Usage
The Truckie Hitch, also known as the Wakos Transport Knot, is a variation of the Trucker's Hitch popular in Japan and Australia for securing loads or tarps on wagons, lorries, trucks, and trailers. Incorporating elements from the Sheepshank and Bell Ringer's Knot, it differs from other Trucker's Hitch variants that use a fixed loop by being more temporary in nature. The Truckie is quick to tie and easily undone, making it ideal for secure yet temporary tie-downs.
Warning
Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.
Also known as
- Dolly Knot
- Waggoner's Hitch
- Lorry Driver's Hitch
- Wakos Transport Knot
- Sheepshank Style Trucker's Hitch
Structure
The Truckie Hitch is similar to the Bell Ringer's Knot and
Sheepshank in construction and appearance. Different sources show slight variations in the way the Bell Ringer portion is formed and dressed.
Strength/Reliability
The Truckie Hitch is quicker to make than a fixed loop version, but is less dependable. It should be avoided in critical applications as it can fall apart under too little load or too much load, and can capsize if not dressed properly. This knot can be made more secure by adding an additional Half Hitch to the top bight of the Bell Ringer's knot. This form of the Trucker's Hitch is least likely to jam, coming apart easily once tension is released.
Note
The Truckie Hitch mimics a pulley system to obtain a theoretical 3 to 1 mechanical advantage while pulling on the working end. In real world use the mechanical advantage of the Truckie Hitch is significantly less than the ideal case due to the effects of friction. One advantage of the friction within the Truckie Hitch, compared to a hypothetical pulley-based system, is that it allows the hitch to be held taut with less force while the working end is secured.
