tight lots

likes been mentioned a lot in the past.

Go get a toy semi and practice backing with it.

 

I used to have a lot of issues with tight lots, not saying I'm perfect now, but at least I can get in. What did it for me was practice in a empty lots, picking a crack or loose rock or something, and saying "that's the truck in the next row"...then when I could get into the spot without going past that spot, I'd pick a spot closer (or move the rock). I did this before going to sleep on days when I shut down between 10AM and 3PM because I've been told that muscle memory is learned better if practiced right before sleep. One night I had a dream where I was backing into a tight spot at about 30MPH and it just slid in perfect; oddly, I backed a lot better the next day. There are still times that I have a terrible time getting into the last space in a lot at 2AM...but then, that's why the spot is still open! At this point, my biggest problem is backing into loading docks where those yellow trailer jack things are laying everywhere. Don't know why, but knowing those are there screws me up terribly even when there is a ton of space.

Most important...GOAL! I'm happy to wait for you to get into a spot, JUST DON'T HIT MY TRUCK!!!

 

For me, my general rule is the tighter the spot the later you start your setup. This will put you a further distance from the hole but you still have a kink between the tractor and trailer at the end of the setup. With that extra distance you can then just back the tractor straight as that initial kink will then become tighter on the trailer eventually. This keeps your nose clear when it comes time to nose around. The tractor does not always need to turn in order to turn the trailer so use that to your advantage.

 

Look at the pavement because the other trucks will usually have left marks. You can use those for reference sometimes, especially when the dock has no lines to use on the approach to the dock. I always look at the ground in front of docks to see how the other trucks set it up. Tight docks are less forgiving when you don't set it up right. Instead of struggling just start over with an adjusted setup. If it's a busy dock and you're ready to give up just scoot out of the way and watch the other trucks as they setup and try to emulate them. Don't give up. Always GOAL. Leave the CB on to hear people warning you about a potential impact hazard.

 

It's all in your set-up, for those tight spots,, don't try to set-up the conventional "driving school" way,, where as most teach you to start your set-up just behind your left shoulder,, WAIT, go till your trailer tandems hit that spot instead, then just turn to about 15 degree to right, then make a slight left,, back your trailer close to truck on your site side and just come back under trailer ,, you'll have no issues with the vehicles in front or obstacles

 

Just a lil drawing, i'm not an artist mind you,

 

Lot's of great advice here. Watch how other drivers do it, you can learn a lot. The advice about sliding the axles is good. I've often set up and got the back end partially into the hole then pulled the slider and slid the tandems about half way, went back again then slid the tandems all of the way and backed in eliminating the overhang.

 

also, if your not going to be able to jacknife into the hole if its that tight. This requires starting at an angle. Go past the the hole a truck length, pull up and then turn left so you can look down the side of the trailer and backup slowly aiming for the hole. Constantly correct the angle straightning the truck a little at a time as you go back. When the axles are into the hole a little as tight to the driverside truck next to you as possible G.O.A.L. to make sure you are not near the blindside. Then pull up a little at a time and correct yourself back into the hole. Remember to Get Out And Look as many times as you need to. Much easier to do this then try and be a stud backer who is now on the phone explaining to his boss how he took that shiny Texas Bumper off a new $150k Pete.

 

It can help to picture in your mind the path you would use to get out if you were already in there.