The Secret to Backing Up a B-Train (It's Easier Than a 53' Trailer!)

[@gord2358]

With only a few months experience driving a gravel truck in Vancouver I got hired in Edmonton to run a B-Train. On my student trip I was given very clear instructions: "just back it up". I eventually taught myself to control the direction of the rear trailer by controlling the direction of the front trailer. After a few months I could confidently back it into a customer's yard off a narrow street.

[@SmartTrucking]

Nice after you figure it out! something to be proud of!

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

I've never backed up a set of "B"trains or "A" trains myself, but one day I made a delivery to a freight yard. I got the pleasure of watch the yard guy back a set of "A"trains into the dock, and the watch him set up another "A" train and never get out of the truck to hand push the dolly in front of the second trailer. He hooked to the first tailer ,backed to the dolly and hooked it up then backed both the first trailer and dolly to the second trailer. He only got out of the truck to wind up the landing legs and to hook the hoses. I was totally amazed by his skill level. To me it's almost impossible to back an "A" train up, but he just proved that theory wrong. Thanks for the video Dave. Enjoyed it eminenclly!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Cassius! It's always a pleasure to watch some guy do something like that and make it look easy!

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

So true!!! It's always a pleasure to watch a true professional, and see his/her pride in his/ her work!!!

[@johnrtrucker]

I self taught myself and the best way I found to back a b train is basically if you can back a single trailer then you use the lead (front) trailer to steer the rear trailer instead of steering the rear trailer with your steering wheel input (I hope that made sense) lol

[@farmerbrown3768]

I was a Christmas peak hire for UPS feeders (doubles) back in “88”. I witnessed a feeder driver do the same thing as you described it was incredible, he would also use a converter dolly on the back of his lead trailer and back it into a dock where the back trailer was, complete the hookup and ready to leave in less than 5 min.

[@SmartTrucking]

Impressive to watch, isn't it?

[@jonasplett172]

This actually was helpful for me in Euro Truck Simulator 2 🤣

[@tyronejay5510]

True

[@aaronsprojects9622]

I've got 600 hours in both 🤣

[@markr5212]

One of my favorite trucking channels. Alot of knowledge and alot of experience. And a good story.

[@catlady8324]

He knows what he’s talking aboot! 🇨🇦

[@Plyst3]

I pull "A" trains every day into North Jersey and occasionally Brooklyn or Long Island. While i can't back my set up, I understand the angles involved and how far I can and can jack the trailers before they pinch. I'm still honing my skill at backing up with the converter dolly while its on the lead trailer. Personally id love to get the opportunity to run triples, Super B trains, and Tandem vans like they do in NY state. I thoroughly enjoy pulling doubles and believe it or not I actually prefer them to van trailers. That being said, I remember the day they had me hook a set of doubles up, go out into PA and start doing a P&D run with them. What a pain I'll tell you, constantly hooking and dropping. By the end of the day I had gotten so used to hooking and dropping that I could do both in my sleep, and quickly too. The only real downside is trying to find parking for them. Most truck stops dont have double friendly spots, and they tend to get upset wjen you park next to the scales. To which I reply im here for my 30 min break. If you can back em into a spot heres the keys. They usually back down.

[@SmartTrucking]

Interesting stuff! Yeah peddling ltl and breaking them up all the time would be no fun. As for the parking, I hear you there!

[@brentreid7031]

If you ever pulled Super B's you wouldn't want to pull anything else. Just don't let your back trailer get to far gone past the point of recovery. Have pulled Super B's for 20 years now.

[@yerPickle]

I knew you had that truck custom made when I first saw the thing! Love the dedication you have to this channel. Your knowledge is invaluable to us rookies. Thank you, and God bless you.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Dylan!

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

Thank goodness for our old school truckers! I don't know what we'd do without them! I've learned a lot from this guy over the years. I've learned things from him that I haven't even put to use or experienced yet, lol. I just like to listen to the old schoolers just to learn anything that I can! Thanks to them, even though I'm a new school driver, I still do things like the old school drivers.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good to hear you're getting some value from the content.👍😎

[@cesarestrada2915]

It’s always nice to hear the voice of experts like you

[@tomnewham1269]

Over here in Australia you see that configuration all the time though we call it a B double.

[@murraystewartj]

Admit it, Dave, this one was just done as an excuse to play with that cool toy. As usual, top quality. As for your story, I love watching someone do a difficult task and making it look so easy that you're too impressed to be jealous. All the best in 2020.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Murray! The beauty of this deal was I got to keep the little wooden truck and I can play with it any time iI want!! Thanks for watching!

[@TBonerton]

Great video. My dad just retired from 35 years on the road. Thanks for the story too, brings back some old memories.

[@lordrichard8184]

I love the use of the toy trucks. They are a great way to explain it and show what’s going on. And it’s a great way for a new guy to practice without burning fuel and getting in everyone’s way

[@VitoVeccia]

"kids aren't playing with toy trucks anymore." So sad, so true. The only reason I didn't want to play with mine as kid, is because I had more fun climbing in dads dump truck.

[@robpeters5204]

Thanks for the video. It was very informative. I miss hearing those old stories since my uncle passed a couple years ago. It was always a real treat listening on his daily adventures everytime.

[@jimmarchman]

Just loving your stories from the good old days. You have a fantastic skill as a storyteller which is highly valued by fellows from the southern States. Jerry Clower would approve of your style and rhythm.

[@ktanner11]

We have Canadian style b's here in Michigan. I've had the endorsement for years for big setups perimeter trailers and such for oversized. Just went local about 2 weeks ago got thrown to the wolves and had to load a flatbed set yesterday, ill tell you 20 years in i looked like a rookie trying to back that thing up in the bay after 45 min i paid a Canadian to sit in the passenger seat, and boy did i start to learn

[@raypratt9004]

My first trip stateside was with a super B flat bed. I came from Calgary, Alberta and stopped at a truck stop just south of Dillon, MT. When I back up B trains I visualize them in my mind so I know when and what turn to make to reach my objective. Well you should have seen all the rubberneckers that came out as I progressed back into a spot. I was asked how I did it and I played the humble soul and said it was easier than backing up a 53 footer, which for me it was. I loved hauling super B trains because they were so stable with very little to no whiplash and they tracked so well.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, I always liked B trains!

[@thatguy-pl8py]

The best thing I was taught, no matter what you drive, is that it's all in the setup

[@kevinstonerock3158]

If that guy’s still around it would be great to see him back and explain how to back the A trains. I’ve always felt that the ones who could teach are a valuable resource to those who want to learn. What good does it do to hide a talent and not pass it on?

[@preetmani4320]

Thank you so much ,for putting so much efforts to make this toy truck and make this video for our help.Highly appricoate it.

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

Ha! Love the story, Dave. Thanks. I've never driven a BIG truck/trailer in my life, but I can somewhat relate to today's lesson. Being a dairy farmer, we often back tractor/chopper/wagon, tractor/baler/wagon. You're correct, it isn't that difficult to direct the whole rig where you'd like it to go. Thanks for the videos. Love the stories. Probably time for a whole video dedicated to Dave's stories! Keith-

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Keith!

[@tatuaalbert3112]

Good advice for aspiring drivers, B trains big down under, spent years driving reefer configurations, hanging carcass meat, we used to get into some real tight places all at night time, certainly sorts the men out from the boys.

[@seanworkman431]

I taught myself to back a single trailer with my lego set as a lad, having a steering wheel helped to understand the geometry. Models are a fantastic educational tool, even for big boys.

[@snidelywhiplash285]

Many of the drivers today can't back 1 trailer...

[@SmartTrucking]

Got a laugh out of me there Snidely! Dave

[@gord2358]

Snidely Whiplash - lmao!

[@876trucking]

True

[@johnruetz3849]

Years ago my truck hooked to doubles was blocked in by other trucks at the terminal. Instead of moving several other trucks I got in one hooked to triples and backed it about 40 feet and got mine out. I was so proud of myself that I could back those triples up that far . To bad no one was there to see it so I could brag about it. Good thing about b-trains is less pivot points.

[@larsdueck]

My dad taught me that the pup goes the same way as the back of your truck. I'm no pro but it works for me!

[@toemater4206]

over here in Australia we back B-Doubles everyday we also back up Road Trains but then over there yall have trouble backing one trailer but we back up to 4 trailers

[@twistedsteelDK]

Good advice. Been driving 8 years never pulled anything but super b grain trailers. This video was helpful. Keep the tires turnin and the coal burnin

[@SmartTrucking]

You too driver, stay safe!

[@marvindoolin1340]

I'm impressed. I've backed trailers behind a pickup (cargo and camper) and behind a tractor. I can get them turned, but I've never figured out how to straighten them. Love you guys that can.

[@MA-hc6mb]

Soon as you started telling the story about the guy asking if he could back a train in... I could see where that was going :D Love your response to it. 'Well worth the 25 bucks to see it done well'.

[@SmartTrucking]

It truly was!

[@ruthlessadmin]

This answered many old questions I never bothered asking. Thanks!

[@fcarp1685]

I love the story this week, thanks for sharing!

[@loagzie38]

My son is 2, he is in love with trucks, every time he sees a truck he says "GUCK!" excitedly... only downside is that I have to keep him away from my die-cast model trucks... im going for my HR license (heavy rigid)... im in Australia btw... but he absolutely loves trucks and has his own toy peterbilt... hasn't destroyed it yet

[@snazzymcnazmy]

I remember in school I asked how to back doubles and the instructor just said "you dont"

[@paulocosta4043]

Happy new year! Scania truckers greetings from Portugal 💪💪💪

[@Jaxon-iu6vb]

The best trailer configuration out there

[@timothywhitlock4565]

Great video Dave.

[@yhwhswarrior6086]

I always enjoy your videos! My best friends sister just started trucking and I told her to watch your videos. I've been driving over 4 years now and I still learn stuff from you. Happy new year!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you!

[@semihappy1953]

You just saved me a bunch of trouble. Today I've gotta back a disc and basket pulled by an IH farm tractor into the shop. Thanks

[@GoDaddioTV]

When backing up a B or super B if you turn the steering wheel left the last trailer turns left, turn the wheel right and the last trailer turns right. The key is knowing when to swing the first trailer so it's straight with the second trailer when the tractor is also straight, otherwise the rear of the second trailer is pointing in the wrong direction and you have to reset and try again.

[@pennise]

I used to pull a set of doubles with a C-dolly. It had two eyes and the 34 foot refer had two pintle hooks. I pulled a 26 foot dry box behind it. You could lock the axle on the dolly and back the entire set up right to the receiving dock. It was especially impressive at night when other drivers didn't know what they were looking at - all they saw was that somebody just put a set of doubles back in the dock. Sometimes if both spots were open, I'd just break it down and use both holes.

[@antonescobar954]

awesome driver, i remember when i started to learn trailer. thanks

[@Dr_Nick_]

When I worked at the airport we had to tow aircraft between the ramp and hangars. The only difference between this and that is we booked up to the front of the truck. Made maneuvering so much easier.

[@tscottme]

That's how I learned to back semi-trailers.

[@monkeycbrown]

I towed A train doubles for 17 years. I use to back them up on a daily basis into loading docks with other trucks next me, and from a 90 degree angle. A train is harder for sure but still possible.

[@littleghost82]

I enjoyed the story about the new guy! Thanks!

[@genedrakes686]

As a former Shunt truck driver it was easy! When we 1st ran LVC the driver would line up the dolly then I would do the rest. He brought me a coffee every day as it saved him alot of time! When I did city driving had to double blindside a 53 Ina super tight spot. 1st attempt was not pretty No shortage of evidence that lots of drivers got it wrong!! Have not moved a trailer in 2 years and think could still 1 time it !

[@darrenmorris7618]

I grew up in a triple road train in Western Australia and watched dad back that wherever he wanted , Once I was 12 he let me have a crack and I learnt it wasn’t as easy as he made it look lol

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet!

[@Bad_CAT_itude3408]

I’m in Michigan and pull both A’s and B’s and I find the A “gravel trains” easier to blindside because we have locking dollies under a turntable rather than a fifth wheel and you learn to feel the resistance the scrubbing tires on the dolly produce which gives you an indication of the approximate angle of your pup to your lead even though you can’t see it. B’s are much smoother to back and produce very little resistance in comparison.

[@THLLS-ej2tq]

Kiwi truck drivers are taught to keep án eye on which way the first set of tris is turning at an angle while reversing. The first tri set is treated like the steering twin drivers if you get the idea. So it determines your line up to back in.

[@staceyellis9193]

That was a very good story. Never underestimate your opponent . I like to call the back trailer of a super b trailer the pull trailer.

[@ashblack6292]

I’ll be honest. I’m a truck driver in Australia, where pretty much every truck is a b train (or as we call them, b-doubles) and I watched this video thinking it was going to be a laugh. Normally blokes from America (or I’m assuming Canada, in this case) make out like backing up 2 trailers is some great impossible task haha But no, your video was a straightforward instructional video of pretty much how it’s done. It’s not that hard and you didn’t make out like it was. Good video 👍

[@MidwayGuy]

I still can't imagine pulling a rig that long and heavy. Then the Australian road trains? Forget about it. I'll stick to my 48' open deck that I can see clear across most the time. Great story, thanks for sharing

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Alex!

[@aj-kwt909truckin31]

A good percentage of road transport here in New Zealand is done with the use of the B Train configuration. In Australia B Doubles and in some States of Australia B Triples operate on public Interstate Highways and in and around the major cities. Thankyou for this interesting video Smart Trucking.👍😎👍 Happy New Year to you Dave and your wife and family all the very best for 2020 from Rotorua, New Zealand. 👍😃👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Mr President!

[@kevinking5683]

It is nice to be able to watch good talent in motion. Thanks Dave

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Kevin!

[@guygranger7894]

My compliments. I only ran A trains for eight years hauling lumber. I simply never pulled into a place where I couldnt pull straight out of.

[@dakdjonsey2398]

Love your informative, precise vids. May you live long and enjoy the years ahead. Happy N.Y.

[@davidswanson5686]

Great lesson! Very funny story!! The driver version of a pool shark!

[@arniepries6480]

good video - something I was told early on was to make sure your drives were pointed in the direction you want the back of the unit to go and make small corrections

[@beegood9395]

Now I know what is A and B train. Thank you Dave. Great video!

[@sergueyherrero9071]

That story was awesome. I'd pay the 25 bucks just to watch it.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for the support, much appreciated.

[@rickreed9525]

Very well explained. I dont haul many sets of B train. Once you understand how this set up is works rest is history 👌👍

[@athonynesbitt7956]

You give so much advice every video i learn more & more from you, Keep on trucking sir, that wooden toy truck is so nice👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Athony! Take care!

[@sigarms228]

I pull an A train on the Trans Canada between Winnipeg and Calgary. Two 53 foot trailers I have practiced that I can back my B box into a stall. You have to steer your dolly converter like a pup on a B train and use that to steer the B box where you want it to go.

[@tykellerman6384]

Good advise Dave and another great story... happy new year🤠👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy New Year Ty!

[@brob-zy8zi]

I like the story at the end!

[@carlg500ci7]

Thanks Dave for all you do..great storie.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@kenmunneke4540]

Nice explanation. However watch out for tricky twist when backing on uneven ground. My first day solo with a set of trains I had to back out blind onto a four lane road. Trivia: the b train was a concept design by Hutchinson Industries in Toronto. They were asked to design a trailer that could carry more but could manoeuvre into tight locations.

[@SmartTrucking]

I've pulled Hutchinson tanks. Didn't realize they were the original designer. The sets I pulled out west in the 70's and 80's were Timpte's.

[@jmadventures9830]

I enjoyed driving these, I wish I still had that job.

[@SmartTrucking]

I always liked B trains!

[@jmadventures9830]

@@SmartTrucking i love them going forward only don't try and get me backing these up lol

[@LM.P]

Thank you. B doubles in my opinion are the hardest looking trailer set to back up. The local excavation company Elmer's always run them with gravel trains

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video! Mike did a great job on the toy truck.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes he sure did!

[@jonnothetrucker]

Interesting insight 🤔 👍 I drive a b double here in Australia, same as your b train, but both trailers have 3 axles, grossing I think about 149000 pound (68 ton). I've driven a fair few combinations here, our truck and dog (rigid truck with a trailer that has a permanent turntable and drawbar at the front) they wander a bit sometimes l, but are beautiful for manoeuvring around in tight places

[@augliew1]

When I was pulling double vans in the 1st few mths of my class A driving career, I uncoupled the trailers to dock them. ie what shipper wanted.

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

I've never pulled a set of A-trains or B-trains, but if I had to, I'd prefer the B-train. My trucker common sense tells me that a B-train is more controllable than an A-train, whether going forward or backward. I'm not a fan of hitches at all, and from my understanding, hitches are easier to lose control of. Since A-trains has a hitch and a fifth wheel, it would seem to me that they are harder to control. I could be wrong, though! Then, not to mention, B-trains also look better, too, in my opinion!

[@frankc1832]

Nice memory ! .. Thanks, Dave, to share with us. ✌️

[@simonnyman9031]

Excellent video as usual! Hope you have a great start to the new year!

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Simon, thanks!

[@mathieudery6883]

You should make a video on how to backup those road-trains that you love so much!

[@SmartTrucking]

I don't know how far a skilled guy could back those things up. I'll try to find out.

[@robp4616]

I'm subscribing for great information and even better story-telling. Thanks :D

[@denisivanov2801]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Happy New Year!

[@Rphasmid]

I hauled asphalt with a set of B trains about 1980. B trains were new to everyone at that time. As I recall my training consisted of something like: "Jimmy, your new B train is in the yard. Don't hit nuthin, eh."

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, that was about the extent of training back then!

[@gord2358]

Jim Duce - lmao!

[@ksolo1960]

Great video Dave!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@dhillonsavee]

Thanks for explaining... Have you experienced Saskatchewan road train setup with 2 53feet and 1 40 feet I guess. I believe Saskatchewan is only province allowing that setup. And thanks for best stories ..

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching! I've seen those road trains but never driven one. I don't believe they'd be safe in bad weather and high crosswinds.

[@MagnetOnlyMotors]

1:28 I got my class A licence in Ontario on March 24 of 1977, near Sutton. One of the first to acquire this. I got it driving a 1967 Autocar.

[@josejoya4520]

Great information. A lot of helpful info given. Thank you

[@benabraham9995]

I always like your story. God bless you Dave!

[@tuannguyen-yt8ty]

Very nice tip sir , very skillful driver 👍

[@imranafg]

I'm from Australia I'm on training how to back b double gee it's pretty confusing but the more practice I do the more I learn

[@SmartTrucking]

Practice makes perfect! You'll love the B's once you get the hang of them!

[@rolling3868]

Great video Mr. Dave. 👍👏✌👌happy new year. Thx for sharing the tips.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

Good story. Wish it were still like that now. Happy New Year to both you!

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy New Year Frodrick!

[@whout85]

I’ll be using this on my ATS thanks

[@TheUnsureFox]

I have never backed a set of a trains or B trains before. I would love to give it a shot one day. Great video, by the way! Your demo was perfect.

[@brucec0thegreat191]

Great video, very informative , loved the story at the end !!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir!

[@hughiecarbuilds9573]

I love watching your videos mate, we have road trains(A-train)up to 53m and B doubles up to 26m running everywhere in Australia there is very little single work except for in the cities

[@SmartTrucking]

I love watching the Australian road trains on utube. Cool as hell!

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Hugh, how far can a skilled driver back one of those things?

[@hughiecarbuilds9573]

as far as they need most of the time, it's just like anything else you'll get better with Practice

[@royfrench8847]

Try backing a couple of hay wagons just for fun.

[@vloggingtrucker1695]

Love your videos have helped me very much and look forward to each and everyone of them. Keep up the good work

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@manuelrincon9472]

Happy new year Sr for you and your family,Thankyou for all.🎊🎉🍻🎼

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy New Year to you Manuel!

[@ralphkrahn7440]

One year later ,still a Great Anecdote 🖖🙌