Front locker, winch, both or neither.

[Ben-e-boy]

Get whatever you want mate. I ran lockers for years before I got a winch, I only got a winch because it was free, even then I still havn't used it for recovery yet.

[MB]

A winch can also be used to clear tracks of fallen trees, etc. And can be easily set up as a flying fox over swimming holes too.

I like the flying fox idea Mr Mudnut, will try that one day for fun with the kids soon mate :-)
Clearing trees, winches are a must up our Vic high country if you're wanting to get to camp before dark. My high mount in the old days, 48Lm of cable served me well too hauling the boat up Walkerville beach at low tide keeping the old FJ out of the sludge out there, diff locked tractors would get bogged there!

[Mc4by]

Thank you all for your responses.
So far if it has looked too risky I have chosen the chicken tracks, mainly because the destination was more important than the journey.
That is likely to change a bit as I gain more experience.
The winch is half the price so that adds to the decision making process.

[MB]

Sounds fair Mc4by mate! Please do allow extra in your good winch budget for extras like quality shackles, tree trunk protectors, snatch block, rope I'm now finally learning too etc.. There's ripper threads on here somewhere from the winch and recovery legends like MudRunnerTD & Evil Twin. No point stuffing your pride and joy up if not needed. Like Steve said above, if its struggling up a hill, just stop and drag her up with the winch, bit slower, but much cheaper in the long run :-) !

[PeeBee]

As above winch first, locker later

Agree 100%. I am double locked and winches both ends, but I know the winches are there to save the day.

[PeeBee]

Also remember you simply need friction to move forward, so if its greasy like oiled glass, difflocks won't help. At least with a winch you can attempt to drag yourself out of the situation with certainty, provided it is working of course.

[mudnut]

I like the flying fox idea Mr Mudnut, will try that one day for fun with the kids soon mate :-)
Clearing trees, winches are a must up our Vic high country if you're wanting to get to camp before dark. My high mount in the old days, 48Lm of cable served me well too hauling the boat up Walkerville beach at low tide keeping the old FJ out of the sludge out there, diff locked tractors would get bogged there!

Mr Mudnut is my dad, dude I can foretell a heap of flying fox fails posted on youtube soon.

[MEGOMONSTER]

Winch first.
Cos not only does it help you, it will also help others in need of help.


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[Cuppa]

I'm a tourer who likes to get into some pretty remote places, so I'm locked both ends and run a winch with plastic rope. So far have managed to get out of places I would have been still stuck in without the "toys"��

Our setup is intended for similar use. Has a front mounted winch but am intending to get an e-locker fitted to the front as extra ‘insurance’ as we will travel solo. I’m a conservative 4wd’er & when a long way from anywhere will always choose the ‘chicken track’ where available, but there will no doubt be times when there is only one way to go. My view is that the winch is a recovery tool, whereas the locker will be to allow me to use less momentum & thus lower the risk of damage to the car. Recently got a quote from Harrop’s in Melbourne to supply & fit - $2160 including new carrier bearings. Could get it done locally but have heard a couple of stories about the local workmanship, & I reckon Harrops themselves should know how to fit it properly. Will get it done when I’ve completed my shed project.

[Patrol'n]

Just my opinion, go the winch first. I've used my winch a lot (way more than I thought I would), granted mostly for pulling other people out of trouble or trees out of the way, but the couple of times I've used it for me, I've been very happy I had it!