Help ... I Suck At Backing

I also use Ernie's "hand at the bottom" method. If you still get confused about which way the trailer will turn, make what I call a "one inch backup".

All that is, before you let out the clutch, get the steering wheel turned to where you want it. Then barely let the clutch out as if you only wanted to move one inch back. As you mind back that "one inch", watch the front end of the trailer to see which way it moves.

When backing up it's easy to get confused which way the trailer will move. If you only watch the tandem wheels it might take six to ten feet to find out your turning was wrong. Watching the front of the trailer for that one inch will tell you instantly.

Hey i know this Ty M's page or topic but i was wondering how hard it is to back up split axles. I am really considering flatbed and have heard that most if not all have split axles and have also that its harder cause they fight against each other when backing up. So i wasondering is there technique i can do is school to try to help me out.

Hey i know this Ty M's page or topic but i was wondering how hard it is to back up split axles. I am really considering flatbed and have heard that most if not all have split axles and have also that its harder cause they fight against each other when backing up. So i wasondering is there technique i can do is school to try to help me out.

Spread axles aren't that bad. They do fight a bit because of the distance but take your time and you'll get the hang of it pretty quick. I hauled spread axles and low boys in the military all over Europe, some of those narrow roads were challenging to day the least lol. You also have a dump axle on flatbed (not all but a lot do) which really helps but you have to be choosy about using it since now you have fewer wheels on the ground and it can make the trailer unstable.

Hey i know this Ty M's page or topic but i was wondering how hard it is to back up split axles. I am really considering flatbed and have heard that most if not all have split axles and have also that its harder cause they fight against each other when backing up. So i wasondering is there technique i can do is school to try to help me out.

Spread axles aren't that bad. They do fight a bit because of the distance but take your time and you'll get the hang of it pretty quick. I hauled spread axles and low boys in the military all over Europe, some of those narrow roads were challenging to day the least lol. You also have a dump axle on flatbed (not all but a lot do) which really helps but you have to be choosy about using it since now you have fewer wheels on the ground and it can make the trailer unstable.

thanks i was really getting worried. Still going with mcelroy or thought about another company?

Split axles are bit more difficult because they tend to respond a tad slower. You also have to be careful about how sharp a turn you are making. It puts a lot of pressure on that front tandem and when loaded can make things real difficult. You'll get it without too many problems. I drive by the hole/mark and turn hard to the right until 45* to the spot and then bring the tractor back to parallel or farther until I am set up. It looks different for a 48' and 53'. First day of switching from one to the other is interesting. Some days I can do it without a pull up and others I just have to laugh at my self. Don't let a spread worry you.

Here is a video created by C.R. England. It's a professionally shot and edited training short on straight line backing.

There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube. Some better than others. You might be surprised at how many maneuvers can be done "by the numbers." I agree with another driver, though. The instructor should usually shut up while you're working things out until you're getting too close to danger. Too many "instructors" have no training in training. A good book for ALL trainers would be The 7 Laws of Learning by Richard Godfrey and others. I've taught driver training and scuba with their principles with much success.

A good book for ALL trainers would be The 7 Laws of Learning by Richard Godfrey

I just downloaded it on Kindle. I'm always curious about such things.

Thanks for all the good advice guys !! I backed in to a spot today and it only took a few pull ups ... learning to just ignore my instructors yelling and focus..:)

Learning to just ignore my instructor's yelling and focus..:)

YES! There ya go, Ty! Ignore the distractions, focus on what ya gotta do!