One Of Those Backing Days.

We always tell new drivers that backing skills take time and that even experienced drivers have off days, well here is an example.

I have been hauling mail to this location on the Dayton Ohio Airport since late November. 2-3 loads a day 6 days a week. I have backed into these docks probably over 100 times without too much trouble. My approach is to come in close, with the trailers to my right and once past the hole I'm going for I cut hard to the left and watch out the window see when the trailer is lining up then straighten and back in normally with 1 or 2 pull-ups.

Tonight I had to circle that lot 2 times after my first setup before I was able to get it docked. I was back in my sleeper after a week of running a day cab so I guess my timing was a little bit off. Main problem was the dock I was going for, #3 is opposite a light pole at the edge of the concrete. That Petes long nose just would not clear that pole. Second trip up I got it in with no pull-ups required.

I guess the lesson is to not be afraid to reposition and try for a better setup. Sometimes you just can't get there from here.

It's good to hear from you, Fellow Buckeye~!!

Everybody has those backing days. . . I got to go to Vandalia (twice) with the hubby yesterday, and on our 2nd trip, he swore somebody moved the SAME dock we had just bumped earlier, haha!

Would LOVE a pic of the new Pete, btw . . . I'm a 'hood' junkie, LoL~!

Don't be a stranger, Greg!

~ Anne ~

I like that quote lol sometimes you just can't get there from here. I agree with you though. Don't be afraid to pull away and attempt to reset. Even in truck stops, most of the time its better to just reposition yourself and get a better setup than to try to force it in. You might get it in there but you also might take the hood of the pete next to you too lol

Oh yes indeed, never force anything. We all have those days, not just rookies. I always take it slow. I can attest sometimes getting in with a long nose is a challenge.

I have a customer in Forney Tx I go to is very tight and a s back. The unloader took a series of photo’s of me getting in there. He said he now has proof to show other drivers it is doable. My truck is the largest one to get into that area without tearing something up. I tend to get that load fairly often, which is fine with me. It pays very well.

Well Anne you asked for some pictures of the Pete so here we go. She's an oldie and looks better in poor lighting, that sounds like a line from an old country western song.

Truck had sat for a while so it had some bugs to work out. Couple tire and brake issues and had to be towed in once when a fuel transfer pump failed. But knock on fake dashboard wood she seems pretty reliable now.

Truck had pulled a lowboy at one time so it has these rails on the frame. I have never had a trailer too low to pickup. Actually with the tall tires it has and the way the fifth wheel is setup the landing gear is already a foot in the air after I back under. Only problem is that I'm afraid I'm "that guy" who leaves trailers dropped too high. I try to leave the pads well off the ground but even with easing out from under them a loaded trailer still seems to drop pretty hard.

Awesome large car!

I'd rather show up for a trailer that's too high, than one I need to crank up.

Nice oldie but goodie for sure. Doing tank work I wish my 5th wheel set that high.

Thanks SO much for SHARING, Greg M. ~!!!!

I LOVE it~!!! I am SUCH A SAP for older 'hoods, especially Pete's . . . . I'd take that ole'gal ANYDAY~!! Omigosh that sleeper . . . how COOL ~!!!

Do you happen to know the year/make/model, specs, etc ??? Gears? So sweet . . . I'm sitting here jelly... LoL.

Hay PJ .. one of Ted's trucks (not the one we mostly drove) had that 'raised' 5th wheel and rails like that; didn't KNOW it was for pulling lowboys, but it sure DID help getting up under the tanks!!

Awesome!

~ Anne ~

With that height wouldn’t ever have to worry about any heel in rear unloaders. I get it out, but sometimes have to disconnect and crank it up sll the way with blocks. With that setup would be mych less work for those customers.

Is that higher 5th wheel and slider rails something that has to be ordered from factory at time of production so its welded to frame or can you have that installed on any truck frame after the fact?