Backing Help Needed

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Leia, May 16, 2012.

  1. Leia

    Leia Bobtail Member

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    Apr 18, 2012
    Tucson Arizona
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    I just had a frustrating discouraging day with learning how to back the truck from what I gathered I'm having a hard time telling when I go into a drift when backing up then I'm over correcting.
    Then to make matters worse I've been just confusing just basic directions right and left--its never happened before.
    Today was very upsetting and I left school feeling stupid and wondering if I should return in the morning---- I will but man what a day.
    So what tips if any can you all give me for learning how to master backing?:biggrin_25513::biggrin_25521:
     
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  3. dog-c

    dog-c Road Train Member

    1,852
    1,546
    May 30, 2011
    New York, NY
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    Go to school tomorrow.

    It's the hardest aspect of the job.

    You will get it, keep practicing and take your time.
     
  4. mrdan60

    mrdan60 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 5, 2012
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    i hold the bottom of the steering wheel, so when you turn to the left it turns left and so on,
     
    crazy4chrome, ewill71 and windsmith Thank this.
  5. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Relax man! It was your first friggin day! You will get it. Listen to your instructor and take it slow. The slower you go the more time you have to correct your mistakes. Move the wheel in small increments. Don't whip it all the way around one way and then whip it all the way in the opposite direction. Look in your mirror at the rear wheels of the trailer and slowly steer using them as a guide. Keep in mind it takes a good 6-8 seconds from what you do with the wheel until the tires respond in the rear.

    The important thing is to not get worked up, get nervous, or even worse, frustrated.

    Good luck, report back tomorrow with your progressions.
     
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  6. xaxzax

    xaxzax Light Load Member

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    Sep 25, 2008
    Lawrence, Ks.
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    Just disregard who ever is yelling "left" or "right" focus on the side of the trailer. You know to turn the steering wheel in the direction that the trailer is bending. As soon as you see the trailer start to bend back in the opposite direction, start turning your steering back towards that direction just far enuff to keep the trailer going where you want it.
     
  7. jeep383s

    jeep383s Light Load Member

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    Dec 15, 2011
    Southern GA
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    Don't sweat it. I am by far not the best at backing. But I get better day and I have been doing this for 3 years. Best advice I can give is practice,practice, and when you thing your good practice some more. You will figure how things react when you act the. Just go from there
     
  8. Southpaw7391

    Southpaw7391 Light Load Member

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    Oct 22, 2010
    Wherever
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    And once you do get "good" at it, there will be days where you can't back into a spot that you could put 5 trucks in..... :)

    It will come, don't sweat it...
     
  9. dog-c

    dog-c Road Train Member

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    May 30, 2011
    New York, NY
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    Exactly! Well said
     
  10. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Apr 20, 2011
    Dahlonega, GA
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    Go to a toy store and buy a toy semi and practise backing it up, play out in your mind what you want it to do. This sounds dumb but it will help and you won't tear anything up.
     
  11. ewill71

    ewill71 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 3, 2011
    mcgregor tx
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    best advice yet. This works and is not confusing. just as he stated use the bottom of the steering wheel, it will go where you turn the wheel from the bottom. and be patient dont let nobody get to you. You will only fail when you rush and get confused.
     
    chompi Thanks this.
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