Need tips on backing a 40ft Trailer!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Thull, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. Thull

    Thull Medium Load Member

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    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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    i didn't do much backing in my 10 months with Schneider Bulk cause I rarely had to back or especially never alley dock. Now I pull 40 ft Containers with Dupre Logistics & the yard is kind of tight. I've only been here 2 weeks & 'pay times can just pull through but over the weekend we were busy so Trailer everywhere so all you can do is back in to spots available. I'm catching hell trying to back this 40 ft trailer between 2 other trailers. Any tips on alley docking or 90 degree on a 40 ft trailer. I've watched some videos on how they back up a 53ft van but the key places to keep your eye on or where to start turning the wheel don't really apply in the sense since I have a shorter trailer & it reacts quicker. Thanks!
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Hard to teach it. Especially the finer points. Practice, experience, and learning from your mistakes works every time it's tried.

    I don't think shorter trailers is the problem so much as backing in general. Shorter trailers only mean things happen quicker and you should make less drastic maneuvers and start things (setup turns) a little sooner
     
  4. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    drive the trailer not the truck, watch where your trailer tires are going, make small adjustments and drive the trailer in and follow it with the truck.
     
  5. Thull

    Thull Medium Load Member

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    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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    That's what I hear it's not really something someone can tell you. You just have to keep practicing it.
     
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  6. jinxutoo

    jinxutoo Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2012
    Illinois
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    My opinion is that backing is 90% your set up. Get the trailer aimed at the hole with your set up and drive it in.
    If in doubt get out and look. G.O.A.L.
     
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  7. Just passing by

    Just passing by Road Train Member

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    Backing up was never my forte... but I learn that if I am pulling up to correct myself for the third time it's best to go around and restart from scratch.
     
  8. jethro712

    jethro712 Medium Load Member

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    jmo, shorter trl, shorter setup. do a lil less setup each time til u get the correct angle/distance. use your minds eye & all you mirrors. complete stop before jacking the wheels the other way. idle, no throttle. G.O.A.L. every ten feet. its a P.i.a. but good exercise. good luck
     
  9. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Medium Load Member

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    I haul a 28 footer sometimes. It's quite different than a 53. Make little adjustments or it will get away from you in a hurry.
     
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  10. sevenmph

    sevenmph Road Train Member

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    Pinellas county Florida
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    I've had 32, 40, 45, 48, 53. The shorter it is the faster it reacts. I'll repeat what others have said. Small turns and adjustments. If you go one inch over parallel, you're not getting it back. Pull up.
     
    sdaniel Thanks this.
  11. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Set up the same as a 53' you drove in school. Keep in mind the shorter the trailer the faster it off tracks and you have to correct.
     
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