Tractor-Trailer Handling and Turning
Steering and turning
A combination vehicle turns around a point near the rear wheels of the tractor, not the front bumper. When making a right turn, swing wide to the left so the trailer does not cut the corner or hit the curb. When making a left turn, watch the trailer's rear in the right mirror because it will swing out to the right.
Backing
Backing a trailer reverses steering: to move the trailer left, turn the wheel right (and vice versa). Back slowly, use a spotter when possible, and pull forward to correct rather than oversteering. Back toward the driver's side (left) whenever possible for better visibility.
Lane position and speed
Keep the combination centered in your lane; the trailer tracks slightly inside the tractor's path, so give yourself room on curves. Reduce speed before curves, not in them. On downgrades, select a lower gear before descending and use engine braking - do not ride the brakes.
Traps
- Questions often ask which way to turn the wheel to back the trailer. Remember: opposite the direction you want the trailer to go.
- Another trap: turning too sharply causes the trailer to hit the tractor (a "trailer swing" or off-tracking collision).
- Speed questions: the correct answer is almost always to slow before the curve or downgrade.
Rule of thumb
Wide right, watch left; slow before the curve, gear down before the grade.