Should I Get Locking Rear Differential ?

[JIM D]

I am in the process of buying my first RV tow vehicle. I plan to tow a 33ft fifth-wheel full time. My question is should I order the locking differential.

[Randy Gartner]

Yes get the locking differential. Without it, you may get in a situation where you're on slippery terrain,especially when pulling out, and if the drive wheel slips, you won't get traction .If you have the locking differential,if one wheel slips the other can still get traction.

[JIM D]

I have had them in cars before. In slick road conditions such as rain or ice they have actually locked and caused me to spin out of control if I applied too much power and the clutches locked up at the same time. Do you think that the advantages on slick campground surfaces outweigh the on-road problems?

JIM

[Mark Sedenquist]

That is a first -- I have never heard of anyone losing control as a result of a locking mechanism -- Are you sure that your problem wasn't caused by a limited sliip differential?

I would tend to support the notion that one can never have too much traction -- Get the locking set!

RW

[David]

they will make your rear end go side ways. i would never have another one, they will go to the lowest point of land side ways. they can call them any name they want but they are actually positrac. i have done extensive reading on the subject because i considered ordering one on my 2001 truck they will cause you to lose control on slipery surfaces. david p

[Mark Sedenquist]

David, In your experience were you using a manually locked hub or electronically controlled?

RW