A driver is attempting to back a combination vehicle into a tight dock. To achieve the sharpest turn with the trailer, where should the driver look primarily?
- AIn the mirror on the side opposite the direction of the turn.
- BIn the right-side mirror to watch the trailer's rear.
- CIn the left-side mirror to watch the tractor's rear wheels.
- DStraight ahead to monitor the tractor's direction.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. In the mirror on the side opposite the direction of the turn.
When backing a combination vehicle, particularly for a sharp turn, the driver needs to watch the trailer's movement. To turn the trailer in a specific direction, you steer the tractor in the opposite direction. Therefore, you primarily look in the mirror on the side opposite the direction you want the trailer to go to monitor its progress and prevent jackknifing.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Only looking in one specific mirror might miss critical information from the other side, especially when initiating the turn.
- C. Watching tractor wheels is part of the process, but not the primary focus for sharp trailer turns.
- D. Looking straight ahead primarily is ineffective for guiding a trailer during a turn.
Backing Combination Vehicles (Mirror Use)
When backing a combination vehicle, to turn the trailer, steer the tractor in the opposite direction of the desired trailer turn, and primarily watch the mirror on the side opposite the direction of the turn to monitor trailer movement.
- Steer tractor opposite to desired trailer turn.
- Use mirrors constantly.
- Primary focus is the mirror on the side opposite the turn for guiding the trailer's rear.
Memory trick: Opposite steer, opposite mirror, that's how you get your trailer clear.