How long does it take to perfect 90 deg backing

I listened to the instructors with the turn the wheel one full turn and that bull. what it finally took was me looking out the drivers mirror and then leaning out the drivers door and guiding the trailer where I wanted it to go...I'm by NO means perfect at a 90, but I believe that we all learn in different ways to do some things. Try it the way that you feel more comfortable in doing it.

 

I can do it right most of the time (after 22 years) as long as I have 2 things going for me. Another vehicle to park next to (I miss parking between the lines of a wide open lot) and no one else watching me do it....if someone is watching, I get nervous...and when I back into my parking spot at home, I do better in the dark...I call it OTR-ADD(not ADHD...I don't have high def ADD, just regular ADD)

 

All ur life I'll never do it perfect

 

I have 80HD and it sucks

 

I'd say more than 11 years.

 

My ah-ha moment came when I realized I had to pivot the trailer into the hole. As I approached the "hole" and determined where I wanted the tandems to track, I would pour some water on the lot to mark my pivot point for that hole. Just pivot the trailer on that spot till its lined up. Practice with a space big enough for a long pull up to get the rig straight.
Hint, don't use your trainers hat to mark your pivot point.

 

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I can remember when I was at trucking school (before it was a CDL license), they taught how to do a parallel parking, and I'm thinking, how often do you actually have to do that?

When several years long after the schooling, I had pulled into a rest area. the only parking was to the left of the roadway inside the area. I did my very first parallel parking, and did it without even thinking how it was done. Oh you betcha I got out a few times to make sure I didn't smack the truck behind me, but jezz, it got done.

 

that looks like a hell hole in south sioux ne i used to pickup from all the time. ya hauling turkeys?

 

biggest advice i can offer that saved my ### numerous times is to slide your tandems all the way forward and steer the trailer. as soon as your tandems clear the from edge of any obstructions straighten out immediately and turn it into a straight back if your have to space to do so.

go to a truck stop in the middle of the day when their nice and empty and set a bottle of water on each side of the parking spot and practice not hitting them

driving forward will get you there but backing up gets ya paid man. if you spend any time in chicago, boston, or any other big dirty city your 90 will have to be in your arsenal of skills.

i asked my grandpop once the easiest way to do the various backs and his answer was genius and simple. "son, if you didnt hit anything or mess up ur rig ya did it perfectly". every back is different in regards to spacing. someone mentioned your setup earlier, MOST IMPORTANT OF ANY OF WHATS MENTIONED SO FAR!!!! use every foot of available space you have to make ur life easier.