Tight alley backing

every time is different
all the way forward makes it easier to swing
but the hangover on the rear swings into the next lane
all the way to the rear backend goes exactly as you turn but requires bigger distance to back up from the front

it is all just geometry that we didn't do well with in HS

 

no you must of failed in English

I normally dont move my tandems often, I just wiggle and fight it in, sometimes takes me a minute and sometimes 20 minutes depending on the situation. I have learned however when they tell you to slide the tandems back then get your trailer backed first and then move the tandems and put the trailer back in the hole. Be careful messing with the tandems before you back, like someone said the trailer will swing and you can hit something easier.

 

just remember the trl turn at the rear tires not the back of the trl. lots of luck

 

Above all else, if you have doubt to where your trailer is, GOAL(get out and look). Who cares what anyone watching thinks, it is better than hitting something. If your not 100% confident to where your trailer is, move it till you are confident. Dont forget about the front of your truck while your concentrating on the back end. That is how front bumpers get bent.
Take your time, dont let anyone rush you. If there is a line of cars, forget about them and let them wait. Dont take a chance.
As the members have already said, the more overhang you have, the straighter you have to be when backing into a narrow hole, because of the overhang.
A couple of weeks ago, i was blind siding into a tight spot, in the dark. It makes for good practice. The guy parked next dock over came out to make sure i didnt hit his truck.... I backed in about half way the first time but pulled back out cuz i wasnt 100% confident. I fiddled aound, pulling up twice till i was confident then backed in. The driver told me i had it the first time, but never take the chance. That is how things get hit.
I have no need for the super trucker status. Im not ashamed to have to pull up. And if i felt the need, i would GOAL.
Super trucker status is going down the toilet when you hit something...

 

Good advice, heck i got out 4 times on a backing last week at a fred meyer, the dock guy said some of their best drivers have trouble so i didnt feel too bad but indeed I was getting frustrated. Unless I know for 100% sure its going where I need it to then I get out and look. Some I never get out and some I do, tight areas you better believe im looking. Yeah I hate older drivers watching me and smiling but im not experienced as some of the vets out there so im more careful.

 

And one more thing...
Another reason how things get hit. When backing, do it s-l-o-w-l-y. Slow gives more time to see everything. Watching a back up, being done slow and smooth and getting it done right the first time is much more impressive than watching some cowboy trying to go 100mph, going back and forth fast,trying to look impressive, hoping he will get it right. Another indication of an amature.

 

yeah I have seen a few of those....have seen a couple drivers though who WERE impressive but not many...

I am nowhere near impressive, heck I still suck at backing even though I have done 100's. I get it in there and thats what counts for me, some I get first time and some I go back and forth a few times..
I never use accelerator only idle speeds when backing