Seneca rear locking diff

[MD3]

I read a chat online that mentioned a rear locking differential on a Seneca.
Does anyone have any information about this ?

Anyone ever look into this ?

_

[Grumpy]

Nothing in the specs from Freightliner

https://www.fcccrv.com/coaches/?current=1

[MD3]

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10....html?page=115

Here is a link that mentions a locking diff on the Freightliner M2 chassis.


_

[MD3]

Here is a locking diff for a M2 106 :

https://www.mylittlesalesman.com/201...2-106-10001918


-

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by MD3

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10....html?page=115

Here is a link that mentions a locking diff on the Freightliner M2 chassis

_

But is says is "available with" which would mean it is an option that JAYCO is not buying.

[EA37TS]

My question, why would someone need a locking rear diff? Are you planning on taking a 29,000 LB vehicle down roads that are that nasty?

[MD3]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

My question, why would someone need a locking rear diff? Are you planning on taking a 29,000 LB vehicle down roads that are that nasty?

yes....
We boondock and offroad for most of our camping and we are pushing every bit of our GCWR while doing it.

While I wouldn't plan on the use of a locking diff to get into anywhere it might be nice to have getting out... just saw it mentioned and wondering if anyone else has looked into it.


_

[brained]

It only takes being able to drive out of one damp campground or grassy spot instead of having to call for a tow to make a rear locker worth it.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by brained

It only takes being able to drive out of one damp campground or grassy spot instead of having to call for a tow to make a rear locker worth it.

I guess that is where I am different. If I was going to camp primarily in those types of areas I would seriously consider one of the 4x4 Super C models that are out there. They have them on the Ford F500 the Ram 5500 and a new one coming out on an International Duramax chassis.

[RVermont]

Anything is possible. I remember a few years ago someone posted a photo of a four wheel drive Seneca that was at the middlebury factory.

Interesting idea. Certainly could help in some situations.

Could a locking differential cause the rear end to slip sideways in some ground conditions? I am thinking of wet muddy ground or snow?

[MD3]

Originally Posted by RVermont

Could a locking differential cause the rear end to slip sideways in some ground conditions? I am thinking of wet muddy ground or snow?

Could slip sideways but these locking rear differential are manually locked and unlocked as you need or want.
That is one of the advantages of a manual locking differential (lockers) vs limited slip.... same principle as on a Jeep.


_

[RVermont]

Originally Posted by MD3

Could slip sideways but these locking rear differential are manually locked and unlocked as you need or want.
That is one of the advantages of a manual locking differential (lockers) vs limited slip.... same principle as on a Jeep.


_

Thanks for clarifying. I remember driving sideways down snow covered roads with my old pickup with limited slip rear. It was kind of fun when I was young and dumb but would be terrifying in a 25000 lb unit

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by MD3

I read a chat online that mentioned a rear locking differential on a Seneca.
Does anyone have any information about this ?

Anyone ever look into this ?
_

Oh yes, I have had my buddy on the lookout for one for two years now, actually are looking for a totaled out M2 that is full 6WD with a factory transfer case and the 10k Front Axle swap.

Freightliner equipped this as an option on many of it's units built as Service Trucks and rural Fire Trucks.

Originally Posted by Grumpy

But is says is "available with" which would mean it is an option that JAYCO is not buying.

X2

Originally Posted by EA37TS

My question, why would someone need a locking rear diff? Are you planning on taking a 29,000 LB vehicle down roads that are that nasty?

Already do!

But also consider the mountain passes you are almost over and encounter some snow at the summit. I've had the drive wheels break loose (the one side at least) and having a locker would be nice to have in those situations too.

Originally Posted by MD3

yes....
We boondock and offroad for most of our camping and we are pushing every bit of our GCWR while doing it.

While I wouldn't plan on the use of a locking diff to get into anywhere it might be nice to have getting out... just saw it mentioned and wondering if anyone else has looked into it.
_

Yes... I will have to call Ron and get the part numbers he is watching out for...

Originally Posted by brained

It only takes being able to drive out of one damp campground or grassy spot instead of having to call for a tow to make a rear locker worth it.

Yep... especially after you are camped for a few days when it has rained a bunch... One time we kept the FJ off the trailer on the way out of the canyon, in case we needed a little help with traction.

Originally Posted by RVermont

Anything is possible. I remember a few years ago someone posted a photo of a four wheel drive Seneca that was at the middlebury factory.

Interesting idea. Certainly could help in some situations.

Could a locking differential cause the rear end to slip sideways in some ground conditions? I am thinking of wet muddy ground or snow?

It can and has happened, but once you get the locker to engage both tires, the wheels are no longer slipping and you don't slide.