How to Reverse a Semi Trailer : Heavy Combination HC Reversing

Are you a novice semi-trailer driver who hasn’t yet mastered the art of truck trailer reversing? Or are you simply out of practice? Or a you a driver learning the skill to prepare to pass a Queensland Practical Heavy Combination Driving Test? Whatever the case may be, this article will provide you with all the tips that you need to excel truck trailer reversing. 

Practice Makes Perfect :: So, practice as much as you can. Try reversing your vehicle in your backyard or empty parking lots. Practice using the side mirrors or the back view mirror as per your ease. Remember, the more you try, the more you’ll learn. It will not only allow you to identify your weaknesses but will also help you overcome them.

Look Before You Leap :: Before reversing the truck trailer, keeping at least one hand on the steering wheel, look out the side window to get a clear view of the back side of the trailer. Notice tiny details. Take into account everything that is in your way plan how you’re going to avoid hitting it. Also look for specific markers that may help guide you along the path (e.g. sticks, shadows, rocks, man hole covers, white lines, etc. - all these points can act as a connect the dots exercise)

Mirror Mirror on the Wall :: Mirrors are a truckie's best-friend.  To make sure that the trailer is in-line with the truck, watch the side mirrors. If you can see more of the trailer in one mirror than the other, it is not straight. Also look where the trailers wheels are located in relation to other objects (i.e. kerb) and also use the mirrors to see where the trailer is pointing and heading toward (i.e. where it will be in the future if you kept on the same path).

Left, Left, Left, Right, Left :: Steering the truck's front wheels right, makes the trailer's wheels move in the left direction. Pushing the steering wheel from the bottom of the the steering wheel send the trailer's wheels to the same direction (i.e. push the steering wheel in the direction you want the tralier's wheels to go). 

Angle - it’s all about the angle :: Maintaining the perfect angle between your truck and the trailer is perhaps the most important part of the truck trailer reversing process. Different angles are required to reverse in different scenarios. If your angle is correct, truck trailer reversing wouldn’t be much of a problem, but if you have the wrong angle, the process may turn out to be a disaster. 

I'm Talkin' 'bout Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low :: Your truck should be in the lowest reverse gear. Remember never to accelerate while truck trailer is reversing, keep your foot off the clutch and off the brake. This is to maintain a consistence speed, full control and ensure long life of clutch and brakes.

Truck trailer reversing is not a complicated process. It just requires a lot of caution, care and practice. All you need to do is to be patient and observe your surroundings carefully before truck trailer reversing.

Learn how to reverse like a CHAMPION at IAN WATSON'S

Learn how to reverse a trailer at IAN WATSON'S

a: 19 Blyth Road, Murrumba Downs, Qld., 4503, Australia.
p: 1300 786 088
e: info@ianwatsonsdrivingschool.com
w: www.ianwatsonsdrivingschool.com

To book a lesson call Anihira 0412 981 528 or 1300 786 088