Overlanding simply describes long, adventurous travel overland to remote locations, with the principal goal being the experience of the journey, not the destination. And to make your experience worthwhile, you would definitely want everything planned to perfection. Simply put, you have to be properly equipped for the road ahead.
While Overlanding on off-road trails such as steep and rocky terrains, differential lockers can make your drive more accessible and safer. They allow your wheels to turn at the same speed and go slower over obstacles. And while lockers are not really necessary for Overlanding in general, they can be helpful in extreme off-road situations.
So how exactly can lockers be of help? Read on to learn more about the advantages of installing them in your vehicle, the different types of differential lockers, and their costs.
What’s the advantage of having differential lockers?
To understand their importance, you need to understand the need for differentials to begin with. For a vehicle to be able to navigate corners effectively on flat land, the wheels need to rotate at different speeds, meaning they have a differential.
A differential locker enables your vehicle’s wheels to spin at the same speed and with the same power. That’s important, especially when navigating a bumpy, unbalanced terrain. In such a situation, lockers guarantee steady movement in the intended direction, even when one or more wheels leave the ground.
It’s important to note that smooth on-road driving requires differentials to distribute different power levels to each wheel accordingly. More power will go to the easiest wheel to rotate, for example, when taking a corner.
However, extreme off-road driving requires differential lockers for easier and safer navigation. If your planned Overlanding trip involves off-road excursions, then you will need lockers. Lockers come in different types and use and at varying costs of installation.
Rear differential lockers (what is it + best use + cost of installation)
Cars usually only come with one open or unlocked differential, but full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles have front, center, and rear differentials.
Rear differential lockers are installed on the rear axle, making a vehicle 2WD, enabling the back tires to always be driven with the same spin and power. They can roughly cost anything between $1400 and $1600 plus an extra $1000 labor cost for installation. These rear lockers are best used for off-road terrains, but can also be convenient in slippery on-road situations.
If, for example, one of your back wheels is stuck in mud or snow and is spinning, a rear differential locker would come in handy. It would force the other back wheel on dry land to turn just as hard to get you moving forward.
The same would happen in a bumpy uphill terrain when you have one wheel hanging in the air. Engaging the rear differential locker would power up and spin the rear wheels equally to propel you forward.
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Center differential lockers (what is it + best use + cost of installation)
Center differentials are typically found on four-wheel-drive vehicles. They’re located between the front and rear axles. Spin power is distributed equally to the front and rear axle when the center differential is locked. That means that all four wheels will have the same spin and power.
The best use of center differential lockers is on bumpy off-road surfaces that may cause one or more of your wheels to lift off the ground. The center lockers will ensure that the wheels that are still grounded have the needed power to steer the vehicle forward steadily. Center differential lockers may cost up to $2000, with an extra installation cost of about $1000.
Although these mechanical components are pretty costly, center differential lockers can almost double your 4WDs capability on the harshest of off-road conditions. These differential lockers have been known to be lifesavers on rugged terrain, as well as slippery roads.
Differential lock vs. rear e-locker, what’s the difference?
Electronic differential lockers or e-lockers are designed mainly for four-wheel-drive vehicles. They enable the driver to lock or unlock the differentials at the push of a button whenever they need to.
The main difference between differential lockers and rear e-lockers is that the latter can be turned off and switched back on when necessary. When the rear e-locker is on, the rear wheels will spin with the same speed and power, just like with a regular rear differential lock. But when the e-locker is switched off, the vehicle operates as one with open or unlocked differentials, such that the wheels will spin at different speeds.
The switch button for e-lockers is installed inside the vehicle, so the driver can decide when to lock or unlock the rear differentials. If, for example, one rear wheel is spinning in mud or snow, turning the rear e-locker on will dedicate equal power and spin to both wheels to get the vehicle moving again.
Therefore, rear e-lockers are more advantageous than standard differential lockers because they give the driver flexibility. One can drive on a highway with open differentials and still have the option to lock the rear differentials when going off-road or when the road is slippery.
E-lockers can cost anywhere from $1600 to $1900 each and are fitted for about an additional $400 in most cases (depending on the make and the model of your vehicle).
FAQ’s
Do I need lockers on the highway?
It is not advisable to use differential lockers for on-road driving unless you encounter slippery conditions such as snow, ice, or mud. You should otherwise only use lockers on bumpy off-road adventures.
Do I need lockers for mud?
You definitely require lockers when driving through mud. It is advised to use rear lockers instead of front lockers, making steering harder.
You should also invest in a broad set of mud tires for an easier and safer maneuver.
Do I need lockers for sand?
Depending on the type of sand and its condition, you may or may not need lockers for sand. If it is dry sand and the path is bumpy, you will undoubtedly need them to be able to move in the intended direction.
You may not necessarily need lockers for wet sand because it is more compact, but you should generally drive slower and avoid abrupt braking.
Can I drive fast with lockers?
It is highly inadvisable and unsafe to drive fast with lockers engaged. The maximum safe speed you should go on with lockers is 25mph. At higher speeds, you may experience steering problems, which can affect your turning ability.
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Conclusion
While you do not really need them for Overlanding, having some type of locker in your vehicle would be safer, especially if you expect to encounter off-road paths during your journey.
If you know that off-roading will be part of your Overlanding trip, you can choose between the different lockers we have outlined. Remember to make a choice depending on your car model and your travel needs, considering the overall cost, including installation.
The cost may vary depending on the locker manufacturer and the model and make of your vehicle, so ensure you do extensive shopping before making the final decision.
