Backing Woes

Backing comes up again and again. It is one of the hardest things to "master". That said, we all have days where we look like it is Day 1 of CDL school. So share your problems, failures, and frustrations with backing.

The type of backing that kicks my butt, is one with an intermediate amount of space. Tight backing areas I tend to do decent. I am slow, but do decent. Give me a 1/4 mile in reverse and I will put it any dang near any hole, no matter what the angle. Give me a comfortable amount of room and I look like it is the first time I have ever touched a steering wheel.

Same here, Patrick. I need to learn how to use that extra space lol. I hear thats a common problem actually.

I think my problem stems from setting up. In tight spaces I do a 15-30 degree setup with a tight "90" back. With long runs I just I am just better at timing when to turn the trailer. I just have a heck of a time setting up for backing angles between 35 to 75 degrees or so. Oh well. With time and practice I should get better. Maybe I need to go play some games of pool to work on my angles some.

My issue has been knowing where and when to make the right moves to get in the whole. I know every place is different but I haven't been taught what to look for besides fitting it in... can you tell I'm still in training? 😀

My issue has been knowing where and when to make the right moves to get in the whole. I know every place is different but I haven't been taught what to look for besides fitting it in... can you tell I'm still in training? 😀

When I started I wanted reference points and trainers can't do that. You just have to get a feel for it. And you will do it your own way. I have a tendency to alley dock it so I can look out window and see it... Then I pull forward and straighten out.

The worst thing to do in training is let your trainer tell you which way to turn the wheel. I relied so much on my first trainer who let me back that I couldn't do it without him. My next trainer never let me back.

If your tandems are up the trailer moves quicker. If the tandems are all the way back it will move slower. Most newbies have a tendency to "oversteer" a term I hate. If you try moving the tandems back first before you back it might be easier for you. But could be harder if not enough space.