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READ OVER what six said, 100 times if necessary...... the proof is in the pudding. Heed, man. We're pulling for ya, but can't drive for ya.

 

DRIVE THE TRAILER. All you need to know. Your hands will follow your eyes as to what you see in the mirrors. Don't even THINK about your steering....just let it flow with the follow as to what you see. Try that.

I'll check back tomorrow; naptime, man. I pull out at 0200. Listen to what these guys are telling you; six is a master of his craft. He started somewhere, too.

 

Biggest problem new guys have is over-steering and over-correcting when backing, and just knowing which way to turn steering wheel to follow or correct trailer direction. Even if you've backed up a hundred times, it will still be a bit of a guessing game. A different truck, trailer length, trailer tandem pin position, or kingpin position all make every backing maneuver a little different each time. Don't give up, its kinda like sports, it can help to visualize/practice it in your mind beforehand.

Study these youtube videos for good tips, but always more to learn. Also look at other vids for pretrip inspections, other maneuvers.

 

When I manhandle a trailer in to it's assigned space I consider just the trailer not the tractor.

In school you will stop thinking and just do it. If you are aware of all of your wheels, your corners (There are no blind spots in a properly equipped 18 wheeler) and everything around you, that trailer should go right where you want it. And it will.

When you get emotional, frusterated or upset etc, you are not backing your trailer anymore, get back to it. The task at hand. Work on that trailer.

Ive a few tidbits I can toss into the pile to help you a little bit more, but generally your entire tractor is essentially a front steering wheel for just the trailer.

Consider that. Suddenly that big 1000 foot long trailer is no problem at all, you put it in there like you would a car.

 

Hoping things are going better for you at school, man. @x1Heavy pretty much expounded on what I've said. Drive the trailer. Best of luck to ya, man!

 

In the real world there is no set limit on goals or pullups. You use as many as you need to so you don't hit ####. Some tight backs you will have to goal several times to make sure you're good. Just don't overthink it and don't oversteer, two biggest things new drivers face.