Blind side only parking at truck stops! Why!?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Sixela918, May 19, 2022.

  1. Sixela918

    Sixela918 Light Load Member

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    Like the title says, can someone explain to me why the #### some truck stops (pilot off i35 in Des Moines, for example) have (almost) all the parking spots angled, but the wrong direction? So if you can't pull through from other side, you have to blindside back. Or pull in nose first.
     
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  3. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Heavy Load Member

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    They all look fairly easy to back Into
    Just go slow and G. O. A. L.
     
  4. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Just angle your passenger mirror out as you back. Go slow. GOAL.

    Or drive down the road and find easier parking.
     
  5. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Bean counters most likely. On all these newer trucks the passenger mirror moves #### far compared to the old mirrors. Just GOAL. Practice is good anyways
     
  6. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    If you have a turtle slow reverse like the Mack T2180 you can literally get out of the seat and look out the passenger window Lol. I don't advise that tho:p
     
  7. Sixela918

    Sixela918 Light Load Member

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    Lol
     
  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    South west Missouri
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    Honestly, when you have the time - though it's the least optimal backing situation - try practicing it when you have time/space.

    A lot of it is visualization. Sounds spooky, but when there's nothing around to collide with, you'd be surprised with yourself.
     
  9. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Because when asked, truckers say they want angled spots at truck stops. Designers don't know/understand the difference between sight side and blind side backs. Even if they did, they are constrained by lot size, where driveways can connect to the road, where the fuel tanks (and thus pumps) can be, etc etc etc.

    Then add in that most were laid out when overall vehicle length was limited to 55 feet long and 96 inches wide. Shorten your vehicle by 5 feet and those spots get very roomy, shorten by 8 feet and you're in clover, use a cab over and even the Wilis brothers could get it in.

     
  10. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Looks can be deceiving. The Urbandale IA and Oak Creek WI pilots suuuuuuccck. If everyone is parked with their dot bumpers on the back line, it's doable with a bunch of goals and resets. However I object to being within 1 foot of 3 different fixed objects at the same time. At night, it's real hard, in the rain - forget about it.

    Problem is there's always a couple guys too far forward (or too far backwards making the guy behind be too far forward). On multiple occasions in Oak Creek I've had to drop my trailer to give a guy a fighting chance to get in. Both lots need to be regraded, repaved, and laid out differently. I'll add Lincoln, Ill to the list as well.
     
    God prefers Diesels and tscottme Thank this.
  11. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    I'll admit it I'm not that good at blind siding it. I don't have to blind side it that much but when I do I'll get out and look as much as I have to.
     
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