Difficult backing with flatbedding ?

the he storage bin on the outside of your tractor directly under the sleeper.

 

I actually used the side box that was mounted to the trailer about half way back for my reference point. The important thing is.... you have to learn what works best for whatever combination your driving. What works on one truck/trailer combo may not be the best for the next one. The point is... figure out what works for the truck and trailer your driving and use those points of reference every time. Your backing skills will improve immensely. The setup is key.

 

Flatbed drivers get a little more respect to be perfectly honest about it. Yes, we have to back into some really tight locations. And the split axle makes that more of a chore even with the drop axle. Learn to back. Be safe about it and professional. Don't be afraid to get out and look. Backing is a truck driving skill. Its part of our profession.

 

I have an interview coming up with a company that uses the spread axle trailers and I have heard every horror story imaginable about backing them so you can understand my being nervous. But I am getting ahead of myself, first that have to extend a job offer.

 

Its really not that bad. Dump valve makes it easier but not completely necessary.

 

you just have to try to get a little wider arc when backing than what you can do with a closed axle. There's a heck of a lot of us out here who do it everyday, we're not genius's or anything. If we can do it, you can do it.

 

With a spread that doesn't have a dump valve the pivot point is between the axles. How it turns will vary depending on how heavy you are, whether you are on asphalt or gravel, wet or dry. If you are backing up to a dock in a pit, you will start pivoting on the front axle when the back one breaks over the edge. When you are pulling out of a short steep driveway and the front axle gets air you pivot on the rear. It's all about practice and getting a feel.

Generally speaking you need to oversteer into it to get it to start turning, then correct back quickly to keep from overshooting. When backing into a tight spot I do what I call, "taking slices", I work it back & forth to be able to slide in on a gentle angle. I really avoid putting it a sharp binding turn & risking a tricycle event.

A dump valve is a wonderful thing. In a really tight back, like into a funky dock, I will sometimes play the dump valve to control the rate the trailer turns. Dump the air to get it to turn sharper, air it back up if it starts to over-steer.

The big secret, IMHO, is to GO SLOW! My Dad taught me that you shouldn't touch the throttle when backing up. Just let it idle & focus on the mirrors. (But don't forget to check whats in front of you too)

IMO anytime you get it in the spot without hitting anything it's a successful back-up, I don't care how long it took or haw many times you get out & look.

 

One thing that irritates the crap out of me is the helpful spotter. I know guys are just trying to help, but most don't know where to stand and it can also make a new driver even more nervous. I take my time on the really tight spots and will get out and look, and I'll stay away from other guys while they do their thing.

As stated above by BoardHauler . . .

"The big secret, IMHO, is to GO SLOW! My Dad taught me that you shouldn't touch the throttle when backing up. Just let it idle & focus on the mirrors. (But don't forget to check whats in front of you too)"

 

Thanks to all you Drivers. Your comments took some of the fear away. Backing slow? I can do that with no problem.

 

You know, it goes both ways- if you tell a refer or van driver they stink at backing- they get upset when they see us (flatbedders) getting unloaded in the street by a forklift & think we have no room to talk. I admit that there are times that I can unload in the street ( I pull RGN trailers ) & just drive the piece of equipment off. BUT there are times (70%) that I have to back that 53' trailer in a hole in the fence made for a pickup truck off a side street barely wide enough for cars to pass each other!
I guess it really comes down to walking in the other drivers shoes