Backing up into docks- Any advice ?

You'll be fine. Before you know it, you' ll be like one of those large car drivers. Backing while standing on your step.

 

In my short time of driving I am an expert backer I can back into anything even in New York or Chicago rush hour traffic in a 200 year old building in a blizzard while other truckers take 30 minutes I do it in 20 seconds. I really cannot explain it but the key is to develop a pattern and stick with it. One key piece of advice is if you jack it really hard you will notice that your trailer wheels will turn in place. So if your trailer is already pointing within the two cones, you can jack it and notice the trailer swerve into the place you want. You then catch up your wheels before your trailer is lined up with the cones since your truck is still at an angle.

If your trailer is jacked too much, straighten your wheels, pull forward a little, then try to straighten it out some more. Once I was in a spot and other truckers said that there is no room to back in since someone dropped a trailer and offered no forward space but using the trick to jack and then straighten wheels to pull up allowed me to get in. It just takes a lot of practice, I don't even have to look anymore I know how much the trailer is turning based on how much I turned the steering wheel so you will get it too.

 

That's really basic stuff there Mr. Super Backer Trucker.

 

A basic answer for a basic question.

 

Try and aim the left rear of your trailer to within 1 foot of the left cone and keep it as tight as you can to the left cone .. Your sight side... You're going to have to practice this as much as you can. The faster you turn the steering wheel the faster your trailer will react. You don't want the rear of your trailer any more than a foot ( or closer depending on how tight the dock is ) away from your sight side cone.

As you're backing look at where you want your trailer to go and aim for it. Eventually you're going to have to spin the wheel fast enough back to the left to stay on track... And back to the right ( fast) and keep watching your trailer. You must counter steer in both directions to maintain control of the trailer. It just takes practice. Like others always say.... Get out and look if you're not sure even one second ... Get out and look. I'm an experienced yard jockey and I know that spinning the steering wheel fast is one of the keys to learning. Follow thru by spinning and then counter steering. Keep practicing.

 

Just take your time. Move slow, preferably at a turtle's pace (unless this is an automatic, then your screwed) and make very little steering corrections. I personally like to roll down my window and remove my seat belt for a better view (yes I hang out the window until I can use my mirrors). Just keep the corner of your trailer insight at all time. Practice makes perfect. The more time that you can do it with out pressure the more you will learn. Trust me, it will come in time. Always remember to G.O.A.L. and if in doubt, G.O.A.L.. You will do fine, good luck to you!

 

Once again ... The faster you steer AND counter steer ... The faster your trailer will react ! In my opinion that's the best way to learn. Turn the wheel like you mean it !

 

I agree but not for someone that is still learning. Speed comes with accuracy. Work on accuracy first and the speed will come.

 

easy answer... get out and look at how you would do it in a car, then, do exactly the opposite of that... don't think about it... EVER...

when I do backing I like to put the wheel all the way up and away from myself... I do NOT look at it at all my seat and wheel position for driving are completely different for backing, I am not buckled in my seatbelt and keep your foot away from the fuel pedal, and work slow, talk to yourself, and keep your foot near that brake pedal, it's easier to get that truck moving again than it is to point out and have to start the whole exercise over again

sometimes leaning out of the driver window is a good way to get a little vantage point, I did it all the time when I did parallel parking

talk to yourself talk often, repeat what you are doing call out your direction of travel as well as your direction of wheel and the direction you wish the trailer as well as the tractor to go

always ask the instructor for assistance, I find it easier to sit behind them watch them look in the mirrors for visual cues for when to change direction then hop in the driver seat and do it myself...