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Trucker's hitch variations.

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Jan 31, 2013
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In the mountains North of Montreal.
Have used a variation of this knot for many years now and don't find it particularly easy to undo, nor easy long term on the life of the rope when used often. There are many variations proposed on the internet via video or illustrated instructions, but I prefer to hear from the people here as to what method they have found to be the trucker’s hitch that works for them. Thanks gang.
G.
 
Here's an animated (very) vid on tying it:
But here's how I do it, sometimes (usually?) without the added knot at the end
. It's held up over many thousands of miles, both as belly lines (I now use NRS straps) as well as bow lines. After use, I always untie it, helping to keep the set out.
 
The REI video @Mason linked to is how I used to do it. But as @Sweetfancymoses suggests, I sometimes found that the slip knot didn't release easily, especially when I really cranked some tension into the trucker's hitch..

So now when I create the loop for the slip knot, I add an extra twist of the loop before feeding the bight through. Definitely helps the slip knot release more readily.

When using thin line like a tarp ridge line or parachute cord, I also find it useful to run the working end through the loop twice (after coming around the tree or other tie off point) before cranking down on it. Some folks call this an "automatic" trucker's hitch because the second wrap through the loop automatically prevents the tension from being released while you tie off (no need to pinch all the lines together).

By the way, I don't think I'd ever use a trucker's hitch on a tent guy line as is shown in the REI video. I'd be afraid the mechancial advantage of the trucker's hitch would rip the guy line attachment point right off of the tent fly. So for guy lines I just use a taut line hitch. Easily adjusted and holds sufficiently but there's no mechanical advantage.
 
The REI video @Mason linked to is how I used to do it. But as @Sweetfancymoses suggests, I sometimes found that the slip knot didn't release easily, especially when I really cranked some tension into the trucker's hitch..

So now when I create the loop for the slip knot, I add an extra twist of the loop before feeding the bight through. Definitely helps the slip knot release more readily.

When using thin line like a tarp ridge line or parachute cord, I also find it useful to run the working end through the loop twice (after coming around the tree or other tie off point) before cranking down on it. Some folks call this an "automatic" trucker's hitch because the second wrap through the loop automatically prevents the tension from being released while you tie off (no need to pinch all the lines together).

By the way, I don't think I'd ever use a trucker's hitch on a tent guy line as is shown in the REI video. I'd be afraid the mechancial advantage of the trucker's hitch would rip the guy line attachment point right off of the tent fly. So for guy lines I just use a taut line hitch. Easily adjusted and holds sufficiently but there's no mechanical advantage.
I do the same. I put at least two twists put usually three into the line when tying the overhand slip knot.
 
I don't use a slip-loop half hitch to tie off under the slipknot when using the truckers hitch to tie down a boat on a vehicle. I don't want a free loop flapping in the wind when I'm driving at highway speeds for hours. I'd also be afraid that the slip-loop half hitch would come loose during such driving. I just use a half hitch under the slipknot, or perhaps several half hitches to use up any free line.

My system can't untie as quickly slip-loop half hitches, but I've never had any real problem undoing the half hitches or slipknot even with ¼ inch line. Fingernails help. I'll try the double twist on the slipknot loop next time.
 
By the way, I don't think I'd ever use a trucker's hitch on a tent guy line as is shown in the REI video. I'd be afraid the mechancial advantage of the trucker's hitch would rip the guy line attachment point right off of the tent fly. So for guy lines I just use a taut line hitch. Easily adjusted and holds sufficiently but there's no mechanical advantage.
I use it all the time. Just don't pull too tight on the pulley system, and do pull tight on the knot when finishing.
 
I also use the slip knot but when I pass my line through it, I do not do the "pinch thing" to hold it as I do the half hitch, I bring he line back around and through again. The extra bites a little and thus no pinch is necessary. Kinda hard to describe. I have never had an issue with the slip knot being too tight to undue. In gact it is wuite easy. I wonder if my slip knot is different, I know my method is much simpler than they way the video showed it.
 
I also use the slip knot but when I pass my line through it, I do not do the "pinch thing" to hold it as I do the half hitch, I bring he line back around and through again. The extra bites a little and thus no pinch is necessary. Kinda hard to describe. I have never had an issue with the slip knot being too tight to undue. In gact it is wuite easy. I wonder if my slip knot is different, I know my method is much simpler than they way the video showed it.
How hard it is to undo the slip knot depends not only on how much tension is applied to it, but also on the diameter of the line and its frictional properties. In some instances it can be difficult to undo.
 
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