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BASIC SKILLS: STRAIGHT BACKING

1

  • Straight backing is the foundation for all other backing maneuvers.
  • Make sure you can straight back before moving on to the other maneuvers.
  • Pull forward ahead of the cones.
  • Make sure the rear of the trailer is past the front of the box

    • 2

  • When straight backing, watch BOTH mirrors.
  • Look at the SIDE of your trailer, not the front.
  • If you see more of the side of your trailer in your left mirror, steer left to correct.
  • If you see more of the side of your trailer in your right mirror, steer right to correct.
  • Watch BOTH mirrors.

    • 3

  • Return the steering wheel to center just as the trailer is lining up behind the truck.
  • The earlier you catch a trailer drift to the right or left, the easier it is to fix.
  • Small drifts need small turns to fix. Big drifts need big turns.
  • Watch BOTH mirrors.

    • 4

  • Back up until your front bumper is behind the last line of cones and STOP.

    • G.O.A.L.
    (Get Out and Look)
    use your 2 Free Pulls UPs

    If your trailer looks like it’s going to hit a cone, pull forward to create more room.
    Always pull forward to the same place you were before you began backing.