Still having problems with backing

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Penumbra, Oct 27, 2019.

  1. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

    305
    528
    Jul 29, 2019
    0
    Well guys, one week of being on my own is in the books!

    unfortunately, my backing is still terrible.

    straight lines fine. Once I’m in a straight line I’m golden.

    but my other types have just been complete nightmares. I think the problem is that I’m accustomed to setting up a certain way. Well, In the real world, you very rarely have that “perfect” set up.

    that’s really the only thing other than ending up stuck in a tight situation that I can’t get out of that’s giving me anxiety. so far, the only tight situations I’ve ended up in, were created due to my backing issues!

    I try to practice as much as I can, but what else can I do? I feel like a steering wheel holder, and I don’t like feeling that way!
     
    austinmike and tinytim Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Coffey

    Coffey Heavy Load Member

    712
    1,715
    May 14, 2019
    0
    At the end of your day when you going to go park find a spot back in it one way and then pull out and hit it a different angle a couple time a day and sooner or later you get a hang of it
     
    tscottme and tinytim Thank this.
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,132
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    it took me years before I mastered backing. Ultimately its the auto that forced me to follow trailer back in one move without the bounce bounce bounce bounce looking like a total idiot standing on the clutch.

    It will take you a certain amount of time. Just try not to hit anything, when you are backing your future depends on it.
     
  5. Coffey

    Coffey Heavy Load Member

    712
    1,715
    May 14, 2019
    0
    If you hit something make sure it small and then hurry up and split
     
  6. BigDog Trucker

    BigDog Trucker Heavy Load Member

    947
    1,214
    Nov 4, 2018
    0
    Just take your time. The worst thing you can do is start rushing when youre backing in! Nice n steady is key, and go slow on turning the steering wheel. Also, check your mirrors and your front end and see how your trailer is tracking. Dont forget, youre allowed as many pull-ups as you need unlike when you took the road test for your CDL!
     
  7. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

    5,143
    18,136
    Oct 29, 2007
    Northern Ontario
    0
    There are countless threads on here about backing. Read them all. Everyone explains it a bit different and something will click.

    Other than that all you can do is practice. Just stay calm and take your time. It doesn't matter how many times you pull up or how long it takes. The only thing that matters is you don't hit anything.

     
  8. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

    305
    528
    Jul 29, 2019
    0
    My big issue seems to be since I don’t have a perfect set up I’ll make a mistake, and then I stress out. I don’t do anything drastic, I still get out and look, but I start forgetting the basics
     
    cybill234 and Coffey Thank this.
  9. BigDog Trucker

    BigDog Trucker Heavy Load Member

    947
    1,214
    Nov 4, 2018
    0
    Go do LTL work for a lil while. It'll sharpen your backing skills in no time flat.
     
    201 and Coffey Thank this.
  10. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

    5,143
    18,136
    Oct 29, 2007
    Northern Ontario
    0
    Easier said than done I guess but don't stress out. :) It never hurts to stop for a minute and clear your head.

    If you're not happy with the set up you can always start again.
     
  11. Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

    1,968
    4,437
    Sep 18, 2019
    0
    With all the video surveillance around & dash cams. Good way to get a hit & run on your record.
     
    Farmerbob1 and Coffey Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.