Need advice on turning.

Wait a second longer before turning

 

How bout just drive the dang thing and take it easy....practice man....we talkin about practice.

 

In general you have to put eyes on your tandems. You'll eventually get a feel for where your tandems are, but even then not all turns are equal.

Pull forward far enough so you can see down the lane your turning into, glance at tandems and adjust for the turn. Practice, keep your eyes moving and it'll get easier.

Good luck driver!

 

It's a learned skill. It can't be taught. There are no "rules of thumb". Not trying to be a dickinsean, I just don't want you expecting some magic reply that's going to make everything fall into place.

You'll get the hang of it or you won't. Maybe it's in your genes maybe it's not. Maybe it will come easy, maybe it will come hard. But regardless, it won't come without practice and experience.

 

Too many variables to account for with a formula. Different trucks, trailers, tandem and fifth wheel positions as well as your traveling speed and the speed in which you actually turn the steering wheel. Best advice I can offer is a change in perspective... You are driving to get that trailer from A to B. Your trailer has the pull point (KING PIN) and the pivot point (center of the trailer axles). At what point do you need to pull that king pin left or right to allow our pivot point to follow the turn safely? Protect your tractor, but remember it is just the tool you use to get the job done, right? Does that make sense? Just another way to think of it.

 

When making left turns drive all the way up into the intersection as far right as possible (if there is two turning lanes use the right one). Look in the mirror at your tandems. When they are almost about to past the corner or curb start turning.Pay attention to your trailer at all times. When making right turns you have to do the exact same thing. Get as far left as possible. Only difference is you have to do a buttonhook which means you basically have to take up some of the oncoming lane before completing your right turn.Don't worry even city buses have to do this so if your in Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland or NYC most people understand and will back up for you. It is advisable to slide your tandem up when you're in places like these.Lots of small streets and blocks.

 

Well ####. I'm sorry I have to admit I didn't read the whole post. You have the right idea with your tandems. Just remember left turns as far right as possible meaning once your tandems can arc around the curb start turning. Do not try to turn into the left lane when making a left turn. This is all in your textbook.You may want to pay attention to your instructor or another truck.