Turning 90 degrees, heavy load, tires spring hangers damage?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Flankenfurter, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. Flankenfurter

    Flankenfurter Light Load Member

    133
    112
    Jan 8, 2021
    USA
    0
    My first of many questions. Thanks for helping me learn.

    When alley docking, should I jack it 90 and do a straight back or a 45 and ease it into the block?

    I'm thinking if I'm light, a 90 and straight back would be fine. But if I'm at 80k loaded on a non-gravel lot, wouldn't I risk the chance of blowing a tandem tire or breaking a spring hanger or shackle?

    When would it be ok to do a 90 and straight back?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

    3,017
    6,758
    May 2, 2010
    ludlow MA
    0
    The shallower you can turn, the less wear and tear you put on everything
     
  4. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

    4,907
    6,539
    Aug 21, 2011
    0
    Spread or tandem axles?
    Tandem, no problem. Spread, bad news.
     
    Flankenfurter Thanks this.
  5. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    19,720
    12,268
    Jul 6, 2009
    0
    If a 10 ft. Spread axle can do it. Not recommended though.

    A closed axle shouldn't have any problems.
     
    Flankenfurter Thanks this.
  6. 6wheeler

    6wheeler Road Train Member

    2,693
    4,768
    Aug 30, 2009
    0
    When you get to a 90 degree angle your trailer can tilt causing damage to the truck and trailer.
    When your at that angle the 5th wheel can tilt forward or backward causing damage as the trailer will roll with the movement of the 5th wheel. Especially if your on a hill and there is weight on the front of the trailer

    I've done it before
     
  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    19,720
    12,268
    Jul 6, 2009
    0
    Forgot about that part.
     
    6wheeler Thanks this.
  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,353
    11,159
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Notice the trailer wheels when doing a "90". They are binding, big time. This my friend is not good . Sometimes it must be done, there is no other way. Like curbing your tires, sometimes. (that breaks down the sidewalls)
     
    Flankenfurter Thanks this.
  9. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

    1,786
    1,664
    Mar 29, 2009
    MA
    0
    Watch many company drivers (and container haulers come to mind) take pride and pleasure in spinning a truck around, hard as they can, digging holes with trailer.
    Deliver to a small three dock place. Every truck comes in, blows a hard U turn and backs into dock. I show up, looking like grandpa, do a three point turn and back to dock. I don't get turned on ripping trailer suspension/tires off trailer.
    The yard man thanks me every time.
     
  10. Flankenfurter

    Flankenfurter Light Load Member

    133
    112
    Jan 8, 2021
    USA
    0
    Thanks all. So far, I'm hearing, "Forget it" unless you care. I just don't want to land in a shop with a flat or suspension trouble. A 90 turn seems easier than a 45. Takes up less room and gets you in faster.
     
  11. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

    3,963
    16,350
    Aug 12, 2007
    Kansas city,Mo
    0
    Are you in a competition to see who can get into a dock faster? Everyone is saying don’t jack the trailer around hard, keep doing it the “easy” way if that’s all that matters to ya.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.