Comments for tips on offset backing a 53 ft van with a tractor Average Rating Click here to add your own comments

Jun 17, 2011 Rating 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 Rating 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 Rating 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 Rating 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 Rating Jeff by: Anonymous G.O.A.L. You can't go wrong if you Get Out And Look.

Oct 04, 2009 Rating 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 Rating 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 Rating Back a big truck Slowly by: Anonymous Don't let anyone rush you. Remember, Get out and look

Click here to add your own comments Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask A Trucker