you bump docks in training but not in orientation. Orientation part is mainly to work on your initial set up. There's plenty on people that suck at backing, they also dont expect you to have it down pact by the time you arrive. You just have to show improvement over the time your there. They'll help you out and then with a trainer as well. Close quarters training will be the only backing you'll do in orientation and testing out. You also have to think by the time you test out they will have invested in you with orientation, lodging, and paid training while out so you'll have to mess up good to fail the test out. I had backing ok but the real world in time will perfect that. Also a lot of people have gone through it and did just fine so dont sell yourself short. Its not something you'll pick up and have down in a short period of time
Yes sir, if your fresh out of school, you can best bet your gonna hit the road with a trainer for a while no doubt.
It takes awhile to get good at backing. Always be careful and get out and look as many times as necessary. Just don't get careless and hit something. You will be fine .
To quote my awesome Trainer, Sarge26044: "Backing is just like picking up women... It's ALL in the set-up!"
Any good websites or utube vids that show setups? All my backing was either straight back or parallel parking. Y'll stay safe and thanks. Mary
If you put your hand at the BOTTOM of the steering wheel you turn IN the direction you want the trailer to go in. No need to remember to go in the opposite direction. Then just chase the trailer as you go. Old school training. No school back then.
Each setup is different. Seeing setups is just training your eye to what you need to do to get the trailer in the spot. I wish that those of us answering you could wave a magic wand and you backing skills would appear. I too started out with only a few 45 degree and some straight back. My Roehl trainer spent every night (we would stop early) working with me in the truck stop when there was room. Even after 2 years I struggled. Wasn't till I started on a dedicated account touching a dock every day that finally the "lightbulb" came on. Just slowly work on it. As my mother use to remind me "Rome wasn't built in a day". There is no process that doesn't require time.
If you have a CB, remember to turn it off while backing. That helps shut out distractions. It's a good idea to have your windows rolled down though.
The more you do it the easier it gets. Listen to your trainers and take their advice. I now actually prefer the odd tight docks that give a challenge.
