How to back into tight docks.

Bill51 · Sep 23, 2020

SoulScream84 said: ↑

Amazing what a nice rack and dock accomplish.
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Don't be fooled. It's those cool European cabovers that haz the boyz droolin'.

SoulScream84 · Oct 5, 2020

Bill51 said: ↑

Don't be fooled. It's those cool European cabovers that haz the boyz droolin'.
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You know, I wouldn't mind a clean cabover. I remember sleeping on the doghouse of an old mac as a kid.

Dockbumper · Oct 6, 2020

Six9GS said: ↑

First thing I find that helps is to scrutinize my route before I get there. I'm a Swifter (refridgerated)`and sent a route to follow. On more than one occasion, had I followed the given route, I'd be stuck with having to blindside it in, but was able to route myself to come in from the other direction and avoid the blindside. Also, in tight areas, much of El Paso comes to mind, I'll find a better route to get in and out than the one given. Once I get somewhere like that, it is common I ask the folks at the place the best way to get out. Local knowledge is always a plus.
However, when I do have to blindside or perform an otherwise difficult back. I take my time and work it in and NEVER fail to get out and look, often, if I have to get out and look once, I'll probably end up getting out a couple more times. I'm not to proud or lazy. Also, when I do get out and look, I walk completely around my rig so I see how much clearance I have in all directions. I may be focusing mostly on the back of the trailer and trailer axles, but when I got out and looked, and walked completely around the rig, found I was tighter or not as tight as I thought at the front of the trailer and tractor on my blind side. It's important not to miss the clearances there too!
When I was really new, on several occasions, if other truckers were there, I'd ask one to help spot me. Never had a problem getting that help when I asked. I haven't needed a spotter in awhile, but I still ain't too proud to ask for help if I need it! I figure it this way, if other truckers can get into and out of a place, so can I, I just have to work it.
I tend to try and keep my rear tandems close to that infamous 40' mark. I've found that keeping the tandem location consistent, along with the fifth wheel location, helps me set up my back easier, as you get used to how far to pull up before I start to cut it to get my trailer tandems where I want before I start my back. When I have to set up with my tandems farther forward or back, I'm not as successful and it creates more of a struggle. I figure in time, as I gain more experience, I will get used to having the tandems farther forward or rearward of the 40' area.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents about backing in tight spots. Avoid them with better planning when you can, take it easy and get out and look as much as needed. Don't hesitate to ask for help and pay close attention to where your tandems and fifth wheel locations are to help get a better set up before you begin to back.
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I would suggest learning to back with tandems all the way back. The tail swing at the 40' mark can really become an issue. Just my $.02

lovesthedrive · Oct 6, 2020

It all depends on the setup. Get over the hole as straight as possible and it is very easy. The rest you will learn in time.

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