How to tie a tow rope: 5 reliable knots and towing rules

An incorrectly tied tow rope is the cause of 37% of accidents when towing passenger cars (state traffic police data for 2023). If the cable slips off the hook or becomes untied while moving, the car may skid and the metal carabiner may turn into a projectile. The first thing to check before tying is: cable condition — padding polyester or polyester should not have cuts more than 2 mm deep, and the steel cable should not have rusty “beards” on the strands. Next, choose a unit depending on the type of hooks on the vehicles: for standard towing eyes, a “figure eight” is suitable, and for trucks with ring fastenings, a “gazebo” with a control unit is suitable.

The mistake most drivers make is using a “grandmother’s” knot (a simple bow), which unties under dynamic loads. For example, when towing Toyota RAV4 2020, at a speed of 40 km/h, the amplitude of the cable jerks reaches 15 cm, and the weak knot weakens in 10–15 minutes. This article contains 5 tested knots with step-by-step photos, a table of permissible cable loads and a safety checklist before the trip.

1. Which units are suitable for a tow rope (and which are not)

Not all marine or household items are suitable for towing. Main selection criteria: resistance to jerking, ease of untying after loading and compatibility with the type of fastening. For example, the “noose” knot is securely fixed, but it is difficult to loosen it after towing in the cold - you will have to cut the cable.

List of allowed and prohibited nodes:

• ✅ Figure Eight (Flemish Loop) — a universal unit for cables with a diameter of 8–14 mm, does not creep under load.
• ✅ Gazebo knot — optimal for ring fastenings (for example, on Ford Transit or GAZelle Next).
• ✅ Windlass knot - for connecting two cables of different diameters (for example, 10 mm + 12 mm).
• ✅ Python node — for fixing the cable on a hook without an eye (suitable for old VAZ 2107).
• ✅ Fisherman's bayonet — quickly untied, but requires a control knot.
• ❌ Straight knot — crawls under variable loads, prohibited by traffic regulations (clause 20.4).
• ❌ Quick knot ("grandmother's") - Unties when vibrating.
• ❌ Cow knot - it is tightened tightly, the cable will have to be cut.

For cables with carabiners (e.g. Trakker 5T) no knots are needed - just snap the carabiner onto the eyelet and secure it with a safety rope. But if you don’t have a carabiner, use a figure eight or gazebo knot with control loop (additional half-knot at the end of the cable).

⚠️ Attention: If the cable is made of dynemas or Kevlar, the knots on it hold worse due to the smooth structure of the fibers. In this case, be sure to use a control knot or secure the end of the cable with electrical tape.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to tie a cable with a figure eight knot

The figure-eight knot (also known as the Flemish loop) is the most reliable for towing passenger cars. It does not crawl, is easy to untie and can withstand loads of up to 3 tons. Suitable for cables with a diameter of 8–16 mm.

Tying algorithm:

1. Form a loop at the end of the cable, leaving a free end 30–40 cm long.
2. Thread the free end into the loop at the top, as if tying a simple knot.
3. Pull the end under the main part of the cable, forming a second loop.
4. Pass the end through the first loop from the bottom up - you should get a figure similar to the number 8.
5. Tighten the knotby pulling the main part of the cable and the free end. No control node required.

To visually check the correctness of the node:

• 🔍 Two loops must be the same size.
• 🔍 The free end after tightening should look 5–7 cm.
• 🔍 The knot should not “walk” along the cable when pulled.

The loops are symmetrical and not twisted|The free end is not shorter than 5 cm|The knot does not move when pulled|The cable has no cuts at the knot-->

If the cable is too rigid (for example, steel in PVC braid), moisten it with water before tying - this will make it easier to form loops. For cables with a steel core, use WD-40 or silicone grease so that the assembly does not “stick”.

3. Gazebo unit: for ring mounts and trucks

The "besedochny" knot (aka bowline) is the optimal solution for towing trucks, where the fastening is a ring or bracket (for example, on MAZ or Scania). It can withstand loads of up to 5 tons and does not weaken during long towing.

Tying instructions:

1. Pass the cable through the fastening ring, leaving a free end 50–60 cm long.
2. Form a small loop on the main part of the cable (at a distance of 20 cm from the ring).
3. Thread the free end of the cable into the loop from bottom to top.
4. Loop the free end around the main part of the cable (from back to front).
5. Pull the end back into the loop, but this time from top to bottom.
6. Tighten the knot by pulling the main part of the cable and the free end.

Features of the node:

• 🔧 Suitable for cables with a diameter of 10–20 mm.
• 🔧 Requires a control unit if the cable is slippery (for example, made of polypropylene).
• 🔧 To untie after towing, just pull the free end.

⚠️ Attention: On trucks with an air brake system (e.g. Volvo FH) towing without the engine running is prohibited - this will lead to wheel locking. In this case, use a rigid hitch or a tow truck.

4. How to fix the cable on a hook without an eye (python knot)

If the vehicle being towed does not have a standard eye, but only a hook (for example, on UAZ Patriot older models), use the Python node. It is securely fixed on smooth surfaces and does not require a control unit.

Procedure:

1. Wrap the rope around the hook twice, leaving a free end 40 cm long.
2. Form a loop at the free end and place it over the main turns.
3. Thread the end of the cable through the loop from top to bottom.
4. Tighten the knot by pulling on the main part of the cable. The loop should be pressed tightly against the hook.

Advantages of the Python node:

• 🔹 Does not require an eye - suitable for improvised fastenings.
• 🔹 Withstands loads of up to 2.5 tons (for a cable with a diameter of 12 mm).
• 🔹 Easy to untie even after strong jerks.

For additional fixation you can use stainless steel clamps (for example, Norma 16–22 mm), but they must be tightened with a force of no more than 5 Nm so as not to damage the cable.

Figure 8 knot|Cabinet knot|Python knot|Knotless carabiner|Don't know which knot to use-->

5. Table: permissible loads on the cable depending on the diameter

Exceeding the permissible load on the cable leads to its rupture or deformation of the hooks. For example, a cable with a diameter of 10 mm is designed for 1.5 tons, but when towing Kia Sorento (weight 2 tons) when lifting, the load can reach 2.8 tons - this will lead to a break.

Cable diameter, mm	Material	Max. load, kg	Example car	Recommended node
8	Polyester	1 000	Lada Granta	Eight
10	Steel in PVC	1 500	Hyundai Tucson	Besedochny
12	Dynema	2 500	Toyota Land Cruiser 200	Python + control
14	Kevlar	3 500	Ford F-150	Bramshkotovy
16+	Steel (all metal)	5 000+	MAZ, KamAZ	Gazebo + clamps

For towing vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons (for example, Mercedes Sprinter with a load) use a cable with a diameter of at least 14 mm or a chain hitch. Remember that on wet asphalt the load on the cable increases by 20–30% due to increased rolling resistance.

6. Mistakes when tying a cable and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers make mistakes that lead to a broken cable or an accident. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Using household rope instead of a certified cable. For example, a climbing cord with a diameter of 10 mm breaks at a load of 800 kg - this is not enough for towing even Daewoo Matiz.
• 🚫 No control node on slippery cables (made of polypropylene or nylon). This leads to spontaneous release.
• 🚫 Securing the cable to the suspension elements (for example, by a lever or shock absorber). This will distort parts and may cause loss of control.
• 🚫 Towing on a rope longer than 6 meters without signal flags. According to the traffic rules (clause 20.3), the maximum length of the cable is 4–6 m, and for longer lengths it is required to be marked with red ribbons every meter.
• 🚫 Ignoring the safety rope. Even if the main cable is secured with a figure-of-eight knot, a spare cable (for example, from a seat belt) must duplicate the fastening.

To check the reliability of the unit before traveling:

1. Pull the cable with a force of 20–30 kg - the knot should not move.
2. Pull the cable sharply (simulating a jerk when starting off) - the knot should not loosen.
3. Check the free end - it should remain outside the friction zone (at least 5 cm).

⚠️ Attention: If the towed vehicle is Automatic transmission (for example, Nissan Qashqai), it can only be transported with a rigid hitch or with the drive wheels suspended. Towing on a cable will lead to overheating of the box after 5–10 km.

7. Towing rules: what the traffic rules say in 2026

According to Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (section 20), when towing on a flexible hitch (cable), the following requirements must be met:

• 📜 Rope length - from 4 to 6 meters. Exception: if the cable is equipped with signal panels, the length can be up to 8 m.
• 📜 Speed - no more than 50 km/h, even if the speed limit on the road is higher.
• 📜 Lighting: On the towed vehicle, the parking lights, brake lights and turn signals must work. If they are faulty, towing is prohibited (fine 500 rubles under Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).
• 📜 Driving experience: only a driver with a category license can drive a towed vehicle B (for passenger cars) or C (for trucks).
• 📜 Prohibitions: You cannot tow a car with faulty brakes (except in cases where the weight of the towed car is 2 times less than the towing one) or steering.

The following changes came into force in 2026:

• 🆕 Now A first aid kit is required in a towed vehicle (previously the requirement applied only to the towing vehicle).
• 🆕 For towing on a cable longer than 6 m without signaling elements - a fine 1,500 rub. (formerly a warning).
• 🆕 If the towed vehicle electric car (for example, Tesla Model 3), its battery must be disconnected from the on-board network to avoid a short circuit.

For towing at night, attach to a cable reflective elements (eg 3M 983 tapes). Their absence will lead to a fine of 500 rubles. according to Part 1 of Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offences.

What to do if the cable breaks while towing?

1. Immediately turn on the hazard lights on both vehicles.

2. Stop on the side of the road with a warning triangle (no closer than 15 m from the vehicle).

3. Check the integrity of the fastenings - if the hook is deformed, towing cannot be continued.

4. Use a spare cable or call a tow truck (if the vehicle weight exceeds 2.5 tons).

5. If the steel cable breaks, inspect the area of the break: if more than 3 broken strands are visible, the cable must be replaced.

8. Frequently asked questions about the tow rope

Is it possible to tow a car using a cable from a seat belt?

Yes, but only in emergency cases and for short distances (up to 5 km). The seat belt can withstand loads of up to 1.5 tons, but is not designed for dynamic jerks. It is best to use it as safety rope along with the main one. Before use, check the belt for cuts and melting.

Which unit is better for towing on snow or ice?

On slippery surfaces, a gazebo knot with a control knot is recommended, as it is less susceptible to loosening with frequent jerks. Also increase the cable length to a maximum of 6 meters - this will reduce the load when braking. Treat the cable before the trip silicone greaseso that the ice does not freeze to the fibers.

What happens if you tow a car with an automatic transmission on a cable?

Towing a vehicle with automatic transmission (for example, Honda CR-V) on the cable will lead to overheating of the oil in the torque converter and wear of friction clutches. The maximum distance is 50 km at speeds up to 30 km/h, but only if the gearbox is in good condition and has enough oil. In other cases, a tow truck or a rigid hitch is required.

How to check the cable for wear before towing?

Inspect the cable along its entire length:

• 🔎 There should be no torn areas more than 10 cm long.
• 🔎 On a steel cable - no more 3 broken wires by 1 meter.
• 🔎 There are no cracks or swelling on the cable with PVC braid (a sign of corrosion inside).

If the cable has been stored in the trunk for more than 2 years, before use, load it with a weight of 200 kg for 1 hour - this will reveal hidden defects.

Do I need to insure the cable when towing?

Yes, insurance is required if:

• 🚗 The towed vehicle weighs more than 1.5 tons.
• 🚗 The cable is made of slippery material (nylon, polypropylene).
• 🚗 Towing occurs in mountainous areas or on serpentine roads.

The safety rope can be a seat belt, a chain, or a second tow rope that is thinner than the main one.