When backing a tractor-semitrailer, which direction must you turn the steering wheel to make the rear of the trailer go left?

BACKING A COMBINATION VEHICLE is counterintuitive because the articulation point (fifth wheel) reverses the relationship between steering wheel direction and trailer movement. THE RULE: The trailer goes in the OPPOSITE direction of where you turn the steering wheel. To move the trailer LEFT: turn the steering wheel to the RIGHT; to move the trailer RIGHT: turn the steering wheel to the LEFT. WHY: When you turn right, the tractor's rear swings left (as it would driving forward — oversteering); the trailer, articulated at the fifth wheel, responds to this by moving left relative to the tractor, so the trailer's rear goes left. BACKING TECHNIQUE: Use small steering inputs — small corrections early are easier to manage than large corrections after the trailer has significantly deviated; use mirrors constantly — alternate between left and right exterior mirrors; back slowly; the GOAL POSITION RULE: Keep the trailer's path in line with your target; correct any deviation immediately with a slight steering input in the direction you want the trailer to go (which means turning the opposite way); WHEN YOU GET LOST: If the trailer gets into an extreme angle, pull forward, straighten out the combination completely, and start the backing maneuver over. PRACTICE TIP: Place your hand at the BOTTOM of the steering wheel — when you move it left, the trailer goes left; this can help build the correct mental model while learning.