backing help for a newby

Get out and look as all other's have said and i can tell you how they had me set up in school with Schneider for the 45. but first off I need to know what kind of truck you are being trained in? like I myself was trained in a freightliner century class but was given an International which is way way different when it comes to turning and set-up for backing as it does not steer near as quick! So I myself am still learning the truck that was given to me almost a month ago!

 

wow, this is great with all the responses. again thanks for all the tips and suggestions. glock27guy, to answer your question I had been training in a Freightliner Century.

 

Heh, heh...Use The Force!

No kidding.....when you are setting up to back, "feel" where the trailer tandems are! Same thing when you are taking that tight corner. After a while you'll just know where all your pieces are.

But you're still gonna want to look, of course!

 

When I was a new driver I used to Slide my tandems if
they were much different than what I was used to.
The place I backed into was tight and if the tandems
were too far forward or backward it made it harder for me.
I usually did not have much weight so that was not an issue.
How your tandems and 5th wheel are set can mess up your
backing.Study the trailers next to where your backing in
to see if they are straight also.

 

Go slowly ... if you back fast, you loose distance that could be used for corrections.

Watch you wheels as well as your trailer.

If you aren't sure, GET OUT AND LOOK.

Don't be affraid to ask for help ... a driver would rather help than have you hit his rig.

 

One important thing to remember is this: When you make a steering correction, if your tandems are set in the "California hole". in other words 41' from kingpin to center of tandems, then the trailer will travel in the same path for 6-8' before the correction shows up in your backing arc. The more forward, the shorter distance, farther back, longer unresponsive travel.

Another thing is dont get real active on the steering wheel. When you make your setup, put it at the proper angle, then straighten your wheel and hold it straight until 6-8 feet prior to needing the correction. Too many guys slam that wheel back and forth instead of letting the angle of the setup work for them. That is why they get all twisted up.

It is a good idea to arrive early whenever you can so that you have the opportunity to practice on their docks:smt080

Mudge

 

Hey thanks for all the tips on backing!! I have been in training for three weeks, and on my second trainer. The first decided he did not have the patience to train....and he would never let me back!! My new trainer is a much better trainer. Backing has been a problem for me...I deliver to WalMart's and they design the strores really great but their docks were not designed for the 53' in minde. Then what little room you have to manuever they fill up with empty pallets, bread, milk and produce trays!

I also have thought of buying a mini tractor trailer to use at home.

I also learned from my new trainer the importance of always checking the trailer tandems before I leave the yard! That has saved me a lot of problems.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to this forum. The information has helped me so much!!

Deb

 

I apologize as i can't explain it. If I were there, I could explain it very easily and show you what needs to be done. For someone just starting out though, the key is practice. Find an empty lot and try different setups to start and remember to get out and take a look at your angles before backing. It is just like playing pool-watch your angles. Also remember, if the tandems are forward, the trailer will react much quicker than if they are towards the rear. Many newbies find it easier to back with the tandems rearward as it is a bit easier(slower turn ratio) to control. If the tandems are forward, be aware of your overhang as it is easy to whack someone on your far side, GOAL!. Envision yourself as that tractor and your job is pushing the front of that trailer into position to get in that hole. Above all else, Watch Your Mirrors!

 

The key is going s-l-o-w....really,you can control your trailer so much easier.. remember,slow.