The Backing Dragon

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by KY1281, Apr 17, 2015.

  1. Apr 17, 2015 #1
    KY1281

    KY1281 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Apr 16, 2015
    Austin, Tx
    0
    I need some advice!!! I have been driving for a year. I love most aspects of this career.. however, BACKING is still the pain in my side. I would have felt that a year in, I could easily just zoom zoom into a spot. I mean I am the daughter of a trucker, so I know its not something as simple as that. I just don't feel I am where I should be at this point. I sometimes have nightmares! haha Not really. But I will google map a shipper or receiver before going to see how the backing will be. And I am ashamed to admit this but I try to avoid getting to truck stops too late because tight parking at night makes me so nervous! I don't want to hit anyone (which I have not done..knock on wood) I am not looking for anyone to make dick comments and bring me down.. just need some confidence boosting ideas and maybe some techniques that helped get you over the backing hump!! Thanks!
     
    KY1281, Apr 17, 2015
    KY1281, Apr 17, 2015
    #1
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  3. Apr 17, 2015 #2
    marineman227

    marineman227 Dock Waterer

    600
    796
    Jan 26, 2008
    Neenah, WI
    0
    I'm assuming you have the basics down by now, other than that just keep practicing and pretend every back is a tight one. Even if you have 10 open spots on each side pretend there's a truck on each side while you back. Don't cut in short and drop your trailer tires over the line and don't let your tail kick out over the other line. If you do this every time, when you do have to make a tight one it will just be natural rather than getting used to sloppy easy backs then having to tighten it up once.
     
    marineman227, Apr 17, 2015
    marineman227, Apr 17, 2015
    #2
  4. Apr 17, 2015 #3
    runningman0661

    runningman0661 Road Train Member

    5,320
    15,818
    Mar 5, 2009
    Clover, South Carolina
    0
    90% of backing is the set up, if you set up right it makes things so much easier. Practice, practice, practice.
     
    runningman0661, Apr 17, 2015
    runningman0661, Apr 17, 2015
    #3
  5. Apr 17, 2015 #4
    hunted

    hunted Medium Load Member

    316
    390
    May 15, 2014
    Somewhere between here or there
    0
    Setup is key. But asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Driving is learn by doing trade 30 attempts and 30 pull ups to get it there late at night, if that is what it takes then that is what it takes. The important thing to remember is getting that unit in the spot without tearing things up. You have been successful if you do that everytime not how fast you can do it. We all go through the same things out here on the job. Dont be afraid to ask for help there still are good drivers out there that will be happy to lend a hand
     
    hunted, Apr 17, 2015
    hunted, Apr 17, 2015
    #4
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