Backing up doubles

Dolly does not pivot . With the C train.

 

@sdaniel this is the c train dolly I pulled. Same as the one you mean?

 

Correct , sir.

 

If the tractor is all over the place when backing then your doing it wrong. Steer/push the axle that is the pivot point(dolly axle). It takes a few years to become proficient. It's just another skill on the way to being a professional driver. After you have mastered most of the different combinations some might call you a top hand. Stay after it @Beau.

 

I was working as a local P&D driver back in 2001, and we had a driver that could back a set of 28 foot doubles up around 70 feet or so, laughing all the way.He said the same thing: "Practice"!!

 

Several factors are involved. After pulling doubles for 8 yrs and van for last 4 I can tell you I can back a set of pups better than a van Lmao. Alot has to do with the rear pup. If it's empty you gotta go real real slow. If it's loaded pretty heavy you can do alot better job. And believe it or not super single dollies back alot better imo and having the 5th wheel greased good also helps. I always hooked my set by hooking dollie to lead pup and backing them up. Some guys spot their dollie then back up to it. Whatever works I guess.

 

Its faster to hook the dolly to the lead box and then connect. IF your on a slight incline it keeps the set pulled straight from gravity and easier. If your in a bind and can't break a set you can use a chain to restrict the dolly movement. At least that what I read on the net.

 

If you are ever in Kansas City area. On the Kansas side. Near Rush Truck center. There is a trailer shop there. They have a man there in his 70s. I was once told he could back Triples. I knew it was BS so when they bet me $50 he could, it was like taking candy from a baby. I went hungry that night, I had plan on getting me a steak with that $50.