Doesn't it get confusing sometimes bobtailing and trailer switching

I've gone both ways... turn really wide while bob tailing and not wide enough while hooked to a big wagon (i normally drive city pups but that day had a big box on and forgot all about it and s-c-r-a-p-e... ) rookie moves! Of course that's ancient history

 

Umm no that wouldnt be a good idea at all as that messes up your whole process looking in you mirrors. Only people who dont drive with a trailer that often might need something like that

 

Andy, Andy, Andy...you're lucky Otter's kind of scarce right now. You just can't leave yourself so open for abuse like that! Especially around here!

 

Another thing that can get interesting is if you are a driver working LTL locally. You may have several different size trailers that you are hooked to during a shift.

It's a bit different with a 53' than it is with a 28' and then you have the 35' or the 45'. Or the sets.

The point is, that you just can't get lax. You have to be aware of what is following your tractor. It will be brought home to you much more, when it is time to back them up to a dock.

But after a bit, it really does just become second nature to you. It's just a matter of experience and learning what you need to do.

 

Im LTL...Weve got 28s, 32, 35s, 40s, 45s, 47s, 48s, and 53's

 

Incorrect. I bobtail out of terminals all the time as a company driver with swift.

 

I seem to be fully cognizant of my vehicle's length and dynamics whatever I'm driving. After my first 36 days out in my own (company) truck, the first few minutes in my little Sentra felt a little funny, but I wasn't squaring off turns.

I was in Baton Rouge, LA for the first time a few weeks ago on a 4 stop delivery. Off the major roads, I don't think there was a curb I didn't hit. ~edit~ (with my trailer tires)

 

you will always know for sure because the truck feels light when bobtailing, but if it's empty or light load then you might forgot but not likely

 

I've #### near knocked myself senseless a few times, (maybe that IS what is wrong with me,) by trying to get in my pickup like it was a big truck. That roofline just is not that tall. . .

 

Oh, Swift does allow bobtails? Well I stand corrected. I know Central won't allow it unless necessary. I'm surprised Swift does.