Hi Grif, this is getting to look like a little club.

To polish off the discussion, I don't think anyone would put a self locker onto a car with TCS as they work towards the same thing. The means of varying the braking power to each wheel is by varying the frequency of applying the brake, which is very quick to kick in. I've got a Detroit locker on another vehicle and it's a lumpy bugger around tight corners, I wouldn't like to combine the two.

Brake wear, who cares? It helps keep the dealer network alive, replacing pads.

Michaels's original question implies that the TCS isn't quite what he's looking for, because drivers have different preferences and styles no car will be exactly what's needed.

The enormous advantage of cars like the defender is that one can modify them to suit, well, almost...

I'm very happy with the size of my Iveco 4x4 camper, which is surprisingly capable. It's fitted out for two, and we are three now (she's absolutely gorgeous, but I'm bound to say that; another one to follow I hope).

LRs are too small for us (her), even Nyathi doesn't have a shower inside; here's the dilemma: Do I find another Iveco and rig it up for four (add an axle perhaps), or for the SAME price do I stop farting around with modest sized vehicles and get a Tatra 815 or MAN KAT so that everyone has their permanant bed? (a real advantage when you're touring)

What I love about the Tatra is its central tyre inflation system, an enormous help to traction, and its independant suspension. Lockable this and that (even the doors) All it needs is a recent watercooled engine, not difficult to do really. Madness? Oh yes, but that's since birth.

I've gone off topic but you did ask
see you out there
Luke