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How to drive doubles?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jun 8, 2011 #1
    CaliforniaGuy

    CaliforniaGuy Bobtail Member

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    Jan 2, 2011
    Lodi, Ca
    0
    So I have this road test with Tiger Lines LLC. here in Lodi, Ca and they are going to test me on pulling doubles...here's the kicker! I have never pulled doubles before (yes I have the endorsement)
    What is it like when making a standard right hand turn at a 4 way?
    What is it like making a standard left hand turn at a 4 way?
    I was told not to use my mirrors or I will over correct. Should I just drive the trailer wide around turn like a 53 footer? I cannot find very much information on this topic and really would appreciate your help with any advice. Thanks guys
     
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    #1
    thePUNISHER Thanks this.
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  3. Jun 8, 2011 #2
    RCH_Trucking

    RCH_Trucking Bobtail Member

    30
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    Mar 4, 2011
    Redmond, WA
    0
    Driving doubles is pretty easy. If you are pulling two 28' trailers, on turns imagine you were pulling 1 32' trailer. Your breaking point for the rear trailer is how far back the dolly is - so about 4 feet behind a 28' trailer. If you're pulling two 32' trailers, just imagine you're pulling 1 48' trailer. You'll get used to having the "faith" that you're wide enough to make the turn correctly as you drive them more and more.
     
    RCH_Trucking, Jun 8, 2011
    RCH_Trucking, Jun 8, 2011
    #2
  4. Jun 8, 2011 #3
    Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

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    Sorrento, Louisiana
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    When starting out, corner (as per yr example) just like you would a big trailer. As you get used to em you can adjust that.
     
    Kittyfoot, Jun 8, 2011
    Kittyfoot, Jun 8, 2011
    #3
  5. Jun 8, 2011 #4
    CaliforniaGuy

    CaliforniaGuy Bobtail Member

    37
    5
    Jan 2, 2011
    Lodi, Ca
    0
    Okay, so basically make turns as I normally would with a 53' trailer. Whats the worst that could happen, I create too much room?
     
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    #4
  7. Jun 8, 2011 #5
    Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

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    849
    Apr 4, 2009
    Central Ohio via the Suburbs of Detroit
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    As the others said it's rather easy. I started pulling doubles a couple months ago. I would say if you drive them like a 53 you would be safe. When pulling into a pull through you will over swing for a bit. They do react a little sooner as you do not have the length between axles as you do with a 53. For the test if you basically don't hit anything you will be fine.

    My piece of advice being a 15 year driver and just starting out with doubles... Don't concentrate on that back trailer in your mirror. It will dance around on you on rough roads, bumps, bridge joints, etc. As long as you've made sure your pintle hook is latched you should be good. But it will trip you out a bit. LoL
     
    Biscuit75, Jun 8, 2011
    Biscuit75, Jun 8, 2011
    #5
  8. Jun 8, 2011 #6
    CaliforniaGuy

    CaliforniaGuy Bobtail Member

    37
    5
    Jan 2, 2011
    Lodi, Ca
    0
    I was taught in school when making a right hand turn when my shoulder meets the curb is when I start my turn. And when making a left hand turn I will drive straight until my left shoulder meets the last checkered white lane divider. Once this happens is when I start to turn wide left. This should work for doubles too right?
     
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    #6
  9. Jun 8, 2011 #7
    Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    Appleton, Wisconsin
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    Pull through parking only, dont get into a spot you have to back out of.
     
    Jumbo, Jun 8, 2011
    Jumbo, Jun 8, 2011
    #7
  10. Jun 8, 2011 #8
    CaliforniaGuy

    CaliforniaGuy Bobtail Member

    37
    5
    Jan 2, 2011
    Lodi, Ca
    0
    Right on man thanks for your help. I will drive it as it was a 53 foot trailer when making turns. One thing I was worried about was if they make me zig zag through cones... the last trailer worries me I can see it being east to hit a cone this way. A video I watched showed the person not changing direction in between the two cones until about half way into them.
     
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    CaliforniaGuy, Jun 8, 2011
    #8
  11. Jun 8, 2011 #9
    sw1241

    sw1241 Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2007
    Ashtabula, Ohio
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    Way back when I pulled doubles, the only real piece of advice that worked was that you have to beat the back pup to the bottom of the hill
     
    sw1241, Jun 8, 2011
    sw1241, Jun 8, 2011
    #9
    BigJohn54 and Rerun8963 Thank this.
  12. Jun 9, 2011 #10
    thePUNISHER

    thePUNISHER Medium Load Member

    564
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    Sep 20, 2009
    Merced, CA
    0
    Hey CaliforniaGuy! I'm in Modesto & I've been talking with Jo at Tiger Lines about getting on with them. I went to their office here in town but Ed said they weren't going to be doing any road tests in Modesto until July some time so I'm going to try and get it done in Lodi too. After you take your road test could you post here or send me a PM so I can know what all the road test is like? I'd REALLY appreciate it, THANKS!
     
    thePUNISHER, Jun 9, 2011
    thePUNISHER, Jun 9, 2011
    #10
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