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Problems with Alley Dock testing

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JSC1, Apr 12, 2010.

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  1. Apr 12, 2010 #1
    JSC1

    JSC1 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 12, 2010
    Granville, OH
    0
    I've been trying to pass my driving skills test, but I keep running into problems with the 90 degree Alley Dock. I try to do it the way the instructors want it done, but it keeps coming out wrong. The truck goes in crooked, too far to the right, too far to the left, hit lines, etc.

    I could use some hints on helping to pass it, especially since I have a third retest coming this friday, and I don't know if I'll be ready for it.

    Can anyone give me any pointers on how to pass it?
     
    JSC1, Apr 12, 2010
    JSC1, Apr 12, 2010
    #1
    TruckGal13 Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 12, 2010 #2
    statikuz

    statikuz Medium Load Member

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    Jun 22, 2009
    Reno Nevada
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    Well it's hard to explain it accurately but here's how I did it:

    Drive perpendicular to the docking spot as close to the cones as you can.
    As soon as your drive axles meet the second cone turn hard right out away from the dock.
    Keep going for a little bit then come back to the left. (depends on how much room you have at the test).
    Now your tractor will still be perpendicular to the dock spot but your trailer will be pointing back towards it a little.
    Now I would just put it in R without messing with the steering and back slowly to get an idea of how you are lined up (or not lined up). It helps if you can look at your trailer tires and sort of "project" the track they will take as you back up.

    It is pretty tough to explain but you will get it soon enough.
     
    statikuz, Apr 12, 2010
    statikuz, Apr 12, 2010
    #2
    TruckGal13, LostOne9 and Baack Thank this.
  4. Apr 12, 2010 #3
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    If your having difficulty with the passing, I suggest you get more practice.
     
    lovesthedrive, Apr 12, 2010
    lovesthedrive, Apr 12, 2010
    #3
  5. Apr 12, 2010 #4
    Baack

    Baack Road Train Member

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    Baack, Apr 12, 2010
    Baack, Apr 12, 2010
    #4
  7. Apr 12, 2010 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    This may sound corny, but it works. I was an instructor and told my students who were having problems backing to rent a U-Haul trailer and practice for hours on end backing into a driveway or parking lot space. The concept is the same, just a smaller vehicle. The ones that did follow my advice got the gist of backing and had no problems passing the test. Good luck.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 12, 2010
    Allow Me., Apr 12, 2010
    #5
    simplyred1962 and LostOne9 Thank this.
  8. Apr 12, 2010 #6
    Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    backing a uhaul trailer is nothing at all like backing a semi trailer
     
    Freebird135, Apr 12, 2010
    Freebird135, Apr 12, 2010
    #6
  9. Apr 13, 2010 #7
    Runaway02

    Runaway02 Light Load Member

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    That was a good idea.:biggrin_25514:
     
    Runaway02, Apr 13, 2010
    Runaway02, Apr 13, 2010
    #7
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  10. Apr 13, 2010 #8
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    But the concept of where the trailer will go when you back up is the same. Granted they should be doint it with a goose neck or a 5th wheel trailer.
     
    lovesthedrive, Apr 13, 2010
    lovesthedrive, Apr 13, 2010
    #8
    simplyred1962 and Runaway02 Thank this.
  11. Apr 13, 2010 #9
    Swaps

    Swaps Heavy Load Member

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    yeah, backing with a 5th Wheel is completely different then backing with a bumper hitch.
     
    Swaps, Apr 13, 2010
    Swaps, Apr 13, 2010
    #9
  12. Apr 13, 2010 #10
    Runaway02

    Runaway02 Light Load Member

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    But isn't the CONCEPT still the same?Mainly learning to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction and learning how to track the trailer tires?
     
    Runaway02, Apr 13, 2010
    Runaway02, Apr 13, 2010
    #10
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