Backing a '53 trailer

[whiteshark]

Any suggestions on how to set up trailer in order to back between 2 trailers to the "blind side"?
Thanks

[Chunker]

Set up is the same as on the driver side, just get out and look a lot more. I also found that sometimes if you have room out front, slide the tandems back to prevent overhang from hitting the other vehicles.

[Luzon]

Definately, slide tandems all the way back. The advantage in blindside backing is when you get out to look, you're usually looking at the driver's side so you don't have to walk around the truck. To look on the passanger side just look out the passanger window.

[Malaki86]

I found a great use for the sleeper windows in the Prostar I'm driving. If the curtain isn't attached, you can look back from the drivers seat while blind-side backing. But, the best advice is to avoid blind-side backing at all costs.

[kimmy]

Backing deffinately takes skill and lots of practice.But the more you back the easier it gets.If you can avoid blindside backing then do it.Many of the customers have the docks set up to blindside but I look around and see if there's a big enough spot to turn around and most the time there is.Don't be afraid to ask someone for help.I still do.Most drivers are more then happy to be the spotter so you dont hit the trl next to the dock you're backing into.ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get out and look(GOAL).Remember this,you're backing a trl NOT THE TRK.Never over steer,the trailer takes awhile to react for each time to turn the steering wheel plus you need time to correct it if you do oversteer.If youi turn the wheel like you do a car then believe me you will jackknife the trl and may be real difficult to get out of.The main thing is RELAX.Backing was the most hardest for me when I first started nowe it's easy.Oh I get some pretty tight areas but that's when I ask for help.Some places are so tight,I ask the driver thats next to me if he'll unhook because his trk is too close for comfort and always look in your mirrors.In trucking mirrors are your best friend.Luzon is correct,slide those tandams back.The tail swng is alot slower at reacting then if they were all the way forward.Take your time when backing.Most docks have yellow lines that serves as a guide.Look at the lines and the back of you trl and slowly guide the trl in between those lines.I always look for a refference point directly in front of the dock and most the time i'm right set up with the dock.Believe me it'll get easier with experience.

[repete]

Easiest way is to go around and come in from the drivers side, in other words AVOID blindside backing if at all possible

[Windwalker]

I once had a safety director that stated; "There is absolutely no reason a driver should EVER have to blind-side". There were a couple of times I would have loved to have had him in the jump seat. But, it's true, that you only blind-side when you have absolutely no other choice. And, with a 53' trailer, you generally have more trailer hanging over the tandems. Your wheels may be tracking fine, but that overhang could take something off that's another 4' over. Sliding the tandems back really does not make backing in any more difficult, in most cases, but it sure illiminates the "TAIL-SWING".

[Luzon]

This isn't exactly a 53 footer but....
YouTube - ca c est un chauffeur

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

Find a trustworthy spotter...... and backing into ANY spot is easiest achieved with the tandems to the rear.

[xcarsalesman]

I have trouble backing into a dock with no lines. For some reason it takes a couple of pull ups to get it right!!

[Chunker]

I have trouble backing into a dock with no lines. For some reason it takes a couple of pull ups to get it right!!

Sometimes I have this problem too, but you may be able to see where someone dragged a trl out and the tires left tracks you can use to follow back to the dock. Seams in the concrete work too. As for the blind side backing, had to do one the other day with no room out front. I had the customer's day driver move his bobtail out on my right and took my time, getting out several times checking where I was. Dock man said I made it look easy, that made my day.

[Windwalker]

This time of year, watch the tracks in the snow.