Blind side backing solutions

Blindsiding is tough, but not impossible. When you're trying to back, pull your brakes every few feet and get out of the drivers seat and sit in the passenger seat; look out the passenger window and mirror from the passenger side's perspective. Try this, but obviously make sure to GOAL. And if you're able to get someone to spot you while you back up, do it. Despite what many think, there's no shame in having someone help you back the truck up.

 

Back up cameras are super cheap.

 

Window on the sleeper. I keep my right side sleeper window uncovered specifically for blindside backing. No mirror needed, and you can perfectly see down the right side of the trailer. I never knew until I got this truck, and was pulling wind blade, trying to steer around a big right turn tried looking out the right side mirror and realized that I could see perfectly out the right sleeper window.

 

that reason right there is why I have side sleeper windows and a rear sleeper window.

 

Another thing: the further up your tandems are, the more likely you are going to hit something with the overhang of the trailer no matter whether you are sight-side or blind-side backing. A lot of rookies unnecessarily make it harder on themselves by having the tandems slid all the way forward to make turns easier, which then makes backing more difficult, especially in a sleeper.

 

Does your rear window open?

Anyways, do your 45 setup. As you jack the steering, the right end of the trailer will disappear completely. As soon as it does, look out the sleeper window. Perfect. You can see the end of the trailer plain as day. 45, 90, doesn't matter. It's almost like cheating.

 

I blind side back thru a storm drain dip and up a grade with my spread axles every day at least once. When it's the open slot on the near end I'm usually pretty close. When it's between my other trailer and the wall it takes a few shots. Doesn't help that the parking spots are maybe 110" wide :/

Some days I stuff it right in first shot. And some days people must be watching out their windows bc it takes 5 or 6 shots

Oh well. Guess I can't win at EVERY thing I do lol

 

Just say no

 

If there is no other choice, first I look for a place like truck space space truck so there is plenty of room. If it is truck space truck I have to really be desperate to park there. But with my T660, the cab is very narrow so I can do the setup and get started then put my right foot between the seats with my left foot onthe clutch and my head out the passenger window. Left hand covers the wheel and trolley brake. Ease the clutch out and steer it on back. If it is too ugly, push in clutch and pull trolley brake and sit down to pull forward a little. Keep working it in the hole til I can see down both sides clear and back on in.

 

Forget all the gadgets and tricks. Blind side backing should always be avoided if at all possible. If it can't by going down turning around and back on the sight side, then simple, go inside and request that someone from the company that you are delivering to comes out and ground guides you on the blind side. Not always but the majority of blind side backing will be done at a smaller company that is more flexible to help. If they refuse, take pictures of the area that your required to back into, cars, piles of pallets, whatever you think will be in your way. Call dispatch and explain the situation to them. Remember , your the captain of that ship and if you don't feel comfortable doing something then don't do it. Call dispatch and send pictures whatever,don't let your pride or pressure from someone make you do it. Obviously this has to be within reason, obviously others have gotten in there so it's doable, just don't be afraid to ask for help. BTW if someone does help you , ask for their name, that way if you hit something when they said you were clear you can share the responsibility