How do you back a Semi or Diesel Truck ?

Answer 1

You steer the back of the trailer rather than the front of the
vehicle. Visualize where the wheels need to be then man-
euver them to that point. If the angle between the truck and
the trailer gets too big, it will get more difficult. If the angle
gets big enough that you can't see the rear corner of the
trailer in the mirror, its about to get difficult. Maintain
awareness of all the obstacles near you, lest you have to buy
them.

Answer 2

Here goes. Your truck and trailer is in a straight line and you want to back the trailer to your right. Turn the truck's front wheels to the left as if you were going to turn left if going forward. As you back up, the nose of the will end up pointing to your right. When it is, you straighten the steering wheel, back up a little more and once the truck is at the desired angle to the trailer, you then turn the steering wheel to the right and complete the turn. Sounds complicated but it's not and just takes practice. How soon you straighten the steering wheel out depends upon how sharp you want to turn the trailer. Incidently, backing a trailer is childs play compared to backing a four farm wagon, that takes LOTS of practice and there's plenty of long time farmers who still can't do it (I can).

Answer 3

My dad has driven semi trucks all his life. When I take the truck and trailer for a spin I Just go slow and easy keeping and eye on my mirrors and surroundings. Its kinda like pushing a big wheelbarrow only with a truck. Its something that takes experience. He does it no problem but it takes me a little longer. You also must have good judgement to know how close you are to objects behind you. Then theres times you just have to get out and look. Hey and they are super fun to drive. Go try it out.