Angled truck spaces(and how to blind side into them)

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by truckermario, Feb 21, 2008.

  1. truckermario

    truckermario Road Train Member

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    I see more and more truck stops rearranging their spaces so that they're angled, and it's not just Idle Aire. I don't know if they're trying to take away from the amount of available space or if they think they're doing us a favor by allowing us a way to park nose forward. Most times it can't even be done THAT way because of a lack of space, but I'd like to see this practice banned. Most companies teach you to never park nose forward anyway because backing out when you're ready to leave is dangerous and takes up a lot of time.

    If you come across an angled space that's angled toward you on the driver side, you're in luck. Your life is now a little easier. But if you come across a space that's angled toward you on the BLIND side, you'll have to do a blind side back. DON'T try this if your backing skills aren't up to snuff. I've only got a year and a half under my belt, so even I can't get it in sometimes. Here's how to do it. You'll need a LOT of space. Align yourself so that your drives are lined up with the next space forward from where you're going to back. Angle out and forward like a regular backing set up. PULL THE PARKING BRAKES! Roll down your passenger window and stick your head out of it. Check to see if your tandems are lined up with the next truck over and are plenty far away. Go back in and pivot and roll, only going FIVE feet at a time. Pull the parking brakes! Stick your head out the window again. Pretend you're in a submarine, and your head is a periscope. Take it five feet at a time, each time with you pulling the brakes and sticking your head out the window. At some point you'll have to get out and check your trailer swing. If at any point it looks bad or you get the heebie jeebies, just give up and try something more sane.

    But like I said. . . I'd like to see this practice stopped altogether.
     
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  3. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    If you set your self up right blind siding into an angeled space shouldnt be that much of a problem. Granted you do have a little more work to do but they have already angeled the space part way for you. Most trucks now days have power passenger mirrors and they come in handy.
     
  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Only 1 truck out of the 5 I have driven ever had a power mirror on either side.
     
  5. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    eeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww
     
  6. Muleskinner

    Muleskinner <strong>"Shining Beacon of Chickenlights"</strong>


    What's a power mirror????
     
  7. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Electric. You move it from the driver seat. I swing mine out sometimes to get a better view.
     
  8. Muleskinner

    Muleskinner <strong>"Shining Beacon of Chickenlights"</strong>

    lol..Thanks....An old chicken haulers trick is to take about an 8' rope...roll your passengers side window down...loop the rope around the back post on the door....swing one end around your pass. stack and bring both ends back to you..leave the passengers side door open....now you can move the door back and forth to position the mirror where you can see best. OR you can just hit that little toggle switch on yer dash....up to you.:yes2557:
     
  9. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Or just buy a truck that is newer than 1970.:biggrin_2559:
     
  10. Muleskinner

    Muleskinner <strong>"Shining Beacon of Chickenlights"</strong>

    LOL....I thought 359's were Pete last series trucks...you mean their still building em??
     
  11. Muleskinner

    Muleskinner <strong>"Shining Beacon of Chickenlights"</strong>


    I'm sorry about gouging you when you were trying to help...I'm weak,I can't help myself.
     
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