Backing a 28' trailer for my CDL test. Need Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ThatFedExGuy, Aug 20, 2019.

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  1. ThatFedExGuy

    ThatFedExGuy Bobtail Member

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    Long story short, I have a week to use a 28' trailer for my offset and 90 degree. I seem to struggle with this as I can not find a "sweet spot" like a 53'. Any tips? Single axle tractor.
     
    ThatFedExGuy, Aug 20, 2019
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  2. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Good luck, and I hope you have a short truck. Those are a pain to back up.
     
    starmac, Aug 20, 2019
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  3. Texas_hwy_287

    Texas_hwy_287 Road Train Member

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    Small adjustments and you be fine.

    Good luck.
     
    Texas_hwy_287, Aug 20, 2019
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  4. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Just practice. When I did local we had one pup like that. I can put a 53 anywhere, but on occasion when I had that pup, it was a clown show lol lol.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, Aug 20, 2019
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  5. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    Definitely small adjustments. Don't try to back like it's a 53, but more like you're on a riding lawnmower and backing that single axle cart. Matter of fact...if you don't have a riding lawnmower, see if a friend has one (and a cart) and practice with that.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Aug 20, 2019
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  6. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Watch your axle when your backing, keep your adjustments small, go slower than you did with the 53, the 28 is going to react twice as fast, cut your speed in half it will help, Practice alot.
     
    Powder Joints, Aug 20, 2019
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  7. Mid-May Trucker

    Mid-May Trucker Road Train Member

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    No rules about stopping just don't pull forward.
     
    Mid-May Trucker, Aug 20, 2019
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  8. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Small adjustments when you want a small turn, but huge fast ones when the trailer starts going more than you asked. Long WB and short trailer is pullup city. Like backing a log splitter behind a bus.

    As was said, you will want to go very slow when the trailer is jackknifing. It is fine to stop, turn wheel, move back in a 6" spurt and look again while stationary be sure it dont get away from you. If it does your gonna kill the pullups.
     
    FoolsErrand, Aug 20, 2019
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  9. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Biggest problem I've experienced and seen is: Drivers over correcting. Be patient. Let it play out with a little correction. Learn...
     
    WesternPlains, Aug 21, 2019
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  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    The little pup is a pain to back. Ive wrestled 20 foot seacans full of ballbearings plenty of times. Makes me looking completely nooblet gong display.

    Then I realized Im so used to pushing around very big, long trailers and stick them anywhere. Then I make little wheel inputs for the pups and they go in. If it's really bad you will see me wriggle that tractor which proclaims to all the world how bad I am at this trucking thing.

    A little goes a long way with a short pup.
     
    x1Heavy, Aug 21, 2019
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