Does Spotter Backing Translate?

So I've been a straight truck driver for quite a while now for my company. I also drive the spotter often at our warehouse. My question is this: Will my ability to maneuver and back a trailer in the spotter translate to moving it with a full tractor with a sleeper?

I'd say the backing principles translate, but the actual physical maneuvering will be slightly different. A tractor with a sleeper will not have the tight turning radius you are accustomed to and not near as much glass to see out of.

Your experience certainly won't hurt you. In fact it should help you quite a bit.

You also have to get out a manually mess with the landing gear. No hydraulic lift on your 5th wheel. Makes me jealous every time I see them use it.

I'd say the backing principles translate, but the actual physical maneuvering will be slightly different. A tractor with a sleeper will not have the tight turning radius you are accustomed to and not near as much glass to see out of.

Your experience certainly won't hurt you. In fact it should help you quite a bit.

That's pretty much what I expected but it brings up another question! Those tractors with the extra long wheel base and large gap between the back of the sleeper and the 5th wheel. They seem like they would be better for backing. Is there a downside to trucks set up like that?

Is there a downside to trucks set up like that?

It takes more "room" for your set-up. Harder to back into tight spaces with limited room in front of the space.

Spotter Trucks (Mules or Yard Hostlers) are a lot easier to maneuver with.

But it does "translate over" - once you get used to the differences.

I did the reverse. I learned/drove spotters on the port moving container carts. Doing the training on one of those was SIMPLE, after having driven a full sized sleeper and trailer.

Things just move a little slower (with the shorter wheelbase). Don't worry - you'll get the hang of it quickly.

Rick

You also have to get out a manually mess with the landing gear. No hydraulic lift on your 5th wheel. Makes me jealous every time I see them use it.

Ha! Yeah I'll admit that is a nice little perk. But in my company's case it only serves to get our semi drivers in and out ASAP. Pull it out, bring it around so the drivers don't have to go on a scavenger hunt around the lot, set it down, document the load, (with the driver present of course) close it up and send the drivers on their way. All in the service of keeping things moving! But I understand not all companies utilize spotters the way we do. Also I don't think you'd wanna hit the highway with a trailer tilted up the way we do when we pull it around the lot.

Is there a downside to trucks set up like that?

It takes more "room" for your set-up. Harder to back into tight spaces with limited room in front of the space.

Ah, yeah, that makes sense. Thanks.