Backing, how long did it take you to catch on?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DevJohnson, Jul 22, 2018.

  1. DevJohnson

    DevJohnson Medium Load Member

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    How long did it take you guys to get good at backing, alley docking? Just curious. I feel discouraged sometimes. And adults still think it’s funny to laugh at others for things they’re just starting out in
     
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  3. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    Everyone is different. Some pick it up quickly, some don't really ever get good at it.
     
  4. Clyde07

    Clyde07 Heavy Load Member

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    Only been driving a little over 6 years and to totally master backing took me....well, I hope to have it mastered by this fall.
     
  5. DevJohnson

    DevJohnson Medium Load Member

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    Makes sense. Yea some people I talk to say it just came natural and others say it’s the hardest thing even after doin it for months
     
  6. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    I've trained a couple guys over a year ago that still have trouble backing up a 48' flat deck, straight into a spot.
     
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  7. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    I also have been driving for 6 years and for a normal, well layer out yard, not long. But for a tight jack knife.....I gave up on one yesterday and elected to take the 3 wide insted.
    You'll get it. It's really not hard. You just have to train your brain
     
  8. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Don’t worry about it. Try to do your best.
    Take your time, go slow, get out and look.
    If it looks like it won’t fit, it probably won’t.
    Stop and look if your not sure, that will keep you from hitting things
    With time, you will get better.

    Work on getting the set-up down. Then as you get better at that, then you can work on the next step, one step at a time.

    Should you have a place that you might be able to do a little practice, like a company yard. Take some time and work on it.
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2018
  9. McCauley

    McCauley Medium Load Member

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    I'm four years in and I'm still not totally confident in my backing. I get it in and don't hit stuff, but very slowly and cautiously and sometimes with more pullups than I'd like. Just remember you don't get scored on your backing, you only get a W or an L, and you get the W when you don't hit stuff.
     
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  10. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    90% is in the set up.

    It's a snap.

    How long you been driving? Where you running?
     
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  11. Woodys

    Woodys Heavy Load Member

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    Trucking is full of adult children. Pay them no mind, they just want attention.
     
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