[Luke]

So I'm in CDL class doing straight line backing. All us newbies were having a little trouble with it as it was our first day driving.
Our instructors say you have to get a feel for it.

I'm just curious if any one out there has any insights on anything that works for them other than "use the force".

[classicxl]

try to relax use your mirrors and don't overcompensate turning the steering wheel. It will come to ya

[terrylamar]

Try reverse. :lol:

[Rookie McRookerson]

I was reading a thread the other day on CAD from a student who had a partner in class who was having difficulty getting his angles down. He said he went out and bought the guy a toy tractor/trailer. He practiced with the toy that night. The next day the instructor couldn't believe the improvement. The instructor asked how he made so much improvement overnight.

|I'm going to be starting school January 15th. I put a Tonka on my Santa list.

[ct77]

remember to keep it slow at first and dont overreact, turn the wheel alittle and wait for the reaction.

good trick is left hand at 10 oclock and right hand at two oclock, if you want the trailer to go left turn left hand over the top, if you want trailer to go right turn right hand over the top

[ct77]

oh yeah and dont forget once you have the trailer straight to get your tractor back straight under the trailer

[Luke]

CT77 you're the backing jeanie!

McRookerson has an interesting idea, but I think you should pay attention to CT77. The two biggest problems I've had is correcting in the wrong direction, and keeping the tractor straight with the trailer.

Thanks for the tips.

[Kaji]

Practicing with a smaller vehicle, like a pickup with a boat trailer, will work just as well to get the basics down. Just remember to use the mirrors, looking back is cheating.

[ct77]

i forgot where i heard this trick wish i knew it when i first started, every trainee i show it to cures them almost instantly. amazing how many people manage to get their CDL but still get turned around backing, most get the trailer going right but forget their truck really has six corners thats why it is important to get the tractor back in line as soon as possible.

and remember your never really driving a truck your driving a trailer forwards and backwards.

[Kaji]

True, just don't forget about the nose of your truck. I've gotten way to close to a few things while paying too much attention to where the trailer was going and forgetting about where my nose was going. This goes double if your bumper resembles a giant iron hook hanging 2 feet out from the nose >.<