Backing In

[TexasTruck72]

I like to back in when possible. Some of my reasons are so I can see my grill and because its easier to see the crazy fast parking lot drivers if you're closer to the aisle. Also, most parking lots don't allow for any easy parking for old trucks, especially LWBs with no p/s. Sometimes I back in for easy-loading. Other times I pull in front first up against a retaining wall, etc so that no one can pop the hood to mess with the engine(not that I have had that problem, just think about stuff like that).

Oh yeah, another advantage of backing in is that I don't have to drive through my own smoke clouds. FYI, sometimes when I crank the truck and it fires up and good amount of white smoke blows out the tailpipe for a second or two. A few times I have accidentally blown a significant puff of smoke right into an adjacent parked car when their door or window was open. I know it was bad for them, but it was kinda funny at the same time.

[PhantomoftheBumpside]

Tell your friend to turn around and walk backwards... when he does, smack him in the back of the head and yell "That's Why!"

[guerra]

Not wanting to be a prick, But your work mate has to much time on his hands...Why and how people park is not my biggest worry in a day...

[rjewkes]

also thinking about it where i live is in a blind corner, i should consider backing in as that way wichever way i need to head i can just point and go, no back out stop, change gear, go.

[dirtwrench]

I'm in the "easier to drive straight out than back out with crazy drivers running around parking lots" group. I also fit the "it makes my wife mad" crew.

I actually am one of the freaks who back everything in- tractors, grain truck, pick up, cars, etc. When I was young and learning to drive, it was a LOT easier to get through the snow drift outside the shop door going foreward. I learned to back in. Later on in life, when we had snow to move, the tractor was backed in so I could just push straight out rather than trying to get turned around in deep snow.

Once you get in the habit of backing in to parking spaces, garages, etc, you just do it. Doesn't matter if there really is a need or purpose.

[Crabenho]

Bet the "work mate" drives a Prius.

[woods]

Why does he not drive a bright pink rabbit convertible with a life size mayor McCheese mannequin in the passenger seat? Because he has a preference not to do that. You prefer to back in. The world has other people in it and some do different things than others (he made to sit down for that information due to the shock). If it's not hurting anyone and it's something you prefer to do, then "just because I feel like it" really is an acceptable answer.

[DuckRyder]

I back in because my work truck has a backup alarm and I frequently leave in the wee hours of the morning, figure the neighbors would rather hear it at 4:00PM than 4:00AM.

Aside from that the thing that bothers me about parking is not whether they back in or not but whether the lines on the spaces even entered the parkers realm of consciousness. I mean for god sakes 90% of the Suburbans, Expeditions and Yukons that I see have the rear tire a foot and a half into the adjoining space THEN they get pissed when someone parks to close and they can't get in. Seriously there should be some sort of test before you can buy a full size SUV or extended cab truck.

[couchcuts]

Bet the "work mate" drives a Prius.

Now we are getting somewhere, I would back into a parking spot with a Prius in it.

[rjewkes]

Bet the "work mate" drives a Prius.

Bet it's powder puff Blue.

[rltvader]

1. Gives me practice backing with my mirrors. (Backing out is easier, so backing in takes more talent)
2. I back in if there is no traffic, when I leave it might be busy.
3. Irritates my wife.
4. I don't need a reason.
5. I would do it just to irritate your friend, who needs professional help.

My friend likes your answer, "but still thinks its retarded to back in".
Here is a link he would like to share with ya'll.
http://mockable.org/people-who-back-int ... ss-my-ass/

[Mancar1]

I yam what I yam, and I does what I does.

[Bob]

well, I think you've all missed the most obvious reason - especially when driving an old vehicle. It's much easier to get a jump start with the front sticking out!!

Also easier to bump start if need be... Lot harder to get it to roll over in reverse than 3rd or 4th.

We have an old...old curb service resteraunt here that has always been a very busy place. In the summer especially it's a major hangout for both young and old folks. A flash of the lights means you want to race. There's a big straightaway right above the place where you go line up if you dare. The diner parking lot is a big U shape that is one way in and drive around and out. When rolling in to dine and check out everyones hot rods and the babes etc. you back in so you can see everyone. A person would look like a major dork pulling head in.

I also like a response that came up about pointing the truck toward the sunrise so you get a little free-bee defrost. I do that in the winter at the house all the time. I always back in unless I can roll through. Got to back up once either way so might as well do it when you just got a good survey of the surrounding stuff as you drove past the spot to back into. You then have the most recent assessment of the situation.

[woods]

I don't question his "alternative" lifestyle, not sure why he is so worried about mine. But...if you wish to worry about why some people are different than you and are not all good little clone worker bees, wearing khaki pants and drinking whatever hanus crap is advertised because you think everyone else does, well, that is your choice and I support it. I for one will not eat crap just because I have seen 20 billion flies do it. Try something new, be daring, back into your spot. It's a crazy rush.

[Ranchero50]

I pull in, if I get nailed pulling out at least I can salvage the front clip...

I'm pretty sure when I get my F350 done it'll be too long to fit in a regular spot anyways...