Question about backing & turning

Take from this what you wish Allen, but it's what I've learned over way too many more years than sometimes I like to admit I've been in this game.

1. Before attempting any reversing sequence, LOOK at what you have to do. Use the GOAL method as outlined in another reply.

2. Where possible set yourself up so that you are backing in to the dock, laneway, parking lane etc on the driver's side! Blindside reversing is a PITA.

3. Because of the fifth wheel, the trailer will turn in the opposite direction to the steering wheel! Eg: Left hand down will turn the trailer's rear edge to the right, right hand down will turn it left.

4. Small movements of the wheel to correct or turn the trailer where you want it to go.

5. Keep the speed to an absolute minimum. Ease your foot off the clutch to get the trailer rolling then just let it 'walk' back on it's own.

6. Be aware of the length of overhang you have (if any). If you do have an overhang, focus your attention on the back of the trailer NOT the wheels! (I've seen many a truck driver with a very red face when the back of their trailer has made a resounding crash into the end of the dock because they forgot about the overhang and focused on the wheels.)

7. The more axles your trailer has, the more it will 'cut in', ie: turn and take you out of a straight line. (I offer this piece of info because here in Australia we also tow tri-axle trailers.)

8. This is the nasty one. Pivot points. Reversing uphill the trailer will pivot around the rear axle. Reversing downhill it will pivot around the front axle. In either situation your corrections must be very sharp and quick! If not, pull forward, reset, start again.

9. Trailer length. The shorter the trailer, the quicker it turns. Be extra vigilant with short trailers. Again, corrections/guidance needs to be sharp and decisive, if not, pull up, reset, start again.

10. Most important of all, and probably should be at the top of the list, Take Your Time!

Hope this helps and more importantly, I hope I put into words correctly what I now manage to do as second nature after a quarter century of practice.



Rod

(the guy who sits on the opposite side of the cabin.)

 

first visualize a clock. 12 oclock= top of wheel, 9 oclock = left side of wheel, 3 oclock = right side of wheel, and 6 oclock bottom of wheel

with tractor and trailer straight and front wheel straight put right hand at 12 oclock. look at driver side mirror, back up, if you see trailer drift to the drivers side=left then turn wheel to 9 oclock. once its going straight again return wheel back to 12 oclock. if trailer drifts toright side= passenger side. turn wheel to 3 oclock. once straight return wheel back to 12 oclock. the key is to catch the drift early.

turning---
to make a left turn always use the outer left turn lane. when traffic is clear go straight to middle of road with l turn signal on and turn left and steer into right lane.

to make a right turn also try to use outer turn lane if possible. but if not try to stay towards the left side of right turn lane to avoid hitting curb or signs.also keep an eye in front and on side of you.
this is how i was taught in school.

 

Get a job as a yard spotter for a while,in a short time you will back better than you go forward.

 

hey allen73,

awhile back i posted a thread "backing help for a newby" and it received several very good replies. just thought maybe there may be some info in there
that might be useful to you. under the search in the tool bar type in title of my thread or my user name haze1. good luck.