Should I use Lockers in mud?

ReaganAbington · Post by **ReaganAbington** » Mon May 05, 2014 4:55 pm

So to start off, I am brand new to this forum. Been checking it out the last couple of days and I really like it. Just wanted to start off by saying I have a 2005 Power Wagon all stock. It was my Dad's who he passed on to me.
Anyways, I was curious about the lockers on the Power Wagon. When my Dad passed his truck on to me I didn't really know what the lockers were even for, honestly. I understand and grasp the concept of locking your axles and disconnecting your sway bar, and I realize now how unique this truck really is. I was just curious, if I go offroading somewhere where there is just tons of mud, should I put it in 4Lo and lock both of the axles? Or should I just keep it in 4hi. If i'm stuck i don't know how safe it would be to switch from 4hi to 4lo and then lock the axles. I don't know about the new power wagons, but for my axles to lock I have to be going about 2-4 mph in 4lo and it will lock. Well, I can't really achieve that if I'm stuck. Any thoughts?

Post by **Cactus Red** » Mon May 05, 2014 11:33 pm

My method is based on the technique I use for recovery, winch before you winch. In other words, make a plan before you need to do something. If I get into a situation where I feel uncertain about the conditions, I lock up before I even start into it. In some spots, I've even pre-placed extraction gear before I start into an obstical.

A locker can also be your worst enemy. If you are in an off camber loose terrain type of situation, lockers can make thing worse very quickly.

My best advice is getting seat time with a good group of folks that can show you the right way to be a skilled driver. There is a lot more to it than throttle down and hope...

Mark

Sent via gigawatt laser...

R0NAN · Post by **R0NAN** » Tue May 06, 2014 12:37 am

Cactus Red wrote:My method is based on the technique I use for recovery, winch before you winch. In other words, make a plan before you need to do something. If I get into a situation where I feel uncertain about the conditions, I lock up before I even start into it. In some spots, I've even pre-placed extraction gear before I start into an obstical.

A locker can also be your worst enemy. If you are in an off camber loose terrain type of situation, lockers can make thing worse very quickly.

My best advice is getting seat time with a good group of folks that can show you the right way to be a skilled driver. There is a lot more to it than throttle down and hope...

Mark

Sent via gigawatt laser...

Nicely said Mark! You can learn a lot from going in a group. Stay near the back of the pack and watch how others tackle it. To elaborate on lockers being your worst enemy....
1. Rolling friction is greater than sliding friction. So on loose or slick off camber situations, regular 4wd is often best because the driving wheels(which often spin) pull you through/up the obtacle while the rolling wheels keep the truck from sliding off track sideways. If all wheels spin, then gravity will often pull you sideways.
As Mark said, plan your approach, travel with at least one other experienced driver/vehicle for learning and recovery reasons and get a decent amount of recovery gear cause when you need it you'll be thankful that you have it. Keep in mind that when you get stuck in mud with the lockers, you'll likely be very stuck and it often won't be easy to get pulled out unless there is solid ground or trees nearby.

ReaganAbington · Post by **ReaganAbington** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:29 am

Cactus Red wrote:My method is based on the technique I use for recovery, winch before you winch. In other words, make a plan before you need to do something. If I get into a situation where I feel uncertain about the conditions, I lock up before I even start into it. In some spots, I've even pre-placed extraction gear before I start into an obstical.

A locker can also be your worst enemy. If you are in an off camber loose terrain type of situation, lockers can make thing worse very quickly.

My best advice is getting seat time with a good group of folks that can show you the right way to be a skilled driver. There is a lot more to it than throttle down and hope...

Mark

Sent via gigawatt laser...

Sorry, I'm still learning alot about everything on the power wagon. I thought I fully understood the lockers, however I don't understand how lockers can make everything worse. Could you explain?

GunniPWguy · Post by **GunniPWguy** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:37 pm

Traction to all four wheels is better for dry, rocky conditions IMO. When the going is greasy/muddy it is harder to stay on track with the diffs locked. Like Cactus said tho it is better to lock up and then go into a bad situation than to try and do it after the fact.

GunniPWguy · Post by **GunniPWguy** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:22 pm

Question is, What did your dad get to replace the Power Wagon? A newer one?

ReaganAbington · Post by **ReaganAbington** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:58 pm

GunniPWguy wrote:Question is, What did your dad get to replace the Power Wagon? A newer one?

Nah, he got a 2013 Cummins and honestly I think he misses the Wagon.

cruz · Post by **cruz** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:23 pm

R0NAN wrote:
Cactus Red wrote:My method is based on the technique I use for recovery, winch before you winch. In other words, make a plan before you need to do something. If I get into a situation where I feel uncertain about the conditions, I lock up before I even start into it. In some spots, I've even pre-placed extraction gear before I start into an obstical.

A locker can also be your worst enemy. If you are in an off camber loose terrain type of situation, lockers can make thing worse very quickly.

My best advice is getting seat time with a good group of folks that can show you the right way to be a skilled driver. There is a lot more to it than throttle down and hope...

Mark

Sent via gigawatt laser...
Nicely said Mark! You can learn a lot from going in a group. Stay near the back of the pack and watch how others tackle it. To elaborate on lockers being your worst enemy....

X2
One way to look at it is lock up the rear dif and it gets harder to steer, lock up the rear and front makes it even harder when momentum is needed.

BTW,'05's rock.

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Should I use Lockers in mud?

Should I use Lockers in mud?

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