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.
Backing experience with small trailers. Helps or hurts?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Carolina Junkman, Oct 11, 2026.
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blairandgretchen and Chinatown Thank this.
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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 .
Carolina Junkman Thanks this. -
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
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Not enough to eliminate what you’ve learned but enough to be careful to be safe
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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. -
The pivot point is the important thing there . Sorry was not clear on my meaning .
Chinatown and Carolina Junkman Thank this. -
WTF are you even talking about?Speedy356, blairandgretchen, Jamie01 and 3 others Thank this.
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OP, yeah, it helps.
blairandgretchen, Jamie01 and Carolina Junkman Thank this. -
I disagree sir . We need people who pay attention .
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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 .
fromAtoZ Thanks this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
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