Need tips on backing a 40ft Trailer!

Same as any other back. You've been at this long enough that this shouldn't be any issue at all. You got this! Sure, it's a little more squirrelly- but the technique is the same.

You got this- just do it. You're a professional. No problem

 

I was a slow learner when it came to backing. To make things worse my first job was a line haul operation where I would just drive into the safety lane on each end and drop the trailer.
These days I drive a day cab and make many trailer moves each day. Many of these docks are very tight with very little forward room (hard to set up)........they also have obstacles like trailer jack stands and employee cars all over. They are 53' trailers and we use a day cabs (huge advantage maneuvering in tight spaces and watching what the trailer might be encroaching on.
Here is what I have learned in the 3 past years, pull in as deep as you safely can to the space you wish to occupy. This will get your trailer behind you quicker with out wasting forward room for your set up and then as noted above attempt to point your trailer at the hole and follow it in. I have backed pups in the past and they all react the same way..........just way quicker, just slow down. I hope that helps.

P.S Slow down and don't be afraid to ask a another driver to move, who might be in your way of making a safe maneuver. Some drivers think they are the only truck on the property.

 

Not sure how you got your CDL if you can't back or you just plain forgot? It just takes lots and lots of practice and you'll get the hang of it eventually.

 

Now swap them out many times a day .

 

Sdaniel said : "Now swap them out many times a day"



Hey! How have you been....... Still with Old Dominion?

 

Yes . Have no plans to leave here. Mr little ?

 

no.....Jon in Nashville, one of your past students. As a memory jogger I was living over near Asheboro, NC at that time. I sent you a PM

 

40 would put the tandems all the way back? Maybe a foot or two of overhang? Watch the tires with your peripheral vision on the actual tail of the trailer. I find its all about watching the tires though. 53, 48, 35.