Winch or locker

G'day,
I've had winches and I've had lockers and I've still got lockers.
A locker will get you through. Great in sand and on loose rock etc. Slow crawl on low pressures.
Nice to have an electric winch, I sold mine as it wasn't getting used.
I still carry 2 winches though, 1 being a Tirfor and when really in it can use the highlift jack also. Used the Tirfor twice in 15 yrs.
Most times a snatchem strap will get you out when with 1 of your mates and vice versa.
Get a locker in the rear and 2 if you can afford it, you won't be sorry, and I've carried the locker to the next vehicle. Besides, once a Troopy owner you'll never get anything else, I mean what else is there. :>)))

Gidday Stephen, I have both in the troopy and definatley use the locker a lot more than the front winch (vary rare to use the winchat all).Have an ARB locker in the back,it would be the first thing I would put in the next 4wd if the troopy ever dies.
Although hard work a hand winch is more versatile, if travelling on your own make sure you have plenty of extension straps ( trees aren't always 10 metres away)

Sludgie

if you are going to put the pric of a locker up against a winch and you are tilting towards the winch, get the best - Warn 8274.

Sell the Troopy and take the winch with you.

Mine is the second true love of my life!!

Hi Stephen

We'd love both but only have thw winch.

Never had lockers but after destroying a rear diff in the middle of nowhere by giving it to much trying to get up a jumpup (I know - stupid thing to do) they are now well and truly on the list. I imagine they'll also reduce the need for the winch.

We have an electric winch. IMO if you travel on your own and push the destinations a bit then I'd get the winch before the lockers. If nothing else I remember the sudden feeling of security I got on my first trip with the winch. It felt great. We were happier pushing on that bit further with more confidence that we could get myself out of trouble - and have done on a few occasions. There have been places that we would just not have gone on our own without a winch. Electric is very convenient but if I had my time again I'd by a good handwinch first. More work but more versatile and less likely to breakdown. If I was cashed up then both would be better. The convenience of electric with a backup. I love backup's when one our own.

If I always travelled with others I'd buy lockers rather than a winch.

I'll be interested to see if anyone responds saying lockers first because then you'll never get stuck and won't need a winch. Mmmm Maybe but I wouldn't have though so. Depends where you go I guess.

Cheers

Dodgin

Hi Stephen

That isn't an easy question to reccomend apon without
really knowing the type of driving you do, Victorian
tracks push answer towards a winch.

Its compounded by the fact that troppie's have poor wheel articulation which limits 4wding for them. (Presume yours also has leaf springs front and rear).

In Patrol's its clearer and front locker is first fixed traction aid.

I would gets some facts first to help in your decision.

1/ from weighbridge get typical front/rear weight bias.
2/ Measure RTI (forward and reverse).

Generally speaking locker goes on axle with worse articulation and most weight. They work so well in Patrol's because both factors favour the same (front axle).

I concentrate on the weakest link and improve that.

E.G.
A typical innocent situation that might stop your driving is to drive down
a 2 wheel drive track like marginal rd (victoria) when very wet.

Lockers at either end will get you an extra few meters when
the flat road is so slippery that its hard to stay on it.

Mud terrains will get you a lot further.

Chains will get you right thru

and winch will get you back on road when you slide off it.

Robin Miller

Steve what type of terrain do you drive? Steep hills, desert, dunes, mud?

Cheer Craig.....