[RockyMtnProDriver]

Originally Posted by Deus

That looks like some nice equipment your students train on. Wish I had gotten to learn on equipment like that.

I stole those off the internet.

Here is our equipment.

http://www.rockymtnprodrivers.com/in...s/image004.jpg

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnProDriver

I think it would be very hard to drive a Semi, whether it was the first time you did, or if you have lots of experience.

I don't know how you could pick the front of the Semi up with your shoulders and I don't care how hard you try, you wont be able to release the Spring Brakes by blowing into Glad hands with your mouth. Perhaps if you had Chili for lunch you could duct tape the Red line to your ass and use the gas to fill the tanks on the trailer.

And it is going to be hard to hold back that trailer on the hills just by walking down it. And it is going to be hard on your shoes no matter what you do.

I have always found that if you put a tractor under the Semi it works way better.

Semi. Also know as a Semi-Trailer.

http://www.boss-truck.com/images/trailers/TSPME001.jpg

Tractor (the preferred method of towing a Semi

http://www.tractor-trailer.net/front/front_r4_c4.jpg

Tractor/Trailer

http://www.vancotrailers.com/Tractor%20trailer.JPG

(If a student calls one of my tractors a Semi, I make them polish all the chrome)

...

I don't get it :?: :?: :?:

[Aligator]

Originally Posted by Douglas

...

I don't get it :?: :?: :?:

The "semi" is the trailer. The tractor is the thing with the motor that pulls a semi-trailer.

A semi trailer is a trailer without a front axle.
A tractor would be a truck if it could carry a load like a pickup can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer

[Deus]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnProDriver

I stole those off the internet.

Here is our equipment.

http://www.rockymtnprodrivers.com/in...s/image004.jpg

That looks like some nice equipment your students train on. Wish I had gotten to learn on equipment like that.

[RockyMtnProDriver]

Originally Posted by Dues

That looks like some nice equipment your students train on. Wish I had gotten to learn on equipment like that.

Deja vu all over again.

[ghost_ryder]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Although I have a some experience in driving straight trucks (dumptrucks), I've never driven an 18-wheeler before and I've also never backed while pulling a trailer of any sort. (You have to turn the wheel in the opposite direction you want to go, then you have to turn it back again).

What was it like to you when you first drove a Semi? And do you think 10 weeks at tech. school will be enough to go from 'nothing' to 'everything'? (provided I attend all classes)? I'm only 19, so for me, this is going for the big-time.

It is intimidating at first and challenging but exciting as well. After a year, you will be driving it like nothing. At first, your like, man that is a big vehicle, I can't believe I can drive it. Then, after that year you will be like, this thing is small. :lol: I already feel I had outgrown them, I want to step up to locomotives now. Really, I have been eyeing out those trains while at work, starting to take it seriously. :wink: You do know that alot of companies require you to be 21 or even 23 right?

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by Aligator

The "semi" is the trailer. The tractor is the thing with the motor that pulls a semi-trailer.

A semi trailer is a trailer without a front axle.
A tractor would be a truck if it could carry a load like a pickup can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer

OHHHH... so the Semi is the trailer being pulled, and the tractor is the vehicle PULLING it... ops: Me and about 80% of Earth's population are pretty stupid. :

[Deus]

Originally Posted by Douglas

OHHHH... so the Semi is the trailer being pulled, and the tractor is the vehicle PULLING it... ops: Me and about 80% of Earth's population are pretty stupid. :

It is called a semi-trailer because the trailer won't support itself (other than with the landing gear). You can use a converter dolly (used for doubles and tripples) to convert it to a full trailer. But that is where the term "semi" comes from.

[Mtc_Is_Hell]

Originally Posted by Deus

The most important thing I can tell you, which isn't as big of a deal in a closed course scenario is when backing up don't be afraid to get out and look (or GOAL). There will be times when you botch angling the truck right to nail it on the first try, and maybe now you've lost track of some objects that were around you. Don't feel embarassed if you have to get out, even if there are other drivers watching you, it is way better than hitting something. Follow that and you will be just fine :-)

nice post, last friday I was backing my trailor in and I was 3/4 of the way in but at the wrong angle, Just creeping very slow getting ready to do a pull up to straight out. I tapped the trailor next to mine, I didnt USE *GOAL* But now I do it only takes once.

[Tilar]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Although I have a some experience in driving straight trucks (dumptrucks), I've never driven an 18-wheeler before and I've also never backed while pulling a trailer of any sort. (You have to turn the wheel in the opposite direction you want to go, then you have to turn it back again).

What was it like to you when you first drove a Semi? And do you think 10 weeks at tech. school will be enough to go from 'nothing' to 'everything'? (provided I attend all classes)? I'm only 19, so for me, this is going for the big-time.

First, when you start backing, here is an easy way to make your trailer go where you want it to. Say your tractor and trailer are in a straight line. Look in your mirrors, Place one hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel. When you start moving backwards, Move your hand in the direction that you want the trailer to turn. That is just a starter to get you used to turning the way you want to go, without stopping and looking at the wheel and trying to figure it out in your head. A few days of backing like that, and it will start to come natural.

Someone else made a comment about the truck seeming small after you get used to it... I can relate to that, and after being out on the road for 3 or 4 weeks, I look like a student driver when i'm in my car.