Differential gear
The differential distributes the driving force to two opposing wheels, adapted to the situation. When driving straight ahead, each wheel is driven equally. The distribution of power through the differential changes when cornering because the wheels have to overcome a different distance depending on their location, lying outside or inside. Therefore one of the wheels has to drive faster and overcome a longer distance, while the opposite has to move slower to be able to take the curve evenly with the first wheel. Thus, the wheels are not rigidly connected with each other, but have the ability to move autonomously and adapt to a situation via the differential. A rigid connection, however, would cause a spin of the slower moving wheel. An informative video on how a differential works can be found here:
No traction anymore
As soon as a vehicle meets a traction-poor ground such as a partially icy road, mud, sand or snow, the vehicle can get stuck. The wheel or wheels on this difficult ground can no longer implement the driving force onto the road and provide propulsion due to lack of static friction. The traction or the implementation of engine power in acceleration is missing. An uneven ground condition is another cause for the suspension of traction on one or more wheels whenever a wheel loses contact with the ground and hangs freely in the air. In all situations described above, the static friction is lost on one or more wheels. Having an open differential offers the wheel with the lower resistance more torque. As a result, it leads to the effect, that the wheel that is on ice, in snow, or in the air is given more power until full power is redirected to that wheel. This situation is illustrated in the image below. The consequence is a spinning wheel on one side and a standstill on the wheel with traction on the other side. The vehicle is “fixed” firmly on the road.
Differential lock
This negative feature of the open differential can be solved by means of a differential lock. They allow the driver to lock an axle differential by hand in difficult terrain, so that the output axles (the wheels) are rigidly coupled to each other. Curve turns are more difficult now, but a progress on any surface is assured.
RAW Offroad-Transporter GmbH is able to retrofit your Sprinter, whether it is a four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, with a differential lock with a 100% locking effect. The rear differential can then be locked in the cockpit at the push of a button. Now the driving force is rigidly distributed 50% to the right and 50% to the left rear wheel. Should a bike lose grip, it will only get max. 50% of the total driving force. As can be seen in the sketch here, it then ensures the propulsion.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it can be said that with a differential lock, most difficult off-road situations can be mastered. Nothing stands in the way of your off-road experience and the urge to adventure. (100% locking for 100% more safety and 100% more off-road suitability).
