Trucking Lesson 61 - Flying J Truck Stop, Struggling To Back up!!

[@InterstatePirate]

New to driving and still haven’t perfected backing in a hole! I won’t do it unless it’s two open spaces lol..! I try to get much practice as possible tho!

[@mikes622]

Just remember man even drivers that been doing it 30 years started as rookies . Stay safe .

[@failyourwaytothetop]

Me too. Since I only drive part time because I also work as a teacher, my license says I've been driving for 3 years but actual driving has been, at best, one year. I am no longer scared driving alone and I prefer it. Prior to, I was scared to drive alone but I struggle to back up. As of this writing, I have NEVER driven into a space with trucks on both sides yet. That still scares me.

[@InterstatePirate]

@@failyourwaytothetop I’m just now getting things right! Keep practicing one you get familiar with the turn radius of the truck and trailer it’ll become at easier I promise. Best wishes my friend!

[@dustbat]

Nothing wrong with that. Watch the big boys when you can. That is how I learned to blind side. Saw a Billy Bob ( Big Rigger from the East) with a long large car, spot a slot next to me as he went by in our yard. Strange area to him. I thought, he is not going to try a blind side, he did : one shot. I watched him set up and copied it and it was easy after that. Never was a great spotter but I got them in there. Out of it from 06.

[@mosesblack8946]

Nobody gonna cut that close to a truck in real life if they're smart. I'm pretty sure you clipped that guy's mirror and scratched his trailer on your first attempts backing in. Nicked the other guy's hood too🤣. Not saying this isn't doable, but sometimes the spot just not worth the trouble

[@tailormade6425]

Maaaaaan I hate it when your trying to get into a tight spot but theirs a lot of trucks pulling up behind you just looking & honking horns some drivers are really inconsiderate

[@User37717]

More than 90% of other drivers are jack asses that won't help

[@picklerick7953]

Ain't that the truth

[@MynameisHeisenberg92]

Take your time brotha and ignore them

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

Ignore them. If it gets too crowded, move out of their way but keep that hole covered and then re-setup after they've gone. Don't let anyone rush you into a mistake.

[@dustbat]

When I pulled up on someone in a struggle, or a tight spot: pop the air and jump out. Hey I got your right side and stay in his mirror. Have had drivers talk me back on the two way. Never let a driver bonk something if I could help.

[@gumbydamit4161]

As a rookie I really appreciate that you take the time to make these videos.

[@jiggyjoe2449]

Guys if your still learning your backing skills take into account that every truck is different based on the length of the wheel base, length of the hood, and the turning radius. A good rule of thumb to follow is to straighten out your truck and trailer as even as possible along the row of trucks where you want to park, keep about a 4 feet to 5 feet distance away from the trucks on said row, then align your fifth wheel right smack in the center of the hole you want to park in, then cut a hard right and slowly pull forward, the way you know when to cut it back to the left is when you start to lose sight of the hole in your mirror. Once you start to straighten out you pull forward just enough so the end of your trailer is just 1 or 2 spots away from the hole so you don't over shoot the setup and you have enough room to mauver the back of your trailer into the hole, before backing your truck and trailer should be in the position that resembles that of a check mark, Your Welcome.

[@deesplash7087]

Good explanation , that’s very similar to how I tend to set up

[@deesplash7087]

I cut to the left once my drive tires are about halfway (imagine a line) between the space I want to get in. When I think about it, my fifth wheel is probably in the hole as u said 🤔👍🏽

[@MeRoveRedCurry1]

thatd be cool if we had a drone view when we back up in real life

[@MyTruckingSkills]

I was always to paranoid that there would be a few seconds delay

[@MeRoveRedCurry1]

@@MyTruckingSkills yeah that could happen

[@Mrpiraterias]

I use a baby monitor

[@maryadams3357]

Right? How cool would it be to have a Birdseye view.

[@dj371212]

That would be cool

[@maryadams3357]

Google satellite is my best friend. One look at that truck stop tells me to move along if it's after 4pm. I hate the northeast 😂

[@zainb2261]

Nice one. In reality tho I’m waking the guy up and asking him to move back the few extra feet in the hole. And if he doesn’t wanna wake up I’m definitely using a spotter or finding another spot.

[@randgrithr7387]

To maximize space if able: (1) Dry vans park on the outer edges with wheels touching the curb, best if tandems slid forward. (2) Trailers shorter than 53' park in the center spaces. (3) Bobtails double up in spots on the end of a row (so one can exit to the side), or park creatively to not take up a valuable spot.

[@Bendigo1]

If i got into that spot i would not be able to sleep because if a truck on either side leaves and isnt paying attention they probably will crunch a mirror or hood with their tail swing.

[@CCodyG]

I will be honest. I try to find anywhere to hide so I don't have to go to truck stops. I am so afraid I might hit something/someone trying to backup. Also have considered drastically altering my drive times so I can be at the truck stop when no one is there.

[@CCodyG]

I did try that but even in the middle of the day there are so many people/trucks! Really I think the best time is like on a Saturday in the morning throughout the afternoon/evening. There needs to be more truck parking for truckers just about everywhere. We all deserve it!

[@losoj30]

​@AnEagleInYourMind so you only drive 6to 8 hour shifts. Guess this is why I get paid!

[@mimib8032]

I do the same. I've been out for several months now and like to start around 3am, and I can shut down while it is still daylight and truckstops aren't overflowing. If I can't shut down early, I go to a rest area instead. I don't even try to wiggle in to spots like this.

[@Koba21221]

I can’t watch this. It’s giving me too much anxiety!!

[@User37717]

Hahaha me too 2 years in... I try my best to skip truck stops

[@g.o.a.tjames3256]

🗣Beta!!!

[@vashspecter]

Just did this for the first time at the Clive, IA love’s truck stop in the row near the pumps. The set up was where I was messing up at, finally went 2 1/2 trucks past my spot before pushing out, rest was easy from there. 10/10 thank you for making this!

[@vlads.9972]

I think the biggest struggle for me in this would be 6:25 (I might've screwed myself over 😅) because I don't have enough understanding of how to fix what I got myself into. A perfect recipie for a panick attack - because the trailer's trajectory will slightly change moving back out of the space, potentially scraping other trucks. Like someone already said - some spots are just not worth taking.. 😒 As much as I like learning backing skills, I like money in my pocket better than paying somebody for damage. Good video though

[@danielmoore1232]

That looks like a nightmare to me! Middle of the night so you can't see anything. You're a solo driver and everyone is sleeping so you don't have a spotter. It's the only spot available and you're too low on hours to reach anywhere else. And in that part of the country at that time of day another truck stop is going to be just as bad anyway. No choice but to park. I'm definitely taking mirrors off.

[@hunterw6102]

Shit I'd use PC

[@danielmoore1232]

@@hunterw6102 what is that?

[@hunterw6102]

@@danielmoore1232 personal conveyance

[@licktin1091]

Nah fuck that noise. I’d go to the next truck stop on PC.

[@edmaster7445]

Thank you. Nearest exit I'm coming :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's funny yhat you're using this truck stop as an example. This is the truck stop that made me look up this video.

[@pohldriver]

I love that truck stop. The second or third last spotof the last row on the left by the building is almost always empty in the middle of the night. Carmel Church west is the same way. With tandems at 41ft, I jack it 180 degrees back around the turn. Its not a rookie maneuver, but is actually easier than squeezing into one of the center spaces.

[@christophercurrenton2034]

I just found your channel, and i think it will be a godsend for me

[@javierlujan4281]

its kinda like the truck driver training simulation app but yours is more detailed and better

[@LuisMBuildz]

So much knowledge. Ive learned alot from your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

You are the best! Thank you!

[@WFMguy]

This is why I dont park at Pilot anymore. Both times I did, I had to deal with that. Too little space.

[@hdavis939]

I would’ve like to have seen that with a loaded spread axle flatbed. I wouldn’t have even thought of getting in that spot with mine.

[@jonathantoney6913]

Ive been there and will never park there as I worry like crazy someone will tear my bumper off etc. Ill shut down early just to avoid this dump.

[@PaulThomasHarris]

Like the True life truck stop, Its a tight spot to say at

[@Demonoid1990]

Not something I have to worry about with my company. We've got fairly short wheel base snub nose tractors and 45 ft flatbed trailers. I used to drive 53ft Van's and Reefer in the past, and I'll never go back to that lol.

[@markkeith9055]

Flying J is great for space. The worst one when it comes to space on average, at least here in the southwest, is Love's. It sucks because that's the one place I get my free showers.

[@youngTAGZ]

I just got my cdl and I’m otr with my trainer and whenever he is a sleep and I have to stop I make sure it’s a pull in place around no other semi’s I’m trying so hard to understand backing

[@SixDaysOTR]

When you're chasing, and the trailer is heading into the direction of the other trailer. Stop! Yes pull up! But do not turn your wheels to the right and pull up, instead Turn your wheels straight, pull up as much as you can, than turn the wheel all the way to the left and get back underneath your trailer. Rookie mistake is to not use every inch of space you have.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

Could you do a video on this? To MY TRUCKING SKILLS

[@SuperTrucker2019]

Watching this makes me oh, SO glad I drive a 26' box truck instead!! This is an essay in frustration.

[@bizkithead669]

That's a run in and grab a sammich and sleep on an exit ramp situation, lol.

[@Bendigo1]

Yup. That is not a place to park. Even if you can find a space you can back into, there is a 99% chance of damage from someone else.

[@dshow4404]

KING!

[@danielmabie1688]

I have been driving mostly oilfield for a few years. I still have never been able to pull this off. Every time I get frustrated of getting out to check every foot & find another spot. Even with an overhead view it looks like your going to hit trucks on both sides. I get hit by trucks trying this maneuver all the time so it's not just me. After a year Of 0% luck I decided to avoid these spots completely.

[@INFIDEL82AA]

VERY HELPFUL FOR CDL A PERMIT DRIVERS. THANK YOU FOR THIS SERIES

[@janggeon2424]

Can you try blindside back into that space? Thinking it could be a little easier with the guy not sticking out so far out.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

I bloody hate blind sides!! You should always try to avoid blind sides at all cost. Will I do anyways.

[@janggeon2424]

@@MyTruckingSkills Hated it too and avoided it as much as possible. Good to learn tho. Thanks

[@proudcanadian9816]

Hi David, Another fine how-to video for these two situations. And of COURSE, I'm saving this one as well to reference in the future. BTW my driver training with the company that hired me, finished on friday. And tomorrow [sept 07] is my exit road test. I feel confident I will pass their requirements but it's never over till it's over right ? Keep putting out these videos of yours and keep up the great work my friend. Mike

[@jalalny]

Great job David 👍🏻👍🏻

[@hichamhisham9821]

Good I love it

[@dsg325]

That Flying J is a pain in the ass to park in. I avoid it if possible. There are a few options north and south of there that I would use. Even getting fuel or using the scale is a pain. Always a line.

[@graystone3048]

I live near this one. It’s one of the worse I’ve seen. It’s WAY tighter than it looks on video. Trust me. I got lucky the last time I had to stay here and found two adjacent open spots. Easy peasy. If not for that I won’t lie, I would have left!

[@planktonus]

Could all super-truckers pull that off? I doubt it . I call them solar panel drivers , 4 pm and they shut down, just because they don't wanna get embarrassed at the truck stop.

[@dd214x]

That's what I do. It works. I start my day at 11pm or midnight, drive my 600 miles and shutdown by no later than 2pm. Lots of parking, no line for showers, a lot less traffic in major cities. Don't hate because you're scared of the dark lol

[@planktonus]

@@dd214x who is scared of the dark my friend? I choose to drive during the day because I'm not nocturnal. It's not about being scared of it. As matter of fact I don't remember shutting down before 7-8 pm at the truck stop. Yeah, it's dark then. Maybe you are scared of the dark ,lol .

[@deesplash7087]

I’m not sure what point or what your ego is doing in this situation. Who wants to park at dark? I certainly don’t, it just makes it that much more dangerous because it’s not like the lines (assuming they aren’t faded lol) vibrant or glowing neon as it is. Honestly, you sound like an over ego inflated trucker who looks like he’s ready to give birth to triplets with diabetes, high blood pressure , and heart problems that’s been “trucking his whole life” which is sad in itself imo.

[@milanrotar8176]

You've probably hit that truck in real life

[@southernfarmer182]

Need to add a line of impatient drivers blowing their horns waiting for you to hurry up and get out of the way.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

Lol, is thinking that too. That will be in a future update!

[@arturorodriguez5496]

Jajajajaja you need to be in los Ángels to a tied spots

[@milanrotar8176]

That's why that spot is open

[@graystone3048]

I find it amazing that with today’s technology there isn’t a standard backup assistant of some kind on every truck and or trailer. Should be a standard feature

[@MyTruckingSkills]

Agreed

[@Bendigo1]

If nothing else, cameras on trailers.

[@billarroo1]

Wait until it's a rainy night and your tired !!

[@cristianmarincornejo3083]

I would never try this....i would just looks for a ramp somewhere.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

Nobody should lol

[@rogerpullay5191]

Hola, buenos días, prácticas con tres ,ejes.

[@johnfunk6343]

Just got a new truck with a 10 speed automated trans . Always had a manual I am struggling backing with this thing it either won’t move or it wants to go flying backwards

[@jimh7339]

From what I was told there is a switch/button to turn off the hill-stop/assist feature when backing up. It flies backward due to the slight delay in releasing the brakes. That's how it was explained to me.

[@zainb2261]

Never had this problem and have been on auto freightliner for almost 6 years.

[@jonathantoney4206]

I went there once and i wont do it again, i will never trust another driver to not hit me in places like that.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

If you made it that far may as well go to toms brook at mm 296. Hours permitting

[@intuitivebreach8969]

Tight Spots = look around for a spotter.

[@Shadowmib]

Lol I fueled up there a couple days ago.

[@danacrook4203]

A lot of U.S. Express trucks!☺

[@MyTruckingSkills]

I'm working getting more colors and trucks. But ya, tons of CR England and U.S. Express trucks 🤣🤣🤣

[@zach8969]

@@MyTruckingSkills I wonder if any of those are legend trucks.

[@rookiebird9382]

The guy that keeps his ass out is real bad ass

[@navpreetsinghthiara9019]

👌👌👌

[@charliechuckleberry5307]

The amount of work required to get into that insanely tight space. I'd rather park on the side of the street.

[@merpmerp9590]

I wish all trucks have those steering angle

[@jamesfranks4142]

I just wish my truck would back up that smooth

[@jonathancubano575]

Just wondering why not a 90 degree in that case?

[@Bendigo1]

90 degree really does not change the space it takes up to back in, it just changes where and how that space is taken up.

[@timothymccarthy4704]

The truck on the left, even though it's sticking out, has been hit/scraped, several times. I hope this guy just works at Flying J and isn't a driver..lol

[@sandundilshan6673]

❤️

[@milanrotar8176]

Hit the truck on your left already

[@SquishySenpai]

What are the chances of adding controller support so you can use an Xbox controller over bluetooth, or a Razer Kishi?

[@losoj30]

I've spent many nights there and,t this spot can be impossible. don't stay here unless you are early, and can choose a spot that no one will have to do the shit you see in this video.. I've got 2+ million and that's my advice. you will be woke up by people backing into you. stupid is the new energy drink. plus I think the scale is off it soo much tighter there.

[@Xelogenesis]

Not sure why you didn’t do your approach from the other side as your current approach limits your turning ability simply because that truck is sticking out too far. Work smarter not harder.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

Avoid blind side backing all at costs!!!

[@vernondecker9532]

Haven't watched video/ but I know this truck stop and its usually busy and its not standard its tight backing.

[@antonjuust3662]

I thank I don't have to do this cos , you know

[@Kugelbliz]

Wow I've been there and its very tight backing up

[@sunnysingh0202]

Chasing vs jackknife??

[@MyTruckingSkills]

They are opposite. Straight line = truck and trailer are perfectly lined up. (eg driving on the freeway) Chasing is getting close to a straight line while jackknifing is getting further away from a straight line. The more you JK the more the trailer turns.

[@invinciblevettel5]

Me personally I wouldn't waste that much time parking. Waaaay too much effort and you can almost guarantee some idiot will hit you on the way out.

[@jasssandhu552]

😍👌👍

[@15gliderboy]

What is the name of the simulator app being used? Is there a mobile version?? Thanks ...

[@MyTruckingSkills]

I'm hoping it will be available in as week. My Trucking Skills the game. Subscriber to get updates.

[@jesusguzman9809]

Where can I make a donation? Thanks Jesus

[@MyTruckingSkills]

www.mytruckingskills.com 😃

[@sonnyfarris6146]

Can you make a map for pilot in nitro wv

[@rvalyfe7780]

No way I would've tried that

[@BalutSlayer]

Not good for spread axle flat bed 53” maybe doable

[@seewhaatisee]

Litterally just came here today and it’s a pain in the ASS

[@jamestuc80]

This is literally down the road from where I live, don't come here, to much crime. Trucks front end ripped off constantly fuck this truck stop

[@HW_365]

Unrealistic, in real life he would have taken out that guys hood mirror.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

You can DOWNLOAD my game using one of these links here... apps.apple.com/us/app/my-trucking-skills-the-game/id1542771805 play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytruckingskills.v1 For the PC version of the game go to my website www.mytruckingskills.com

[@truckingwithcb4119]

What is the name of your app?

[@MyTruckingSkills]

It's going to be called "My Trucking Skills - The Game". We are going to have it released in a week.

[@truckingwithcb4119]

@@MyTruckingSkills 😍😍😍😍

[@philvictor5537]

Do you even drive a truck for real or no

[@brianwillis8447]

It's easy to look at his KZbin upload history.

[@MyTruckingSkills]

Nearly 20 years of driving.

[@MegaSoulReaper666]

Ohhh FUCK THAT no way id ever get that

[@truckingwithwim8039]

Good explanation, what is the average length of the truck trailer combinations out in the States?

[@MyTruckingSkills]

75 feet

[@MyTruckingSkills]

In a few states in usa your are allowed 3 x28 foot trailers too. Not as big as two 53 foot ones though.

[@zainb2261]

@Deadpool8222 yea those 2 53 footers drive a lot slower and have a banner on the back showing they’re extra long.

[@JimboWild1982]

What is the name of this game?

[@MyTruckingSkills]

My Trucking Skills is the name of the game

[@BrianRussTVC]

I HATE parking here

[@biggarealtrensettatrucking412]

What is this game called???

[@MyTruckingSkills]

It's going to be called "My Trucking Skills - The Game" once I release it to the pubic.

[@graymikep64]

Can't back? Quite

[@shawnkinser1164]

Its not the biggest. Its the worst truck stop period, the entire length of I81. Always has been. I avoid at all costs.

[@bayboy1967]

Park at your own risk.

[@truckingwithcb4119]

I do not like going to any Pilot or Flying J

[@jasonhitt4211]

I've seen so many bad truck stop parking just like most of all ya'll too, it sucks.

[@milanrotar8176]

Overshot it

[@graymikep64]

No

[@milanrotar8176]

Isn't going to happen. Ya messed up there pal.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

Oh this flying j sucks

[@59wargear]

That J is a yard incident waiting to happen and has been for years... Full of what I call "Brake Yankers" drivers who don't care who they block where they park or if they cause a hazard for others.

[@あかはまんみかさ]

stupid question: how do you guys judge front of your truck? do you guys take bonet or mirrors as reference cause some of truckers do it so perfectly despite having big bonet

[@MyTruckingSkills]

For people reading this, Bonet = Hood. Not much judging going on really because you can see it, just like in a car. The lower you sit, the less you can see. Its experience too when you turn. If you are trying to miss something with your hood when turning, it's best to turn early and go closer to it if you know you can.

[@あかはまんみかさ]

@@MyTruckingSkills oh, that makes sense. > If you are trying to miss something with your hood when turning, it's best to turn early and go closer to it if you know you can. This is must be really helpful and smart honestly. thanks for replying. and your videos are as always great!! really liked them!!!!!