Backing tips? Any advice before I hit something?

Slide the tandems all the way to the rear when you get into the parking lot. Then when you are ready to leave, slid them forward. I drove for and LTL company for over 13 years, company policy all trailers at a dock door must have tandems all the way rearward. Some nights, I would slide tandems 4 or 5 times depending on if the loads were heavy.

 

This is another reason I like pulling a tanker.

 

Slow down take your time and dont over think it. keep the left corner near the left side of the spot. Personally I do not like backing with them at the rear over all. All differs as do opinion's.

 

What people aren't telling you is that you'll have swing on one end or the other, tandems forward, your swing will be the back of the trailer, tandems rearward you'll have to swing your tractor a lot more to get it in.

Personally I much prefer my tandems as far forward as possible at all times. That prevents me from having to do wild gyrations with the tractor to get the trailer in. But this is me. Your results may vary.

 

I like my tandems to be at the 9 or 10 hole mark. It seems to be a good balance overall.

 

I like shorter swings.

But then. I've rarely pulled 53's.

 

If your tandems are all the way forward, back at a 45 degree angle. I do that in just about any situation. When pulling a dry van or reefer, backing them with tandems forward is some ways similar to backing a spread axle. What I mean by that is, the tandems are going to roll at a faster pace so you'll want overshoot your desired space just a little bit. That way your trailer will ease itself to your desired spot. With the tandems closer to the rear, the driver has more control. I think @Opus had the best advice. Pay attention to what your tires are doing and move your steering wheel accordingly. Also, don't worry about being perfect while backing. It doesn't have to be pretty, just so long as you get it in the whole and don't tear up anything, you're good.