Four Tips for Backing Up Your Trailer
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, backing up over fifty feet of semi-trailer is no easy feat. Very few drivers will ever completely master backing up a semi-trailer (everyone has one of those days once in a while), but the following four tips combined with lots of practice can help to make it easier.
Watch Your Steering Wheel
A key point to keep in mind when backing up your truck is that you can look at your steering wheel to make it easier. If you haven’t heard of this trick, here is how it works:
- The top of your steering wheel (the part farthest from you toward your windshield) is the tractor and the bottom of your steering wheel (the part closest to you toward your lap) is the semi-trailer.
- While backing up, turning the wheel to the right makes the bottom part of the steering wheel turn left making your semi-trailer go left.
- Turning the wheel to the left while backing up will make the bottom part of the steering wheel turn right making your semi-trailer go to the right..
Turn Off Distractions
Before beginning to backup, take a moment to turn off your stereo, phone, and CB. Limiting your distractions makes it easier to focus on backing up and avoiding collisions.
Use Your Mirrors
Your mirrors are there to help you backup, but only help if you use them. Make sure to use both mirrors and keep your eyes moving between them to avoid fixating on one over the other.
Avoid Backing Up
Okay, this one is a little bit of a cheat, but if backing up isn’t one of your strengths it makes sense to plan ahead and park in spaces you can pull through when possible. It will save you time and help avoid the risk of hitting something.
Do you have some time management tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!