Rear Locker or MaxTrax?

[adrenaline503]

I know about Black Rat, any other non electrical winches out there?

 

[Metcalf]

Just get the hi-lift and rigging. It will do more than a come-a-long type setup.
lift, clamp, push, move, etc. All the rigging will carry over if you get a winch.

 

[java]

a come a long like the black rat or any other is a good addition, used a come a long last weekend, even with winches all around it was the tool for the job. a hi lift would have worked too and been more versatile IMO

 

[007]

a hi lift would have worked too and been more versatile IMO

Exactly, even in a desolate field with no trees or rocks he could have lifted and tossed his spare tire in the hole.

Barring a new life as a beach bum, Maxtrax would be so far down the list it wouldn't even hit paper.

 

[RHINO]

i dont know how to answer that Q as my family camping rig has lockers in both ends and my hardcore trail rig is open on both ends,,, i'm backwards.

 

[Alaska Mike]

A couple of thoughts here:

• A HiLift can be one of the most powerful and versatile recovery devices you can have. It can also be one of the most dangerous and unpredictable. If you use one in any function, do so with extreme care. They can make a simple stuck a life-threatening situation very quickly.
• Hand-operated winches (Tirfor-style or come-along) can be an extremely effective recovery tool, due to their flexibility of attachment points. They also put you almost perfectly in-line with the cable under tension. If the cable snaps, it will likely head in your direction. Always use a winch weight when doing any sort of winching.
• Tirfor-style winches are sensitive to cable condition, and kinks and other deformations can be show stoppers. Care must be taken to ensure the cable remains in good condition. However, the cable length is effectively infinite, only limited by what you choose to carry and can effectively handle.
• Come-alongs have limited cable length, and many require the use of a pulley to achieve full rated capacity, further shortening the effective length. Cheaper models may fail or bend under severe use- you get what you pay for. However, cable condition is not as important as with Tirfor winches.

I've used all of these recovery tools at one time or another (I'm least experienced with the Tirfor- they're not all that common these days), and each has its benefits. In my environment, a quality electric winch is the only real option, and I employ mine several times during the course of an average trail ride. However, before I moved here I never really needed a winch, as recovery was a matter of a tug here, some rock-stacking there, and to a lesser degree the use of a jacking or hand-winching device.

If I was to buy one today, it would likely be along the lines of the More Power Puller or a Tirfor-style. I already have and am very familiar with the various uses of a HiLift, but I limit its use to lifting in the field.

There's no right or wrong here, unless it's in regards to safety. You need to do the math, examine your environment, factor in just how much use it will get, compare the weights and space required, and make an informed decision. One thing I can honestly say is that quality recovery gear is the best investment you can make- it can honestly save your life. It certainly has saved mine.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Winch should be the first item on that list, followed by the Air Locker, followed by the MaxTrax. Just my opinion.

X2... I would note the locker over the mattrax as well though they do look cool.

 

[Antichrist]

Lockers usually only get you in deeper.

Exactly. My sig applies to lockers as well.

As for the OP, it really depends on the types of places you are likely to get stuck. If it's always, or most likely, in areas where there are anchor points, I'd say a winch first, even if it's just a quality come-a-long. If it may be places where there aren't anchor points, I'd say a Hi-lift. Based on the scenario you described, I'd say neither of the options in your poll.


edit to fix typo

 

[tdesanto]

Spend the funds on an air source that allows you to air down. Keep the open diffs, spend what you can afford on quality recovery gear (shovel, winch - hand or electric, etc...).

I think Pierre said it best.

Airing down can improve traction significantly. Recovery gear is a must and has been mentioned here several times. This should tell you something. Then get the winch. Then locker.

 

[Mr. Leary]

The reason I did not recommend just buying a hi lift is what Alaska Mike said above. Just think what kind of situation you would have been in if you had knocked yourself unconscious or otherwise injured yourself while using the hi-lift. In the snow, cold and incapacitated, you would be in a very bad way, not just frustrated. The most important thing you must do while traveling in remote places is keep yourself healthy and able. If all else fails, I always ensure that I can walk my way out. Hi-lift jacks are handy. I have one on my truck. I have also had to abort and restart recovery operations for safety concerns, not to mention I have come close to injury from using those damned things multiple times. I still have one on my rig for now, but it will soon be retired as my recovery equipment gets upgraded. The hi-lift is extremely versatile. It is also the most dangerous tool in your recovery bag, and should be used sparingly.

If you never venture far from a McDonalds ( ), then the prevelance of safety in your planning may not be as paramount. If you often find yourself in an area seldom frequented by other travelers, your needs have changed. Choose what is the best fit for your needs. Most of the guys here seem to think you need some sort of winch. They are smart and experienced. Now what is left to you is to choose which kind of winching device to employ. I recommend whatever you are most comfortable using. Get it and play with it, cuz' when the time comes, you'd better know how to use it... it may save your life.

 

[Antichrist]

Airing down can improve traction significantly.

Based on the OP's scenario, what would be a good tire pressure to go down to when when the wheel can't touch the ground?

 

[05LR3AZ]

I would also invest in a small air compressor. You can get a pretty decent one for $70 now. Airing down is hands down the biggest improvement in vehicle performance you can make in my opinion.

x2 - you can get one at Walmart for like $50. It's a basic necessity that doesn't take up much room...

Based on the OP's scenario...the suggestion may be N/A however...I'm not sure a locker would be worth the $ unless it's something you are going to be using and not just in the "I'm stuck now" scenario...then again I don't know the typical terrain or situations you encounter.

 

[7wt]

I personally love open diffs. They are 100% consistent, predictable and reliable. All are traits a well built offroad rig needs. My advice is to spend the bucks to get a proper recovery set up. You can always add the locker later but you will never regret having the junk to get you unstuck. A locker would have never helped in this situation but a HiLift, strap and some other stuff worked like a charm (although it was hard work). Here the passenger side was on ice and the drivers side was through it. The ice was about 3" and the mud and water below was a good foot and half before you found something solid. A rear locker would have just allowed the rear wheels to turn together and neither one would have had traction. It seems like a lot of advice here is regional. What works best for the guys out west in the dry rocks doesn't necessarily work best in ice and mud. Gotta find what works where you go. By the way, since that fateful day I spent over $500 on more recovery junk as I found the limits to what I had.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Looks like you aired the left front down a little too much.:hehe:

 

[RHINO]

always always always invest in recovery gear BEFORE traction aids like bigger tires and lockers. lockers still get stuck, and when it happens its usually a more demanding task to get unstuck.