Backing, Parking, and Maneuvering with Multiple Trailers
Backing, Parking, and Maneuvering with Multiple Trailers
The exam tests judgment: with doubles/triples, backing is limited and often avoided. A converter dolly can jackknife quickly, and the rear trailer reacts slowly.
Avoid backing
- Plan your route to avoid dead ends and blind-side backs.
- Use pull-through parking whenever possible.
- If you must back, use a spotter and get out and look (GOAL).
Backing technique
- Back slowly with small steering corrections.
- Watch both mirrors and the rear trailer's pivot point.
- Stop and pull forward to correct a bad angle rather than forcing it.
- Do not back with the dolly at a sharp angle; it can fold.
Breaking down the combination
When a tight dock or yard requires it, uncouple the rear trailer and move one trailer at a time. This is safer than backing the full combination into a tight space.
Worked example
You need to park in a crowded lot. Rather than backing triples, drive around and find a pull-through space. If none exists, stop, set the brakes, and use a spotter. Backing blind-side with triples is a high-risk maneuver that should be avoided.
Traps
Backing without a spotter, oversteering, and ignoring the dolly angle. Also, assuming the rear trailer will follow the lead trailer's path.