The problem I'm having is I'm training in a FL,and have to test in an international truck(slower steering).
The practice course has only barrels,the test site has a complete trailer blocking the 11 o'clock position (NE),during my setup.
I have been setting up close to the middle of the road,Dot bumper at N corner,of one trailer N of my parking spot.
Then HR and HL to set up my trailer into spot,once I get the trailer started into the spot,(close gap on drivers side),I would pull up to the right and straight line back into the space.
I'm thinking this is maximizing both front and rear space for my maneuver.
Should I be more forward to make lining up trailer easier,then trying to get more trailer into space before doing my pullup?
I only have two more tries before sending me home with a CDL but no employment.
Why they train in a different truck than you test in is a mystery to me.
Both trucks in the diagram are the same vehicle,and once I clear the obstruction,I get another 6-8 feet of available space in front.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Just to be clear,12 o'clock is facing east,space is at 6 o'clock,I'm at 10 o'clock when starting my HR and HL.
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Managing space on an alley dock
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by XCELERATIONRULES, Mar 15, 2015.
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Come in at a angle and cut it hard once the end of the trailer is a few feet from the r/s cones. Just like the picture is showing.
Drive the trailer.......don't just react to what the trailer is doing.
It's more of a timing and visual feel thing over time.Puppage Thanks this. -
Thanks for the help...this is how I'm thinking of setting up using the slower turning truck,before making any backward adjustments.With the FL I would be closer to the parking space,closer to center of road.
With the slower turning truck,I'm thinking more of what the photo shows.sorry about the lousy photo...Bad with paint.
View attachment 80646 -
If I step off my truck from the front,10 paces gets me exactly to the center space between my drive axles,another 10 paces puts me at the center of my trailer,another 10 paces puts me exactly at the dot bumper.
10 paces= about 25 feet.
5 paces=about 12 feet.
I haven't measured the practice site or the test site yet.
I've only practiced the maneuver for a few days,and I know you guys are probably thinking I'm over thinking the whole maneuver,but I have nothing else the whole weekend to study.
Thanks again for any help you could offer. -
It's still the same maneuver regardless of the truck. Think its better to switch trucks, shows you actually have some demonstratable skill.
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On my first attempt,I was too shallow,and before I could start over,another truck pulled in to do their test...wont do that again,I'm going to have to learn to fix whatever situation,I get myself into.I can see the angles well,and am starting to judge the truck better,but with only a few weeks training,only a few days on this maneuver,I'm just trying to get the best setup possible.
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Best of luck, driver. Know it can be frustrating. I've always hated 53 ft trailers
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Seems like overthinking it to me. I always just used my imagination. Just imprint the scene in wwith all distances, objects ground levels estimated into my brain with a satellite view and push the trailer from the kingpin knowing your tandems are the working end point yet keeping box overhang clear of hitting anything. When you lose orientation get out and re-survey the scene and imagine how the truck needs to move to get where it needs to be.
Mapping out diagrams is useless to me I needed to survey the scene and process with my brain.
Not everyone has the depth perception and innate geometric processing ability to master the job. -
It will all come with time. Remember to keep checking your mirrors on your blind side as well as your driver side. What are the rules for FL testing? Do they allow you to GOAL as many times as you need or are you limited to a certain number? In the real world GOAL as much as you need, even if you're straight backing or sight-side alley docking.
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You get as many get outs and pull ups as necessary,but a 15 minute time limit,makes using too many a penalty.
I don't have any problems getting out,as my main concern is getting it parked safely.
One thing I've noticed is I can now perfectly eyeball 12,25,and 75 feet.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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