Need diagrams for backing

Every perfect dock is only perfect until the company stores all of their junk 58 feet in front of that perfect dock.

 

I would make a line on unmarked pavement/dirt by putting one of my work gloves on the ground at some point and the other glove inline with it on the ground some distance away from the first. Just use something you won't destroy by running over it. The strap of a ratchet strap or piece of rope is great.

 

Just takes practice; I prefer 45s, but even 4yrs in it can take me a few pull-ups to figure out when to start cutting the wheel for the tighter spots.

 

My experiance has been good diagrams and video from directly overhead have been the best at getting people started. Couple that with good hands on training and direction on backs that closely resemble those diagrams and videos, then start adding complexity. I have found many people that think they are trainers think just throwing them in and saying they will eventually will get it are the worst there is, they usually can’t explain anything and give them the same tight scenario and you will immediately see how lacking thier skills are.

 

go right to go left, stop once you go to far or pull up, and try again

 

Yes practice is the most important part, but sometimes looking at a diagram can help you see where you're screwing up. We all learn differently, and hopefully we all continue to learn.

 

Experience and practice is the best teacher. I'm a driver trainer for my company and most of the trainees I get just got their license like a month ago from a school. They spend a week with our company training department driving around locally and practice backing in our yard. Then they are turned over to the driver trainers. Every trainee I have says they've watched videos and looked at diagrams on their own time to try and learn how to back.

Every dock situation is different. They all want some kind of fool proof method they can follow step-by-step to nail it every time. That method does not exist. But they try things like: turn the wheel to the right until you can see the rear drive tire go under the trailer and you can see the rear of the landing gear in your mirror. Then count to three, then turn the steering wheel all the way back to the left and count to three.

That stuff is all nonsense.

Practice, take your time. See how the rear of your trailer, the front of your trailer, and the front of your truck all react when you turn the wheel certain ways. This is not something you can learn in one sitting. It takes concentration, and time.

 

Buy yourself a toy truck with a trailer and practice after awhile it makes sense .