How long did it take for you to learn to back-up a truck & trailor?

Don't worry too much about it.Backing comes with practice.You're not going to be the perfect backer for awhile.As long as you pass to get your cdl you'll be fine.Even while in training at a company you're going to have many tough times backing.It comes with practice.You'll get better and better once you go solo.When you're backing,remember you're backing the trailer into the dock not the trk.So focus on the trl and do not oversteer.It takes slight movements of the steering wheel.The more you turn the wheel the more the trailer turns.The trl takes longer you relact then the steering wheelIf you turn the wheel left,the trailer will go right.Just remember to fucus on the trailer.

 

9 out of 10 backings will not be perfect even with experience. That 10th one though always feels great

 

It took me about 2 to 3 months, but even after 14years I'm still learning. I even ask myself how I could explain to a rookie or trainee. How I got it in the hole, and I'm at a lost for words. It will become second nature after awhile. Then you start working on your blind side backing. Those are really fun. I learned faster and still use the technique if my steering wheel is turning to the right the nose of my trailer is turning to the right so that means the tail of my trailer is going to the left. Like the other hand said. Over steering is a problem with most rookies. Use hard turns when you need trailer to do quick maneuvers and smaller turns when you just need trailer to move over a few inches. Don't be afraid to do pull ups, and also get out and look. Backing accidents are the number 1 accident in the industry and companies will fire you for even small incidents.

Take your time. Make sure you set up correctly. Make sure you have enough room to make the maneuver. Know your skill level. If its a tight spot don't even attempt it. See if you can get a spotter/another driver to help you back in. Even then if you hit something it's on you not the spotter. So even when a spotter is helping you. Still get out and look if your gut is telling you something is not right.

 

Don't compare yourself with other people. Everyone is different. Some might of had some previous experience on a farm or pulling a boat where they have an advantage on the concept. Some are naturals and some need extra work. But eventually for most it will click. Your feelings are normal. It's a lot to learn in a short time. Though not perfect you'll learn just enough to get that CDL.

Take note how you pull out. The perfect back will be just the opposite. Learn to use visual aids like old tire tracks, painted lines, concrete expansion cracks or even get out and lay you down some visual aids like a couple rocks. Take an extra second and think about it. I want the nose of the trailer go this way so the trucks rear end needs to go this way to do that. Once you figure that out the direction to turn the steering wheel it will come easier.

When backing at an angle where you have to push the nose around leave half of that angle to get back under the trailer straight. Let's say you are pushing the nose of a trailer around 45 degrees. By the time the nose of the trailer gets to 22.5 degrees you should be turning your steering wheel all the way around the other way to get back under the trailer.

Many new drivers will turn the wheel back and forth too aggressively and work themselves to death. Be smooth with less full turns on the wheel unless you are dealing with a tight back. Again take note how you pull out will help you get the picture for the next back.

Students with extreme problems it really does help to get your hands on a toy truck at Walmart or a truck stop. I've seen problem students learn over night the concept that way. Seeing it from outside and above the toy gives you a whole new perspective. Walmart ones you can return.

 

When I got my first solo truck, I wouldn't be able to sleep the night before a delivery. I was terrified thinking about what kind of backing I would have to do. But guess what? I never had one that I couldn't get it into. Sometimes it would take me a looooong time to do it, but with enough get-out-and-looks and pull-ups and the occasional help of another driver spotting, I always got it in the hole. Sometimes my left leg would be shaking so bad that I could barely work the clutch.

then low and behold, somewhere around the 6 month mark, it just clicked. I could actually make the trailer do what I wanted it to do. Amazing. I stopped being nervous and it just became second nature. That's not to say that I still don't have bad days sometimes, but when I do, I get out and look a lot and pull up as many times as I need to.

backing is just like anything else, the more you do it the easier it gets. Just don't panic and definatly don't let anybody rush you. That's when accidents happen. Take as much time as you need to do it right.

and lastly, never let anybody guide you over the CB. You have no idea what they can't see. Turn off the CB when you're backing. Good luck and practice makes perfect.

 

Everybody has and had trouble backing.Just take your time and don't let the other yoyos pressure you into hurrying up.

 

It just takes time to develop that 'feel' to do it. Practice every chance you get.Take your time, do not get upset if you miss it a time or two or three or four or more, just keep after it. Remember to G.O.A.L. You can do this.

 

I remember when I first started solo,if I couldn't find a pull in spot at a trk stop to take my brk I would go elsewhere till I did find a spot that didn't require backing,lol.

 

It doesn't take long to "learn" to back up but after 20 years I still haven't perfected it.No matter what you have your good days and bad.Take your time and you'll get it .