How to Parallel Park a Pickup Truck

by Editorial Team

Pickup trucks can be hard to maneuver because their height restricts visibility in tight places. But parallel parking a pickup can be just as easy as parking a smaller vehicle if you take it slow and know what to watch for. Read on to learn how to safely parallel park a pickup truck.

Step 1

Pull up alongside the vehicle parked in front of the open space. You are going to use that vehicle as a guide to maneuver your pickup truck into the parking space. Be sure you are not too close. Leave the same distance between the vehicles that you would if you were parking.

Step 2

Back up slowly. Leave your directional signal on so that any cars coming up behind you know to stay out of your way. Other drivers should see the empty space and your backup lights and realize you are parallel parking.

Step 3

Turn toward the curb. When you have backed up to the point where your body (sitting in the driver's seat) is in line with the back end of the vehicle next to you, start to turn the wheel so that the back end of your truck moves toward the curb.

Step 4

Continue backing but turn the wheel the other way. Use your right side mirror to monitor your proximity to the curb while also keeping an eye on the front end of the pickup truck. Once your truck has cleared the vehicle in front of you, you can turn the wheel in the other direction to bring the front end closer to the curb.

Step 5

Straighten out and stop. Once the front end of the pickup truck gets in line with the back end, you are all set. Continue to move slowly and watch the side mirrors until this happens. Remember, when properly parked, you will not be able to see the front end of the vehicle behind you in the rear-view mirror.

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