If you live or work around semi trucks, the occasion can arise where one is in your way. Driving a semi in reverse a short distance is not difficult to learn. Almost anyone can back up a semi; but use some common sense precautions to protect people and property. Moving a semi, even a few feet, can cause massive damage if you are not careful. Read on to learn how to back up a semi truck.
Walk all the way around the tractor. Look for hazards in your path and around the tires. Scan the area for children and loose animals that you would harm if you back up the truck.
Climb into the seat and put on your safety belt. Engage the air brake and check to ensure that the truck is not in gear. Start the truck and allow it to air up.
Check your air pressure gauge. Make sure the truck has reached 120 PSI, and then check all your mirrors to ensure the area is still clear before you back up the semi. Hold your right foot down on the brake pedal and disengage the tractor's air brakes by pushing in the knob on the dash.
Push the clutch to the floor with your left foot and shift the truck into Reverse. If you are unsure of the shifting pattern, check for a schematic on the lower part of the dash. If shifting is difficult, try several times, if needed, until the shifter drops into place. Do not force the truck into gear.
Watching your side mirrors, take your right foot off the brake. Ease your left foot off the clutch. If the truck lurches forward, it's in the wrong gear. Engage the clutch and brake, and then try again. If it begins to roll backward as planned, accelerate if necessary or simply allow the truck to roll slowly. Do not "ride" the clutch.
Slow to a stop by fully engaging the clutch with your left foot, then slipping the truck out of gear. Apply the foot brake with your right foot and remove your left from the clutch. When the truck comes to a complete stop, engage the tractor air brakes by pulling out the knob on the dash.
Do a complete walk-around of truck and trailer. Be sure your trailer doors are closed and secure. Hook up the glad hands and lock the slider pins into place.
Follow Steps 2 through 6 above, disengaging both tractor and trailer air brakes.
Remember that your trailer is excessively long. It has an extremely wide turning radius and the tail moves in the opposite direction of your steering. As you drive the semi in reverse, beware of over-steering and watch your mirrors closely.
