How to Tie the Truckies (Truckers) Hitch 3 Different Ways. Hitches to Secure Your Load with Rope.

This week I revisit one of my more popular older videos with a couple of new techniques. I demonstrate how to tie the truckies (truckers) hitch 3 different ways. A short, easy hitch (less strong than the truckies hitch) features at the end, for those who may not have a long enough rope to tie the regular truckies hitch. Subscribe for a new video each week! New content uploaded every weekend.
My Channel / @farmlearningtim

[@kenrasmussen4270]

at last someone that know how to tie a rope , my father was a truck driver for 40 years and showed me how to tie the first version of this knot when I was 12 year old and is a skill that has stayed with me all of my life (thanks dad) the 3rd version is very hard on the rope.

[@nancejo]

My dad taught me the third one. I make the loop up on the rope with one hand. It really helps in certain situations to be able to that one handed.

[@chuckprichard3691]

I do a variation on the third version. I have a rope I've been using that way since 1985. It's a good rope.

[@JamesStaaks8182]

Ratchet straps have killed people’s need for knots like this sadly.

[@jimjohnston4130]

Hi bhhbhj

[@maxenra]

@@JamesStaaks8182 And then there's people like me who enjoy practicing these used-to-be basic skills and putting them to use instead of using those ratchet straps! With practice, these hitches can be setup more quickly than having to manage hooks and strapping.

[@mrenormouscroc]

Thanks Mate, simple, clear, not a whole lot of unnecessary blabbing, much appreciated.

[@lexloose2112]

Many thanks for the clear presentation

[@bjb0808]

Excellent video. Puts the amateurs to shame. No fiddling around, just clear instructions (and not at the speed of light). Very well filmed too. Could see everything. Thank you so much. Now to practice!

[@aftonhalters]

there is something about that tightening squeaky sound (cinching) that just makes me say YESSSSS :D

[@FarmLearningTim]

Doesn’t happen often..... but I’m lost for words......

[@gav_bray]

This is far and away the best tutorial that I've found demonstrating how to tie a truckies hitch. Slow and detailed advice. Definitely worth a watch. ❤

[@wilryanson]

Thank you for showing the freaking clove hitch!!! EVERY OTHER VIDEO NEGLECTS the other end of the rope! YOU'RE THE MAN!

[@FarmLearningTim]

😂

[@harryl7946]

Was taught this truckers knot by a nice driver out of Cali. I was in Arkansas and he was transporting what he had purchased from my employer. He asked “Do you know what a truckers knot is?” And the rest is history. Thanks for bringing back his memory.

[@diasahgasparias5991]

Holy fucking shit, this was my science teacher in HS, always was a fucking legend good to see he’s still a stud. Onya mr Thompson

[@FarmLearningTim]

Ummm……. thanks…..

[@josephkovacs102]

I've had a number of people showing me how to the truckies hitch but this was the best presentation so far & even the though I rarely need to tie loads down, I now feel confident in doing it after several practice sessions. So thanks Tim.

[@paulmcgaw6976]

Best example on KZbin! Thankyou good sir!

[@robbflynn4325]

I'm 53 and just bought a length of rope to practice knots, I think knots are awesome and learning different ones is good brain exercise!

[@mickadams1905]

My Dad taught me this once but I forgot after a while. Luckily we now have you tube..

[@gadget58]

Well it’s about dam time someone showed a proper truckers hitch. And I also commend you on the easy way you taught people how to tie it. 👍🏼 I see so many people tie an axe knot most times what you showed can always be taken off without having to cut the rope. Hats off to ya.

[@omnarasi9637]

At last, a video that shows how to tie a double trucker's hitch step by step. THANK YOU.

[@Nora_meow99]

Good

[@TheHuntForSupper]

Very well done and methodical explaining on how to tie the truckers' hitch. Thank you so very much and cheers!

[@mikesatchell4419]

Tim, I just discovered your channel. I’m not a truck driver or a farmer but I’ve been entertained and educated by you. The truckers hitch has always eluded me. You’ve now giving me simple instructions (and a great video) and shown me how to do something I knew existed but was always a failure at. Thank you so much.

[@pnjoseph5067]

Sufficiently slowly performed so that one can follow how the rope is manipulated to form the hitch. Good demonstration.Thank you.

[@littlebrookreader949]

You taught that SO well! I appreciate how clear it was in what you were doing with the rope and also your verbal instruction! Very good! Now I need to go practice!

[@johnrambo7630]

This video gives a person a sense of accomplishment, learning something very useful.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Thanks mate. That’s an awesome thing to say. Very kind.

[@surfman6230]

Finally the correct way

[@donfischer1387]

Drove truck's for 30 yrs myself. First video where I've seen some tie it right.

[@stevenredondo1052]

Thanks mate, you bailed me out at work.

[@m.macdog5113]

Man this was the best demo ever

[@neilshepherd1904]

Finally someone who knows how to tie a good truckies hitch. Having said that, I tie it differently again, but it gives an almost identical result as the first two. Cheers.

[@brianthesnail3815]

When I was a child I used to work on my father's farm and we stacked bales on trailers to bring them home to the farm across fairly rough and sloping field about 10 bales high and weighing about 3 tonnes . I learned the truckers hitch from my father. I only weighed about 6 stone but even with my tiny weight I could get a rope about 40 feet long thrown over and over the trailer as tight as a guitar string. We didnt quite do it the way demonstrated here as we used a version that didn't end up with knots in the rope when undone so we could get a quick turn round. We used free standing loops that stayed stable as long as the rope was under tension but collapsed as soon as the tension was loose. Absolutely worth learning to do the truckers hitch, so useful in so many places and I still use it 50 years later.

[@traviscarr6536]

I think what you’re talking about is a construct of loops moreover than what most would consider knots. If it’s the same thing I’m thinking of then it was my fathers favorite way to tie down things.

[@brianthesnail3815]

@@traviscarr6536 Yes that sounds about right. I remember it was possible to get the rope really tight like a guitar string. Something like using a multiple pully system to lift a heavy weight with a small weight. I have a recollection that the first loop was a simple overhand knot and obviously the last was tied off with a knot too.

[@jacob7ph]

Been re-watching this everytime i'm loading something on the ute, which is few and far between. Thanks mate! This has been my definitive guide.

[@gerardojr.mendoza442]

Plain and simple explanation. Easy to follow instructions. Nice guy.

[@philipcoorey8710]

They are great knots Tim, we used them regularly when moving pallets of fruit and veg. I still use rope whenever I can....they lazy brigade are all over ratchets now. No more calluses 😂 Thanks for some very clear instruction.

[@b0ris360]

best description so far

[@buddha4tw]

Just got my HR licence so this will be very useful, thanks.

[@patrickmcdevittjr4087]

Excellent videos thank you for them especially the truckers hitch

[@DRJMF1]

Brilliantly clear demonstration. Easily the best commentary and filming of the knotting procedures.thank you, I have something to copy to enable safe transport of wood on my trailer.

[@007yankeesrule]

I have only heard and used the last one. But now I will try the first. Looks more sturdy. Thank you for all three demos.

[@bobbailey7024]

This is the best video ever on tying the Truckies hitch. Thanks.

[@Atomicv_2]

Something I never bothered learning because rachet straps and tie downs are easy to get at Bunnings... But I went out and bought a rope to practice using this video, cheers mate you made it too easy, thanks for the life lesson . I'll now throw a couple of ropes in the back of the ute.

[@Akula114]

Cheers, Tim! I'd only ever learned the third, simple hitch. Great to know the proper ways to tie a heavier load. Well done!

[@lockierach]

Gotta love the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) rule, now i'll look like i know what i'm doing, not a fool fumbling around and ending up with a granny knot. Thanks Tim, awesome demonstration.

[@Kumquatllc]

I learned a version of the truckers hitch in the Navy when I drove a stake truck. Baffled many bosun’s when I would break down the knot. Was asked to show how I tied it and I’d do it extra fast to show off…..

[@calebware3704]

Best explanation and variation yet.

[@brotherjackson1144]

About time I learnt how to do a truckies hitch. Great clear demonstration. 👍Thanks

[@daven953]

Cool. Been trucking for 40 years. I have always used the third one, just slightly different. Thanks. I'm going to try your first 2 for a bit.

[@easttexan2933]

None of those loops are any stronger than the other. They all have one thing in common. Force is applied to one loop and that's the weakest link. Your third example is the easiest and quickest to undo and just as strong. My opinion of course. Great video.

[@audioawesome9527]

Thanks for that. I've had different people over the years teach me a truckies hitch. And become confused because each of them taught me their version which were all differemt and so confused me. Your video just cleared that up. Simple but helpful video. Thanks mate.

[@roadrunner3867]

With one exception, this the first video I have seen that clearly shows the hand movement to make that upper knot. Well done.

[@ThereisnogodTING]

You should try that with a 50' rope, pulling it all through that bar. Get some roping hooks fixed under the body and do some proper dolly knots. SO much quicker and easier.

[@enigmascape]

I worked on the dock for a trucking company 30 years ago and they taught me the last knot. My dad (a trucker) always used the proper truckers knot and its pissed him off for 30 years that I never bothered to do it the proper way. He was more interested in trying to show off how quickly he could tie the proper knot when he was trying to teach me. Trying to make others look stupid was (and still is) his MO. So, being the smart-ass son that I am, each time he would show me I would simply do the easy version and remain just as dumb as he chose to try and make me look. He'd get angry, then I'd get angry and say "I aint trying to earn a knot tying badge today so re-tie it you're dam self if it aint good enough for ya" and then go hop in the truck yelling "we're burnin' daylight here, whats the holdup?" as he stubbornly retied it (even tho it could be as simple as tying down a wheel barrow to drive 5 miles down the road with). I've never had a problem using the easy one (other than its harder to get apart when yer done) and its served me well for 30 years, moved interstate multiple times with huge loads never having a problem. I'm a full time RVer and it still serves me well every day. I had no real reason to be here, just showed up as a recommended video and I thought maybe I'd learn from someone who actually wanted to teach rather than just be a show-off/make-you-look-stupid type like my good ol' dad! Thanks! maybe I'll actually try the proper one next time I need to use it to secure a load... P.S. You get bonus points for being a Floyd fan!

[@jmay8102]

Great Demonstration! Nice and slow to follow along! Won't forget this one.

[@almujahidpatdi3822]

Thank you so much for sharing your ideas. Salute to you Sir 👊.

[@phil4543]

I tried this and was tied to my trailer for two days before help arrived 😫

[@FarmLearningTim]

😂😂😂

[@pappysproductions]

Ah...... ya forgot to pull your hand out before securing the knot. We've all done it. Luckily I had a knife one me so I was able to cut myself free. But unfortunately, they weren't able to sew my hand back on!

[@vijyashreeshukla8188]

@@FarmLearningTim 0

[@yaogadegbe8627]

😂

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Another trucker’s hitch which is quite strong is using an alpine butterfly loop along with bowlines

[@nickstiles2485]

Was taught the drivers dolly knot, as I always knew it to be called, when I started driving class 1 33years ago. I am amazed now that these days very few lorry drivers know how to do it.Valuable video demonstration as not everything can be secured with a 5 ton ratchet straps or chain and toggle.

[@ciarangale4738]

trouble is, a lot of places have made using rope to tie down loads illegal, in favour of using ratchet straps

[@GOOSECOOOP]

Nice one timbo. Great refresher

[@jacknone1564]

Awesome tutorial. For the 3rd one, you can add a second loop a little further up and double your lever.

[@yeders]

@tim can you use a second loop for the first or second knots? Excellent point about doing the adjustments on the passenger side!!

[@tytzup5397]

By far the best demonstration I've watched. Nailed it after this video. Thanks a lot.

[@sempernarc]

dude seriously the best video on that hitch i've seen. made it way easier than the others, thanks again!

[@Will-nb8qk]

The 3rd one is pretty bloody strong though. I’ve tied off some really big loads with the 3rd one 😂 👍

[@wdtony]

#2 has failed me. Stick to variants 1 and 3.

[@joepie221]

Well done. I wasn't shocked to hear you were a teacher. Good presentation pace and delivery.

[@8897johnson]

Thanks. Best demo on tying down.

[@quickchicken506]

thank you so much .i,ve been telling people and my drivers the first two are the real truckers loop,some people who have never pulled a flatbed,(little on drive a truck)want to argue,but that third loop can bind and then won't come apart.again thank you

[@cristobalarciniega32]

This guy is the #1..

[@Barnekkid]

Great demo, very clear and intelligent. One thing though: I have heard the your number 3 hitch is actually the best and strongest of all to be used for heavy loads. The guy that said this claimed he used the knot as a tree trimmer and the only difference is he put more turns in the first loop, at least four.

[@281covfefe5]

Tim Thompson a good teacher in Australia Cpl Kelly OUTSTANDING woodscrafter in America 👍🏻🇺🇸💯

[@toddtavares7386]

You should have shown them #3, #1, then #2; easiest to hardest. #3 is the way I have always tied the hitch. #1 and #2 are only different in that you added the sheep shank. Great video!

[@unclebullfrog7319]

Hi Tim. There is a fourth type of hitch. This one uses less rope and if the rope is fed through the tie rail correctly, one can use a long rope and go over the load several times WITHOUT feeding the rope through at all! This may be difficult to explain, but here goes: from the point where the rope passes the tie rail make a 1 foot loop, push it through between the side and the tie rail, around under the rail, out and up. Next pick up the standing rope like you showed and lift it to the hitch point. Hold the loop end in one hand horizontally and with the other hand take the standing rope and wind it around the loop.....twice! Make sure the second turn is behind the first and locked in with a slight outward twist. This is important to ensure it will be secure. Then pull down the loose bit and tie off in the usual fashion. But wait there is more! There is a long length of rope to go over again. So for the tie-off, again loop the rope and tie the clove hitch with that loop. You then have the rope ready to go back over again. I hope this is clear. The main thing here is that the rope is NEVER fed through any where and makes it easier when untying. It helps if there are tie hooks in behind the tie rail to tie off on, they also provide the anchor for the next throw. I learnt this old school when hay carting .

[@jeffspours7855]

It was called a carters hitch when I attended arb school in 1996. (Horse and cart around before trucks. ✌)

[@ColiP2408]

Thanks Tim. Gotta buy me a ute now to practice on.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@romuloambay9624]

the third version was the one commonly used in propping cavendish banana plantation. .so simple, direct and saves a lot of time. .

[@kwizmon]

Simple, concise teaching. Bang on point m8. Thanks for the video 👍🏽

[@johnturatahitahitisalmon7769]

so strong man!!!!!!!

[@thomastamir7109]

I like the first way. This is the first time I've see 3 ways.

[@warewolf2304]

I have other methods of tying down a load but ends up being way to complicated, I know a lot of different knots but had yet to learn the truckers knot, way more efficient and damn you can put a lot of tension on that rope..so thanks for the knowledge mate great video a nice explanation. Seems such a simple and thing of the past knowing how to tie a knot, but I think it should be an essential thing that a man should know how to do. I used a rope everyday just about and has gotten me out of many situations. Cheers from the USA 🇺🇸

[@eversun77]

Thanks mate ... I was taught to do these a few years ago for work by a very knowledgeable mentor, but sadly had forgotten them. Now I’ll be right again 👍

[@hepburn118]

Fantastic rope tutorial, this is just what I need to learn to use rope to down everything in a shipping container to move overseas. I was going to spend a lot and buy all ratchet tie downs but this will save me a small fortune, thank you. I will have to have it cued up on my lap top still though, I'll never remember that.

[@flashflashbang2102]

Clear and concise, all you want in a teaching video. Well done.

[@HideouslyUglyBob]

I haven’t needed to tie anything down for a while and had forgotten how to do this, thanks heaps mate!

[@johnymingle]

Excellent Tim, very easy to follow and not too fast.

[@darrensmith4661]

that is the best explanation of how to do the knot I have been wanting to learn for years....thankyou !

[@axemanmike4390]

Thanks Tim! GREAT, SIMPLE instructions for a necessary knowledge in today's world! I'm a former trucker & was only taught the 3rd method! I do a fair amount of hauling and will implement the other methods you demonstrated! THANK YOU, from Oregon, U.S.A.

[@oddballdynamics.9658]

Thank you for sharing that. I’m a trucker and didn’t know how to do a proper truckers knot. I always did the last one. I call it a chicken knot. Lol

[@cammy470]

simple yet effective. Ive been using the first truckies hitch since watching your last video. thanks again tim great video

[@Nilesedge]

Great video! I learnt more in the 5 min than I have watching my Dad tie them for 25 years!! I actually feel like I can do it now

[@jamesmiller3701]

You failed childhood

[@Nilesedge]

@@jamesmiller3701 wow thanks dude, what a helpful comment.

[@frank-to7lu]

Best knot instruction on the tube.

[@ellissmithjr6599]

From a former Green Beret Special Forces Engineer,Great Demonstration . Making eye contact,step by step with short simple words at a relaxed simple pace and directly to the point. 👍😎🇺🇸.

[@JohnGreen_US]

Love the video, Tim. like learning new methods of securing a load with a rope. The big advantage of the Truckies is that it ties quickly without having to feed the length of the working end thru a fixed loop, & the fact the it falls apart when the load is relaxed when untying. I've seen no data showing that the Trucker's Hitch is less strong, tho'. If you can point us to an objective documented test result that says differently, I'd be grateful.

[@mfromaustralia1]

Excellent for hopeless ropers like me - thank you !

[@daryooshfatemi]

Thank you for teaching me these great techniques.

[@BenS-gf4sz]

A thing of beauty

[@FarmLearningTim]

😃

[@al7385]

Best illustration of this very useful knot ever! Keep them coming!

[@gandhiadanquintana5532]

Best video on KZbin to learn the Trucker's Hitch. I liked the first one and the third one.👍👍

[@pollywollydo]

Thanks for that, The safety note IS most important, I know of a case of a very experienced guy who did not follow this -- the rope broke, he fell backward into the road and was hit by a passing vehicle and died. Used to be called a Carter's hitch over here, Regards from Olde England

[@kenoliver8913]

The most useful is the first version (the one I learnt as a lad). The second version means you have to draw the whole bitter end through the stanchion, both doing it up and undoing it - a real PIA if you're using a single long line to do a succession of them to tie down in several places. I'd avoid the third version - it will break the rope under heavy load and it is hard to undo. Only time I'd use it is if the rope was too short for a proper hitch and the tie was non-critical.

[@glenmartin2437]

I learned the trucker's hitch about fifty years ago to secure fire fighting equipment to our trucks. Thanks for the review.

[@egdiryellam68]

At last some one on youtube knows how to tie a proper truckies knot although I would do two knots each time to get a tighter rope, sisal rope is the best and less likely to slip. Would use a single knot on curtains and cap tarps. Retired truckie from down under in the 1960's and 1970's

[@dalcassian9098]

He made this very simple for me,brilliant!

[@Fun4GA]

I learned the second method as a kid and have used it all my life without it letting me down. I'm so glad to see you demonstrated this because everyone else shows the third method, which is horrible to untie.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Ok if you twist three times... but yes... avoid

[@Will-nb8qk]

I’ve never had trouble with 3rd but certainly use 1st one when rope is long enough 😉

[@charlessiale3402]

excellent step by step video.

[@joeris3775]

Thanks so much Tim .... you're a legend mate best knot video I've seen and you teach with clarity and patience! Cheers Buddy!

[@andyc5612]

Wow finally a well presented vid on how to tie this hitch, makes it easy to follow.

[@Nora_meow99]

Nice Thanks Sr

[@nacholibre1962]

Instead of a clove hitch and a half hitch around the same anchor point, I finish the clove hitch with a half hitch around the working rope, above the clove hitch. Pretty bomb-proof.