How to tie a Trucker’s Hitch

The Trucker’s Hitch is not just any knot; it’s a dependable tool that’s easy to tie in practical situations. DJ, Canadian firefighter and channel host, assures that the “Trucker’s Hitch is truly one of the best knots you can learn.” In this Bear Essentials demonstration video, he explains:

“Along with an easy quick release, it boasts a mechanical advantage, which essentially multiplies your strength.”

That mechanical advantage, thanks to its makeshift pulley structure, means that each unit of applied force yields two to three times the resulting force. So if you exert 10 pounds of force to pull the rope, the knot should secure the load with 20 to 30 pounds of force. DJ notes:

“The Mechanical Advantage is technically 3:1 but I round down for the sake of friction loss of the rope anchors.”

Use this tension hitch when you need to secure heavy loads. As suggested by its name, truckers use it to secure their cargo during transportation, but it can also be used to secure a boat’s sail, strap a Christmas tree onto the roof of a car, install a laundry line, get proper tension on a tarp shelter, and other practical uses.

DJ also demonstrates an auto-locking method that he calls “game-changing.”

Trucker’s hitch has a lot of different names, including a Harvester’s Hitch, a Lorry Knot, a Dolly Knot, and a Power Cinch, to name a few. Animated Knots has Trucker’s Hitch step by step photos that echo the demonstration above.

Watch these related knot and pulley videos next:
• Japanese square lashing, a video demonstration
• Animated Knots – How to tie a Figure 8 knot
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