If you’ve been on a VA Off-Road ride or joined us at a trail clean-up, you’ve probably heard talk about “lockers.” Maybe you’ve got them and aren’t sure when to flip the switch—or maybe you’re wondering if you need them at all.
At VAOffroad.org, we’re all about educating new and experienced off-roaders alike, so let’s break down the basics: what lockers are, when to use them, how to use them—and if you even need them for the kind of wheeling we do in Virginia and beyond.
What Are Lockers?
Lockers—short for differential lockers—lock the wheels on an axle together, forcing them to turn at the same speed. This matters when you’re off-road and one tire is in the air or slipping. Without a locker, an open differential will just spin the wheel with no traction—leaving you stuck.
There are different types of lockers:
- Automatic lockers (engage on their own—great for budget builds, but they can affect road manners)
- Selectable lockers (air or electronic, giving you control over when they engage)
- Limited-slip differentials (better than open diffs but not true lockers)
When Should You Use Lockers?
Here in Virginia, our trails offer a mix of rocky climbs, clay mud, creek crossings, and forest service roads. Lockers can help in:
- Rock gardens like those at Potts Mountain or Flagpole, where articulation can leave a wheel hanging
- Muddy sections after a heavy rain, especially in areas with red clay and ruts
- Hill climbs with loose gravel or wet roots that require all the traction you can get
- Deep off-camber ruts, where you’re guaranteed to lift a wheel
The key? Engage lockers before you’re stuck, not after you’ve dug a hole.
How to Use Lockers Safely
- Engage in Low Range: Always lock up in 4Lo for better control and torque delivery.
- Use Rear First: For most trails in Virginia, a rear locker will do the trick. Use the front only when necessary—steering becomes harder with both locked.
- Avoid Tight Turns on High Traction Surfaces: Lockers can bind your drivetrain and stress axles if misused.
- Practice Before You Need Them: Join one of our beginner-friendly trail rides and try lockers in a safe setting.
Do You Need Lockers to Hit the Trails with VA Off-Road?
Here’s the real talk:
- If you’re wheeling mild trails, overlanding, or just starting out, good tires, smart line choices, and a solid understanding of your vehicle are more important than lockers.
- If you’re tackling technical terrain, lockers can be the difference between crawling through and getting winched out.
- If you’re building for more advanced events, at least a rear locker is highly recommended—and front/rear becomes essential at some of the tougher spots.
Lockers don’t replace skill. They complement it.
Final Thoughts from the VA Off-Road Team
Lockers are a powerful tool, but like any upgrade, they only work if you know how to use them. At VAOffroad.org, we’re here to help you build confidence, protect Virginia’s trails, and learn the right way to wheel—whether your rig is fully built or bone stock.
Come ride with us, ask questions, and try things out in a safe, supportive environment. We promise—you’ll learn more in one day on the trail with us than a dozen hours of YouTube.
Join a ride. Ask questions. Lock it in (when you need to).
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