Flatbed Alleydock
Topic 4578 | Page 1
If any flatbed guys out there wanna give me some tips on alley docking a flatbed trailer for there cdl test. I would be so happy I'm having a hard time with it.
Really no different than a regular trailer except that you have a spread axle so the one set of tires will drag more than the other. The big advantage you have is being able to see over your trailer to the other side and can tell if you are getting too close to the imaginary wall/cones without having to use a GOAL (Get Out And Look). The trailer is also 5' shorter (unless they have you using a 53' step deck).
Now if you have a trailer that has a lift axle that you can lift, then your job has become much easier. I know the newer trailers I used at Prime had lift axles so I could control if it was up/down if I wanted to.
When backing a flatbed, it's really no different than a box.
Best advise is to just get out there and practice.
You know you are in trouble when you have to back up a hill at an angle into a dark building blind side during the day with the sun behind the trailer(I actually did this). So alley dock is no big deal.
Ernie
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Lift Axle:
An air-powered axle that may be raised or lowered to the ground to provide greater load-carrying capacity or to comply with axle weight requirements
If any flatbed guys out there wanna give me some tips on alley docking a flatbed trailer for there cdl test. I would be so happy I'm having a hard time with it.
I drive reefer for prime but I practiced and tested out on a flatbed and pulled alley dock. Alley dock was and still is a pain for me, but I did it and only got 3 points. Just have to practice. If you have an instructor, ask them for points to look for while backing, they help. To me reefer is easier to alley dock cause the walls help to guide you.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Your pivot point is going to be the back axle
If any flatbed guys out there wanna give me some tips on alley docking a flatbed trailer for there cdl test. I would be so happy I'm having a hard time with it.
The main thing is the setup before you start your backing. If you can't set up correctly the first time, You'll have a hard time everywhere else.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Good advise above. The other thing I learned after getting out of CDL school is to drive as close to the "opening" of the alley, then (depending on your truck) cut 45* out for a 2 potato count then then 45* back in. Make sure your trailer is past the "opening" and then back 'er in. In the real world, avoid "jack knifing" your trailer, because that spred axle (with much weight) is going to make the process difficult and may "spring" your trailer.
Hope that made sense.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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If any flatbed guys out there wanna give me some tips on alley docking a flatbed trailer for there cdl test. I would be so happy I'm having a hard time with it.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: