Going with Roehl

how does a trailer drift when you are going backwards @ 1 mph? When I think of drifting I think of going out of control with the tires skidding.

 

Not to sound like a smart-##* but if I knew that, I wouldn't do it!! hahaha - I don't know how but they do! And we had an old Mack in school that I would never let the clutch out on when backing - I swear that thing went backwards at 30 mph. And trust me, I'm still in the white-knuckle death-grip stage and I was holding that wheel steady and the trailer/flatbed would do all sorts of things!!! So, if anybody DOES know how the darn things drift, please tell me - so I can't stop it - LOL!!!

 

The drift refers to the direction the rear of the trailer is going to (ie. drifting left or right).
Happens quite a bit, even on a straight back. Always turn toward the drift to straighten out the trailer again. Takes a bit of practice, but you will get it. You will also get frustrated. It WILL happen. Don't worry about it.
When I was with my second trainer, I thought I had it down pretty good until I had a meltdown one night at a grocery warehouse with about 10 trucks behind me waiting to get in. I got past it and am much more comfortable with it now.
Remember, the best back is the one you don't have to do!

 

its the way the axles are bent during an alinment

all the axles are set at a very small toe -in (1/32 inch if memory serves) to keep it pulling strait behind you while going forward, but when you go in reverse, they are toe-out ( in the direction of travel), which in essence means that whichever side has the most wieght on it it will go that way

if you've ever needed an alinment on your car it is the same principal, if its toe-out it will pull that way

 

Day four....Getting my lingo down for the pre trip inspection. We tried our hand at 45 degree backing. Joy! Joy! Man those instructors make it look sooooo easy. I would set up great! My problems started when I would put it in reverse and start for the hole. I would either correct too early or too late. Then I would forget which was to steer. But after a few tries and explaining on the instructors part (and I'm sure a quart of mylanta for them as well) I started to get the concept. I plan on being in the yard Saturday for practicing backing. If anyone thinks all you have to do is have the tractor aligned in front of the trailer and just start backing up straight they are wrong. You would be surprised how that trailer drifts you have to constant make small adjustments but also be patient to hold that adjustment until the trailer response. Tomorrow we go out on the road. The other truck went out today so we concentrated on backing which turned out to be a good thing. We had our evaluation today and to my delighted surprise I am doing well and on track. Well got to study and memorize the pre trip. Until tomorrow.

 

I too am going with Roehl. I called and set up an orientation date for July 25th. I actually called while waiting on my sister to come pick me up from Werner Orientation. Long story there. Roehl has to be better prepared for women drivers than Werner. I hope so anyway. What is the longest a female can expect to wait for a trainer at Roehl. I already informed them that I do not care if my trainer is a woman, man, black or white....just want them to have more than 6 months driving experience and ready to train me regardless of my sex.

 

Thank you Pedy,
It is comforting to know they take extra precautions with their female drivers. It is also comforting to know the female driver in your orientation went out with a trainer so soon. Today was my second day post orientation at Werner and they still had no idea when I'd get a trainer. I left because there was another woman there who was just leaving out with her trainer after being post orientation for four weeks. All the guys who attended orientation with me had already left out with trainers. Some left the day orientation ended. One actually left at lunch before orientation ended. I know there are special circumstances when pairing up a woman driver with a trainer but I don't think it should take that long. Looks to me like Werner could be a little more prepared. Maybe I'm wrong but it is 2007 and more and more women are choosing driving as a career.

 

I had one of the male trainers that trains females during my Evo II. He was very thorough and I learned a lot from him. His name was Barron. He said that most of the female trainees hate the fact that they have to call every day but it is for the protection of the trainer and trainee. I caught a ride with a really nice black guy that trains females, as well, when I was headed home after Evo I. He was a hoot! Wish I could have had him for a trainer. Hopefully, you won't have to wait long to get out there. Good luck!