I'll give you a solid I just got, and it'll save you a bumper in a pinch if your stressed and forget what you just saw in your goal.

Stop your back every second or so, Unlock your neck, and Look where your front right side is!!!
Also, if your in a ProStar, the front spot mirrors line up with your bumper, if they clear, your bumper is clearing to.
But work on slow backs and swivel necks. Front just as important as your rear.

Oh. One last tip, ...
If your in a prostar, take your blinds off the windows in the bunk.
Its that much more you can see...
Saved me a few times at off kilter intersections and blind siding a little. Very little...but some.

 

I'm sorry but one of the dumbest things you can do is refuse help, even if you don't need it. Most of the time you will find the driver helping you is the guy next to you and making sure you don't hit his truck. I've been out here 10 years now and especially with blindside backing I'll take help wherever and whenever I get it. Just remember you are responsible for what happens and ultimately the one in charge of the truck. This is a brotherhood/sisterhood out here and when drivers help each other we are simply "paying it forward" from the years of help we have received. I have had as many as three drivers helping each watching a different part of the truck. I didn't ask, they volunteered. The combined knowledge and extra eyes make for a much safer backing situation.

I agree that I would never allow someone else in the driver's seat of my truck. Aside from the fact that I don't know if he knows what he's doing, you only learn to drive a truck by actually doing it.

 

Tandems all the way forward and heavy still? Are you pulling the breaks on the scale???. Scales are level so come to a stop and let off the brake pedal. Truck should stay still. Then hit button to get weight

 

12300?
What was drives?
Gross?

If this was the only issue, I'd just check where state scales are, and plan on burning fuel off.
Approx 7lbs a gallon.
300/7
42-43 gallons.
Avg mpg 6-7
252-300 miles to legal. Plus the weight exemption for idle reduction equip.
Some places also take Axel capacity instead of the quick easy figure 12k
If wanna dig deeper into that, check tire weight capacity on side wall and double, then check state law in the Rand McNally.

 

If you're good everywhere else I wouldn't worry too much about being a little over on the steers. If you start seeing weights above 12,5 then I might see about getting the 5th wheel moved back a notch. You might think about that in fact if you are consistently at, or above 12.

 

Thats your problem. When you pull the brakes things bind up and shift causing weight to transfer. Being the scales technically are floating they move slightly. The scales are level. leave the truck in neutral and let off the brakes make sure your not moving before you hop onto the step to reach for the button. Its pretty common for the brakes to cause the weird weights. Don't listen to your FM when it comes to stuff like that. If your over its your ticket, not your FM. Your FM doesn't care if you get stopped, all they care about is moving freight.

 

Only time I have this issue is with the trailers with air ride.
Hit both trlr supply and tractor park brake and it's good.
If you do have air ride, just the tractor.
A good scale should be level, so tractor parking brake should be good 100% time.