Backing is the most dangerous maneuver you can execute. Remember to have a GOAL. That means Get Out And Look. If in doubt, set your brakes, then get out and look at the situation, left, right, center, overhead. G O A L!
Make small corrections of steering as you back. Be patient. Wait to see what's happening at the back end. Normally, you should expect 8 to 12 feet of movement before you can see what the tail end of the trailer will do. You WILL NOT see immediate response from the trailer as you do in your car at home!
You movements of the steering wheel should never be more that 90 degrees from center. The more you move the steering wheel, you will have to be able to move double that movement when trying to correct for over steer.
I've seen experienced (15 years or more) drivers cranking that wheel lock to lock and having problems. Make small corrections in your steer. That leaves a lot or room to correct steering error by steering in the opposite direction .
You will occasionally have to pull up out of your backing maneuver to try to correct. Pulling up too far is just as bad as not pulling up far enough. The objective it to get the tail end aimed correctly, the bring the rest of the rig in line with the tail end.
That requires small movements of the steering wheel, to Jockey the front of the trailer (and the back of the tractor) into line with the tail end of the trailer. Then bring the front of the tractor in line with the rest.
Finish with a straight-line back to the dock.
Piece of cake, after a few months practice; early in the day; you're not tired out from a day of driving; etc.
If your home terminal is easily accessible, and you occasionally drive by on your way to somewhere, take a few minutes to pull into the trailer drop lot and practice in an empty slot. That practice (good weather or bad) will come in handy somewhere down the road.
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