Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert J. P. Long

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Arvid Freiberg wrote at 2008-08-21 03:25:24
Backing is quite simple when the driver knows how to maneuver the semi.  First it is important to know what the semi looks like in the mirrors when in a straight line. (Both mirrors are full of the sides of the semi.)  When the semi is drifting right or left the semi will start to disappear in one mirror and the other will be full.  Steer into the drift and the semi will drift back into a straight line.  Do not over steer.  It takes about four feet for a 53 footer to respond to a wheel adjustment.  Backing is a matter of angles.  Keep the tractor at the proper angle to the semi, using wheel adjustments.  Keep the left rear tire the proper distance to the backing line.

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