There are two important terms you need to know while backing which relate to your steering activity with the tractor. They are "jacking" and "chasing."

Jacking (i.e., jackknifing)

Jacking is employed to change the direction that the trailer wheels are following; that is, you make the trailer jack to the right or to the left depending upon the path you want the trailer to take. The trailer will "jack" in the direction that you turn the steering wheel. If you want the trailer to jack to the right, then turn the wheel to the right.

Chasing (i.e., following the trailer)

Once the tractor has "jacked" the trailer into the path (direction) desired, you then must chase the trailer through its path for as long as you desire the trailer to follow that path. You do that the same way you kept the trailer in a straight path. If the trailer begins to drift off of the curved path, you turn the wheel away from the drift. For example, if the trailer drifts to the left, you turn the wheel to the right. Jacking and chasing are two terms you will be hearing over and over again from your instructor while he or she is teaching you the principles of backing. When the instructor says, "O.K., now give it some jack," he or she is telling you to change the direction of the trailer's path. You do this with the tractor its true, but you are actually steering the trailer. This is why the rear tractor axle is referred to as the "steering" axle when you're in reverse. When the instructor says, "O.K., now chase it," he or she is telling you that you have now "steered" the trailer into the desired path. Then you must "chase" the trailer along that path. Failure to do so immediately will result in the trailer continuing to jack past the intended path. If you fail to chase it, eventually your rig will end in a full jackknife with the trailer against the side of the cab.

When

All jacking and chasing is a matter of when (timing) and how much steering input). If you jack too soon or too late the trailer doesn't steer into the path you want it too. Similarly, if you're too late or too soon in chasing, the trailer will not continue along the desired path. How much--Too much or too little a turn on the steering wheel will start the trailer in the wrong direction. Steering too much or too little, chasing the trailer will cause it to go off course.

1. Put vehicle in position by moving forward until tractor-trailer is aligned and front wheels are straight.

2. Put vehicle in reverse.

• Back as slow as possible (use idle speed).
• Don't ride clutch or brake.

3. Constantly check behind when backing.

• Keep doors closed--always watch both mirrors.
• Make maximum use of mirrors to detect persons/objects crossing into intended path.

4. Steering

• Keep vehicle on path.
• Do not oversteer.
• Correcting drifts.
• Turn steering wheel in direction of drift as soon as it occurs.
• Do not oversteer, only slight movement required if caught right away.
• Little drifts need small correction, big drifts need big ones.
• Use push-pull method of steering to keep trailer in line.
• When trailer drifts, it gets bigger in mirror, push steering wheel towards that mirror to correct.
• Immediately straighten steering wheel.
• If late in catching larger image of trailer, push wheel more biggest error in push-pull.
• Method--not returning wheel to straight position immediately.

5.Pull up and start again if too far out of position.

• Easier to make corrections moving forward (i.e., get the vehicle back in proper position).
• When it is not necessary to stop, pull up and make corrections in steering path.

Download the Straight Line Backing Checklist

1. Avoid Backing When Possible

2. Check Clearances Before Starting

• Be sure the vehicle is secured
• Leave the cab
• Check above and check under the vehicle
• Check to the sides

Check behind vehicle for obstructions:

• Before starting
• Recheck if start delayed
• Periodically if long backup
• Check front for adequate swing clearance

3. Use Helper When Possible

• To aid in checking clearance
• To give directions
• The driver is still responsible for results (damage)
• Agree on signals in advance to avoid confusion
• Be in position so that the driver can see helper in mirror(s)
• If the helper is not visible, stop immediately

4. Use Horn and Flashers

• Activate warning flashers prior to moving into reverse gear
• If vehicle is not equipped with a backup alarm, give a gentle tap on the electric horn periodically

5. Keep window open and radio off In order to hear any warning noises

6. Start in Proper Position

• This is the key to backing
• Positions differ by type of backing maneuver
• Put vehicle in position by forward movement
• Stop, secure vehicle, get out and check position
• Appropriate initial position will be discussed for each maneuver

7. Back Slowly

• Back as slowly as possible
• Use lowest reverse gear
• Don't accelerate and use idle speed
• Don't ride the clutch
• Keep off all pedals until stopping

8. Constantly Check Behind When Backing

• All backing is to be done with mirrors
• Watch behind tractor tires during "jack"
• This is particularly important in blind-side backing when objects are not visible until just before concision (e.g., parked cars)
• Keep doors closed
• Watch for things that could tilt trailer (e.g., curb)
• Watch for overhead structures (wires, pipes, tree limbs, window air conditioners)

9. Start Over When Necessary

• Pull up and realign trailer with desired path whenever you get too far out of position
• Always better to pull forward to correct steering errors than to "fight it" by continuing to back
• Select path that will align rig property to target before pulling forward