How to drive a big truck if you are small

Being short can be a problem. Along with the difficulty of reaching high shelves and keeping ladders close at hand, people tend to perceive you differently based solely on your height. While there are some unattainable things (pun intended) such as achieving the dream of becoming an NBA star, shorter people are capable of great things. These big things include driving big trucks - whether they're diesel semi-trucks or big cabs with lift kits.

Part 1 of 1: Driving a big truck if you are a small person

Step 1: Get help getting behind the driver's seat. The first problem for a small person when driving a big truck is to get inside.

If this is a one-time event, you can get a little help from a friend or a portable step stool to get into the cab. On the other hand, if you plan on driving a large truck regularly, you should be able to get in and out without assistance.

Install a truck side stand to get the extra boost you need.

Step 2. Make adjustments to get to the pedals.. Try moving the seat closer to the pedals to make it easier to push. As in the previous step, this is a perfectly acceptable method for infrequent or one-time driving trips.

Unfortunately, by moving the seat far forward, you put yourself at greater risk of injury in the event of a collision, being so close to the steering wheel and dashboard. The best long term solution is to attach one or more pedal extensions to bridge the gap between the controls and your petite feet. These pedal extensions fit over existing pedals for ease of installation and can be moved from car to car.

Step 3: Tilt the handlebar so that it is almost at shoulder level.. This arrangement gives you plenty of room to see the handlebars without craning your neck or leaning too far forward.

It also gives you more range of motion to make big turns without tiring your shoulders on long rides in your big truck.

Step 4: Adjust the mirrors. Once you've overcome the physical challenges, like getting inside and reaching for the pedals, the remaining challenge is getting the visibility you need to drive a big truck.

While it's important to adjust your mirrors every time you drive a new vehicle, it's even more important when driving a large truck.

Tilt the rear view mirror inside the cab and all side mirrors to minimize blind spots. This will help you evaluate your truck's relationship to other vehicles, curbs, and other aspects of your environment. They are also invaluable tools for stopping or parking a large truck.

Making these adjustments will greatly help a small person driving a large truck and can even be useful in any size vehicle or in any driving situation. Height should never stop a person from driving a large vehicle, and simple tweaks or additions can allow shorter people to make a living as semi-trailer drivers or take their families on outdoor tours in large XNUMXxXNUMX trucks. Also, it can be fun to watch the onlookers' faces as you step out of the cab of a truck that seems too big for the driver, although no one will ever guess until the driver's side door opens and you stand next to the truck from the outside.