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Backing Advice for a Student Please

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by ShadowCat, Dec 18, 2013.

Page 3 of 4
  1. Dec 19, 2013 #21
    cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    I don't know if you're trying to give him driving advice, or a few tips on making love.
     
    cabwrecker, Dec 19, 2013
    cabwrecker, Dec 19, 2013
    #21
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  3. Dec 19, 2013 #22
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

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    Hampton Roads, VA
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    He doesn't need love-making tips. :biggrin_255:
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #22
  4. Dec 19, 2013 #23
    spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    I'm thinking there must be some kind of miscommunication going on here. You simply can not do a90 degree dock without turning your head, the mirror will only show the side of the trailer, not the end of it. Are they using a day cab by chance? With a rear window? They shouldn't let him look out the rear window, otr sleeper trucks don't have them. But not looking out the drivers for window ids totally illogical. That's just begging to hit something.
     
    spyder7723, Dec 19, 2013
    spyder7723, Dec 19, 2013
    #23
    TheDude1969 Thanks this.
  5. Dec 19, 2013 #24
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

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    Dec 10, 2013
    Hampton Roads, VA
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    It isn't a day cab, it's a sleeper. I've been in it so I know that much for sure. The problem we're having is that different instructors are saying different things. One says 90 degree, one says 45 degree, one says within 3 feet of end cone, one says within 3 feet of all three cones during entire back. My husband is trying to get a final answer from someone by the end of this week so at least he'll know what he's supposed to learn for the test! How frustrating!
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #24
  7. Dec 19, 2013 #25
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Great advice here but that will not improve your husbands backing.He needs to speak up and demand more backing practice NOW.He paid good money for the school so they need to teach him right.He needs hands on training.If he wont say anything then you call the school or go there and talk to them.Backing for most is the hardest to learn.Hate to see him fail because this school didn't give him enough backing time.
     
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    #25
  8. Dec 19, 2013 #26
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

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    Dec 10, 2013
    Hampton Roads, VA
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    Oh believe me, he has spoken up. He gets a non-answer usually, or glossed over. Just a moment ago he did text me that one of the other instructors is taking initiative and is going to come in on his day off and give more backing instruction to a few of the guys (my husband included) who have everything else down. Hopefully this will help.
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #26
  9. Dec 19, 2013 #27
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Where is Hubby when the other students are behind the wheel in the yard practicing ? He needs to be right there along side the driver observing (from the pavement, not in anyones way). Observing only, no instruction. The other thing he can do is rent a U-haul trailer and practice his little heart out. The concept is the same, even though it's a much smaller vehicle. Also, he can come in on his unscheduled times to the school and hang out and be at the ready to jump in and practice. In other words, he needs to be assertive and aggressive. This will be his livelihood. He needs to start NOW. The same attitude will help him when he's out there on his own having to make decisions. Trucking is a person giving him a dispatch, with a pick-up time and delivery time. All the B.S. that he encounters to complete the delivery is on him. Welcome to trucking !
     
    Allow Me., Dec 19, 2013
    Allow Me., Dec 19, 2013
    #27
  10. Dec 19, 2013 #28
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    What a nice instructor to do that.
     
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    #28
    ShadowCat Thanks this.
  11. Dec 19, 2013 #29
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

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    Dec 10, 2013
    Hampton Roads, VA
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    Yeah, that would work except he was told that he could absolutely not come in on the weekends (his unscheduled time) to do any practice. He is in the yard observing when not in the truck. The main problem is that when they are supposed to be learning backing, somehow they (there's about 3 guys who only need backing now) are getting bumped out for the guys from the PREVIOUS class who didn't pass. The school is not run well. He's tried just about everything short of putting his hands on someone to try to get his rightful practice time. He has no problem speaking up, he was in the Navy (and got in trouble for speaking up but he did it anyway).
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #29
  12. Dec 19, 2013 #30
    BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

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    I will finish reading all the post.. but just gonna jump in here.. First.. any and all schools just teach you enough to pass the test and get your CDL.. when you get out with the trainer you will be taught more.. but, even the best trainer can only teach you so much in a few weeks.. when you go solo.. you will learn, and learn and learn..


    as for the 45.. here is what I do.. I aim my tandums (drivers side) for the yellow line.. then I just have my tandums follow that line all the way back.. If my tandums are on that yellow line.. my passenger side in usually good... In real life, you will get out an look.. but for the test.. you can't and also, there won't be someones brand new KW, PeterBilt or whatever in that other slot.. so, that is a breather..

    best advice I can give you.. relax and take out the garbage daily, hourly if need be.. what I mean by that.. don't focus on the bad or the way you wish it was.. that will not serve you well and will only be a headache... You already know what you need to know.. you just feel uncomfortable because you haven't been able to practice and hone the skills and there for don't feel confident...

    But you need to pass this test so you can move forward.. and you do already know all you need to know to do it... you know which way to turn the wheel to move your trailer in the direction it needs to go...

    So, put more energy and thought into what you do already know and can do and let the other crap.. worries, fear and anxiety go.. they are useless to you.. Do not convince yourself that you are not ready or can't do it.. you can, and you will... if that is the way you steer your thoughts...
     
    BrenYoda883, Dec 19, 2013
    BrenYoda883, Dec 19, 2013
    #30
    ShadowCat Thanks this.
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