Can anyone near Melbourne,FL assist me with Alley Docking?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by trucker_411, Apr 11, 2018.

  1. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    The position of the trailer wheels makes a big difference. Try sliding the wheels all the way back or grab a tanker or flatbed if they have one.
    I do ltl reefer and some places you have no option but to slide the wheels all the way forward, and it makes me look like a rookie.
     
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  3. trucker_411

    trucker_411 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks! I've watched a lot of Youtube Videos. However, they want me to follow their instructions. It was stated that they can't help me if I follow techniques or instruction from Youtube videos because they have their standard way of doing the Alley Dock. It was explained that I could, however, use Youtube videos to give me a general idea.
     
  4. trucker_411

    trucker_411 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the advice! The school only has vans; not tankers or flatbeds. They do not allow us to slide the tandems.
     
  5. trucker_411

    trucker_411 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the advice! I think I'm going to need about 3 more sessions of doing the Alley Dock at the school.
     
  6. Big_D409

    Big_D409 Medium Load Member

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    Here's something to try. Set the cones up to resemble you having backed into position. Now get yourself out of the position and take note of how the trailer reacts and how/when you turn the wheel. Do it slow a few times, then see if it isn't easier backing in.

    Also when backing or pulling out, pay attention to markings on the ground. Later on when you have to bump a dock or deliver to a store without painted lines, you'll want some reference point to make life easier.
     
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  7. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    i had been pulling trailers my whole life before i ever got my cdl so backing was easy to me. but it takes seat time to get the feel of it. iv heard of people getting a toy truck/trailer and laying there maneuvers out on a table or whatever at home and practicing with the toys helps to visualize what is actually going on as your backing.
     
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  8. trucker_411

    trucker_411 Bobtail Member

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    Hey, thanks for the advice! I'll be training again next week. I'll ask the instructors if they will allow me to try your training technique.

    I asked the instructors if they could draw a chalk line so that I could see the imaginary arc that they keep telling me to follow, but was told they would not do so. If they had done so, I think it would have greatly assisted me. It would have allowed me to gauge the direction of the trailer when backing. Furthermore, it would have assisted other students. I am not the only student who is having difficulty with the Alley Dock.
     
  9. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    take a small break and step back. do something for a day that isnt trucking. go to the beach, movies, etc. clear your mind of it and regroup.
     
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  10. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    You need to do well enough to pass, this is all. But in real life this can only be perfected with experience. You should learn everyday, every back up. And even when you have been doing it a long time. You will still have a slice once in awhile and look like a rookie. I still have my days. Or pull a 53 footer for a few months then grab my 41 foot hopper, or 42 foot wagon with a spread. They are all different. Good advise I was given is slow your steering input when backing, move the wheel slow and steady. You will get it.
     
  11. trucker_411

    trucker_411 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the advice! I'm actually taking a break today.
     
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