Putting ARB’s Air Lockers to the test

It’s a common occurrence in the world of 4WDing: you’ve just bought a new vehicle and you’re keen as mustard to take it anywhere and everywhere!

But before you do, it’s a good idea to go somewhere safe to familiarise yourself with its capabilities. One of our favourite spots over the years has been Landcruiser Mountain Park. There’s over 10,000 acres to explore, with tracks that’ll suit all skill levels. As well as finding the right spot to put your vehicle through its paces, you can fit your car out with a bunch of gear that’ll help keep you out of trouble.

Air lockers, or diff locks, will enhance the traction of your 4×4 in just about any terrain. The ARB Air Locker uses a small charge of air from an onboard air compressor that in turn, activates the locker. When activated, both axle shafts are locked together, providing 100% equal traction to both wheels. When not activated, the axle differential operates as an open differential, providing the smooth characteristics for daily driving. And the best part? All of this can be controlled by three switches, situated next to your steering wheel.

Of course, safety is always important when it comes to four-wheel driving, so having the right recovery gear is crucial. We’d argue that there are a few essentials to travel with, one of them being a winch. A four-wheel drive winch is used for hauling and lifting, and adds more tension in the rope to move your vehicle out of tricky situations. If your vehicle is fitted with a winch, we’d recommend investing in a winch recovery set. It’ll have all the extras that will help make your recovery as seamless as possible.

Any off-road adventure should be carefully planned and prepared for. These are just a few tips to help get you on your way, but if you’d like to chat to someone, visit your local ARB storewhere staff members are happy to help.