Trouble backing with a W900

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by hawkjr, Apr 29, 2013.

  1. hawkjr

    hawkjr Road Train Member

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    Kinda of embarrassed about this post, well more like my pride is hurt but anyhow, anyone got tips with backing a W900 with those #### stacks in the way? Always had an Aero truck, first one with dual stacks and I'm catching hell backing up at times.. Been a pretty good backer in my 5 year career but at times this truck is making me seem like a noob
     
  2. EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    practice practice and more practice

    take your time, and practice

    soon, it will be second nature, but since you come from an aero truck, its like learning all over again

    i remember when i went from my classic to my columbia, the columbia felt like parking a PT cruiser
     
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  3. truckerfromatx

    truckerfromatx Bobtail Member

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    The solution is obvious. Open the door and look, once you start to straighten out, close the door and use the mirrors. It will take time to adjust to the turning radius of the tractor. I'm only 5'9", so the mirrors didn't cover the areas I need.
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2013
  4. EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    i never ever opened the door on my classic, never stood on the outer step,

    mirrors, mirrors and just mirrors, just like any other truck
     
  5. hhmag70

    hhmag70 Light Load Member

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    Maybe an adjustment of the mirrors just a lil further out will help with the view?

    One of the features on my Pete I enjoy the most is the mirrors being mounted on the door. Just open as needed.
     
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  6. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    i am used to driving hoods but first time i got in a hood the biggest problem i had was your point of now return to get back under the trailer without pulling up is much less of a angle than with a sba truck. seeing around the stacks can screw with you a bit too. i still gotta roll the windows down and stick my head out every now and again but they do take a little getting used to. It will take you a little time don't be too hard on yourself just give yourself some time to get used to it. i curse the turning radius alot more often than the stacks however.
     
  7. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Make believe you're in one of those other trks you drove and pretend those stacks are'nt there.
     
  8. Blind Driver

    Blind Driver Road Train Member

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    I drove a '04 379 with those stupid stacks in the way :biggrin_25516:

    But my mirrors were attached to the windshield frame, not the door. I could cheat :biggrin_25522:
     
  9. Giggles the Original

    Giggles the Original Road Train Member

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    try being 5'3......
     
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  10. MZdanowicz

    MZdanowicz Light Load Member

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    hawk-try mounting a swing out mirror. I did same and works good. sit and look out normal. have somebody hold a single spare mirror up right side and remember pretty much the position. go to an r/v store and check out the long arms. Then fabricate the mount to the tractor. I used spare mirror arms first time when it worked out found chrome. not in use fold back. don't rush think Mike