New Truck + Spatial Awareness?

[Ser Menalak]

Hello all,

 

I had introduced myself prior but I never uploaded pics. Here is the new truck! Silverado 1500 Z71 LT 4WD 5.3L V8 Mdinight Edition. I plan to do some stuff to it later on so I'll probably be in here inquiring about some modifications. What I wanted to ask today was about spatial awareness. I've been driving an SUV for the last 6 years and with this truck I feel like I have no idea where the edges are. For instance, I go to park and I pull up behind the car in the space ahead to where I think I'm near it and it turns out I have another 3 feet to go and my tail is sticking out. I'm afraid to pull more forward because from where I am in the drivers seat it looks like inches. I know some of this just comes with time but does anyone have any tips to help me learn spatial awareness of this truck quicker? Thanks guys.

 

[The Zip]

With a truck like that you're probably leaning low , but driving an SUV should have provided some training. Use a truck door next to you, sit up a bit until you find your groove, then drop it low again

[Mdavila2]

Comes with time, your scared to hit it or whatever which is fine because so am I. Just becareful, so what if you have to pull up 2 more feet. You will get a hold of things in time, and before you know it you will be driving it like its a little Chevy aveo.

 

And congrats on the new truck. Really like the color match.

[cjd10]

Know what you mean. I drove my 2001 Sierra 1500 for fourteen years and knew exactly where my front bumper and tires were when parking. I've had this new Silverado for about three weeks and I'm still getting used to the front end on this thing. Backing up isn't as much of an issue, but I am getting more used to it each day. Only tip I can give is give it time and if you have to back up and re-park no big deal. Of course you could always do like I do and park way away from everyone else when possible. I know my baby's going to get dented or scratched sooner or later but I'd like to avoid it as long as I can.

That Midnight Edition is beautiful btw, Congratulations!

[BenzTruck300!]

First month in mine i was having a hard time parking it when pulling into a space. i said heck with it and now back in everywhere.

 

A lot easier to leave too.

[Big_D]

First month in mine i was having a hard time parking it when pulling into a space. i said heck with it and now back in everywhere.

 

A lot easier to leave too.

 

I back in everywhere too. Its a safety thing at work with the company truck so I've been parking like this for years now lol

[ember1205]

As already stated, use a similar vehicle next to you to line up mirrors, door handles, whatever... Look for reflective surfaces, too, though and use those to actually see the front of your truck while you're parking. Often times, you can see your vehicle being reflected in the paint of the car next to you.

 

Or do what I do... Just back the thing in and use the camera.

[thewhitestallion]

back in to parking spots, much easier to maneuver the truck into the space and you have the rear view camera to help you (im assuming you have one).

 

- OR -

 

when pulling forward just keeping going until you bump the object in front of you and then back up a inch or two! haha jk

[Imcrazy]

Just do like most women do, drive by feel! I had a similar issue with my truck and to be honest I'm still usually about 1' from things when I'm thinking I'm less than 6". I learned to drive in a boat of a car, 88 Mercury Grand Marquis so I'm used to a longer hood but, the truck has such a bulky hood, which I love from a styling perspective, that it makes it a little tough to judge at times. Like others said I back in a lot.

[Ron.s]

I found that raising my seat height to the max helped a lot. I started low for ease of entry but had no feel parking and even on the highway. Try raising your seat and then time in the saddle will help also.

[ember1205]

I found that raising my seat height to the max helped a lot. I started low for ease of entry but had no feel parking and even on the highway. Try raising your seat and then time in the saddle will help also.

 

+1

 

I always raise my seat in every vehicle I drive because I get better positioning to navigate traffic, parking, and everything else. It's such a standard thing for me to do, that it didn't even come to mind as an aide.

[irish4life8911]

Trade your truck in and get a truck with front park assist? I love front park assist.

 

But yes, raise your seat some, and keep in mind that the front of your hood is the front of your truck. It doesn't stick out further. Flat front. And you will get used to it. If not, back in everywhere

[j-ten-ner]

Practice, practice, practice. Like backing up a trailer.

One can explain in the loveliest colors, it won't help a lot.

And since you know the basics there is only learning by doing.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[FormerFordGuy]

I've had my Silverado for almost a year now and i still have trouble. I'm getting a little better with practice.

 

I've been driving F150s for the past 20 years and I never had any trouble with them. I don't know why it's different.

 

With the Silverado I can't seem to judge where the passenger front corner is.

[RobDarden]

Nice looking truck! Like others say...you will get use to the spatial judgements. On a similar note, I rode in the back of my crew cab the other day for the first time. The truck seemed much bigger from the back seat than when I set up front. I could really see the spatial compensation I do daily driving it.