Getting used to a day cab

I have just recently started a new job as a local driver. I have driven for Werner for 4 years total (2 different times). I have driven Centurys, Classics, 387s, Columbias, and a couple others that i can not remember. Now that I have gone to a much smaller truck, I am having trouble backing. I am used to backing a truck that is much larger. The techniques for driving a much larger truck are the same, but sometimes over wheeling the tractor is causing problems. Go from a Peterbilt 387 to a Freightliner Cascadia day cab and tell me how much fun it is to back a trailer in somewhere. I look like a rookie all over again. How long does it take to really get used to driving a day cab?

 

shouldnt, take much especially if you have been driving that long.

 

All that extra room to play with and the back window can sure make things tough.

It'll come to you quick enough. Beats adjusting to a larger truck I imagine.

Btw, enjoy the local job.

 

twin screw Cascadias

 

I am used to backing up and turning the wheel and waiting for a few seconds for the trailer to respond. With these daycabs the trailer responds almost immediately. It is just going to take some time. Using the rear window is also something new, because in the sleeper I could never see how close the nose of the trailer was getting to the back of the cab. Time, that is what I need. In a few more weeks I think everything will be a lot easier.

 

Try a daycab with a 20' container. The difference between a 1976 Eldorado and a Miata. I was very embarrassed the first time I tried.

 

You'll get used to it. Mainly you have to relearn your setups. You're probably setting up with the same timing you used in a bigger truck. You generally have to start later with a daycab because everything will turn and straighten back out faster during your setup. Both times I've gone from OTR to local it took me a week or two before it felt natural again.

 

I'm wondering if you're oversteering. You don't have to use all the available wheel cut. Just asking as this is one of the most common mistakes I see in backing technique.

 

Enjoy your new found turning radius, rear window, and the ability to blind side back easier.