Newbie Truck Backing Problems...

Just don't forget the first rule of driving -- don't hit anything! :D

Seriously, take your time. Know what's around you. Take a little more time. Get out and look one more time. And don't get discouraged. Heck, I'm about six months in, and the days that I feel like backing is easy are finally outnumbering the days where I feel like I'm attempting rocket surgery. That being said, today was kind of frustrating, but those are the times you need to be extra careful. Taking a deep breath can help.

Just remember, as long as you don't hit anything, it's still all good :)

I always say about my backing, if I were in the backing Olympics I wouldn't get any style points but I get it in the hole without hitting anything and that's what matters!!!

Lol im definitrly not gettimg style points ive gotten myself at some weird angles that had me scratching my head, i told my trainer i need to pass the test and bump a dock i have plenty of time after that to improve it

Hello Logan M Everyone is giving great advice Remember to relax n not stress U can do this and pass the test As they have been saying U will get better in time. U will never get perfect at it No one ever does be careful n G.O.A.L God luck n b safe

Heck, I'm about six months in, and the days that I feel like backing is easy are finally outnumbering the days where I feel like I'm attempting rocket surgery.

Good one.

To help you with getting straight when you are committed to the door use your little mirrors to help you line up. The big mirrors are set at an angel so you will always feel crooked but the little ones provide a straight line view. PS you dont have to get it in one shot. Sometimes i do and sometimes i pull up alot and ive been at this 2 1/2 yrs.

I'm gonna give this a try. I'm always using the big mirrors, making adjustments the whole time I back.

Lol im definitrly not gettimg style points ive gotten myself at some weird angles that had me scratching my head, i told my trainer i need to pass the test and bump a dock i have plenty of time after that to improve it

here are some of the best Video I've seen on yourtube (bird's eyes view) offset right backing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqhfytkminA parallel parking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHjK7ZWkDOI

Parallel parking || Offset backing || CR England - Proper Backing

The biggest advice I would give would be learn your set ups. Unfortunately I can't explain this it really just needs to be learned over time. Getting yourself in the correct position to back in is as of not more important than the backing itself. Your set up can make you glide into a spot with no issues or cause you to have to pull up and reset a bunch of times. The key is really breaking down everything around you for every backup attempt. Since each time you back will be different from the last you really need to look around. Like old school said, find a marker you can use for a pivot point. Figure out if you're going to have room to cut the wheel hard or if it's going to be a gradual turn. Once you learn to position your trailer as well as your truck correctly for each instance backing will become second nature.

Oh yea and always GOAL. But you knew that already.

Heck, I'm about six months in, and the days that I feel like backing is easy are finally outnumbering the days where I feel like I'm attempting rocket surgery.

Good one.

Thanks. It's an old family favorite.

Another tip that I remember hearing that helped me -- imagine that you're pushing a wheel barrow, your trailer tandems are the "wheel" and your tractor is the handle in your hands. Turning the tractor pushes the handles left and right, spinning it around on that wheel. Get that pivot point in the right spot first, and you can use the tractor to move the front of the trailer where you need it.