Still need help on blind side back

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Flashdrive7, Apr 24, 2015.

  1. RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    Setting up correctly helps on a tight blind side back. I see too many drivers who start a blind side back with the tractor aligned straight to the trailer. I always set up with the tractor ####ed at about a 15-20 degree angle to the trailer so that I can go straight into a hard jack if needed........... without worrying about the trailer rolling backwards too far as It begins jacking.

    You may only get a few degrees tractor angle on tight city streets, but even a few degrees can really help.

    Get out and look every 5-10 feet if you have to.

    Like Rank said: There are mirrors that you can buy to put on the curb side visor that really do help.

    Don't sweat it.....and go nice and easy.

    I know drivers that have been in the business for 40 years who break out in a cold sweat with blind side backing with a big OTR tractor. I worked with a small company here in the Tidewater area for a stretch. Me and a old timer ( a self proclaimed trucking god ) had to pick up at a distributor in Brooklyn for a home run. It was my first run ever into NYC. The ole timer was having a meltdown trying to get this trailer into a inside dock off of a tight one way street. There was a bout 5 inches clearance on each side of our trailers at the entrance, and we had to run up over the curb on the other side of the street to jack in. I offered to "spotter" for him and he went off even worse. The 2 guys at the dock were standing there watching him melt down with amusement. He got out of the truck and called our dispatcher to scream at him. The dispatcher immediately called me to ask if the guy was stable, and if I could back his truck in with him spotting me. I agreed to do what ever got us loaded.......I didn't care, and all I wanted to do was get home for the weekend. I took me about 5 minutes to finally figure it out............ while the idiot old timer sat on a curb cursing NYC, dispatch, me, and trucking. When it was my turn to back my trailer in, the ole timer was already gone and I could still hear him cussing on the CB. I never spoke to the guy again afterwards.
     
    rank and rcelmo Thank this.
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  3. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Get a day cab...then ya ain't got a "blind side"!:biggrin_25511:
     
    mitrucker Thanks this.
  4. Wicked Wizard

    Wicked Wizard Heavy Load Member

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    Thank Heaven I'm in a daycab. I LOVE my back window!
     
  5. rcelmo

    rcelmo Medium Load Member

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    Trick I learned is to watch where your tires are. Find a painted line or a crack
    in the pavement and try to line up your tires with your mark.

    Open your doors first. I normally pulled a roll-up door trailer, company
    gave me a swing door and I forgot to open the door before I backed in....
    Bad enough to back in once, only to do it again......
     
  6. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    yup, us "oldtimers" sure can't drive like you young'uns.

    didn't appreciate the old people bashing.

    yes, blind siding is to be avoided if possible.

    ask if there is somewhere to turn around or get help.

    I can, but don't if I can avoid it.

    it's an accident waiting to happen.

    spotters sometimes don't know squat and are worse than 27 "GOALS"

    but, then again what do I know, I'm an "oldtimer"
     
    GenericUserName Thanks this.
  7. flybynight12

    flybynight12 Medium Load Member

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    if your in a day cab blind side back is easy
     
  8. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Some trucks have a big window on the right side of the sleeper you can look through. Still the best way to do it safely is GOAL, not matter how many times you need to do it.
     
  9. holycow

    holycow Medium Load Member

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    it isn't easy no matter what solution u use especially in a spot like that.get it done and hope u never go back to that place
     
    Dumdriver Thanks this.
  10. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    You'll get it in carefully and be the one laughing at those LOSERS who wouldn't help. I've made it a point to ask the mgr. why they won't help and point out it would save them money if guys weren't standing around with their #####** hanging outta their pants
     
  11. RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    Wasn't meant to bash ole timers. It was meant to show that many experienced drivers have a hard time blind side backing.......not just the OP. In my case, I was stuck being around some wrinkled up old crap for brains driver who ran his mouth about how good he was all the time. If it bothers you........well..... I can't help that pards.
     
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