Trouble backing with a W900

What are these 'hoods' you speak of?

 

Hoods refer to the long, straight hoods of the classic trucks like the 379 Pete, W900 KW, the freightliner classic, International 9000... the unaerodynamic trucks that look good.

 

I guess reading this thread reminds me why I don't want stacks interfering with my sight lines (or resonating inside the cab for that matter). Call me new school...

 

in my opinion stacks although a little louder in the forward cab are quieter in the sleeper.

 

If your mirrors are door mounted, open the door for a better angle to look from.

 

I have a w900 and I think they are easier to back than a set back forward axle truck once you get the hang of it. The trick is to not get too far jackknifed as you won't be able to get back in front of the trailer, the wheel cut is not tight enough. I usually set up by coming slowly along the front of the spot I want to back into then when the back of the cab is lined up with the middle of the hole I turn out and take as much room as there is to set up. You need to use all the room you have available as it will make it easier to keep the angle of the truck to the trailer from getting too radical. Then once set up I open the door and look out as I get the trailer heading for the hole , once it looks good I shut the door and use the mirrors. If you have power mirrors you can adjust the westcoast way out and sometimes that can help , especially on a blind side back that requires a sharp angle of attack.

 

Rather back any of the 379's I've driven compared to the set back axle 386 I'm driving now....guess its all what your used to.

 

Sorry, I forgot to turn the 'sarcasm' sign on when I posted....I have a '79 K100 Cabover.

My father-in-law says when I grow up I'll get a Pete Hood...

 

A lot of drivers open the door. Just don't fall out if you do! The other thing with the W9 is the turning radius. Its one of the worst! Still my favorite truck though! Its going to take some getting used to but its definitely worth it. I'm sure you will end up loving that truck.

The 9900's are the same way and also the new Pete 369's that have the flared out sleepers are hard to see around too.

 

My deal with hoods was to get the trailer starting to turn in and just keep my wheels straight, while the trailer does its thing. Someone hit my prostar when i was with central and they put me in a w900.. I was like wtf is up with this.. Lol. Took me about a week and i was like.. Wow, its easier to back than that prostar. Now i lust for a hood my friend..Your in a dual side stack'd, long nose, no driver seein while passin club.. Enjoy it!