Quote:
Originally Posted by TomB985
Maybe I've just been lucky, but in the year I've been driving, I have NEVER, EVER had to do a real 90 degree back. Oh, I don't think I've done too many true 45s, either...normally it's some variant of the two, depending on what space is available to use at the time...
I see guys doing 90s at the truck stops all the time, for no good reason, other than to put themselves at a HUGE disadvantage. If there's room to do a 90, most often you have room ahead and to the right to bring the whole thing out a bit, and make the back more 45-ish. This gives you more room, minimizes the area behind the blind side of your trailer, and gives you the best shot at putting it in the hole WITHOUT hitting anything.
I agree, having seen one driver do a 90. It was impressive...but why do it? Take a minute to see, the approach, what is in you way, what to avoid. Keeping "close" to things you can see {in your mirrors}, can you make the maneuver? Maybe slide your tandems up short to help the pivoting, just be careful not to "tail" something.