Backing...at truck stops

I think the reason some carriers don't like their drivers doing this is that too many guys mess it up. They either wait too long during the pirouette and end up smashing their fairings, or scrubbing the tires. It's really not a hard manuever at all but those who have never used it before still have to practice it a couple of times to get the timing right.

 

I too am a newbie and still working out the kinks of my backing skills, so I can't convey any personal advice like those above, but I will pass along some advice that I received...

"Turn off the CB & make lots of little mistakes"

So, don't worry about those watching or talking on the CB "at" you... (As mentioned above, if they ain't helping you then F them) ... And if you make a mistake just make sure to catch it early and correct. (GOAL)

I am honestly sometimes shocked and embarrassed just how F'd up my trailer ends up during some backs... Just pull up and attack it again.

And, know that you are not the only newbie working on this... So we are in good company if not in the same parking lot.

Oh, after I get parked, I like to watch the more experienced Drivers doing their backs... And envision in my head what they are doing in the cab to get the trailer to do what it's doing... Or mentally catch their mistake before they do and see if you are right... Not sure if that makes sense or not. Like a mental excersize.

Stay Safe,
MD

 

Honestly, I would leave the cb on. There have been many times when someone has watched my blindside on the cb. I even had a driver save me from hitting him.

Sure Ive caught alot of #### on the radio while backing too but i just tell them to keep watching and tell me when to stop.

 

The thing is there are days when you can grease that trailer right in , and days you could not do it if your life depended on it. I have sit in my tractor with my eyes closed and head on the steering wheel embarrassed at the back I just finished.

 

LOL ... I like it!!! Thanks.

 

Yeah, drive tires lined up with hole pull away at about 45, leave room to swing truck around on other side. When your pulling forward you can start the jackknife by turning toward whatever side your trying to hit right at the end of the pulling forward. How much pulling forward requires a good eye. Depends on where your tandems are. But you will want them ahead of the hole enough for the swing. Might have to get the Trl in the hole first and do some careful jacknifing if its ultra right. Just get under in time and youll be good.

Sounds complicated but its all about lining the trailer up and geting your trl in a good position to start turning it before you ever hit reverse.

Takes some practice, got to have a good idea how your trl is tracking. But its simpler than it sounds.

 

Look at it this way. You think backing a tandem axle dry box is tough in tight stops? Try doing it with a spread axle hauling a single 46,000 lb plus coil center loaded!

With dry vans and reefers, your freight is generally spread out through the box and you can get away with pivoting on your tandem axles. Us flatbedders don't have that option! If we try to "jackknife" into a tight spot, we run big time risks of ripping tires off the rim, destroying axle seals and bearings, or (worst of all) flipping the trailer right there in the parking lot!

I personally have pulled into tighter truckstops, driven around, found three single spaces without the necessary room to maneuver safely, and said to myself " Nope! Nowhere to park here" and moved on. Car haulers have it even worse.

Practice, practice, practice! And remember, even us cranky old fart have days we couldn't back that truck in a straight line down a deserted runway. Take your time, take it slow, and get out and look as often as you feel the need to. It's your license and your job!

 

Dry van and reefers have the same dangers, just not as pronounced as in flatbeds and car haulers. As I posted earlier I have seen tires rubbed off of rims of van trailers.