I am a novice tractor trailer driver. I still tend to have problems backing the tractor up fair with trailer?

Question

im curious and eager to hear any tips that would make backing a tractor up fair with a 48 foot trailer easier

Answer 1

G'day Todd C!

From what I can understand, you are looking to hook up to a trailer?  The easiest way is to get as square on as possible to the trailer.  Then, use the outside of your drive wheels to line up with the sides of the trailer.  As you reverse back, do so slowly, using both mirrors to ensure that the drive wheels are still aligned with the sides of the trailer.  By doing this, you should be able to reverse straight onto the kingpin, without touching the jaws too much.  

To get used to reversing with a trailer, see if you can get a quiet spot in a yard.  For simple reversing, put a couple of traffic cones 20 yards straight behind the trailer, and try to reverse through them, without hitting them.  As you get more experienced and confident, vary where you put the cones to, or add more to tighten the area that you are allowed to use.  Just remember that you have to turn the steering wheel the opposite way to which you want the trailer to go, to get it started.

When you are reversing, no matter what you are driving, check one mirror, then both front corners, then the other mirror.  Then go back to the first mirror.  One of the biggest problems is that people forget what is alongside the front of the vehicle when they are reversing, and do tend to hit things...  (Yes, I have once, and have seen it done many times...) That is why I suggest this to you.

If you want a real challenge for when you are wiser...  try backing up a double road train with the converter dolly on the back, going to get the third trailer...  4 articulation points...  That, is a challange!!!  

I wish you the best of luck with your driving career.  

Ding.

Answer 2

practice--find a big lot and put some big plastic garbage cans in the way--try backing using them as a target. You will get used to it. Good luck

Answer 3

Practice, practice,practice.  If you have some spare time in the unit, try to get some practice in the yard backing it up. put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. then move your hand in the direction that you want the trailer to go. I find that backing straight back, it is easy to keep the unit in line by watching in the mirror on one side with just a glance to the other every once in a while(the perspective changes between the mirrors)

Answer 4

I was a truck driver for 20 yrs and a truck driving instructor.  The steps already given are good ones.  But I will give you another hint so as not to oversteer.

Put your right hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and put your left arm up on the window with your hand holding the piece between the little and big window there.  This is a good thing to do so you are not going back like a snake.

Have confidence.  That's the key.  Also, remember to adjust your mirrors while you tractor is straight with the trailer.  That way you know what to look for when you back into an actually hole.  If you are straight line backing: remember that whatever it took as far as movement of the wheel to go forward that is the same as going backward.  

and remember that whatever way you want to trailer to go, with your hand on the bottom of the wheel...swing your hand that way.  Try it...it works.

Answer 5

I thought I would never get the hang of backing a semi with a 48 or 53. Your first answer is the right one. Practice, Practice Practice!

I started with backing in "easy" spots and then gradually making my backing "challenges" harder.  There is nothing worse then the fear of taking off the nose of a brand new Peterbilt! You will get the hang of it.

The other thing that helped me was I had a spotter out there, even if it was just another truck driver. Most of these guys out on the road are very helpful, just ask them.

Answer 6

www.tread1.com

goodluck

Answer 7

Step 1:

Walk all the way around the tractor. Look for hazards in your path and around the tires. Scan the area for children and loose animals that you would harm if you back up the truck.

Step 2:

Climb into the seat and put on your safety belt. Engage the air brake and check to ensure that the truck is not in gear. Start the truck and allow it to air up.

Step 3:

Check your air pressure gauge. Make sure the truck has reached 120 PSI, and then check all your mirrors to ensure the area is still clear before you back up the semi. Hold your right foot down on the brake pedal and disengage the tractor's air brakes by pushing in the k**b on the dash.

Step 4:

Push the clutch to the floor with your left foot and shift the truck into Reverse. If you are unsure of the shifting pattern, check for a schematic on the lower part of the dash. If shifting is difficult, try several times, if needed, until the shifter drops into place. Do not force the truck into gear.

Step 5:

Watching your side mirrors, take your right foot off the brake. Ease your left foot off the clutch. If the truck lurches forward, it's in the wrong gear. Engage the clutch and brake, and then try again. If it begins to roll backward as planned, accelerate if necessary or simply allow the truck to roll slowly. Do not "ride" the clutch.

Step 6:

Slow to a stop by fully engaging the clutch with your left foot, then slipping the truck out of gear. Apply the foot brake with your right foot and remove your left from the clutch. When the truck comes to a complete stop, engage the tractor air brakes by pulling out the k**b on the dash.

Hooked to a Trailer

Step 1:

Do a complete walk-around of truck and trailer. Be sure your trailer doors are closed and secure. Hook up the glad hands and lock the slider pins into place.

Step 2:

Follow Steps 2 through 6 above, disengaging both tractor and trailer air brakes.

Step 3:

Remember that your trailer is excessively long. It has an extremely wide turning radius and the tail moves in the opposite direction of your steering. As you drive the semi in reverse, beware of over-steering and watch your mirrors closely....................................