53" trailer... A very simple and dumb question...

53" trailers shouldn't be too much of an issue. Rather easy. a 53' trailer however, I would use the advise given above.

Sorry, couldnt resist

 

Since you have already pulled a 45 or 48--you really shouldn't have a problem--just a few more feet--it might not seem that way at first but it is--just do it the same way--as you have been--and allow a few extra feet---BUT remember--if you do run the tandems way up--like Cal bridge--be very aware of your tailswing--more than one newer driver was much too concerned (with pulling out or getting around corner)with what is on their right side and didn't allow for the tail swing on left side--seen more mirrors--etc--tore off in TS from tail swing then I care to remember!

 

my first 53''I forgot was a 53' and first truck stop I slammed r into the side of a Bascin & Robbins ice cream truck. That was 1994 and remember it like yesterday. Was glad I didn't do any damage to his pretty trailer but mine was brand new and mess up it up good.

The trouble is forgeting you have 53' when your used to other equipment.

 

how i was taught is when you are making a right turn pull straight out look out your passenger window when your window is in the center of the lane your turning into start turning and run your driver side front tire down the yellow line and ALWAYS keep an eye in your mirror when nobody is pulled too far up at an intersection this method will work if they are you will have adjust accordingly

 

Just learn to use the passenger side fender mirror, or the concave under the big mirror...watch the tandems and the curb...but don't forget to watch on the other side too...part of the job is to adapt to each situation....

Have fun "adapting"!

 

I pull a 53 everyday on a local job. I'll tell ya what I do, others may do it differently. Setting up for a right turn I paint the white line in my lane, I pull out until I'm looking at the center of the lane I'm turning into and start my turn. This usually will line your tractor with the yellow lines for the left turn lanes and then just follow the yellow lines until you see your tandems coming around the corner. I like to use the fender mirror, after a few turns you'll get the feel for it. I refer to it as following the yellow brick road. I drive a day cab but I've also done it with a sleeper unit. I see guys split the lanes they're turning out of and that works also, I just don't like doing it that way, but sometimes the turns are so tight you don't have a choice.
Turning out of a twelve foot lane into a ten foot lane or a ten ft. to a ten ft. can get a little tricky especially if there is a vehicle sticking out to far in the left turn lane. I don't mind forcing someone to backup especially if they were sticking out way to far in the left turn lane.

 

when you know your going to make a (R) turn be set asap for it. Stay close to the curb to block any cars (or idiots) then button hook out to make the turn and as others have said always watch the mirror to make sure the trl doesn't jump the curb. In this way you can still swing wide and block your (R) side. Wildbill is right we may have different ways of doing it but if you got to have a car move, then he has to move. LoL don't hit him but leave him no choice.