Backing Problem--desparate Need

Hi all, I obtained sone really useful info from this site, thanks to all. But at this time I expetiencing a REAL backing dilemma--I understand how to straight back, offset left/right can do these maneuvers effiently. Parallel drivers/right site is very difficult plus alley docking from 45 degree angle...I had the best instructors so I don't fault them but I just wondering I had been taught to crank my wheek an these maneuvers then I still completely miss the box----why???? I get ragged on for oversteering but I'm being taught how to crank and hold so I do...but watching You tube vids...I'm not seeing that much cranking what am I missing?

Deon, just keep practicing. Backing is an issue for all new drivers. It's hard for me to analyze what is going on without watching you back the truck, but I can tell you with certainty that you are "over steering". All rookie drivers do this. You mentioned that you don't see all that cranking on the you tube videos you watched. Any time you watch a veteran driver back a trailer and then compare his technique to a beginner it will seem as though the veteran barely ever turns his wheel, while the beginner is cranking it this way and that way big time just trying to figure out what the trailer is going to do next.

Practice getting yourself set up far enough away from your target so that your trailer has time to adjust to your directives from the wheel as it rolls toward it's destination. These long trailers respond slowly - that is why the beginners over steer - they are expecting that trailer to start moving in the direction they want much quicker, and when it's taking it's time they just keep on cranking and then next thing you know they are moving too far and too quickly in the wrong direction.

Don't get yourself too stressed over this, just keep practicing and it will come. Eventually you will be doing it just like the experts, but it won't happen over night. As long as you can get to the point where you can pass the tests, you will have plenty of time to practice and perfect your techniques during your first couple of years driving. Trust me, it will take that long to really get it down.

Not really sure what your doing wrong but what helped me was when I turned the wheel all the way to the left or right and just as u feel the truck move when you release the clutch crank the wheel a little more to which ever way u have the wheel and hold till you see the landing gear line up with your drive tires in your mirror and repeat this process every time you have to turn the wheel all the way to the left or right..... This worked for me on the offset and parallel every time..... Just take your time and you your (goals)

I maybe jumping out on a limb here just because I am still a couple of short days away from getting in a rig out on the range but my suggestion is maybe have someone video your actions with a tablet or high $ phone a couple of times and the sit down and review it.

Thank you guys for thesuggestion and comments well appreciated...all of you enjoy your holidays and thanks again.

OK, do not give up. I just finished my 4 weeks,and failed my drive test and backup test. I need more practice,and nothing comes easy to everyone. Some do, some don't. But be patient,calm,cool!!!!!!!! Have patient with yourself,and instructor. Like the people from this wonderful website,and others have told me,practice makes perfect. And in do time you will be,and i will be professionals in this business. Got to have the strenghth,and backbone,and the will to do it.Hang in there and the best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found it helpful to think of the right side parallel park as simply an offset right. Practice as if the two cones defining the entry point of it are all that matters. Once you can get the trailer in there its easier to then worry about getting the tractor in. Breaking it down into 2 parts made it easier for me. First worry about getting the trailer in there properly. Then worry about how to finagle the tractor in. A+B=C, at least it did for me, hope this helps.