For boat ramps, it's worth having. Some ramps are slicker than others, and you don't want to be that guy who's wheels are spinning trying to get out of the water.

I don't have a boat or do much off roading at all, but I was happy when the truck I liked had it. I might never need it, but I'm glad I have it just in case.

 

And by the way there are all kinds of locking and limited slip systems that have been employed by Ford and GM, Dana, etc over the years. All have different behaviors.

 

OP... you dont need it, you can easily use 4wd on a boat ramp. Thats not the same thing as "4wd on pavement". As stated, you put it in 4wd, pull the boat up a few feet so you are clear, disengage, drive off in 2wd. Nothing is going to break if you arent acting a fool.

But for the small added cost, I would just get it. You never know. And since these trucks dont have limited slips, its a nice feature to have in the bank. Three wheels spinning in a low traction situation is better than two.

There is a good reason the locker auto unlocks at 20mph. If you dont know you, you research differentials/drivetrains/spools/lockers before complaining about it.

Locking differentials are meant to get you unstuck, and then be immediately disengaged. They are NOT for driving around and being used as a traction aiding device. They invented limited slips for that.

 

This.

 

x2

 

You guys really think so? I really like some form of locking/limited slip/positraction, whatever on the boat ramp. IMO it makes a world of difference. And sure as heck I will forget to take the darn thing out of 4WD when I am busy thinking about the boat.

 

Personally i dont think you need anything for the boat ramp 90% of the time.
But if you prefer to use the locker, you can. I think the 4wd is a better choice though, IMO. The front tire wont be wet, and you dont run the risk of getting too much throttle on a locked rear end on wet pavement. The weight of the boat would probably keep the rear end from getting too wild, but you never know.

 

Well 30 years of launching boats I'll disagree here. Man I have seen all kinds of crazy stuff at the boat ramp including single spinning tires with the boat truck and everything heading the wrong direction.

 

I live in Wyoming. I'm 6 miles from a paved road and use 4x4 every day, summer and winter (some driveways require 4x4 just to get up them).

Because of those conditions I installed a E-locker shortly after buying my Ford pickup in '08. I've used it perhaps 3 or 4 times in serious off-road conditions and in deep snow. It cost me about $900 and I would not do it again at that price. For the money on a new $50K truck, yeah, I'd probably pull the trigger. For most people, most of the time, limited slip is a better choice. Unfortunately Ford no longer offers it and the clutches do wear out between 70-80K miles and should be replaced, although no one ever does.

For the boat ramp you don't need a locker. Use 4x4, that's what it's for. If you are planning on using your truck in VERY difficult conditions, get it, otherwise it's questionable.

Remember a tire has adhesion right up until it slips, then adhesion drops off to almost nothing. When you lock the rear differential and turn a somewhat sharp corner, the inside wheel slips - you'll hear it as a shutter or jumping feeling in the truck and that equals little traction, the opposite of what is desired.

Think about how you actually will use your truck - not how you think you'll use it, but how you know you'll be using it, and make an informed decision based on that.

BTW, the locking mechanism works when a circular magnet in the differential is activated with the dash switch. Next to the magnet is a steel ring with ramps on the opposite side. Steel ***** reside in each ramp. The magnetic attraction causes these steel ***** to move up their respective ramp and in so doing push several pins (each about the size of your little finger) into respective holes on the opposite axle, locking the two together. If you do this with one wheel spinning...well, stand by, you could destroy the whole shoot'n match and I'm thinking Ford would not be receptive to the resultant warranty claim.

 

I have yet to use my truck in 4wd on a boat ramp, the Elocker though I have used a few times on the ramp if the truck starts to spin if its really slimy, simply pull the locker button out and pull up the ramp no problem, and push the button back in before the trailer crests the top of the ramp. The elocker engages and disengages much faster than 4wd so I find it more convenient for the boat ramp.