Scientific backing 90 & 45 explained in two pages

Backing a truck and trailer is not hard. The hard part is doing it so you dont damage anything or kill someone. Kinda like a fall from a roof, the fall doesnt hurt the sudden stop when you hit the ground does

 

Ya turn the wheel one way it does that. Ya turn the wheel the other way it does this. Keep It Simple Stupid.

 

What he said!
I've never backed a big rig but dang, how difficult can it be?

 

Backing a semi is one of the hardest things to pass unless you understand the whole concept of it.People that get tested out for their cdl or even go solo fail the first or second time all because of backing and some have shifting problems as well.Problem is ppl oversteer.You only have to turn the wheel slightly because the trl takes time to react.Or ppl turn the steering wheel the wrong way.Its easy once you get the hang of it but it can be stressful along the way while gaining exp.I back 12 or more times daily.Some is straighline,most is 45 degree between trls and some is blindsiding.Its easy for me because I do it every day.You can bet new drivers would get nervous though because trks yard dogs and construction waits so they can get by.

 

You never did it, that is why you think it can'T be hard, wait till you try it then pass judgement. I instructed at a CDL school for five years and I would walk by the left front wheel and instruct the student don't turn the wheel unless I tell you to. That is the single biggest mistake students make is to turn the wheel too much . Remember that for every action there is a reaction. I see it every time I go into a truck stop or around a dock. Drivers that are not newbee still do it. Bad set up and then too much wheel turning will get you ever time. Only way to learn how to shift or back up is to do it. IF THAT MANUAL IS REALLY THICK IT MIGHT MAKE A WHEEL CHOCK, OTHER WISE IT IS USELESS.

 

Not belittling anybody. I didn't day it isn't hard. And i didn't pass judgment. But thanks any way!

I'm sure I will be challenged.

 

some people are more analytical than others. I'm one of them. I had to find out the angles and what action gives what reaction, and " just winging it" just didn't work for me. I needed a formula, and I had to develop one before i got any good at backing. what's most important is figuring out what to do when the angles are off and how to correct it.

 

If you look at it that way it is similar to playing pool.

 

Actually it is the same as turning any corner just going backwards instead of forwards