My daily journal of Trucking School

I made flashcards... one card per component; in-cab, air system, engine compartment, etc. Took the exact words out of the WA state CDL manual for each component. I aced everything but the pintle hook, which our instructor said we wouldn't be tested on. I'd send you the MS Word file, but I don't think I can do that here.

On the backing.. another thing they taught us was on the straight back, "nudge" the trailer with your elbows... meaning, put your hands on either side of the wheel and if you see the trailer going left in your left mirror, "nudge it" by pulling the wheel down on the left a tiny-teensy bit, which brings your left elbow back like you're poking the trailer with it. Same for the right side.

... not sure if that sounded as clear as it is in my head...

HG

 

Tht is good advice about backing. I also learned it by looking in the mirror and turn towrds the side I want to make disappear. Sounds funny writing it but when you look in the mirror and you want the trailer to disappear, turn towards that mirror.

On the shifting thing. Double clutching is all fine and dandy when you are learning but when you get out on the road you will find it better to float the gears. Less stress on the leg and if you are out with and O/O he may not want you wearing on the lcutch like that. One thing is for sure though, dont pop that sucker out of gear at lights or down hills. If it is in gear at lights and your foot slips there is a good chace it will stall before you hit something. Also on down hills, the songs may make it sound cool to have a "georgia overdrive" but you dont want to find out if you can take 6% down hill curve at a buck 20.

The log book thing. It may sound maucho to say oyur an outlaw trucker and that you can log to make thing look good but you should be aware that weigh stations are running your vin and or prepass to check how long it takes for you to get from one weight station to another. I am not saying that your doing this, just giving what little advice I have.

Just my two cents.

 

Thanks for posting the pics. I can study up before school starts. Just decided to go with Werner myself (well my hubby and I are). Good luck to you!!!