Edit: Another way to secure the end of the rope to the trailer is a Timber Hitch (best for a round pipe) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_hitch. Super secure and can be untied very easily.
Timber and truckers is what I was originally taught. I remember it taking a while to get the truckers hitch down then out of no where it was like 'snap', had it ever since lol
Years ago, my clothesline came apart (it had pinch clamps that failed to grab the line tight enough) and I used a Trucker's Hitch along with Prusik knots to pull the clothesline close enough together to reattach it.
I now only buy clotheslines that come with the mini winch.
No problem. Clove hitch and a truckie's hitch is all you need. Super easy to learn. You can even get away with just a clove hitch and a figure of eight.
I'd also recommend learning a bowline, because it's super useful, and if you figure out how it works, it makes other knots easier to understand and learn.
I use Useful Knots on my android phone. Doesn't require any internet connection so if I need a knot in the middle of nowhere I can still find the directions
You didn't specify what kind of trailer, so I've decided it's an enclosed trailer with a locking door. I just throw the load in, throw the rope in after it, and then lock up normally. 🚛
Done that before pretty much. It's not hard. Use a bowline or some other loop knot to make a pulley between the loop and the anchor point, then go back and forth until you run out of rope, then tie it off.
Sure, ratchet tie downs are easier and probably get a tighter hold, but rope works fine.
Others have explained what knots to use, but tbh, go to harbor freight and get some cheap ratchet straps. They're much better than using rope. These are on sale right now:
Can I use the internet to research it for a couple of minutes, or spend 20 minutes fiddling around first, or is it a "do or die right god damn meow" situation?
Because I'd be fine eventually, I usually figure stuff out or can follow instructions, but I dont actually possess those skills.
I kept reading this like you were using the rope to tie the trailer to your tow vehicle and thought I was losing my mind when everyone was saying it was ok, just tying stuff ONTO a trailer though? Yeah that’s a perfectly normal way to do it
Not screwed at all; I use rope to secure loads in a pickup truck all the time. I tend to keep the rope secured to one tiedown point with a figure 8 follow-through and then the free end gets secured with a couple clove hitches.
Not screwed at all.
I'd use a Bowline to secure the end of the rope to the trailer, and a Trucker's Hitch at the other end.
The Bowline is easy to untie and the Trucker's Hitch gives a 2:1 mechanical advantage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowline
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trucker%27s_hitch
Edit: Another way to secure the end of the rope to the trailer is a Timber Hitch (best for a round pipe) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_hitch. Super secure and can be untied very easily.
Let's do the Trucker's Hitch!
You gotta love an Ylvis reference.
This deserves a post in YouTubeClassics
The ending was worth it.
Timber and truckers is what I was originally taught. I remember it taking a while to get the truckers hitch down then out of no where it was like 'snap', had it ever since lol
That knot comes in handy so often.
Years ago, my clothesline came apart (it had pinch clamps that failed to grab the line tight enough) and I used a Trucker's Hitch along with Prusik knots to pull the clothesline close enough together to reattach it.
I now only buy clotheslines that come with the mini winch.
https://www.animatedknots.com/prusik-knot
This is the correct answer.
Glad to be of service.
Super screwed!
::: spoiler This always happens when I touch rope! (NSFW) :::
I was guessing Oglaf before I even showed the spoiler. Never seen that one, either.
Oglaf is so ridiculous in the best possible ways.
No problem. Clove hitch and a truckie's hitch is all you need. Super easy to learn. You can even get away with just a clove hitch and a figure of eight.
I'd also recommend learning a bowline, because it's super useful, and if you figure out how it works, it makes other knots easier to understand and learn.
Highwaymans hitch is super useful too
Yeah, that's a cool knot. I don't think I'd use it for a load that needed to be properly secure though. I'd worry about it vibrating loose
I'm offended that you expect me to cut the rope at the end
Same. I don't know knots very well but I've never met one I couldn't undo.
You litterally just asked a community of deviants how comfortable we are with rope.
Just utter the sacred spell after tying the knot "This ain't going nowhere"
don't forget, you also have to slap it a couple times too.
All those hours learning knots for merit badges will finally pay off!
This is a completely normal thing to do and I'm baffled that it elicits such trepidation in you, OP.
animatedknots.com is insane
I have the knots 3D app on my phone
I use Useful Knots on my android phone. Doesn't require any internet connection so if I need a knot in the middle of nowhere I can still find the directions
That app also works offline
But it's not free
Cutting ropes is a thing that only happens in movies. They don't have Boyscouts in California I guess.
Every conceivable use for a rope has a knot that will accommodate it. Knots that don't bind when under tension are a whole genre.
I think you're vastly overestimating the average person's knowledge about knots.
I know all about Knots! He played Barney Fife and Mr. Furley.
You didn't specify what kind of trailer, so I've decided it's an enclosed trailer with a locking door. I just throw the load in, throw the rope in after it, and then lock up normally. 🚛
Not at all. Assuming I have enough rope, knowing the clove hitch, two half hitches and taut-line hitch means I can secure most loads without worry.
not.
trucker hitch, combined with evenk hitch
As scoutmaster I was just going over knots with the kids. I'm good for the next month
This is a weird question. Nobody cuts the ropes they use the secure things. You would always need to buy new rope.
I am surprised people think they should use a knife at all.
For many people the only knot they can manage is one that's virtually impossible to undo after it's been put under tension.
Done that before pretty much. It's not hard. Use a bowline or some other loop knot to make a pulley between the loop and the anchor point, then go back and forth until you run out of rope, then tie it off.
Sure, ratchet tie downs are easier and probably get a tighter hold, but rope works fine.
Others have explained what knots to use, but tbh, go to harbor freight and get some cheap ratchet straps. They're much better than using rope. These are on sale right now:
https://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-Capacity-1-in-x-15-ft-Ratcheting-Tie-Downs-4-Pack-63094.html?event_id=184447
Do I get to bring my marlinspike?
done it many times
As someone with access to the Internet and basic search skills. I think I will be ok.
I think most people who aren't good with knots tie knots that don't hold and people who can tie a decent knot can untie them too.
Really, you can untie any knot, it just depends on how good and patient you are.
1.25 hours when a ponytail holder twisted into my hair and cause a massive tangle. Patience saved my locks.
Know your knots, and it is no issue at all.
Sailors and others have dealt with this for centuries, way before trailers existed.
Do I have access to the internet?
Not at all?
Nah yeah all good, just tie the fuck out of it, she'll be right
Not at all.
Uuuuh not my job
Not screwed at all. Learned a lot of useful knots as an arborist.
I am a rock climber so I’ll tie a double figure eight knot and hope for the best.
Oh it'll hold. It won't be pretty or conventional by any means but it'll hold.
It depends on the load. A refrigerator? No problem. If it's full of bodies, I'm probably in for a bit of trouble.
Can I use the internet to research it for a couple of minutes, or spend 20 minutes fiddling around first, or is it a "do or die right god damn meow" situation?
Because I'd be fine eventually, I usually figure stuff out or can follow instructions, but I dont actually possess those skills.
Pretty screwed. I wish I had gotten more into knots as a cub/boy scout.
Bowline, alpine butterfly and trucker's hitch will solve 95% of your knot needs.
I'll be just fine. I've been doing shit like that for decades.
I'd watch some youtube shorts by knot master and hope something helpful comes up
I kept reading this like you were using the rope to tie the trailer to your tow vehicle and thought I was losing my mind when everyone was saying it was ok, just tying stuff ONTO a trailer though? Yeah that’s a perfectly normal way to do it
Not screwed at all; I use rope to secure loads in a pickup truck all the time. I tend to keep the rope secured to one tiedown point with a figure 8 follow-through and then the free end gets secured with a couple clove hitches.
Some sort of Prusik and youre fine.
I know knots. I'd be just fine.
I'd use cleat and clove hitches everywhere.
LOL why screwed?
I've done this multiple times, why is it an issue ?
It should be illegal to have trailer without ratchet straps 🤔