Every backing situation is different because of the constraints of available maneuvering space. Setting up properly is the key and it is time consuming to try saving a bad setup. Go around and try it again. Lots of times I have to get out and mark a spot because I loose track of it when I'm ready to back up. Sounds crazy, but if you've ever tried backing in a distribution center with trailers that all look the same, you will know what I mean. I always look for the path of least resistance when it comes to backing. I always try to find two empty slots so that the blind side is guaranteed to be clear. I do pull throughs whenever i can. I'm not the guy trying the impossible backing endeavors. I have passed up spots to park for the night that I deemed an accident waiting to happen.
I've got four articles up over at a website I'm building, http://howtobackatruck.com. You're welcome to check them out. Whether they're helpful or not, I don't know, I haven't gotten a lot of feedback yet.
I'm riding with a rookie right now, just had him take a look at it and he thought it was good info. Liked the wheelbarrow analogy.
Take all the time you can practicing in school. Don't smoke and joke the whole time. I was able to spend most of our range time behind the wheel while the others were bs'ing around. Drive the tandems, get out and look, watch your cab swing on the blind side and most of all setup is the difference between succeed and fail. Remember on the test you only get a couple pull ups but in real life you do whatever it takes to be safe and get into the whole. Good Luck!
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. As long as I know the articles help even a few people, I'll keep writing them.
I always feel it helps if you use bottom of steering wheel also, tend to steer in the direction that you want it to go better.
Fender mirrors help with that blind side cab swing. I seen a few call them "rookie mirrors" for some reason, whatever that's supposed to mean. If you're a little short on room to work, they do come in handy.
Best advice I got was ... "If you are going to make a mistake, and you will, make a lot of little ones. They are easier to recover from compared to one big one." Stay Safe, MD
Well, I must be a rookie. Properly adjusted fender mirrors and globe mirrors are essential IMHO. HINT: while you may think your truck is "purdy", you shouldn't see much of it at all in your globe or fender mirrors. Get as wide an angle view possible. Practice using them, for blindside backing, turning corners to monitor how close your trailer tires get to the curb, finding cars hanging out in your blind spot, and watching for approaching traffic when you come to a stop sign at less than a 90° angle.
