Tip for backing in low /no light

I have 5 or 6 regular customers that this is a problem. Anytime I'm backing, doesn't matter if it's middle of the day, middle of the night, etc., force of habit, I turn my hazards on. That little bit of extra light helps, and as others have suggested, when possible, I ride the brake a little as well, and if I'm still not sure, I'll G.O.A.L. as many times as I need to. Also, I'll try to look for lines expansion lines between concrete slabs to help me stay straight to the dock, although, sometimes this doesn't work, like when it's pitch black, and the concrete apron of the dock area, is not parallel to the dock, but at a slight angle, that can make it even more fun, then you end up with one side of the trailer tight and the other side a foot away.

 

Overkill.

When you're driving in and setting up for the back, survey your environment. Remember what's there. Turn on your 4 way flashers while backing. That should provide enough illumination to keep you from hitting anything while backing in.

If you lose your situational awareness, get out and walk to the back of your trailer.

 

Why don't trailers have reverse lights?

 

Observing the conditions before setting up, as always, is good practice. But the flashers? Maybe it's me, but the flasher turns on the side lights on my cab, and they'll shine right in the mirror when I'm looking back, both sides. So I too will tap or ride the brakes, keeps the light on the rear of the trailer and out of my mirrors.

Last comment, getting that setup method into a routine, every time practice helps a lot in the dark or rain. For me, anyway. At least I know I'm in the right neighborhood!

 

I have 2-11,000 lumen flashlights. I can lay them on the ground to light up whatever target or obstacle I want to be able to see in my mirrors. Or I can bungee them to my rub-rail. .

 

i have actually seen the company that delivers to Dominos and Taco Bell, and a few other eateries (all under one corporation..??) have back up flood lights on the trailers. as well as strobe lights for warnings.

 

I keep a Lazer level in my toolbox, one of the things I use it for is making a fake reference line

 

I backed into a cavern the other day.The fork lift operator put a flash light with strobe on the dock where he wanted my back left cornerworked great also. It wasn't overly bright but made a good target.
I have 4 backup lights on my dump trailer, two face the rear and the other two are about 45 degrees.

 

Don't the new rigs (at least the 'hoods?) come with the hand operated spotlights anymore?(the kind cops and cabs have for addresses)
My '08 Pete had them, and I used them frequently. Just had the starboard (pass. side) one lined up straight back from the cab, and used the handle for the port side one to swing it where needed....

 

There ya go Mickey I didn't forget lol

The center section lights up independent of the flashlight part. Very bright. Set on the ground at the dock makes a good target to shoot for in places like this or poorly lit or dark docks at night.