The Trucker’s Hitch (also called the Lorry Knot) is a self binding knot. It’s most common use is for tying loads to secure them to a fixed point. For example to secure a canoe to a car top, a tarp to a trailer, or any application where a very tight rope is needed.
This knot has many advantages. It is non-jamming, can be tied anywhere in the standing part of a line, and even under the most severe tension, these knots remain easy to untie.
The Trucker’s Hitch is a knot that should be in every outdoorsman’s arsenal, whether you prefer the classic version or a modified variant. It will serve you in countless ways.
How To Tie The Trucker’s Hitch
This knot has many steps and might seem overwhelming at first. The goal is to provide several “layers” of reinforcement so that the load stays secure on your truck.
1. Arrange The Cord In a Backwards S Above Your Connector
Lay your cord out on a flat surface so that it forms a backwards letter S. Arrange the item to which you will be connecting the knot (such as a hook, trailer hitch, carabiner, or other object) below the cord.
2. Add Another Loop To The S
Pull the tail at the top of the S so that it doubles back toward the main part of the “letter”. Create another loop and let the tail hang up above the whole thing.
3. Arrange The Right Cord On Top
Move the right side of the S so that it lays down the center of the knot, making two parallel lines in the middle. There should be a loop on either side.
4. Pull Both Loops To The Right
Pull the loop on the left across the center so that both loops lay to the right of the central lines.
5. Pull To Close The Top Loop
Holding the bottom loop to anchor it, pull from the top to tighten the upper loop.
6. Guide The Cord Through The Connector
At this point you will attach the connector to the knot. To do this, guide the tail down and through the connector. Then circle back up through the loop and let the tail hang to the left.
7. Pull The Cord Down And To The Left
Pull the tail down so that it hangs alongside the connector. You will change this momentarily, but make sure to do it before moving on to the next step.
8. Pull The Tail To The Right
Move the tail behind the lower loop in the cord, letting it hang to the right of the entire structure.
9. Pull The End Through The Loop
Guide the tail back through the bottom loop to the left. At this point, you are simply weaving the end through multiple times to reinforce the knot’s security.
10. Pull The Tail Back Through The Bottom Loop To Complete The Knot
Pull the tail to tighten, then thread it one last time through the bottom loop to complete the knot.
You can get all kinds of lengths of 550 lb paracord at Amazon to practice this knot or for use tying the trucker’s hitch.
Tips on Tying The Trucker’s Hitch
To complete a Trucker’s Hitch, make sure to pull it tight from the working end. This adds extra security through a mechanical advantage of 2:1. You may also want to learn variations that complete the knot with a taut line hitch or double half hitch, both of which decrease the risk of slipping.
Variations On The Trucker’s Hitch
The Trucker’s Hitch has many variations. These use the same basic construction but vary midline loops or other elements to add extra security or reduce slippage or jamming.
Variations include:
- An Alpine butterfly instead of a slip knot as the midline loop
- Bowline on a Bight instead of slip knot
- Sheepshank knot (which lets you release the knot quickly)
- Slipped Half Hitch
- Artillery loop
- Span loop
- Overhand loop
Advantages Of The Trucker’s Hitch
One of the biggest advantages of the Trucker’s Hitch is that it can bear a lot of weight thanks to its extremely secure construction. This knot is not prone to slipping but can still be untied easily. It is also simple to pull tight.
Disadvantages Of The Trucker’s Hitch
The main disadvantage of the Trucker’s Hitch is that it can cause wear and tear if used repeatedly on the same cord or rope. Similarly, if you pull it too tightly while securing tarps, you may rip the material.
History Of The Trucker’s Hitch
Ironically, despite the knot’s name, the Trucker’s Hitch predates the invention of the automobile. It was originally used by hawkers who carted their wares on horse-drawn carts. They used variations of the Trucker’s Hitch to secure their carts for transport. The knot has remained a reliable choice for securing loads during transportation, eventually becoming associated with trucking.
Uses For The Trucker’s Hitch
Although the knot gets its name from its use in trucking, there are many uses for the Trucker’s Hitch. You’ll find this knot and its variations used everywhere from boating to camping. It is a versatile knot used as a general anchoring knot for loads.
Survival Situations
The Trucker’s Hitch can be used to create an anchor for climbing. This can be extremely useful if you ever need to haul a load or even a person up an incline, especially as you can substitute any anchoring device — such as a tree — for a hook or carabiner.
Fishing
The Trucker’s Hitch is not widely used in fishing.
Hunting
The Trucker’s Hitch is not specified for use in hunting. However, it is so versatile and practical that you may be able to find a use for it in this capacity.
Camping
You can use the Truckers Hitch to secure hammocks to trees. Alternatively, it is widely used to tie the ridgelines on tarps, which has uses in both camping and trucking.
Around The House/Other
The Trucker’s Hitch is most widely used to secure loads to trailers or trucks for safer transport. However, it may also be used to secure small boats such as canoes or kayaks to cars, or, alternatively, to secure loads to boats.
Related Knots
The Trucker’s Hitch is related to the Prusik knot, the Sheepshank, the Slipped Half Hitch, and the Versatackle knot.
To Tie a Simple Trucker’s Hitch:
| You must first tie a quick release loop above the tie-down point. To do this, create a small bight with the running end, leaving plenty of tag to work with. |  |
| When this is complete, pass the running end around or through the tie-down point then pass it through the quick release loop. |  |
| Pull down on the running end to tighten. |  |
| Secure the knot with two half-hitches. |  |
| Pull tight. |  |
