Backing advice

the more u do it the better you will get....when in dout get out

 

I estimate going about 15' past the far side of my hole, distance based on my driver's window (me), then cut a 45° to your right, for setup.
Blind-side is a helluva lot easier in a daycab. No comparison, due to being able to see out back window when your tractor is cut at an angle.

Advice: Big difference in backing depending on how your trailer tandems are set, assuming you have sliding tandems.
Far forward tandems (more trailer rear overhang) wil react sooner/quicker, and the tail end will swing much more (pivoting on tandems).
Accounting for this swing is vital, especially in preventing taking off a nearby fender or two.

Most cases I find it smoother/easier to back when the tandems are fully back. The trailer turns in a much gentler arc.
Don't just watch the tail & side of your trailer, also watch your trailers tandems and see the direction (amount of arc) they are rolling, when backing.
This seems to help know "where" it's going, before you have to wait for it to "get there", so to speak.

Never forget: When in doubt,, stop immediately and GOAL. Never move or continue to move even an inch, unless you're sure of clearances in all directions.

 

I shoulder up with the truck emlblem three spots down from the hole I want
Jiggle slightly
Come back the way to jackknife

Walk around.

Always leaving room for pull ups when need be.

(Usually run about the 15th hole on my tandems)

Cannot stand that big ole tail.


Might consider sliding them back so its more like you are used to.

 

Backing is just one of the things you have to do more of to get better at(like orangepicker said) practice makes perfect. As for as moving your tandems all the way back to back into a hole is pure personal preference. Me personally, I don't move my tandems back. Its really going to depend on how much space you have that will dictate at what point you need to pull out to line up with your hole. Sometimes it will be your drives, sometimes your landing gear, just based on space allotted, however you always want to use all of your space, don't cut yourself short if you don't have to. Whenever your tandems are closer to the nose you just need to back up slower/less angle in order to give the rear of your trailer time to line up. You will not always be afforded the time or space to slide your tandems to the rear to get in a hole, so you just need to pace yourself. Just like the other guys stated you do need to G.O.A.L whenever you are not sure. I have seen plenty of avoidable accidents in truck stops and at the docks due to a driver being too "embarrassed" or too "proud" to get out his/her truck to check the space. Always take your time and don't let other drivers dictate the way you drive/back your rig.

 

Be careful if you get to the point of a jackknife or 90 degree angle because the fifth wheel will tilt and can cause the trailer to crash in to the cab or sleeper.

 

I can say dont let people pressure u so what if it takes u 10 pullups, stay calm dont panic and take your time. Always go slow. As for blind siding it is easier in a day cab but if your uncomfortable try to avoid it but sometime u have to bite the bullet and do it.

 

Ask any old trucker they will tell you "your setup is the most important thing" Believe me you'll get good at it after a couple of thousand times.You'll be slow at first,who cares as long as you dont hit anything.Thats pretty accurate info about the tandems( kinda depends on if there all the way forward or back).USE all the room you can to set up up and get that trailer lined up. When no trailers are in the docks,I'll drive towards the dock then swing out the middle of the street (this way the trailers already in the dock area (not in the street. Now I can adjust my angles with little concern of going over the curb on the street. When you're in a tight situation keep the tractor UNDER the trailer. This will put it in the hole and create needed tractor swing around space to avoid curbs and phone poles.You're lucky if you get a day cab a lot easier.We were LTL company and I almost always kept my tandems all the way forward,you get used to the tail swing.I also kept my 5th wheel all the way back. Trailer wouldnt hit the tractor.So vehicle positioning (the initial setting up will make it a lot easier,quicker and safer.