Question:
Okay, here's the deal.
As I've looked at the different methods for turning (button hook, half button hook, standard, etc.), I've come to believe that the best all-around right turn technique is what my instructor calls the standard: half a block before you are to make the turn, get into positon--move to the left side of the lane (if you're on a one-lane road), or move into the center dividing line of the two-lane thus blocking anyone from getting into your right side space. (Oh, someone on a bike or something could be there, but probably not a car.)
I like this technique, because while I'm watching the right mirror before, during, and after the turn, I'm keeping the space on my right closed, rather than swinging toward the left for a button hook and opening that space, though I'm still going to look before, during and after the turn.
What do you all think?
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
swinging toward the left for a button hook and opening that spaceWhen the tractor swings to the left, the rear of the trailer swings to the right closing the space between the trailer and the curb. The critical time is just prior to swinging the tractor out when someone may slide in beside the trailer. If you need to do a button hook, there's never going to be much space between the trailer and the curb but that's not to say that some idiot won't try to squeeze in. BOL.
BTW, if you want to see the relationship between the tractor/trailer/curb/other vehicles, pick up a cheap model tractor/trailer and model car, draw a corner to scale on the floor and play. It may not teach you anything but at least you'll have a reason to play with toys again.

Answer:
Each corner is different, and you will find that you cannot choose a favorite method of negotiating any particular turn. Many times, a combination of the methods described is needed, depending on the road, traffic, time of day, visibility, what type of traffic control device is present, etc.
Regardless of the type of turn you should always keep your trailer wheels close to the curb as possible without running over it.This keeps cars from getting next to your trailer. You should also anticipate the turn ahead of time, so you can posttion your tractor properly, especially if you need the other lane to make the turn, but may have to stop before making it due to a traffic light. Even a buttonhook can be executed with the trailer wheels next to the curb the entire time. Do whatever you must with the tractor to allow the trailer wheels to track around a corner perfectly.
With experience, you will find it easier to figure out which method works best for any particular type of turn.
Answer:
What do you do when you've received directions from a shipper that are a mistake? What if you simply take the wrong exit and get in this mess?
I had a shipper give me directions to a plant in Tulsa about 3 am one morning. I got off the highway at the right exit only to find it was a narrow one lane down hill exit ramp. At the bottom was a 2 lane road with a nice sized medium in the middle. Going right would mean going from a very small one lane to a very small one lane with a medium full of signs and trees. The right hand corner also had a light close to the corner. Going left would be the same except the medium had a traffic signal right on the edge. The hole in the medium was to small for trucks without hitting the signal light. Not to mention a small half circle bridge highway overpass. No going straight because there was no road. Also no signs on the highway telling trucks not to enter or use the ramp.
I know what I did. I will say that the next corner only had a stop sign in my way. Not a good thing for the stop sign but job security for sign makers and installers.
It would be impossible to know what to do unless you were sitting there at 3 am.
I decided to go left. But not through the left turn lane. I did a kind of left hand button hook. Steered the truck right behind the light in the left hand medium and then straddled the medium to the other end. Checked my clearance on the bridge. There was an entrance ramp on the other side. The same type of problems. So taking the lessor of two evils I flattened the stop sign and got back on the highway.
By the way I was given directions to the corporate offices and not to the plant. It was on the other side of town.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
[This message was edited by Stuffiu on September 29, 2002 at 15:13.]

Answer:
I like the suggestion to buy toys! That's a good idea!
I was figuring that tail swing would be very minimal if the tandems are all the way back. But I can see (and I'm going to practice it Monday at school) how the trailor would still be blocking the right side some.
Thanks!
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
Tail swing is minimal with the wheels all the way back. But the space required to turn increases also, forcing you to make an even bigger buttonhook, or whatever. With the tandems all the way up, you won't have to swing as wide with the tractor to make the turn.Furthermore, you are not likely going to get out and slide your tandems at every corner, then slide them back to legal when you are done! (I'd have to deny ever talking to you if you did! )
With each load, your tandems will likely be at a different setting, so even a corner you have taken before will be different due to the different wheel setting.
Tail swing is not a big concern when going forward. Backing into a hole, that's another story...
Answer:
Running over curbs. There are going to be times were you must run over a curb. The proper way the do it is bring the tire tread flush with the curb (don't bump the tire against a curb, it can ruin the Belt) Always use the "granny gear" loaded or empty and gently ease the tire up over the curb. Same with trailer tires.
With 53' trailers some states require a certain distance on trailer tandems, like Calf, @ 40 feet. I use a 50 foot measuring tape, it's a lot easier and accurate than trying to count holes. I keep it in my briefcase. You can get one at K Mart, Wal Mart etc. for about $6.00 or so.

Answer:
been there done that n sometimes thats the only way

Answer:
Good information, folks.
Thanks!
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
dak 1: Instead of trying to measure 40' from the king pin back to the tandems, measure from the tandems to the rear of the trailer. The kingpin is 3'-0" from the front of the trailer. so a 40' distance can also be measured as 10' from the back of a 53' trailer. Much easier to measure.
Starkman: When you straddle the two lanes going your way, try to keep no more than 4' - 5' between your trailer and the right curb. At 6', the width is enough for some yahoo in a compact to try to squeeze around your right side. Less than that, the yahoo can't physically do it.
I agree with highwayman. The object goal is to drive your tandems around the corner. Do what it takes to the front end to drive the tandems.

Answer:
Hey Cookieman2,
You said: "Instead of trying to measure 40' from the king pin back to the tandems, measure from the tandems to the rear of the trailer. The kingpin is 3'-0" from the front of the trailer. so a 40' distance can also be measured as 10' from the back of a 53' trailer. Much easier to measure."
Isn't there such at thing, however, as an adjustable kingpin, particularly in view of a tandem tractor trying to pull a single axle trailor? I've not seen an adjustable kingpin, but I've heard they exist. Is this true?
You said: "When you straddle the two lanes going your way, try to keep no more than 4' - 5' between your trailer and the right curb. At 6', the width is enough for some yahoo in a compact to try to squeeze around your right side. Less than that, the yahoo can't physically do it."
Oh, man, I agree whole heartedly. That's a big one. My instructor isn't so concerned about that probably as I will be--that's why he pushes and pushes us to look in the right mirrors before, during, and after the turn--but I'm definitely wanting to keep that right-hand space to a minimum!
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
If you button hook, you have to get your tractor further left, since the trailer approaches closer to the right.
Button hooks are good to block the right lane so someone doesn't try to squeeze by. They also keep you in-lane till you get closer to the turn. But if there's room, and I'm not blocking or anyone else's travel path, I prefer to move the whole truck/trailer across the center line before making the turn -- if it's necessary.
There's no "right" answer -- it depends on the turn, the traffic, lots of things.
The nice thing to look forward to is that experience will eventually give you the ability to eye-ball the situation, make a decision and pretty-mch know in advance exactly where your trailer will track -- within a few inches.
This is when it becomes more dangerous, since you start to get a little over confident. So make it a habit -- never drag that trailer anywhere if you can't see exactly how close it is to whatever you're trying to get around. Set the brakes, put on your four-ways and walk around to look if you have to -- even if you blocking traffic and folks are screaming and honking. Whatever it takes. Never never never make a turn just "hopeing" it makes it without clipping the pole or fire hydrant or pedestrial walk sign. Pay extra attention to pedestrians, especially kids and mother with strollers, etc.

Answer:
Good thing you weren't in North Carolina...
Because I came along at 4am and ran over the metal stub left from the stop sign. Blew out the sidewall on a week old tire.
I turned down a skinny road only to see the "Bridge out" sign after I made the turn. Someone before me did the same and knocked down the stop sign I never knew was there. When I was doing my creative driving to get out I ran over the stub. Moral to the story: just because it looks good on the map doesn't make it a good choice, and a little time in the dark with a flashlight can save countless dollars$$
Lord I'm much too young to feel this #$^% old!

Answer:
Originally posted by Starkman:
I like the suggestion to buy toys! That's a good idea!
haha xD I like that suggestion too

Answer:
just bought a game at Walmart yesterday called "Hard Truck-18 wheels of steel" Makes a great training tool! You can run overweight, dodge scales, and buy cb toys. I'm still trying to get it going on my computer, but it kicks butt for $20.
Lord I'm much too young to feel this #$^% old!