Alley Dock with Limited Right Hand Abilities

left hand work ok?

 

I've seen a guy with no hand driving a manual transmission truck, I'm sure an accommodation can be made for your limited strength. See if they'll allow a spinner knob on the wheel for you. (this is probably the only time you'll ever see me advocate the use of a spinner)

 

Hook your thumb in the spoke.

 

He just said that steering wheel knobs are not allowed.

I'm not sure this guy could pass a DOT physical. Maybe, I'm not a doctor but I don't know many trucking companies that would hire and train someone who can't turn the steering wheel. Unfortunately a right hand dock is the most common thing you will do in backing an 18 wheeler to load/unload.

Best of luck to ya bud.

 

His post read steering knobs are allowed.I'm thinking maybe you could use a brace on your bad hand,like the ones used to help carpal tunnel.I know when I wear one it definitely strengthens my hand.The steering in big trucks is not that much harder than a p/u truck.I'm trying to picture myself with one hand,I guess I would push or pull with my left and brace with my right.A lot of jurisdictions don't allow suicide knobs,but in this day and age,you might be able to get a variance from a doctor.Good luck.

 

cr England and Stevens maybe

 

Do not try turning the wheel while stopped, if you are moving real slow the wheel will turn easy and not wear them flat spots in the tires. And GOAL.

 

Instead of a spinner knob on the steering wheel, I usually just turn the steering wheel with the heel of my hand, but if you can use a knob, use it..

Of course the steering is easier if the truck is allowed to roll some while you are steering. It uses slightly more room than if you made steering changes while stopped, but the steering wheel does turn more easily. Go as slow as you need.

Also, have an idea in your mind of what to do to make the trailer end go left/right and then do that, or however you organize your thoughts when backing. I didn't have a clear idea of what needed to be done, how to do it, so I just tried a little of everything thing until things started to look better. That created a lot of unnecessary work. As a rookie it was not unusual for me to spend 30 or more minutes maneuvering a trailer or for me to end up sweating like a marathon runner during my long backing attempts. It really tired me out.

It's a lot easier if you know what to do, do that, and finish.

 

Since spinners ARE allowed, try fashioning a glove with a cup in the palm that will either rest over the knob or lightly snap onto it. Then you won't need hand strength, just arm and shoulder.