backing technique

Pull up move the tractor to the right 2 feet & back that will move the trailer a foot to the right....Move the tractor over & back twice as far as you have to move the trailer whichever way then back straight back into the hole..

 

turn towards trouble helped me most..

 

Most new guys get into trouble backing by trying to overcorrect. They get too much angle, don't see it until they are past the fix it point, and then try to compensate by turning too far the other way. Pull up and start over. They also try to judge their angle using the mirrors. Hard to do. When you start backing into a spot, roll the window down, stick your head out, and watch the back of the trailer, every few seconds check the other mirror to see if you are going to hit something. When the tractor and trailer are almost straight then start using your mirrors. Go slow, don't get in a hurry. If you set up your angle right before you start backing you should be able to just let the tractor follow the trailer into your spot. If you are straight backing then use your mirrors. Pick a spot where you want the rear of the trailer to end up and back as straight as possible towards that point, without moving the steering wheel any more than you have to. Go slow and don't over steer. And ignore the ########## telling you to hurry up rookie.

 

If you are straight but off center do the following: 1. Turn towards the trouble and watch the tandems. 2. As the tandems get close to the line (real or imaginary ) turn the opposite direction the same amount and continue until the trailer is aligned with your line. 3. Now turn again to get the tractor and trailer lined up. Now you are straight and lined up on the door/dock/hole that your trying to get into. Be safe

 

it doesnt matter if you have to get out 50 times and look....do it....make sure you arent gonna hit anything...too bad if everybody else doesnt like it, they all had to start somewhere too!!!!! take your time...

 

I think youre supposed to put it in high reverse and floor it thats what my trainer told me to do.

 

...no way....we musta had the same trainer....LOL

 

What I do is drop my trailer in the middle of the lot or road so there mule drivers see it and put it in the dock for me. Yeah sometimes it's in the way and people have to drive around it but hey I don't care.



But seriously. Learning to back properly takes time and patience. Just relax and take your time. Everyone had to learn at some point. This is yours. GL.

 

Good advice. #2 is very important here because it's reminding you that a backing maneuver is a 2 part thing--moving/steering the trailer, and then FOLLOWING it with the tractor. Takes time to become intuitive.