Backing... a 53 ft monster

Some advice.Stop doing blind sides.Your gonna hit something. I have only done one blind side in the past year.And that was between 2 dropped trailers.You should always try to figure out a way to get that truck spun around,or back in from the street.Something other than a blind side.
And don't trust some guy on the CB telling ya...come on back. When you hit something,you'll never know who was on that CB. Just keep this in mind. Good Luck!!

 

Hey there friend, thanks for the tip on the newbie hat if I make the cut I'll be sure to look out for those and only wear it (with pride) when I'm home. This may sound crazy to some, but I'd put that thing in a display case right now as I've got some envy going. You're out there doing things others hope to do - and we appreciate the notes.
Truck docks are never what they should be, it's all I can do sometimes not to ask a Manager to get in my truck and see the place from my mirrors... I just keep telling myself that they're the customer and I represent others (it never helps much, but it's good training *grin*).
I've done warehouse, fork driver, lumper, manager, and truck driver so far, and the great part is that alot of people know it's not easy at all. Those that don't get it never will and they'll spark and whine all the way.
You had mentioned close quarters training in the post about the cave - does Roehl have that as a training course? I've driven alot of different rigs so far, but a 53' van still seems like being tailed by a building! (and I've only backed one 3 times)
Just don't forget for a second that you've got your gig, and noone but you can play it! - Rock on!

 

Agreed, blind-side backing is to be avoided at all possible cost. Because it WILL cost you sometime or another. Do ANYTHING you can to avoid this situation and I don't care if that means driving a mile to turn about to avoid it. I was VERY good at backing and it was because I was very careful and would get out a hundred times to make #### sure instead of trusting mirrors or people.

One thing that helps is to watch your TIRES tracking (as well as the box). It is kind of like a mind game in a way. "Picture" the track of your trailer tandems where you want them to go...it works, period. I have gotten 53' trailers with a long nose Pete into places you would be amazed. Had an old lady one time get out of her car and say "holy crap, you can put that truck where I never could get my car even!" I laughed and said that's what I do. LOL. I actually used to love backing!

I remember some HARD docks in NYC, etc., where they were so hard the crew would take a break, grab a soda, sandwich and such to watch me back in, thinking they were going to have a good laugh like they had with so many others only to walk back in 5 minutes later grumbling that I was no fun, HAHA. I used to love that.

One MAJOR thing to watch is your "pivot point." That is the point to where your tandems are going to swing your box. Sometimes it is better to get out and pull the tandems ALL the way back on a 53' trailer in order to pivot where you want and not have the overhang on the box whack something when it pivots.

Seriously...remember this, "Picture It." Have a picture in your mind what you want.

 

Had to drive up a alley with cars parked on both sides of it, Get my truck set just right for a serpentine back across a 4 lane main street next to a police station, I went to them for spotters need less to say.

 

if you think its tuff backing in a 53 footer lol....try backing in one of those 28ft pups man they turn quick on you... i have found the longer the wagon the easier the job of backing it in...but I try VERY hard to not have to blind side...

 

I also agree with not blind siding, i've only blind sided 3 times in my life. I always have beleived that the first step in backing is a proper set up. I wish you well and be safe out there.

 

Try backing two.

 

Very good post.Excellent advice buddy.