Newbee looking for alley dock advice

Alley dock was my weakness also.See if an instructor can help you one on one till you get it and understand it.Thats how I passed.

 

You start 90% left front tire at the far side of the imaginary dock cut hard right go untill tractor is parallel with dock cut left untill u see the left corner of the trailer I (should ) be close to the left corner of the dock the just do the opposite and your in there if you can get it close go ahead and take the pull up rater than getin in a spot you can't get out of to this day I rarely don't do a pullup to get straight so I'm sure I'm goin in straight hope this helps setup is everything

 

I see drivers who have been driving for 30 years who still cannot back almost every day. The new guys cant back due to inexperience and the old drivers cannot back since 18 years ago something bizarre happened so they are paranoid on hitting something that isn't there. Plus due to their nonstop buffet dinners the bloodflow to their head has decreased which impairs their vision and brain. It is hard to explain but it is best to get your trailer aligned to the hole as much as possible before you even back up that way you dont have to turn it so hard to angle it in. Some places are so tight that this is not possible, and that is when experience comes in.

 

I was have the same trouble doing the 90 and this is what one of my instructors told me to do. Turn the steering wheel 1 full turn to the right , start your backing and hold the steering wheel for 5 second, 1 thousand 1 , 1 thousand 2, etc... then release the wheel and follow the trailer to the cones, you can then do either a pull up if you have to. That method worked for me. Hope it helps.

 

I always pay attention to where the tires are going. Those are what put the trailer in the hole. If you watch the tail of the trailer you will just wiggle it all over the place. Get the tires lined up and rest will fall into place. My two cents anyway.

 

I bought a driving simulator computer game to get an understanding on how the tractor pushes the trailer when backing. It was realistic and was a great start for me to pass the cdl test easily.

 

I tried that game too but didn't like it. I found a model truck (toy) to be a lot better towards practicing. In the end it was the experience on the road that did the trick.

 

Practice is the only answer.
After about a year or so I could envision myself backing before I even put it in reverse.
First step of course is knowing exactly what the tandems will do when ya turn the wheel.
Second would be the set up. Less room in front means more jack knife, more room in front means > 45 degree back up.
Third of course is putting it in the hole. Hug the left side and you'll be fine, get out if necessary.

YES we will be talkin #### on the CB if you take too long!

 

I have been driving quite awhile and backing is still not my strong suit. I just take it slow and make sure I don't hit any thing. The results are all that matters.