Learning to Back a Tractor Trailer @ VSU [2012]

Learning to Back a Tractor Trailer @ VSU

These guys come by everyday. The thoughtless drivers on Oak Street don't stop, and I am amazed how many student walk behind a Semi - thinking they can be seen... Unreal...

Fact:

Backing a tractor trailer goes beyond any skill taught in Driver's Ed. Because a tractor trailer has a fifth wheel, or pivot point, the trailer will go the opposite way from the way the steering wheel is turned (if you are steering from the top of the wheel). But with focused practice, patience and a few orange cones, the task can be mastered. Beginner truck drivers should practice with cones and use a spotter until they learn by experience how to anticipate angles and execute the task.

Instructions

1 - Start the tractor. Back the tractor under the front end of the trailer until the kingpin on the trailer engages and locks the fifth wheel of the tractor, connecting the tractor and trailer. Set the parking brake on the tractor and exit the cab of the tractor. Follow the tractor and fifth wheel manufacturer's instructions in their respective owner's manuals for details on starting, backing and engaging the fifth wheel.

2 - Hook the air lines from the back of the tractor onto the trailer and plug the electrical cord from the tractor into the plug receptacle on the semi trailer, following the instructions in both the tractor manufacturer's and the trailer manufacturer's respective owner's manuals.

3 - Retract the landing gear on the semi trailer, following the manufacturer's instructions in the trailer owner's manual. Look above and below the tractor-trailer to ensure that there are no objects in the way. Walk to the back of the trailer to ensure that there are no objects or traffic behind the trailer that are unseen when looking in the mirrors.

4 - Climb into the driver's seat of the tractor. Depress the clutch all the way to the floor and hold it there with the left foot. Move the gearshift selector to the reverse position. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot. Release the parking brakes on both the tractor and the trailer, following the tractor manufacturer's instructions in the owner's manual. Ensure that the trailer brake handle is in the up position. Turn on the four-way flashers.

5 - Look in the side mirrors to ensure that no traffic has pulled up behind the semi trailer. Release the brake pedal. Slowly release the clutch pedal until the semi trailer is backing up.

Tips & Warnings - Back up slowly!