Thanks Steve I been driving for six years but never drove a tractor trailer so this video help me stay out of trouble because I was over steering and turning early!
Great teacher. You really take the time to explain why your are doing what you’re doing. Most teachers play that game where they tell you to turn all the way to a direction then stop then turn the other direction. When you are taught that way, you have no idea why your are making the moves you make. Great job
Its a lot easier to slide those tandems all the way to the back, it eliminates the 10' swing sticking out. I use it almost always on 53' trailers getting into tight docks. ( room permiting) You dont have to worry about hitting that trailer on the blind side. I recommend you still get out of the rig and check but, you can hug close to the the trailer on the driver side , and put it in almost perfect every time. It really works for me.
OH TRUCKER STEVE!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I'm in Hostler training on my job and I was having the TOUGHEST time backing!!!!! They'll send us to CDL school, but first, I have to get this. This is my third attempt!!! I said: I AINT GOT TIME TO PLAY!!! COME ON HERE SHARON!!! I'M GONNA GET IT THIS TIME!!! THIS VIDEO DID IT FOR ME!!!! I was having the HARDEST TIME trying to understand when to turn right...or ... when I turn right, when do I go back left?!!!? When I turn left, when do I go back right??? I was OVER-STEERING AND HOLDING IT!!!!!! Trailer going "every which way but loose"!!!!! I heard the words from my trainers and teammates say "Right goes left and left goes right". But physically, I couldn't get it! Ok. I would steer, but it would take so long before something happened, I would say, "It's not working...let me go back the other way." THAT MADE BAD MATTERS WORSE!!! (LOL) Why can't I do this? I back MY car in EVERYWHERE I go. But of course, this is WAY different. I watched this video the night before class. After hearing you say, "Give it a LITTLE RIGHT UNTIL YOU GET A REACTION...then quickly go back left"...THAT MADE IT CLICK!!!!!! And when you said, "If that doesn't do enough, give it a little More right...D I N G!!! DING DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!! OH!!!!! OK!!!!! IT CLICKED THE MESS OUT OF ME!!!!!!!! I STARTED CLASS AGAIN YESTERDAY AND DID EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID...AND IT WORKED!!!! THIS TIME........I WAS ABLE TO BACK IT IN WITHOUT MY TRAINERS TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!!!!! THEY WERE JUMPING FOR JOY!!!!!! One asked, "WHY ARE YOU HERE??? YOU DON'T NEED TRAINING!!!!" i said: "YES I DO!!!!! I NEED TRAINING ON HOW TO GET OUT OF MY OWN HEAD!!!!!!" LOL!!! I was so humbled!!! I had class today, same thing!!! S-Turns, J Hooks, and U Turns...I did what you said and it all CLICKED!!!!!! I SHOUTED!!!!! Tomorrow, after a few more maneuvers, I test. I'll let you know how I do!!! FINGERS CROSSED!!!! WOO!!!
I always had trouble with this type backing. I shoulda practiced more. U guys and gals out there testing, good luck. Truck driving is a profession, done by professionals. Take pride. U keep America moving. Great vid sir!
Thank you! I saved this to watch repeatedly. My instructor helps, but not always. I'm short LOL and can't stick my head out the window and use my mirrors ALL the time.
Steve.......your vids 'r my favorite. Thanks for your work and share with us your great experience and knoledge. Greetings from Mexico City. Nice year 2024!!!!!!!!
Awesome technique and explain I have my permit but I need to find a company to get me certified hope I get an instructor like you so I can get my refresher and knockout this maneuver with ease. Awesome work!!
The thing is once you're in the real world.. you can pull up as many times as you need... they try to make these driving courses so intense and difficult but when you get out into the real world and see who's really behind the wheel of most of these trucks then you'll gonna be MAD...especially if you fail the test...🤦🏾♂️
i got my cdl in oct i got a good high paying job 64pm 2800 miles per week only 3 loads a week off on sundays its possible but when u alley dock u wanna drive away from the target further then usual that gives u more time to fix things slowly back only using half turns or 1 1/2 turns always look at your back trailer wheels where ever there pointed that’s where there going no matter how the wheel is
Thank you for showing how the trailer looks as your getting to the hole, my 9-12 set up hasnt been working out well, im going to try this next time i back
@@wrath231 for the most part, the alley dock is no longer being used As long as the rear of the trailer is 10 or more feet from the alley. On the job,I’am just about 20 feet or less. Your CDL instructor can or should have your skill set up exactly as the site you will be testing at.
I was Orr from September 2023-November 2023 and I stopped driving just started back and I was never a good backer but I feel Iike I’m learning all over and I go to this place and they have small lot and I struggle every time and idk what I’m doing wrong and it’s embarrassing but I’m keep trying and thanks for this video 😊
@truckerstevecdlinstructor at my yard, we don't have a yard jockey, and my trailer is 48' with the fifth wheel slide to the last notch. Having trouble determining when to start and stop to turn all the way right
@truckerstevecdlinstructor and also I have another question when I do my 45 or 90 for some reason my service line would someone come out but I know I have plenty of slack in it for turns and it is on the cat walk. Can you tell me what's to that
@@alexbunbury7618 when needed - Before backing up, make sure the right side is clear and safe. Keep one yard off the left line - when the tractor is under the trailer- check your right mirror. If backing into the alley or dock there will be times on the job, you will Get Out And Look. 👀 Know if the alley is over 12 feet wide or very tight going in between trailers.
@@josephmellon4619 yes, it will be of help. You will be developing your motor skills. Hands- eyes and the brain working together. Master backing the U-Haul and you will in 8 hours understand how to back the bigger trailer.
Short trailers is a lot more squirrelly, small steering inputs leads to massive change in the direction of your trailer. With a semi truck and trailer, you will have to make much bigger steering inputs than what you’ll be used to with a uhaul
When backing up, are you looking 👀 at your mirror (driver side) through out the backing skill? When a tractor trailer driver into a dock, they are looking 👀 out the driver door window. They can clearly see the rear of the trailer and the space to the left. When the tractor is just about under the trailer, switch to the mirrors. During a CDL test, your butt must stay in your seat but you can position yourself and look out the window. Also when I am backing, it’s all about the rear of the trailer. In a way, it’s like being on the back of the trailer. You are driving the trailer - Hopefully I didn’t confuse you.
What are the similarities between this and a 28’ trailer. Can I use the same methods or is it going to be a little different? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but my company is going to be primarily using 28’ trailer’s.
So the jacks will be installed on the rear of the trailer - 4 jacks - two on the front - to lift the rear of the tractor for a quick tire change. Do I have this correct? Years ago , UPS had power landing legs.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructor the front once are the stock trailer landing gear. TrailerJack is the power set of landing gear installed on rear portion of the trailer right before slider box. and yes TrailerJack will help drivers while getting loaded , unloaded do to weight distribution on heavy loads. and for service on trailer, tires , brakes ect. I used to be O/O and Truck driver OTR. I would of save big money if i had TrailerJack when I was broked down and road service was needed. Thank you
@@maximus2944 not sure if that’s is the case. You may have something there. Left the trailer is slower unless you’re doing a blind side back. Tractor is on the opposite side of
My alley backing is still horribly inconsistent. If I can get the trailer near the alley, I'm fine adjusting it. Its my initial approach which keeps screwing me over, when my trailer seems way to early and I can't get it to maneuver the way I want it to. UPDATE: Yeah, i failed the alley back on my CDL test. Super tight testing area, almost no room for a pull-up. Gotta wait a few weeks for my next attempt...
My biggest issue w alley docking is the truck on the FAR side. I don’t wanna hit it w my tail so I give myself some space which just mean I miss the dock too far on the sight side
Truckers always make every attempt to stay about one yard from any tractor or trailer on the sight side. If it’s tight, get out and look. Use a good set up- have a good angle - my videos are for CDL Students learning to do a 90 degree back or backing in tight areas
View all backing videos. One video, I am doing short moves back- stop - if the trailer is coming in early, I give it a 1/4 turn to the left then back up about 5 feet- stop - come back with the right- back up 5 move feet - stop and evaluate where the trailer is heading.
By doing this, you will soon learn to react to your trailer. Right now your motor skills have not yet clicked in. Need to do about 20 back for to start getting the hang of it.
As the student gets to understand how to control the trailer, then I encourage them to back up slowly and turn the steering wheel with out stopping. At the beginning, you may have to go slow and may have to stop at times.
Im feel the same. I keep feeling like i have to stop sometimes. There is a delay in the reaction when i turn the steering wheel and i feel as though the trailer will swing too far to where i dont want it if i dont stop. My trainer screams at me everytime i do this too
@@shanelleg9865 I understand. New drivers need to take it slow until it clicks ( you are understanding how to react to the trailer) then you will be stopping less.
Practice as much as possible. You will get better with by the 20 time. After your set up, you will have the left on most of the time. Using the right to make adjustments ( moving the trailer back to the left).
lol very impressive but not 1 G.O.A.L w phone in hand. I’m just sayin he definitely did that but other aspects of training were surely missed.. or at least a disclaimer on the video purpose is all I’m saying,.
I studied this video everynight after class when I was still in school. This morning I passed my exam. Thank you 🙏🏾🫡
Wonderful! Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉
Thank you.. this, by far is the best Alley Dock and explaination I have seen!!!
Thank you 🙏
You are welcome, just saw Part 2.. very good diagram, it all makes sense now..
Yeah, I have been having problems with that myself
Thanks Steve I been driving for six years but never drove a tractor trailer so this video help me stay out of trouble because I was over steering and turning early!
Trucker Steve videos are second to none. I watched all of his videos and aced my class A in Denver Co. keep the rubber on the road truckers
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your words.
I haven’t even started yet but Damm you explained this hella good 😂🤜🏾
@@5.7dobey thank you 🙏. Please refer my channel to as many CDL students as possible.
Great teacher. You really take the time to explain why your are doing what you’re doing. Most teachers play that game where they tell you to turn all the way to a direction then stop then turn the other direction. When you are taught that way, you have no idea why your are making the moves you make. Great job
Thank you for your kind words 🙏
@@ChonkiiBoi exactly... He just set the record straight on this one
My instructor.."GO TO LEFT! NOW ALL TO RIGHT!" and i'm yelling back from the cab "WHY?!!" ....lol
My instructor 💯 ugh
Its a lot easier to slide those tandems all the way to the back, it eliminates the 10' swing sticking out. I use it almost always on 53' trailers getting into tight docks. ( room permiting) You dont have to worry about hitting that trailer on the blind side. I recommend you still get out of the rig and check but, you can hug close to the the trailer on the driver side , and put it in almost perfect every time. It really works for me.
OH TRUCKER STEVE!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I'm in Hostler training on my job and I was having the TOUGHEST time backing!!!!! They'll send us to CDL school, but first, I have to get this. This is my third attempt!!!
I said: I AINT GOT TIME TO PLAY!!! COME ON HERE SHARON!!!
I'M GONNA GET IT THIS TIME!!!
THIS VIDEO DID IT FOR ME!!!!
I was having the HARDEST TIME trying to understand when to turn right...or ... when I turn right, when do I go back left?!!!? When I turn left, when do I go back right??? I was OVER-STEERING AND HOLDING IT!!!!!! Trailer going "every which way but loose"!!!!!
I heard the words from my trainers and teammates say "Right goes left and left goes right". But physically, I couldn't get it! Ok. I would steer, but it would take so long before something happened, I would say, "It's not working...let me go back the other way." THAT MADE BAD MATTERS WORSE!!! (LOL)
Why can't I do this? I back MY car in EVERYWHERE I go. But of course, this is WAY different.
I watched this video the night before class.
After hearing you say, "Give it a LITTLE RIGHT UNTIL YOU GET A REACTION...then quickly go back left"...THAT MADE IT CLICK!!!!!!
And when you said, "If that doesn't do enough, give it a little More right...D I N G!!!
DING DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!!
OH!!!!! OK!!!!! IT CLICKED THE MESS OUT OF ME!!!!!!!!
I STARTED CLASS AGAIN YESTERDAY AND DID EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID...AND IT WORKED!!!!
THIS TIME........I WAS ABLE TO BACK IT IN WITHOUT MY TRAINERS TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!!!!! THEY WERE JUMPING FOR JOY!!!!!!
One asked, "WHY ARE YOU HERE??? YOU DON'T NEED TRAINING!!!!"
i said: "YES I DO!!!!! I NEED TRAINING ON HOW TO GET OUT OF MY OWN HEAD!!!!!!" LOL!!!
I was so humbled!!! I had class today, same thing!!! S-Turns, J Hooks, and U Turns...I did what you said and it all CLICKED!!!!!! I SHOUTED!!!!! Tomorrow, after a few more maneuvers, I test. I'll let you know how I do!!!
FINGERS CROSSED!!!! WOO!!!
@@SharonPerkins-q4d cannot thank you enough for your reply. So happy 😀 this video was of help to you. May your CDL journey be safe and successful.
Thanks man new driver 2 months in solo otr this helped a lot
I always had trouble with this type backing. I shoulda practiced more. U guys and gals out there testing, good luck. Truck driving is a profession, done by professionals. Take pride. U keep America moving. Great vid sir!
@@1219magnum Thank you for your informative words. 👍
Thank you! I saved this to watch repeatedly. My instructor helps, but not always. I'm short LOL and can't stick my head out the window and use my mirrors ALL the time.
Glad it helped!
Currently in a CDL class and this beat any explanation they ever tried to give me, you’re awesome man!
@@ImJalisco I appreciate your comment 😊 thank you 🙏
I test this morning....just up watching all the techniques I can. Wish me luck
Best to you on your CDL test. Get it done ✅
Did you pass?
Did u pass?
@a87nomsirrah35 no I failed my 90... but I go back on 12/1 and I'm gettin them bitches 💪🏿🙏🏿🫡
How’d ya do?
Steve.......your vids 'r my favorite. Thanks for your work and share with us your great experience and knoledge.
Greetings from Mexico City.
Nice year 2024!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your kind words. Hopefully you are a part of my Facebook group. CDL Students Training Tips. May 2024 be great for you.
This is a great video, I'm currently in trucking School and this stuff is extremely helpful for me, thank you
Kelly had a question and I tried to help her.
Awesome technique and explain I have my permit but I need to find a company to get me certified hope I get an instructor like you so I can get my refresher and knockout this maneuver with ease. Awesome work!!
Thank you for your kind words 😁. May your CDL journey be successful.
The thing is once you're in the real world.. you can pull up as many times as you need... they try to make these driving courses so intense and difficult but when you get out into the real world and see who's really behind the wheel of most of these trucks then you'll gonna be MAD...especially if you fail the test...🤦🏾♂️
@@stevenwillis9816 There is Truth in what you are saying. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I used most of this for my evaluation and I did it. I appreciate you sharing this my good man 🤝 😌
Thank you for explaining it I wasn't able to get it untill now
Thank you 🙏 for sharing
i got my cdl in oct i got a good high paying job 64pm 2800 miles per week only 3 loads a week off on sundays its possible but when u alley dock u wanna drive away from the target further then usual that gives u more time to fix things slowly back only using half turns or 1 1/2 turns always look at your back trailer wheels where ever there pointed that’s where there going no matter how the wheel is
Thank you for your comment 🙏. Please keep everyone updated on your CDL journey. All advice is appreciated.
Bro. Who do u work for. Looking for work like that ! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Awesome video! Great tips 👍💯
Thank u for being simple an helpin me an others who maybe struggling wth ths maneuver
@@terrancehill8732 Thank you 🙏 for your reply
Thank you for showing how the trailer looks as your getting to the hole, my 9-12 set up hasnt been working out well, im going to try this next time i back
Steve a cold beast!
great job Driver.
U got this and good luck get some rest
You literally helped me man.. thanks for this video 💪🏿
Practice and practice, you will soon be the master of the trainer. You will be in control of all movements of the trailer.
Thanks brother you make me a better driver
Your kind words help this old man to keep going and going. Best to you on your journey as a CDL Driver
You're a great teacher.
Can you let me know how far away you start from the spot in terms of the trailer distance from the space?
@@wrath231 for the most part, the alley dock is no longer being used
As long as the rear of the trailer is 10 or more feet from the alley.
On the job,I’am just about 20 feet or less. Your CDL instructor can or should have your skill set up exactly as the site you will be testing at.
Good video.
I was Orr from September 2023-November 2023 and I stopped driving just started back and I was never a good backer but I feel
Iike I’m learning all over and I go to this place and they have small lot and I struggle every time and idk what I’m doing wrong and it’s embarrassing but I’m keep trying and thanks for this video 😊
Hey trucker steve happy new year ... can you do a video with 90 degree with confined space
@@WoodyJr27 will try to do one is possible. If its to tight, ask the yard jockey for help.
@truckerstevecdlinstructor at my yard, we don't have a yard jockey, and my trailer is 48' with the fifth wheel slide to the last notch. Having trouble determining when to start and stop to turn all the way right
@truckerstevecdlinstructor 6 month out of cdl school 5 months at first cdl job
@truckerstevecdlinstructor and also I have another question when I do my 45 or 90 for some reason my service line would someone come out but I know I have plenty of slack in it for turns and it is on the cat walk. Can you tell me what's to that
Should not come off - make sure you are properly connected to the trailer. Apply the brake and air to the trailer. May help -
What about the right side mirror? When do we use it to not bang into the other trailer?
@@alexbunbury7618 when needed - Before backing up, make sure the right side is clear and safe. Keep one yard off the left line - when the tractor is under the trailer- check your right mirror.
If backing into the alley or dock there will be times on the job, you will Get Out And Look. 👀
Know if the alley is over 12 feet wide or very tight going in between trailers.
Do you know if practicing with a u haul trailer would possibly help me with getting my class A? I know it’s not exactly the same thing tho
@@josephmellon4619 yes, it will be of help. You will be developing your motor skills. Hands- eyes and the brain working together. Master backing the U-Haul and you will in 8 hours understand how to back the bigger trailer.
Thank you
Short trailers is a lot more squirrelly, small steering inputs leads to massive change in the direction of your trailer. With a semi truck and trailer, you will have to make much bigger steering inputs than what you’ll be used to with a uhaul
My good man 🤝
As you're backing how do you know how close the trailer passenger side rear is to the stationary trailer on the right?
When backing up, are you looking 👀 at your mirror (driver side) through out the backing skill?
When a tractor trailer driver into a dock, they are looking 👀 out the driver door window. They can clearly see the rear of the trailer and the space to the left. When the tractor is just about under the trailer, switch to the mirrors.
During a CDL test, your butt must stay in your seat but you can position yourself and look out the window.
Also when I am backing, it’s all about the rear of the trailer. In a way, it’s like being on the back of the trailer. You are driving the trailer -
Hopefully I didn’t confuse you.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructor But you can still "Get out and look", right?
@@wrath231 yes
What are the similarities between this and a 28’ trailer. Can I use the same methods or is it going to be a little different? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but my company is going to be primarily using 28’ trailer’s.
The 28 ‘ Trailer reacts faster ( more quicker) the 48 or 53’ trailer reacts slower
The concept is the same. Just learn to react to the movement of the trailer. To me, it’s easier than a 48 0r 53’ Trailer
Hello from TrailerJack !!!
So the jacks will be installed on the rear of the trailer - 4 jacks - two on the front - to lift the rear of the tractor for a quick tire change. Do I have this correct? Years ago , UPS had power landing legs.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructor the front once are the stock trailer landing gear. TrailerJack is the power set of landing gear installed on rear portion of the trailer right before slider box. and yes TrailerJack will help drivers while getting loaded , unloaded do to weight distribution on heavy loads. and for service on trailer, tires , brakes ect. I used to be O/O and Truck driver OTR. I would of save big money if i had TrailerJack when I was broked down and road service was needed.
Thank you
Good explanation; cause i definitely have been confused
I go out on a route tomorrow and I have lil to no experience. May god bless me .
@@daniellarios235 relax 🧘 and follow instructions. Shift softly. Have fun - enjoy and learn
The right speed it up the left slow it down so the left pivot .?
@@maximus2944 not sure if that’s is the case. You may have something there. Left the trailer is slower unless you’re doing a blind side back. Tractor is on the opposite side of
My alley backing is still horribly inconsistent. If I can get the trailer near the alley, I'm fine adjusting it. Its my initial approach which keeps screwing me over, when my trailer seems way to early and I can't get it to maneuver the way I want it to.
UPDATE: Yeah, i failed the alley back on my CDL test. Super tight testing area, almost no room for a pull-up. Gotta wait a few weeks for my next attempt...
My biggest issue w alley docking is the truck on the FAR side. I don’t wanna hit it w my tail so I give myself some space which just mean I miss the dock too far on the sight side
Truckers always make every attempt to stay about one yard from any tractor or trailer on the sight side. If it’s tight, get out and look. Use a good set up- have a good angle - my videos are for CDL Students learning to do a 90 degree back or backing in tight areas
I’m in school right now, I can’t get this down, I don’t know when to turn the wheel, and if so how much, then I get it mixed up very frustrating
View all backing videos. One video, I am doing short moves back- stop - if the trailer is coming in early, I give it a 1/4 turn to the left then back up about 5 feet- stop - come back with the right- back up 5 move feet - stop and evaluate where the trailer is heading.
By doing this, you will soon learn to react to your trailer. Right now your motor skills have not yet clicked in. Need to do about 20 back for to start getting the hang of it.
Over 20 backing and alley dock videos.
This was a good video without a lot of nonsense in it.
Thank you 🙏
My trainer don’t like when I turn the wheel while the truck is stopped. I am new to it I just don’t trust doing it otherwise.
As the student gets to understand how to control the trailer, then I encourage them to back up slowly and turn the steering wheel with out stopping. At the beginning, you may have to go slow and may have to stop at times.
Im feel the same. I keep feeling like i have to stop sometimes. There is a delay in the reaction when i turn the steering wheel and i feel as though the trailer will swing too far to where i dont want it if i dont stop. My trainer screams at me everytime i do this too
@@shanelleg9865 I understand. New drivers need to take it slow until it clicks ( you are understanding how to react to the trailer) then you will be stopping less.
👍👍👍👍
Ty sir
Alley dock kicking my ass
Practice as much as possible. You will get better with by the 20 time. After your set up, you will have the left on most of the time. Using the right to make adjustments ( moving the trailer back to the left).
Peace of cake
Not bad for a trainee. Little more practice and you've got this.
Right speeds it up and the left slows it down,now thats how you train
No. Just the way it is- when backing, turning the steering wheel to the right- the trailer moves faster to the left.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructorI was giving you your props I like how you explained it,good job
Great video
Williams Kimberly Williams Cynthia Clark Sharon
lol you forgot to “ get out and look” 😂….
If needed, Yes - Get out and look.
The best way to do a park like that is to not do it. You have a shit ton of empty room in front of you...USE IT!
If you have the space in front of you, use it! The videos are for students or new drivers who need to learn how to do a 45 or 90 degree alley dock.
lol very impressive but not 1 G.O.A.L w phone in hand. I’m just sayin he definitely did that but other aspects of training were surely missed.. or at least a disclaimer on the video purpose is all I’m saying,.
The scariest part of this video is there's people out there who actually got their CDL and have to watch this while they're trying to back up
Thank you 🙏 for your comment.
So what. Get lost. Getting CDL doesnt make you an expert trucker overnight. Its just a test, we learn on the job. Its just that safety is the key.
@@tejindersingh6230 correct 👍
You just confused the Pros
Must be doing something right 😄
If a person thinks that they are a PRO, this video is not for them 😢.
I was having some issues getting the alley dock..... But now I got it. 🫵🫵🫵
@@justinprice5053 are you a Student or new CDL Driver? Be safe and enjoy your CDL journey.