Quote:
Originally Posted by ohp_222
How far must you clear an obstacle in your rear view mirrors befor turning left or right?
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Far enough so that your trailer AZZ doesn't HIT it!
Okay, that was kinda a cheap shot. We like to kid a bit here.
I don't think there is any set forumula. You just have to learn, or FEEL, where your trailer will "track." First thing is... don't "lean" into the turn with your tractor! IOW... steer WIDE with the tractor on ANY turn so that your tandems will have more room. Don't start your turn with your tractor just because you are "turning" in that direction. If possible, ALWAYS turn wide in the other direction with your tractor before making the turn.
But, if you insist on some type of measurement.... I'd say, HALF of your trailer should be "ahead" of the turn, and your tires should be half of THAT from the obstacle. IOW... think of a right triangle. If you want to drag your tandems around an obstacle on the "hypotenuse," you should have created a right triangle with your truck tandems.
Ah heck... this is difficult to explain. Keep your trailer about 6 feet away from the obstacle, drive STRAIGHT forward (or a bit left if you can) until at least half of your trailer (or the tandem length) are ahead of the obstacle, then make your turn. The right angle of your turn will allow the hypotenuse to clear the obstacle.
Whenever possible.... steer away from the obstacle, and away from it, until you absolutely HAVE to make the turn. Remember that, once you start your turn, the tandems my "sit down" and become a pivot point. So... get them beyond the obstacle... or as far away from them as possible.
Another way of looking at it is this: If you see where you want your truck to be as you pull out of the situation, make sure your tandems are at LEAST that far out before you start/finish the turn.
You CANNOT "cut corners" with a trailer.
No matter how wide you swing, IF your tandems are still behind or abreast of the obstacle, you will drag them right INTO it!
Now... I was assuming you were talking about truck stop parking/exiting. If you are talking about passing someone... well.... what's your hurry? Make sure you could put a HOUSE between you before pulling over in front of another truck!