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Tandem positioning and backing?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013.

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  1. Apr 13, 2013 #11
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    In some unique situations, having the trailer tandems all the way back can help make the back easier or allow you to put it in a very narrow spot where tail swing is often an issue. Many places where you DROP, they will require you to move the tandems back before dropping. But like was mentioned, 90% of all your heavy movements will be made with the trailer at/near the the same identical position and you need to leave it their for the duration of the trip else make a mistake putting in the wrong hole or forgetting one morning and getting ticketed later. And leave it there for your lighter movements too.

    Too far forward, and you begin to deal with excess trailer swing that can get you in real trouble going in and coming out. A happy medium (41' mark) is best overall.
     
    STexan, Apr 13, 2013
    STexan, Apr 13, 2013
    #11
    Raycubed Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 13, 2013 #12
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    To FozzyNOK.... id quote you but my phone won't let me put the cursor where i need it.... you said you run em at the 41' Mark? I could be wrong but is that one foot back from all the way up? I may give that a shot. Thx.. i still feel bad for the guys who have to watch me park....and GOAL 15 times after only moving a few feet.... but i also figure if they were in that much of a hurry they coulllld get out and offer a hand lol
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #12
  4. Apr 13, 2013 #13
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    Thanks Tex and all other posters. This is all great info
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #13
  5. Apr 13, 2013 #14
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    Not to mention, a few feet further back or forward from where you're accustomed to (positioned at most of the time) and this throws off some of the dynamics and "speed" of the back, and you have to be aware of this change as you set up for the back and how you initiate and follow through with the back.
     
    STexan, Apr 13, 2013
    STexan, Apr 13, 2013
    #14
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  7. Apr 13, 2013 #15
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    ^^^^^^ i definitely agree tex. I've noticed the further back they are the more work i have to do up front... ie i have to push the trailer longer to get her straight before i get under it... i guess it even takes a little more room up front too?

    Oh and, you and another poster mentioned running at the 41 Mark... is that one foot back from all the way up?? Sorry my trailer doesn't have the measure mark near the tandems on the side.
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #15
  8. Apr 13, 2013 #16
    jbee

    jbee Medium Load Member

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    It should. Have you learned about "Being out of bridge?"
     
    jbee, Apr 13, 2013
    jbee, Apr 13, 2013
    #16
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  9. Apr 13, 2013 #17
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    No sir i have not. I've heard of Ca's bridge law that makes me put them all the way up but that's about it.


    I didn't go to an " official " CDL school.. in some ways that was a good thing and a bad thing. I got my cdl learners permit and trained under a friend of mine at the company I'm with now. I was extremely fortunate that they allowed this.... the only big truck experience i had before this was driving a deuce and a half around my old home town ( cheaper than a new 4 wheeler atv!! Why not buy one i said) that's the only reason my shifting is in check... backing?...welllll still picking that up along the way... at a shipper? No problem.....a crowded truck stop?? I turn into a nervousnelly lol
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #17
  10. Apr 13, 2013 #18
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    Google'n being out of bridge now, i have a feeling i should've known what that means and im glad I'm hearing it now
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #18
  11. Apr 13, 2013 #19
    Raycubed

    Raycubed Bobtail Member

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    Unfortunately my search didn't yield much other than videos of trucks hitting low bridges..... I'dbe more than happy to hear what that term means. Thanks in advance
     
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    Raycubed, Apr 13, 2013
    #19
  12. Apr 13, 2013 #20
    Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    If there is a lot of room to maneuver while backing then having a lot of tail swing can be managed. Get lined up straight before you are in between trucks or trailers.

    OUr company has a chart listing the pin holes for various makes of trailers. I will scan and post it the next time I get back to the truck. But it is old and may not be 100% correct.

    The best option is a tape measure and some way to hold the zero end of the tape at the kingpin. I have a 100' tape in my truck.

    Mikeeee
     
    Pmracing, Apr 13, 2013
    Pmracing, Apr 13, 2013
    #20
    Raycubed Thanks this.
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