Backing experience with small trailers. Helps or hurts?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Carolina Junkman, Oct 11, 2026.

  1. Carolina Junkman

    Carolina Junkman Bobtail Member

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    Dec 30, 2007
    Greenville, SC
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    good morning guys, after lurking for over 20 years I’m going to school next month. I’m 30 years in construction and I’m burn out. Here’s my question, I have been backing smaller trailers my whole life. Most of them not over 20 feet long though. Does this knowledge and experience carryover to a big truck, or do I need to try to forget what I know and learn brand new? Any other advice for a midlife newbie would be appreciated as well. Thanks.
     
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  3. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    Most will apply . However shorter trailers respond quicker . Get good practice on your chosen operation . 99% transfers , but again shorter trailers respond faster . Less distance. Good luck and any questions ask .
     
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  4. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    One thing you did not specify is if you were hitch based or fifth field based those are totally different animals . Not entirely it’s kind of like a boar hog and a cow . They respond differently
     
  5. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    Not enough to eliminate what you’ve learned but enough to be careful to be safe
     
  6. fromAtoZ

    fromAtoZ Light Load Member

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    Sep 19, 2026
    Phoenix
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    It's totally different. Waste of time.
    What we need are trucking schools that actually train people for the money they rake in. It should be 1 trainer, 1 truck, and 1 student practicing all day everyday until they get it.
     
    Zeus 49 Thanks this.
  7. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    The pivot point is the important thing there . Sorry was not clear on my meaning .
     
    Chinatown and Carolina Junkman Thank this.
  8. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2021
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    WTF are you even talking about?
     
  9. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2021
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  10. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    I disagree sir . We need people who pay attention .
     
  11. Zeus 49

    Zeus 49 Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2026
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    I was literally with my trainer for one week , he taught me nothing . If some sort of base on trainers I agree 10000% . I do not see that happening .
     
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