Rookie On Backing Up. HELP!!!!

It takes time to develop an instinct for where the trailer will end up if you do X with the wheel. As you progress through the maneuvers you will learn, you will eventually realize that all backing is based on the straight line back. That means you need to master it quickly or you will run into more and more trouble as you move into the lane change, parallel park, 90 degree park, and 45 degree park.

The two biggest mistakes us newbies make when backing are turning the wheel in the wrong direction and over correcting. What I had to drill into my head is that turning the wheel in any direction will make the trailer turn in the opposite direction. Once that became something I knew without having to think about it, backing got much easier. Learning to not over correct is something that happens with time. Eventually you realize that it isn't necessary to turn that wheel so much to get the desired result. Yes, there are instances when you have to turn the wheel hard and fast to the right or left, but that's usually after you've already positioned the trailer to go where it needs to go and you are focused on parking the tractor.

Like others have pointed out, make small corrections. If you see the trailer starting to drift, turn your wheel a quarter turn in the direction of the drift and hold it there until the trailer responds. The truck will move ten feet before you see that happen. Then, when the drift has been corrected, go back to a straight wheel and hold it there until you see the trailer starting to drift again.

Also, don't be afraid of how fast the truck is backing up. Remember that you are on a closed course. These trucks do not go very fast at all when they're idling and in gear. It just seems like they are because you are not used to such a large vehicle. Let the clutch all the way out and plant your feet on the floor. You will have plenty of time to push the clutch in and step on the brake, should you need to.

Lastly, relax. I know the truck seems huge to you right now, but that will subside as you spend more time behind the wheel. Work on developing your sense of depth and distance while you are backing. Experiment with the wheel (turn it this way or that way) while looking in your mirrors. You will eventually begin to develop that instinct for knowing not only what the trailer is going to do, but also for where it will end up.

Rico, thanks for taking the time to provide great details and hints. The instructor did tell me I was over correcting and also to relax. I can't tell you ow much better I feel when I hear from guys like you and the others on this site. Thanks again and be safe.

I have found that setting up for your backing maneuver is the key to easy backing. You know that the trailer isn't going to respond right away to the wheel because first the tractor has to turn in order for the trailer to follow. To me 90 degree dock backing is the most nerve racking. When I'm pulling up to the dock, I get as close as I can to the dock (or trucks that are parked on each side of your dock) and then just as I pass the dock, start swinging the truck away from the dock and get my trailer in a position so when my tandems get there, the trailer is now at more of a 45 degree angle to my dock. Thus less wheel turning to get into position. I look out my driver door window and watch the path my tandems are rolling as I'm starting my back up maneuver. Look at the ground around your tandems as your backing as there usually are tire tracks there from previous trucks backing in especially on concrete slabs in front of the docking bay. Bottom line is getting your trailer into position at less than a 90 degree angle from your dock is key. This would be a whole lot easier with a diagram I know but hopefully you get my drift. =) Remember, you get better each time you back in!

I have found that setting up for your backing maneuver is the key to easy backing. You know that the trailer isn't going to respond right away to the wheel because first the tractor has to turn in order for the trailer to follow. To me 90 degree dock backing is the most nerve racking. When I'm pulling up to the dock, I get as close as I can to the dock (or trucks that are parked on each side of your dock) and then just as I pass the dock, start swinging the truck away from the dock and get my trailer in a position so when my tandems get there, the trailer is now at more of a 45 degree angle to my dock. Thus less wheel turning to get into position. I look out my driver door window and watch the path my tandems are rolling as I'm starting my back up maneuver. Look at the ground around your tandems as your backing as there usually are tire tracks there from previous trucks backing in especially on concrete slabs in front of the docking bay. Bottom line is getting your trailer into position at less than a 90 degree angle from your dock is key. This would be a whole lot easier with a diagram I know but hopefully you get my drift. =) Remember, you get better each time you back in!

Thanks for taking the time to explain this Terry, I sincerely appreciate it. I'm printing yours and all the others out and will study all before my next session. Thanks again and stay safe.