When Do You “Locker” Up?

usually right as I pull into the publix parking lot

 

The problem with this is that you pretty much tear up the trail getting to the point where you have to engage (possibly making it worse). I like to take it as easy as possible, so use all the traction devices I can to make it through.

 

It’s saved my ass a number of times in mud, snow and ice. I now lock whenever slow is fine + traction looks tricky + real consequences to losing traction. And when I’m stuck. I engage then. For me it’s often been the functional equivalent of adding chains by pushing a button.

 

Responsible drivers don't tear up the trails, a locker doesn't prevent that, responsible driving does.

 

Was back out to the mountain Thu - Sat (morning). In and back out without getting stuck. Aired down to 20psi and could tell the difference. Lockered 4 times, 3 in 1 out, before I got into the deep stuff.

Your advice is spot on and and I appreciate it.

 

For sure man, its always a fun learning experience

 

I use mine anytime I’m doing crazy articulating and 1 or two wheels might be off the ground.

The other time I’ll use it is going uphill, the truck doesn’t have much weight in the rear so I try to use as many resources I have in my disposal to keep and maintain traction to those wheels.

usually A-trac and 4lo will get the job done but when wheels lose contact to the dirt and weight moves from one are to another I use it.

key is to use it before you get stuck.

 

What do y'all think about the differences between an auto locker like the Eaton G80 vs a locker like in the TRD ORs?

 

G80 like Chevy’s unit? Chevy’s unit actually works /great/, especially in mud - if you’re easy on it. They’re known for blowing up when you’re driving like an asshat on pavement. One huge benefit is it works in high range, and 2wd, and disengages above 20 for safety. Yota only lets us engage in low (annoying) and in my experience is very finicky to engage

I’d imagine Totota’s unit would be much better for rock crawling since it doesn’t slip before it engages (though in my experience, a healthy G80 unit only allows at most 1/2turn of a tire before it locks) nor unlock once you let off the throttle