When you’re out on the road, hauling those big loads across the country, you’re bound to encounter some Backroads. These winding, narrow, and often less-traveled routes can be a challenge for big trucks. But fear not, because with the right approach, you can safely navigate your way through these less conventional paths. So, lets dive into some tips on how to drive a big truck on back roads without a hitch.
- Drive Slowly
One of the key rules when tackling backroads in a big truck is to take it slow. Unlike the smooth expanses of highways, these roads are often riddled with potholes, bumps, and hills that can be quite the challenge to navigate. To tackle these obstacles safely, drive cautiously and steadily.
With more twists and turns than your typical highway and the absence of the flat, easy stretches you might be used to, it’s crucial to exercise patience. By doing so, you’ll ensure both your truck and trailer reach their destination without any unfortunate accidents or mishaps.
- Prepare for Wide Turns
Backroads are notorious for their narrowness, and this can be a real test for big trucks that require significantly more road space than your average commuter car. When you encounter these narrow roads, you’ll often find yourself having to make wide turns to maneuver your trailer and lengthy truck around sharp corners. This means you must ensure there are no vehicles in the oncoming lane next to you that might get caught up in your wide turn.
Before executing any wide turns, always double-check that you have plenty of open space on both sides of your truck, both in front and behind it, ensuring that there’s enough room for your wide maneuver without any unexpected obstacles.
- Maintain Adequate Space
Because you never know what might suddenly appear around a tight corner on a backroad, it’s crucial to maintain a generous distance between your big truck and any other vehicles sharing the road with you. Given the size of your truck compared to most others, it’ll take you a bit longer to come to a complete stop if something unexpected crosses your path.
By keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, you’ll reduce the chances of having to slam on the brakes suddenly, making your journey smoother and safer for everyone involved.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather
Backroads often don’t receive the same level of maintenance as major highways, especially in inclement weather. If you’re traveling during the winter or when heavy rainfall is expected, it might be a good idea to reconsider taking your semi-truck on backroads that are prone to flooding or snow accumulation.
The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where your big truck slides off a backroad in the middle of nowhere due to adverse weather conditions. Staying updated on the weather forecast can help you make informed decisions about when to tackle those backroads and when it might be better to wait for safer conditions.
While these tips cover some essential considerations for driving a big truck on backroads, they certainly aren’t the only things to keep in mind. But they provide a solid foundation to ensure your journey across the country, whether on backroads or highways, is as smooth and safe as possible.
Now, if you’re in need of a big truck to help transport or tow anything when the need arises, remember that MANN’s Wrecker Services is here to assist you! Just dial (731) 424-2173 for our heavy-duty wrecker services or 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. Our mission is to keep you moving, no matter where the road takes you!
