How to back. General Advice for beginners.

Just as an addition here, if you set up for your back properly, it will make things much easier. Unfortunately, learning what the best set up is for each individual situation takes time to be able to judge. There is no magic secret that will make it 100% accurate every time. Don't be afraid to pull up, either. You don't lose points for it in the real world, and I'm sure everyone would rather you pull up than potentially hurt someone or damage property.

 

the trailer tandem position also makes a big difference
on the overhang
remember the turning point is at the tandems

 

of course starting in reverse is helpful

 

Me personally, I hate straight backups. I'd much rather back the traditional way than straight backs. If I'm at some big warehouse with a bunch of doors open and they just tell me to back into a door I can't do it half the time. I just ask them for a door number and I can do that. It's just the way I am for some reason and I'm sure some others are the same way.

 

This right here. Set up helps immensely and I see many guys that don't ever bother to even do it. It's a lot easier than cranking the trailer until your fairings are almost ripped off, plus that puts tremendous strain on the tandems.

The OP made some good points too, other than the Swift comment, especially with the ask for help if you need it. Some guys will help you without asking, but I've never seen a driver that refused to help someone that asked.

 

Don't tell students to aways start in reverse! Had a trainee that did that at every stoplight! Luckly I broke that before he smashed any cars!

 

I'd say the best advise is G.O.A.L (Get Out And Look). Now with that said I personally think that about two weeks as a "shag/Yard jocky/mule" driver will help you understand the basics of backing a trailer. When I was working as yard driver I've seen several OTR's that couldn't back and had to do "pull-thrus". I see this as un-safe due to the fact that you can't see around the trailers that you are between as you doing your "pull-thru"

 

If your pulling a spread axle, if its tight use the dump valve its there for a reason and don't jack that thing around so hard, its very hard on your trailers and tires, there's no shame in doing multiple pull ups and backs to get into a spot instead of jacking around really tight in a spread.

Get Out And Look

take your time and goodluck.

 

Don't blind side if you don't have to. Even if you think you have to, look around and see if there's a way to turn around so you can sight side back instead. There is no shame in backing into another open spot or an open door to get yourself turned around to set up for a sight side back.

Sequoia's dirty little secret tip: if you're told to just drop it in a general area, don't immediately go for the first spot you find. Check the whole area where you're supposed to drop it. Often times there's an easier spot to back into towards the back. Sadly if you have to drop it in a specific numbered spot, you're out of luck (like at a Home Depot DC) but say at a Walmart DC, check the entire zone for an easier spot before picking the first one you find.