tips on offset backing a 53 ft van with a tractor

Just out of school and would appreciate any backing tips or pointers. I have trouble performing the offset parking maneuvers both blind side and sight side.

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Aug 15, 2018
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Striaght line back NEW
by: Anonymous

Its simple .... at times we tend to think to much into. With striaght line back your not fully turning the steering wheel. It's a small rock it's like rocking a baby. Put your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel the reason for putting hand at the bottom so you wont be able to fully turn the wheel so now you can only steer from on side to another. ITS NOT IMPOSSIBLE I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT TRUCKING AND IM A FEMALE. The school can only show you so much you have to put it in your own way. I'm short I'm only 5'2 I can not see out the mirrors or reach the clutch. But if I want to pass I had to make my own accommodations

Apr 24, 2017
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went to two schools, cant back up NEW
by: Anonymous

I know this sounds far fetched, but I am going to tell it anyway. I been to two trucking schools back to back. and I am looking into another. the state is paying for it. back to the subject, I still cant back. we were at a session on Saturday and I was so frustrated I left. I know I should have stuck it out. I really want this to the point I am studying backing maneuvers early, so I don't repeat the same situation over. first school was midlands tech, then sage, now I looking at the truck driving institute. I am also practicing my down shifting. Please don't laugh I am need all the encouragement I can get. any advice. oh when I straight back the trailer drift I do what the say, turn it to the offending side, wait for reaction, then counter steer,I still run over cones. HELP?
P.S. want to be a trucker

Apr 24, 2017
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went to two schools, cant back up NEW
by: Anonymous

I know this sounds far fetched, but I am going to tell it anyway. I been to two trucking schools back to beck. and I am looking into another. the state is paying for it. back to the subject, I still cant back. we were at a session on Saturday and I was so frustrated I left. I know I should have stuck it out. I really want this to the point I am studying backing maneuvers early, so I don't repeat the same situation over. first school was midlands tech, then sage, now I looking at the truck driving institute. I am also practicing my down shifting. Please don't laugh I am need all the encouragement I can get. any advice. oh when I straight back the trailer drift I do what the say, turn it to the offending side, wait for reaction, then counter steer,I still run over cones. HELP?

P.S. The women wants to be a trucker

Apr 08, 2016
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Needed help with Offset and Alley Docking NEW
by: Kassandra

Hi, Right now I am attending truck driving school, I'm having issues with Offset and Alley Docking and I am learning the clutch and shifting , I started my exam on April 7th I'm not finished with the Offset and Alley Docking.What advice you can give ?

Mar 28, 2015
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need help NEW
by: Michelle

I'm learning to drive truck I'm having very much difficult time with my backing maneuvers . I can't for life of me get off set backing especially to left I am very lost on when where how . I get the blind side for most part except I think I'm bringing trailer to tight so I have to pull forward to loosen up a bit . I'm having difficulty doing alley do cking. My instructor is annoyed by me and yells at me if I ask questions he even told another worker I'm stupid PLEASE HELP

Mar 28, 2015
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Feb 23, 2015
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parallel NEW
by: Anonymous

Lionel (L) Richie (R) sings (Straight) really (R) loud (L) 1 turn left until glad hand plate 1 full turn right until tractor and trailer is straight straight back until tandem is lined up with cone 1 full turn right until you see yellow dot on landing gear 1 full turn left

Jun 17, 2011
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Needs help to learn
by: Anonymous

Hi, Truckers
I need help! i have permit and am trying to learn offset and parallel parking I just need the practice time does any one have an idea how I can practice in the salt lake area?
Thanks, Wanna be trucker

Mar 28, 2011
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goal
by: Anonymous

How come they only allow 2 get outs during atest ?
i thought the whole point was the goal better be safe then sorry.

Oct 10, 2009
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Backing a 53 ft trailer with a tractor
by: Hervy

Congratulations on the nailing it anon,

One thing that will always help progress is trying to have the axle at the same locations each time.

This will cut down on the time it takes you to perfect your ability to judge.

Also pay attention to where the wheel tract and the amount you turn your steering wheel to adjust or correct. I think a lot of people just look at the dock and play with the steering wheel until the trailer goes to where they want it.

The idea is to try and perfect it.

If you are starting to nail the 90 degree. I think you won't have a problem getting the parallel down too, just a matter of doing it often enough to get better.

When you have an opportunity to practice always take it. Yep even if you don't need to do it.

Free time and a space to do it get one or two runs in.

Better to practice before needing it to count than needing it to count having had no practice.
(I need to write that down)

Later,
Hervy

Oct 07, 2009
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Finally nailing the offsets
by: Anonymous

Took me a bit but I'm nailing the offsets! Now to master parallel parking (who the hell parallel parks a truck) Then I think I can pass the drivers test

Oct 05, 2009
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Jeff
by: Anonymous

G.O.A.L. You can't go wrong if you Get Out And Look.

Oct 04, 2009
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Offset backing
by: Anonymous

Wow you got outa school without knowing how to offset? I'm having trouble with offsets myself, both blindside and drivers side. I don't even think I can pass the drivers test without knowing how to do these maneuvers fully. Its part of the test here at the local dmv.

From what I've gathered and learned thus far, cut the wheel opposite side the alley your backing into and straighten up then follow, when your next to the cone pull up and back in with straight line backing.

Sounds easy I know, but I haven't mastered it yet and I'm not even going to attempt my test next Tuesday unless I nail this maneuver!

Good luck with offsets!

Sep 27, 2009
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Tips for backing.
by: Jimmy

I assume you passed your driving test for the DMV, so, you were able to back good enough to get your license. Here is a good tip. Go to U-Haul trailer rental, rent a 2 axle trailer (6x12) for the day and find a driveway to back into without being in anyone's way.

Spend the whole day backing into the driveway. Approach it from various angles. This may sound dumb, but it works. Backing has more to do than just putting the rear of the trailer in the "hole". It is a mental thing.

The cost to rent the U-Haul for the day is pretty cheap, maybe $30. The mental state of mind is exactly the same when you back up a 53' or a 12'. If you don't want to do this, then just practice over time in the 53'. Jimmy

Sep 27, 2009
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Back a big truck Slowly
by: Anonymous

Don't let anyone rush you. Remember, Get out and look

Feb 23, 2015
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