Backing Needs So Much Improvement

How long did it take you long timer’s to get really good at backing??? I either set up incorrectly or time it wrong, don’t leave enough room, my trainer is frustrated I think. Thank you

It takes most people about 6 months before it clicks. Your trainer needs to take a deep breath and remember he started with no experience. I am a trainer. It can get frustrating training someone.

Here's a really short lesson:
Part 1: It's all about getting the tandem wheels in between the cones, and with a decent (not too sharp) angle.

Part 2: Then focus on getting the trailer aimed to go into the box.

Also: Pulling up is not a failure, it is an adjustment. There's a lot to know & understand about pulling up, I'm thinking about writing a short book on it.

Everyone is different and learn at different pace. I only been driving coming up on the 2 year mark. Personally it took me about a year to really get comfortable and start challenging myself. I got to the point where I was actually looking for challenging spots to see if I could do it. All of a sudden it will click for you so don't trip over it right now and g.o.a.l every back you are doing.

Three years in and I still have my days. It took me a good 18 months before I got comfortable backing. Seems the harder a spot is, the better I do. Delivering right now to a old place in Pennsylvania where you have to do a 90 to get in. Not one pull up...I amazed myself, but last night at the truck stop, at least 4 pull ups doing a 45 into an easy spot....go figure?

Ive only been doing this a couple months. I enjoy the process of backing, It will get comfortable as said above. I have periods of time where I stop taking my time with it because it feels comfortable and when I start thinking like that, it doesnt go well. When I slow the process down and ask myself what I want the trailer to do and stick to fundamentals it works better.

I always hated hearing "it just takes time" but its true. Im also really picky, a lot of times, If my setup doesnt feel good or look like I want it to, Ill just circle around and do it again if I have the ability to. Sometimes though, Ill hack through it, because the mistakes teach me too.

Hey, Eric from a new driver to a new driver I feel your frustration. Day to day it varies so much. As much as it sucks to hear, we really have to just be patient with ourselves. Pay attention to what adjustments you make and how that affects the trailer. This will help you so much, as to figure out which way and how much you have to pull up and to what side. I hated my trainer constantly telling me "don't forget it takes 10 feet for your trailer to react". He said that so much but it wasn't until I went solo that I realized that's pretty much true. Use ALL THE SPACE available, especially on your adjustments. Most of what we do is mental, so try and stay positive. Take what you can from your trainer, stay patient with him/her but focus on learning what you need to upgrade and get out there on your own. It actually can be easier when someone isn't sitting next to you critiquing your every decision! Good luck!