Backing, how long did it take you to catch on?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DevJohnson, Jul 22, 2018.

  1. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    Its that thing important for a successful back but you never get taught in the academy or on the road.. You have to hear about it and then look it up on YouTube.
     
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  3. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    Scottied has a good video that shows it well. After I watched it my backs improved.
     
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  4. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    LOL, I just watched it.
     
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  5. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Imagine the path the trailer will have to take. Pull into that path. If you set up correctly, both the tractor and the trailer will be where they would if you pulled out of that space into that exact spot. Now, just follow that line back into the space.

    A lot of it is visualization with an understanding of how the truck/trailer will maneuver. If you can't see what needs to happen, or you are clueless how the vehicle maneuvers, the likelihood of you making it happen decrease. That'll all come with time and experience.

    As long as you take your time, remain calm, and don't don't hit anything along the way, you'll gain that experience...no matter how long it takes or how many pull-ups you needed to make. If you're paying attention to how the vehicle reacts to different inputs in various situations, you're learning. When you learn from your experiences, you start to acquire skill. Never stop learning.
     
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  6. Redbeast

    Redbeast Bobtail Member

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    There you go, setup is about lining up tractor and trailer to maximize your line backing in. Each setup will be a little different unless you go into the same dock all the time. Like bulldog and the others say.....visualize, take your time, allow for the tractor swing, and if you feel like you are going off....GOAL, or pull up and adjust your setup. It all comes with time, and doing it.
     
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  7. EuropeanTrucker

    EuropeanTrucker Medium Load Member

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    Thanks. I will look into it
     
  8. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    Well I had a chance today to do a blind side back, so I took it. Almost got it right the first time then just kept making it worse. Finally caved in and got on the good side. I made such a mess I was determined to get in their perfect. The yard dog was generous in not giving me the eye.
     
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  9. Misterj313

    Misterj313 Bobtail Member

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    Since I'm a new member and don't have 7 posts I'll just ask here. I'm a brand new semi driver, just started two days ago. The docks I have to hit are all alley with extremely difficult maneuvers. Sometimes when I get where I'm in front of the dock I'm off by a foot or 2 to the left or right. What is the maneuver called where you swing one direction and then another to shift yourself over? Any advice on this? My school instructor called it bouncing it off the walls, but we never got a chance to practice. I'm looking for the term, advice, videos. Thanks.
     
  10. Omega7777

    Omega7777 Medium Load Member

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    im a rookie but got a hang of it already. i go by this when alley dock. turn the wheel to the right means more left (on the trailer), wheel straight means less left, and turn it to the left (all the way to catch it) means even less left. so watch the end of your trailer and the tire to know when to do more or less left
     
  11. Omega7777

    Omega7777 Medium Load Member

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    when you are out there in the real world, it is just a little extra because you have to watch if you are going to hit anything (usually other trucks that park on the opposite side) in front of you. so usually straight your wheel will fix it, keep that in mind. of course your company trainer will also teach you how to set it up before you alley dock too
     
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