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

The Secret to Backing Up B-Trains. It IS easier than reversing a 53' trailer, IF you know the secret to the process. In this video, I will demonstrate the easiest way to backup a set of B-Trains (B-Doubles).

The configuration of B-Trains is more common in Canada, and Australia and New Zealand. We some B-Trains in the Pacific Northwest US.

When backing up a set of B-Trains, the most important thing to remember is positioning of the trailers.

Watch the video to learn how to correctly position the 2 trailers, when backing up a set of B-Trains into a dock.

MORE RELATED VIDEOS

-- HOW TO BACK UP A TRACTOR TRAILER

RELATED ARTICLES ON SMART TRUCKING WEBSITE

Also check out these articles on our website for more backing up tips:

Backing Up

Truck Driver Skills

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[gord]

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.

[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

[jonasplett]

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

[cassiuspuckett]

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!!!

[Plyst]

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.

[farmerbrown]

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.

[brentreid]

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.

[darrenmorris]

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

[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.

[tomnewham]

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

[sigarms]

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.

[markr]

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

[semihappy]

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

[raypratt]

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.

[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.

[lordrichard]

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

[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.

[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.

[TBonerton]

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

[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-