Truck Backing Ep1 The Offset Law - What experienced Truck Drivers know that most beginners don't.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มี.ค. 2021
- It's something beginning Truck drivers are expected to learn over time. I find they progress quicker when they are made aware of it early. I teach it to my new Class A CDL holders on day one. You can't be good at Angle Back, or Alley Dock backing without being familiar with it.
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• Advanced Truck Backing
Video Tutorial: 🎥
The 15 Most Common Trailer Backing Mistakes and How To Fix Them ⤵️:
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#OffsetBack #CDL #Trucking
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I wanna say that as a regular car driver - You Truckers (experienced or brand new) are invaluable, priceless to everyday people. You keep Americans fed and fueled, and Patriots are proud ( and a bit jealous ) of your skills. Forgive the car drivers who upset you - because their lives are hectic and confused. You keep doing the great work you all do. Remember, we would be in dire straights without you all..
Thank You!
Thank you. That's really appreciated.
aweee
Thanks for that! 👍🏽
I’m in school right now. I’ll be on the road befire I know it
I did my CDL class last November. Dropped out of trucking at the time and felt really unconfident backing up at a 90, 45 or parallel. Later went to yard driving and in a matter of a few days had the understanding down of how my steering truly affecting my end of my trailer. My gripe with the CDL class was that they spent a lot of time telling us WHEN to turn and HOW MUCH to turn at each point, making us STOP and turn at each point. When I went to yard driving I was able to freely back and go at a faster speed to get a better understanding of how my turns were affecting the trailer tires, swing and pivot points. The ability to go faster and back into wide open spots was way better on my understanding rather than stopping and turning under command from a teacher.
I had the same problem. When I started a new job, they told me to throw all that out the window. I'm glad I did. When I upgraded yesterday, the instructor taught me how to do a 35, with a 90. It works! Yes, I like this guys video, it helps even more as a new kid trying to stay off the blocks! Lol
I think it helps to find a big open space with lines like a parking lot or a yard (I know this isn’t available for most people) and just let yourself make mistakes and pay attention. Let the trailer jackknife but really pay attention to why it jackknifed. I think this helped me a lot
Just takes practice
Man...I been looking for me a yard to drive..I left
This is exactly what I'm going thru right now as I type this in CDL class😤
To you new drivers, don't be embarrassed to "get out and look", even if it is several times.
It's better to take 3 to 4 minutes getting out to look than to take 20 minutes or longer reporting a backing accident.
I been driving since the 80’s and I get out and look as many times as I need.
I thoroughly agree. One more point, ignore the drivers that will attempt to harrass you about getting out to look. There are fools and trouble makers in any industry. Your primary goal is to be safe and legal above all else. These will allow you to go far in the trucking industry and work for some truly excellent companies.
When my dad drove, his company had decals on the mirrors that said:
"G.O.A.L" (Get Out And Look). They wanted their drivers to get put and look for the sake of safety
@@allywilkeforsenate Same here. been driving since late 70s and when in doubt always get out and look.
@@nicholmansgarage3501 As I recall USA Truck had G.O.A.L on its' side view mirrors. It is a great piece of wisdom for everyone.
As a driver never worry about what people are thinking about your driving..and on the road always remember you’re at work so those people are in YOUR way
I am not a trucker but i absolutely admire your attention to the craft.
As a trainer myself, I find these videos reassuring and informative. I now have better verbiage to express what I have been attempting to teach. Thank you.
Thanks Micheal! I love hearing from other trainers that find it useful.
I like verbiage
I’m an OTR trainer. I do love this series, but I share this video with every student. It helps show how a trailer tracks along its path and sometimes it’s easier to get them to watch TH-cam. Lol.
As a Class A CDL Instructor, with a large LTL national carrier, it is partially the repetition of practicing each individual maneuver, as well as identifying a student's best learning method, that ultimately helps students become proficient and safe drivers. Students are drastically unique, and very diverse in the way they learn to drive and maneuver these giant, lumbering pieces of equipment. It is the instructor's responsibility to identify these differences (in student learning) early on in a student's training. Once you figure out the best way an individual student learns, then you can decide the best teaching method(s) to apply a tailored approach to training each individual (in this example, whether they perform better by stopping and inputing steering adjustments or by applying steering adjustments on the move, while backing). A student's learning capabilities, and maneuver repetition, are both critical and deciding factors in choosing the best and ultimate means of how an individual should be taught. Most of the time, CLP holders are unfortunately rushed during their initial training, and walk away only knowing how to pass the state's exam (which is the industry standard...).
I would note, good backing starts with good placement of the truck before backing.
@@topixfromthetropix1674 You're absolutely correct, the setup is probably the most important part, thanks for adding that!
Wish you were my instructor 😅
I'm honestly incompatible with my trainer.
Thank you for taking the time to make these backing video. I have been a driver for 22 years and been in HR and Safety department for a large trucking company and now I am a trainner for a smaller trucking company. I have reviewed a lot of backing training videos. You have done a really nice job. Better than any other I have seen.
My pleasure Brandon! Thanks for the feedback!
I wish you were my cdl trainer. At school they did the very minimum to get us to pass. They taught us how many time to turn the wheel and when. It was all by the numbers. You explain the physics of it.
Thanks Eduardo! Glad you found it helpful.
And how about that, putting your hands at 10:00 & 2:00 and turning the steering wheel the opposite way you want the trailer to go. 😵💫😵💫
Retired driver here (1974 to 2019). Watch out for that overhang with those 53 foot trailers when backing into a tight space between two parked trucks. You can tear someone's fender or mirror off real easy. Slide your tandems back and get rid of the overhang when you can. Just remember which hole the slider pin was in so that you can return it to the same position. Good luck!
Enjoy your retirement.
What kind of food u ate
I drove 3 years & got sick overweight high blood pressure sleep disorder
😅I did this…pulling out of a spot. That was fun.
I am always nervous watching other trucks back into spots…I myself have been driving for 8 years…I’ve been extremely humbled to the point of near paranoia of my blindside tail. I check every time, usually multiple times if there is anything over there.
If there is a driver, I will ask him to honk if I get anywhere close to his mirror or fender. This is a really unfortunate perfectionist trait in Chicago 😂.
I used to be so quick and confident…zip zip, then I had that incident and I am slow as I can be…getting out and checking often.
@@briantruck2284 I ate a lotta Subway sandwiches.
I drive to refineries all over the U.S. and have backed into spots that I didn’t think was possible but one thing is never get in a rush no matter how many eyes are on you. Great videos and if yall are just learning take this mans advice to heart it will make you a better driver. Keep it between the lines and definitely keep your head on a swivel.
Thanks Jose!
This is my problem. If people are watching, I start to rush and make mistakes.
@@mandizzlesrt
Just think how impressed they would be when you slow dwn take a deep breath and back in with no pull ups
@@mandizzlesrt take your time and it will all be alright. As a driver I would rather wait for another driver to do it right. Then hit another truck.
@@josecoronado3966 Dont hold yourself to such a high standard. Slow down, dont hit anything. I've been doing this for awhile and I rarely get it perfect the first time. There are always going to be factors you can't see or control that might have you pulling up. I know you meant to be encouraging, but I think it helps rookies to know that us vets aren't perfect. (And that we're not watching and making fun of them either)
Been hauling boats my entire life non CDL I have an extreme level of backing and understand from my past and still enjoyed your video and took advise as a new CDL tractor driver I will never want to stop learning no matter how much experience I own.
I can say this much it's different for bumper hitch and a gooseneck/fifthwheel how it steers due to location of pivot in front of or behind tires
Bookmarking this. I'm not a trainer but I live near a terminal and like hanging out in our driver lounge, so often get students asking for help when they aren't clicking with their instructor's teaching methods. 9 times out of 10 the confusion is because the instructors are telling them how to turn the wheel rather than teaching the relationship between cab and trailer, and this explains that relationship way better than I ever have.
Thanks Ellie! There are more fundamentals in the next episodes as well. This one doesn't cover everything.
I’m retired now but I started driving at 16 years old way before CDL’s were required and I was 17 before my brain clicked. I wish I would have got this advice back then. Set up is definitely the most important part.
Brother, 35yrs driving and this is the best backing explanation video i have seen. Wife runs 75 trucks and she has made this mandatory for her drivers.
Awesome! I really appreciate that!
th-cam.com/play/PLmRkduLQXefZVCS2MGKDERPAr2TVCvVo3.html
The trailer/wheelbarrow comparison is just a superb analogy that should be taught at every cdl school. This fundamental idea helps me every day.
As a trucker, one of the best backing techniques I ever learn , I always thought I was good at it until I watched your videos. Thank you 🙏
Right on! Thank you!
I'm so glad I started as a spotter. This video talks about things that took me a thousand switches to figure out! Excellent content!!
Thanks Joe! I appreciate that!
You have the best camera angles of any trucking video I've seen.
Thanks John! Hope you find the time to watch the others in the series.
In the early 1990s I saw a driver trying to reverse an artic into M&S Islington, London during rush hour. He was close to panic. I immediately knew the problem. He was new to driving artics (semis) and had been trained, as was the custom then, on a single axle trailer. These turn much more slowly because the rear wheels are far closer to the back. Thus to reverse a single axle trailer you need to start from the other side of the road put on reverse lock and let the trailer slowly pivot.
Once it is almost at right angles to the gateway you wish to enter through, throw the lock off the other way. Because the trailer does not turn so quickly you have more time to get the tractor in line with the trailer to complete the move into the gateway. However he was on a tandem trailer. They turn much more quickly meaning you need to start on the nearside of the road throw on reverse lock and when it is about 1/3 turned into the gateway throw on reverse lock to get the unit in line with the trailer before you oversteer the outfit and have to try again.
This poor driver had started on the far side of the road and could not get the outfit straight before reversing into the M&S depot. I jumped out of my company car. stopped the traffic and told him to place his lorry in on the n/s of the road. Gesticulating he got it in first time. Training, then, was inadequate. I really felt for him and was quite pleased my driving days had come in use again.
Shelton i wish i would of had you as my backing instructor in cdl school. I would of been a 1000% better at backing if I would of had you last year. Better late than never. I want you to know that the more that I have watched these three videos, the more I feel my backing skills starting to slow down. Just like in the game of football, the more the game slows down in your mind, the better you are and this is how it has been for me with watching your videos. I first read up on you a few months ago on your website about backing psychics and then I ran into these three videos and it has been like hitting the jackpot. If more drivers would watch these videos, the accidents they would have, it's just that they are stuck in their ways. Again, thank you
Isaac, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it. I put a lot of time into these and it feels good to help people. I've had trainees get out of my truck at the end of the day, shake my hand firmly with tears in their eyes because they finally felt like they were going to make it. It's a great feeling for me.
@@AdvancedTruckBacking Good day Mr. Shelton. Isaac again. Today I did one pull through at the consignee and one back at the truck stop. The pull through I messed on the setup and nearly hit the trailer on my left because I didnt turn out wide enough at the beginning but I was able to correct it. Now when I went to park i backed up with flying colors. Yes I am still along ways to getting to where you're at, but I'm way less steering. Sometimes I get back into my old over steering habits because of not trusting the process at times, but you're the reason that I'm not afraid of backing anymore. I used to these doubts all the time, but now I look forward to backing. Its like I cant wait to get the next opportunity to back so I can work on getting better and better. Again thank you and I cant wait until the next video.
@@isaacpulliam1979 Nice! You're welcome. Glad to hear that!
I came here to see what I knew, turns out I didn't know I actually knew that, I just failed so many times I learned it the hard way. Wish I'd had you explain this to me 20 years ago when I really needed it, but your clear and concise explanation helped me realize how to explain it to others better. I've found the biggest mistake a rookie seems to make is watching the corner of the trailer for where the trailer will go and not watching the rear tandem. Your videos will hopefully shorten the learning curve for a lot of new drivers. Great job driver!
Thanks a bunch! I appreciate the feedback.
Great video. I drove fuel trucks several years ago but I still appreciate the "art" of maneuvering a big rig tractor trailer...again, Great Video!!!
Thank You
One of the best instructors at the school I went too. Thanks 👏🏽
This is real good! I’ve been driving for a good while and didn’t realize that I unconsciously do a lot of these maneuvers now. This will help a lot of drivers old and new!
Thanks Eric!
Just passed my CLP today. Looking forward to finding a company that will hire and train me for the CDL. Your channel is an inspiration and a confidence boost. Can’t wait to get to work and use the knowledge you share.
Good stuff! Best of Luck!!
I am about to take my CLP tomorrow! This is so exciting to me.
To new drivers the most important piece of advice my trainer ever gave me was 'its better to look like you don't know how to back rather than proving that you can. GOAL!' Words I've made a career out of (dedicated routes to Boston and NYC, and currently a shuttle driver.)
Thank you for making this video. I have experienced everything that you describe a new student experience while backing, I've been in school for two months now, and struggling with backing! I have learned more in this 17 minute video than the two months being in school. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words Candice!
Guy has serious skill and attention to details! I can really respect he just does not take things for granted
and really analyzes each situation! 👍 I learned a lot just from his advice here.
I appreciate that!
Well, I'm retired now after 45 years of driving everything and the most challenging is dealing with doubles and triples. I had to watch this for at least a couple seconds but found myself watching the whole thing. First a good driver can't talk or a good talking driver can't drive. To find both in one video was refreshing. Then in addition, I've done some home movie type videos for TH-cam and understand the editing process a little. I can't imagine the time you must have put into this video. I guess in short, I'm trying to say, what a great job in every way.
Thank you so much Bill! I appreciate that!
What a treat to watch all this. As a retired Truck Mechanic, I've always had a ton of problems backing different rigs into the shop. I confess here and now: I never got good at it! lol
I've been a bit nervous about backing when I get to school soon so these vids are helping me feel a little more confident about it. Thanks for the videos
Thank you soooo much. I’m on my second week on the road with my trainer and I’ve been struggling backing mainly because I’ve realized conflicting information from trainers from my class and my trainer on the road. One said to steer my tractor and the other said to steer my trailer. I’ve gotten frustrated many times. I felt like I had no idea what was going on. They told me NOT to watch TH-cam videos because that’d confuse me. But TH-cam videos are what’s actually helping me to gain a better understanding of what’s happening. You are great help. I’m jn my reset and I feel more confident to go back out there tomorrow and apply what I’ve learned from you. Thank you. 💪🏾
Thanks David! Yes there is a lot of conflicting information out there. Good luck with everything! I suggest watching them all more than once. You will pick up things you missed the first time around.
Very good! Beginners need to begin somewhere. That's what training sessions and apprenticeships are all about. None of us know everything but taking lessons from a very experienced driver is never a bad thing. Do it and love it!
When I first started my straight back always drifted to the left a little, but with time my straight back is perfect. Small movements are the key.
Thank you 😉. I have been OTR driving for over 8 years and still appreciate good backers to show the way
I am in CDL school currently- my school uses a 26” trailer vs a 53” - huge difference. As u explained the shorter trailer is super sensitive to steering wheel movement. But I did find using a wheel target to aim with very helpful. Thank You I look back at this once I pulling a longer trailer Thx
How you making out in the field?
@@bunnyman6321 - doing very well - stuck here in Fargo North Dakota -40 out side and warm and comfy inside -
@@bouquetchocolatesandconfec77 Damn -40🥶
May you have much success
how long and how much was CDL training ?
I would love a video on the physics of a 48' fixed spread axle trailer. Im an experienced driver of about 5 years. I still get poked fun at a lot for nosing into spots or doing several pull-ups even backing into wide open spots with no one around. At least until I show people videos of tires blowing clean off those trailers in tight backing lol. The art of the "rainbow" setup is truly something!
I don't have experience with the spread axle but since the trailer rotates around the tandems, and that includes an imaginary circle where the tires make contact with the ground, that the circle would be much larger and it would rotate/offset much slower. I bet they are harder to control.👍🏼
I play a trucking simulator (ETS2) and I always thought that I'm a bad driver because I can't properly back my trailer. But this video taught me that it's actually difficult in real life and truckers have problems with it. I'll try to remember these tips and give more effort into backing. I even make the mistake of turning my steering wheel too much. Thanks for sharing!
Backing is so easy. I learned how to drive a tractor/trailer in the Army. Had never driven one before. I watched some guys backing their trucks for about 20 minutes, challenged the course and passed it. AIT was self-paced when I went. 6 weeks for 64C and I finished it in 10 days. Got out of the service and drove professionally for years without a single accident. Cake.
Not a trucker but enjoyed the lesson. Thanks for explaining why it is so much easier to back my 28ft camper, than my 5x8 utility trailer.
You bet!
So true!!
Very well explained technical procedure for backing.
I’ve ran city P&D for 25 years and I can say for certain that the set-up IS the back!
I appreciate that Harry! Thanks for the visit!
100% agree. I am a new CDL holder and I will say that if your setup is bad the back isn't happening. I work for FedEx freight and I recently just completed my driver program and with the little experience that I have I know that getting the proper setup for a back is the difference between getting to the dock and not. So far with one week of P&D with a coach I have had to back into some pretty tight places and at really awkward angles and have managed all of it with proper setup as well as before setting up looking at where I am going to see what space I have available and what obstacles I need to avoid.
I also think one of the biggest keys to being successful at backing is to take it slow despite anyone watching when you are new. They are probably going to judge, but if you calm down and slow down and get into the spot you need to then who cares what they think.
Got my CDL a month ago, and begin my OTR experience with a local mid-size carrier soon. This channel created a lot of inspiration and motivation. It’s really hard to find a “positive” Truck Driving Channel. God Bless and good luck on you photography and videography business venture.
Thank you ! Good luck with everything!
I drive rowing boats around the UK. At over 40ft long, when on a trailer behind a pickup, the overall combination is the size of an HGV. The trailers are light enough that if you really screw the pooch you can unhitch and push - but I pride myself on my reversing!
Really helpful informative video explaining something I think I was sort of grasping, but this expanded my understanding a lot. In line with other commenters, when I did my B+E test, I was taught to do the specific reversing manoeuvre for the test, but not really how to reverse in other situations.
That was some awesome information. I sat my Class 1 in Scotland and that was never mentioned. Any new driver should eat this up. Sadly I had to hand back my licence due to disability but God bless you for taking this time and effort to help drivers have a much better experience daily and be safer too. Well done!
Thank You! You're welcome. Sorry it didn't work out for you. Good luck to you.
For you newbies, @ 12:50 would be an excellent time to GOAL, get out and look, ESPECIALLY if you haven't been to that exact location before and KNOW for 100% fact that if you track just inside the dumpster, the passenger side of your trailer will not hit that building.
Even then, the dumpster could've been moved so best to just GOAL!
I've been driving for 6 years but I like to watch these to see if I'm missing anything. This is something that came naturally to me without really knowing the science behind it. You've done a great job explaining things here. Keep it up!
I appreciate that!
I was ready to quit in the first year, a 2nd generation young driver said the day any driver gets overconfident is the day he or she needs to get out of the driver's seat.
I'm new driver. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your videos. I just landed a job after a road test wherein I applied what you suggested : move the front of the trailer and never mind the "left is right" and "right is left". Did it. Nailed it and got the job! Thanks again for your excellent videos!
Awesome Claude! Congratulations! Good Luck with everything.
The other thing to always bring and always use is patience. I’ve seen a lot of new drivers rush to get into a dock especially when blocking traffic only to take more time because they didn’t take the time to do it right and go through their proper setup routine.
Thanks so much for making this. I’m an RVer trying to perfect my driving. Glad this came up in my feed. This is pure gold.
I taught my son to back up with 1- 20oz water bottle as a guide. The water bottle represented a parked truck. He learned quick and caught on very well. Hope this helps for anyone showing someone new on how to back up. Make them get off too so they can see and know the actual size of their truck. I know there is more to it but to the new driver, you'll get it with more practice and patience. Good Luck and Peace.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. I have had my CDL A w/ X endorsement for about 16 years now. My OTR experience is very minimal due to needing the license and endorsement for being a truck technician. The license is something I keep up on not only for job requirements but also something to fall back on.
Yeah, the set up is so crucial
Love your teaching methods . You stop and have the students evaluate where they are and where to go next. I am currently struggling on my alley dock backing maneuver . Am sure this will help although i am considering i should fly to your area for this type of coaching . I will view your tutorials over and over again meanwhile , thanks .
Oh wow, some of the best advice I’ve ever heard. Really changed how I see things. So helpful, thank you!
I'm UK based and got my license in 2007 in the Army, didnt really drive until I left in 2011, for about 2 months then served as a telecoms engineer for 10 years. Just quit to drive a lorry again, backing up is my only concern and this has to be the most helpful TH-camr on this topic, your guidance is going to make my life so much easier, so thank you!
you're welcome! And thank you for the feedback.
Awesome content at a perfect timing for me as I’m currently in truck school . You should make one for parallel parking since that’s where I’m stuck at lol . Keep it up . Thanks
Thanks Ozzy! great suggestion. Good luck with everything!
Ozzy714 Outdoors
Don’t know if your doing this,but use your mirrors when parallel parking, you can swing your passenger mirror down to watch your driver tandems once your inches inside the parallel box. I love parallel parking now. Always move Slow Slow Slow. And don’t be afraid to step out and look (always).
Once I learned to "drive" the tandems my life, in reverse, got so much easier.
Get them tandems AKA Tire trajectory first side second tractor 3rd
This dude got every angle covered 🔥
I've used those principles for years but I never really thought that much about them, I just used them. I'm glad somebody was able to put them into words and video.
Right Stephen, it seems the subconscious takes over at some point and we don't have to think about it anymore. When I started mentoring new drivers, I realized I needed to start paying close attention to all those details so I could teach it. It was a challenge. Thanks for the feedback!
Truly impressive! Currently in school and I'm struggling with understanding the mechanics of how the trailer operates. However your videos explain the How. Which clicks with my brain because for me at least knowing how and why something happens makes understanding the lesson or process that much easier.
Thank You! Hope you find the time to watch them all. Good Luck!
Super cool graphics and clear explanations!! Amazing!
Thanks Teddi!
This video alone is so good and detailed I wish I found it a year ago when I started and my trainer had given me 0 backs and I was released into my own truck to figure it out.
As a 35 year driver, I find it amazing how many "drivers" can't backup. You gave alot of great advice in this video. Driving schools need to use your video to teach this. Very well done.
Thanks Don! I've been told that a few are using it.
I work in a distribution center the center itself has switchers for our own fleet of two or 300 trailers today they were training a person how to switch things out and I was actually amazed because to get to that position where you can even part-time switch you've got to be there at least 10 years so I thought no matter what you hop in that cabin you're going to know what you're doing at least for this individual it was not particularly the case wasn't backing up straight to the dock couldn't keep it between the lines pinched it too close to the dock things like that basically anything that you can do wrong they did.. but they get so many opportunities each day maybe 50 to 100 switch outs that I'm sure she'll get expert at it very quickly
Awesome explanation for backing, I have done most of your steps in improving my own skills to backing into docks, missing my entrance into a place too, I’ve driven to a where I’m comfortable enough and safe enough (no traffic) knowing I can stop at a T or cross section away from populated areas and basically alley dock my trailer safely to make my return u turn back.
I’ve definitely picked up all great pointers from this and will continue to revert back to this video.
One can never, ever stop learning something new.
And!…one should never, ever stop sharing there knowledge and experience to anyone…that’s whats makes humanity so awesome!
Thanks Alfred!
Thank you soooooooo much 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Your welcome! Good luck! Let me know how things go with your training.
Good video, so much for truckers to learn and you'll never know everything. Change the weather and its a whole new conversation.
I've been away from trucking for 3 years. I quit after 2 yrs of driving to be home for my daughter after she was born. Now I've found a company that has a great work/home life balance where I wont miss much at all of my little one growing up. Thanks for this video, Was a good little refresher for me, and I appreciate you having this up.
I back my trailers the same way you do.
That's great! My kids were little went I went out over the road. It was tough. I was able to find a local job within the first year. Good Luck to you!
Initially it looked like you could pull into the alley and straight back but then I seen they aren’t lined up later in the video. Things are rarely easy in this industry.
learned a lot just with one video. thanks
Glad it was helpful. Keep watching the next few episodes because there are more fundamentals that build upon what you just learned. Good luck to you!
@@AdvancedTruckBacking will do , thanks. Do you practicing on a truck simulator is also helpful?
Been driving since mid 70s. Had figured this out from being on the farm but would have helped greatly with someone that didn't have that experience. Once you have this knowledge, the only thing you can do then is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Another thing IMHO that driving schools do that I believe hurts the success rate of learning to back is that the student is put into this GINORMOUS piece of equipment and expected to learn backing. Laugh if you want but I believe that 5he student should learn to back a garden tractor with a small trailer. (Now pick yourself up off the floor.) The reason that the mechanics are exactly the same weather a small or large piece of equipment. A lot easier to handle and educate the student. Even seasoned pros, including you Shelton, would have a more difficult time with backing menuvers with this. If you can back a garden tractor trailer through a set of obsticals you can back ANYTHING.
VERY GOOD INFO IN VID
THANKS
I agree completely Duane! Funny you should say that because a woman who works in the office said she watched my videos and it helped her back her garden tractor and trailer.
Wow! There's hope for me yet. Since I got my little 5x3 ft car trailer I've wondered if this kind of practice would help me back a big rig someday. I was pretty fearful of trying it with a giant 40ft trailer in a built up area. Now I want to watch this video again and practice using my mirrors instead of looking straight through the back windows.
@@dustycircuits444
If you can back your small trailer with the mirrors on your car, backing a semi trailer will come easy. Remember to adjust your car mirrors as needed to see what you are doing. The challenge will be blind side backing using your "wide view" mirror on your car. Large trucks have regular flat (no distortion) mirrors and most have fully remote movable mirrors on both sides. Good luck
@@duaneroepke8840 Thanks for the advice. 🙂👍 I'll keep that in mind with the mirrors.
I drove for two years and looking back to driving again after a three year layoff. Yup, I know this will come back as you pointed out the exact areas to setup that trailer for backing into narrow areas. Very good video and thanks!
Thanks. Good luck.
You have a very particular set of skills
Thanks Louis-Philippe!
I started my maneuver I can’t do it. My school sucks!
Hang in there Allen! I know the struggle is real! I've heard all kinds of horror stories from students straight out of trucking schools. That's the reason I started this channel. I know there's a common myth out there with trainers that this stuff can't be taught.. that it has to be learned by trial and error and struggles.. I call that largely BullSh*t! It's a cop-out because they don't know how to break down what they do and explain it to someone who's never done it before. I think people can learn quicker if given the correct information. I made it my goal to do that, I've come up with my own fundamentals and teaching concepts. There are things you can't see now, but will see later. Don't give up. There are a handful of fundamental concepts that you must know. One or two won't do it. They build upon each other. This first episode doesn't cover them all. There are things in episode 2, and 3 that you must know as well, to start seeing the big picture. Watch the playlist I made 2 or 3 times and you will start to view things differently. No one ever gets it the first time. I've found repetition to be the key. Things will start to become clearer. Be patient. Try to stay relaxed. Stress hinders the learning process. Unfortunately too many trainers yell at their students instead of asking them questions.
You can email me if you have questions.
shelton@ltlmentor.com
@@AdvancedTruckBacking thanks I only have one hour experience backing up, I’m confused about the steering wheel how the cargo moves
Steering is completely opposite whenever backing up a trailer. If you want the trailer to go left then turn right on the steering wheel. It gets easier with practice but learning to steer the trailer is the end goal. Some driving schools will teach you how to parallel park your truck and trailer which was beneficial a few times when trying to locate a spot to park overnight in a crowded parking area.
For me it was when I realized what side of the kingpin I was on was hugely important
@@Gary-ld6ht thanks I’m going to school tomorrow I’m give it a try. I only have one hour experience
I just wanted to thank you for including the view of both mirrors as you were squaring up - it gave me a chance to 'sit in the drivers seat' and really visualize what was going on with the trailer.
You’re welcome Jo! Be sure to watch the other videos in the playlist there’s a lot more information! And more camera angles.
When backing in a truck and chipper we used "send it" and "chase it" as commands for steering more or less, worked well
Best tips, take your time, take as many shunts as look like, get out as many times as you like to check, take no notice of any onlookers, (if drivers, they have had to learn too)
It will come, nobody can teach you, you have to learn, thats why you call them learners.
At Swift getting my CDL back been 15 years, so I have a bit of an edge but can never learn too much I always seek to improve and this is pure gold.
Thanks! Hope all goes well for you!
@@AdvancedTruckBacking can't resist... Swift = Stevie Wonder Institute For Trucking
Swift, oh boy
When I did runway foaming tanker training as a USAF Firefighter, for whatever reason, being left-handed was an asset learning to back the tanker. The world is right-handed so I spent 18 years negotiating that world before learning to back up tankers. Soon, left or right wasn't the issue for me, it was timing, driving skill and self-awareness that helped me pass the first time.
I remember when I first went out on the road with the trainer. He took the time to explain it, and then showed me, them made me practice it over and over again and again. I would finish my driving shift and then he would have me find a spot in the truck stop and have me back in at least 5 times without a mistake before dinner or sleep. Backing was never a problem after that. Your tire target is spot on. and yes, don't forget your tractor swing room. good video....I'm an old retired driver now
Thanks Randall! Sounds like a good trainer.
Drove truck for 18 years not driving much these days but I still enjoyed this video. I will try and use some of these lessons when teaching my children to move trailers on farm. Great video.
That's great! Thanks a lot I appreciate that.
I think the same way with backing. good on you for getting this mindset out there
Great video, this will be a big help when directing friends who are pulling a utility trailer. I often end up backing the trailer in myself, because I instinctively understand how to do it, but hearing it articulated like this shows why I can't get my friend lined up when I'm spotting them. I never understood the fundamentals of what I was doing. rather, it just felt right. But that's not useful for my buddy.
I learned that very easily and very quickly some people adapt to it quicker, however all my vehicles were military but the maneuvers to back them are identical and of course my units some of which were off-road capable
Man you got it omg! I'm obsessed with backing and you def broke down the science of the skill. Alot of drivers don't know about the tire track cheat code lol
I'm a nerd also! I appreciate your teaching friend!! 2.5 months on the job, a nd even though the concept of backing is getting easier, there's STILL so much to learn!
Thanks again
You're welcome Joshua. Be sure to watch the other episodes. The first 3 contain fundamental things that you need your brain to start seeing. The following episodes are more reinforcement of those concepts.
One piece of advice from one nerd to another. I became a student of backing. I spent my time in the dock watching and learning from other drivers both how to back and how not to back. There are so many examples right in front of us if we are willing to pay attention and observe.
Thx a lot for all your efforts. I'm trying to go back on the road after leaving it for years. Done all 48 and Canada, doubles &triples, flatbed, reefer, dry van. Wish I could be a trainee again with someone like you as a trainer. You're awesome!
Thank you sir! I appreciate that! My pleasure.
Well done. I drive flat bed so i rarely have to back in anything this tight. It's pretty cool that most of what you talk about ive already learned subconsciously without really thinking about it. Once you really get a feel for how your trailer responds you kinda know what to do in different situations. I think this is true for most driver's at a certain point you create a 3D model in your head of different locations and figure out what to do in different locations. Eventually this information compounds over time and with this combined experience you instinctively figure out what to do.
Thanks Seth! I agree!
I agree 100% with you that the set up is probably the most important part of backing. I was an owner operator for the last 30 years, but sold my truck and I’m now a yard jockey at a busy factory with narrow approaches to the docks. I see drivers perform the fight of their lives to try and get into the dock because of a poor setup. Sometimes just moving a few feet to the left or right before attempting to hit the dock makes all the difference.
Exactly John! Thanks for the visit.
I hadn't seen a USF trailer in ages. My dad drove for one of their member companies 20 some years ago.
That is the best explanation I have seen. Simplest and to the point. I like the way you minimize the risk and teach avoiding showing off.
I appreciate that!
Current CDL school student. Thanks for making this video!
You're welcome! Watch them all Seth. Good Luck to you!
I am gonna start trucking soon, so i am preparing a lot. This video is truly a masterpiece of its kind. So much knowledge for free. Thanks mate.
Thank you for the kind words! Best of luck!
We pull a 42' 5th Wheel with a GMC crew cab dually and I found this to be very helpful. All the steering tricks I've heard only seemed to leave me frustrated and I'm seeing why now. Thanks so much for these videos.
Great to hear! Thanks!
As a trainer, I have to say, this is a Great video. Everything you say is spot on. One of my best tips to a new driver is to remember "Straight, is a direction", you don't always have to be all right or all left. Great job.
Thanks I appreciate that!
I towed my motorcycle on a one axle trailer out to California recently and stopped an older truck stop that had a gravel lot. I backed it in and got the trailer and pickup in line, then headed to the restroom. I turned back to take a look and, "Holy crap that's crooked" came out of my mouth. I went right back and changed it. The first semi had something to go by, and the others parked next to that one. I, on the other hand, was freelancing it. That one axled trailer turns quickly. Not a trucker, but love how it's done.
I got my license in 1974. In a 62 Brockway, Cummins and 5&4. No power steering!!! You learned quickly how to back. Especially the nice sunny days with the 2-50 AC. Today's trucks are like cars.
We have it easy Pete for sure!
Very helpful, been researching anything I can for backing a fifth wheel. Not the same but a lot still applies with judging your turn. Thank you
Thanks! and yes, all the laws of physics still apply. Watch the next couple of episodes, there are more fundamentals in those. Good luck to you.
Wow good advice here. Ive been driving for maybe 7 years now and i remember how in driving school they teach you the way to pass the test but not whats going on there and maybe that is the best way looking back on it its just such a personal thing how you back up and over the years you just are always adding things into your memory banks. After a while you can just tell from sitting there if what you are thinking will work and even to the point where your able to know that you need maybe another foot here or there before you try and its because you DO get stuck and you DO stupid shit sometimes and that is part of learning too. Believe me i have done some of the most incomprehensible things in the past and i look back on it and its laughable now but back then it was a nightmare lol. To the new drivers who are having issues with backing it's normal to have issues backing when your new. A technique i used for probably 6 months (or maybe more) is when i arrived to a dock or checked into a place where i was delivering or picking up is i would tell the person something like "it might take me a bit to get backed in because I'm new" a lot of times they would give you an easier dock or at the very least know that your not just going to be whipping in there. If your taking a while they at least know why and people like to help people who are new. Would tou get upset at the person at starbucks for getting your order slow if they said they were new? Most people wouldn't. I made it a habit to say i was a new guy for a long time. Best wishes to everyone
I have trained a few students. Turning the wheel too much is the most common issue I work with. Even in a straight back they go lock to lock on the steering wheel at times. Four years of driving I still have an issue at times of waiting too long to get back under the trailer. I guess I worry about the blind side so I over compensate the trailer to the side I can see which just results in more pull-ups.