The Auto Locking Trucker’s Hitch is a variation of the Standard Trucker’s Hitch.
In this variation, the working end is passed through the loop of the Slip Knot twice to get that friction. It creates the self-locking effect.
You still get the mechanical advantage of 3:1, accounting for the friction produced during the rope movement.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Auto Locking Trucker’s Hitch Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Not Available
ABoK Reference: Not Listed
How to Tie an Auto Locking Trucker’s Hitch
- Make a loop in the rope. Choose a point in the open where you want that loop.
- Take the bight from the working end and feed it through the loop.
- Pull the bight to tighten the Slip Knot you made.
- Pass the working end around the object.
- Feed the working end through the loop.
- Feed it through the loop again.
- Pull downwards to lock the knot in place.
Finishing the Hitch
This knot can hold tension by itself, but sometimes you would like to secure the knot further.
You wrap the working end around the standing line and tie two Half Hitches.
This holds strong, but it can jam and may be difficult to untie.
If you want to keep it easy to untie afterward, you can tie a slippery Half Hitch knot around the rope.
Just pull a bight through instead of the working end.
Releasing the Hitch
The Autolocking Trucker’s Hitch is an easy-to-release knot.
To undo the knot, pull the working end forward through the loop to release the friction.
You can open the Slip Knot loop by pulling the ropes in opposite directions.
Auto Locking Trucker’s Hitch Step by Step
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie and versatile.
- Provides 3:1 mechanical advantage.
- Autolocks in place easily.
- Easy to release.
- Can slip under the huge force of not tied off.
- Friction may wear the rope.
- Takes a bit of practice at first.
Applications and Uses
You will see this knot in an outdoor environment a lot.
It’s used in camping to tension the tent guylines and clotheslines.
People use the Trucker’s Hitch to secure loads on the trucks and trailers, too. But for heavy cargo, back up the knot with the final half hitches.
It’s also used to tie down a kayak on the roof rack.
Quick Release Variation of the Trucker’s Hitch
There is the easiest and quickest release variation of the Trucker’s Hitch that is based on the Bell Ringer’s knot to make the initial loop.
It’s the easiest way to secure the load, but it is less dependable.
It may shake loose if it comes into contact with the edge. It also does not perform well with slippery ropes like Polypropylene.
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