Trouble Backing

Another thought.

Even though I like to think I am a god when it comes to backing, I seriously hate the 20 foot trailers. They jackknife so fast particularly when with a long wheelbased sleeper tractor.

A second thought.

Look at the ground you are backing over. If there is a slope down to either side of the trailer it's going that way by gravity the first moment it thinks you are not looking. (And it will...)

If you have a relatively fast computer, you can buy a decent truck simulator that allows you to dock using mirrior to check that trailer's action as you do it.

Most of the problems with learning to back is you. Your mind and sometimes emotions. You will see that the 53 foot trailer does the same amount over and over and over depending on how much wheel you add or take away. Once you have that, you can put it anywhere. Provided it will fit.

Just not everywhere, as I found out once trying to back towards a house with a carport at night on a cul-de-sac which is blind side and not possible. The space just isnt there and there was too much stuff to break and damage otherwise if you did make the space.

 

75% of backing is in the set up. Get your set up right, it makes backing so much easier.

 

Set up is important and not putting to much turn into the wheel when applicable. Never let anyone rush you. Do your thing. The longer you are driving the same unit the easier it will be.

 

Yes practice is all it takes, I am still new too only been driving 10 months, sometimes I can perfectly park in the last truck spot available in a really tight space and sometimes its a super easy back and I take 10 min trying to back in which is embarrassing when a lot of others are around but oh well I'd rather be safe and not hit anyone or anything then screw my record up or damage or injure someone because I rushed not wanting to be embarrassed