EDIT: I guess I read your post wrong in the first place.

I don't know how much time you have to practice backing, but if you don't get straight line backing down, you're going to have a hard time with the rest of it. Practice makes perfect. The main thing is to not over-correct. Once you get too much wheel cranked in, you're screwed. Take it as slow as you can. Turn the wheel as little as possible. Figure out which way you tend to drift and compensate by moving closer to the opposite-side set of cones. Watch your mirrors and when first see more of one side of the trailer than the other, correct and counter-steer. If you just correct, you move the truck closer to one set of cones.

I say cones because that's how we practiced.

Once you get straight-line backing down, you will benefit because you can turn most backing scenarios into straight-line backing at some point.

The more you can turn it into a straight-line backing situation, the better. Don't be afraid to use a pull-up. Don't be afraid to use your points during the test. As long as you've got 1 left you get the CDL. I was set on using all of my points if I had to. Fortunately, I didn't have to.

 

Here's an idea my father in-law taught me when I was learning to back a travel trailer.

Instead of placing your hands on the top of the wheel and steering opposite to the way you want your trailer to go, place your hands in the 6 o'clock position on the wheel and steer the way you want the trailer to go.

When I tried it it made backing much easier. This allowed my brain to tell my hands to turn the wheel the way I wanted the trailer to go. I didn't have to remember to turn the wheel opposite to the direction I wanted the trailer to turn.

Do any professional drivers use this method?

 

Good idea, I do use that come to think of it.

 

If your backing a straight line always make small correction adjustments with the wheel in the direction the trailer in drifting. If the trailer drifts left correct with a little left input to the wheel, if it drifts right correct with input to the right with the steering wheel. You will soon get that feel for the right input.

 

I don't have much experience trucking other than CDL school. I did/do drive a Ford F350 LB/Crew Cab with a 10' trailer. That set up is very responsive compared to a 48' foot trailer. I just watch the trailer and steer it to where it needs to go. I make many small correction rather than one large correction. Steer your trailer so you never have to over steer. Do what works for you. I don't care where my hands are, other than being on the steering wheel. I can hold it at the top, the bottom, either side with either hand. It doesn't matter, I steer the trailer. I use all my mirrors, all of them. Make a correction, if it is the wrong way, you have ample time to correct. Try not to stop, unless it is necessary. You loose steerage when you are stopped, it makes it harder. Keep rolling, unless you are about to hit something. This does not apply to Getting Out and Look(GOAL). Do it as many times as is necessary. Don't worry about anyone else who is waiting, you are the Captain of your ship. If you allow them to hurry you and you have an accident, are they going to take responsibility? Of course not. Ignore them. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Agree on your guide signals. If there is someone there, who backs regularly, in that yard, ask them to back. Don't rely solely on this, it is your truck, practice backing until you can do it as well as anyone else.

 

Someone in CDL training came up with:

As you are looking into the drivers mirror -

"Don't see the trailer lights... turn to the right"

Hope this helps.

/Steve

 

You guys are all wrong. The trick to backing a trailer is to watch the trailer tires/wheels/tandem, pick your flavor.

Just guide the trailer back, paying attention to where the trailer tires are tracking. You must still be mindful of the ass end of the trailer as not to hit anything, along with the nose of the tractor.

Watch the trailer tires, real simple. Try it out and get back to me. :wink:

 

I said to watch the nose :P

 

I use the elbow trick. Keep your elbows in, if my right elbow goes out while I'm backing, my trailer is going to the right. same with the left.

 

Not sure if this helps or not but we were told to steer towards trouble. If you see too much of the trailer in your left side - steer towards it and the same is true with the right side. I just graduated from class and passed my road test with the DMV. Believe me steer towards trouble really does help.