Which Go-anywhere Offroader For This Winter?

[Origineelreclamebord]

Hi Guys,

I've been thinking about this for a while... It seems I don't run any of my cars in the winter because either it's rainy, it's freezing and the buggies can't dig their spike tires in, etc. I'm getting quite sick of this because I do want to run a car in the winter, only if it were just one. A car that goes on any kind of terrain, is fun, reliable and simple, and keeps the water at bay from the electronics.

So far, I have this list I've been looking at recently:

- Traxxas Rustler. I think it would be a nice RTR package, and when I had the Traxxas Rustler in my hands at the LHS I was really impressed by the construction, it looks pretty solid. However, the (rear) tires will need to be changed since they won't last long onroad or on frozen ground. Plus, I would need a battery and charging leads for the Traxxas TRX plug, which makes it a non-RTR car for me.

- Traxxas Slash. It caught my attention since it's release (I'm keeping my eye on it like the Eye of Sauron ) because I really think the chassis itself would be nice for driving, and it doesn't have the problems with the tires the Rustler has. However, it's the same with the Plugs and that really bugs me.

- Tamiya Lunchbox. It just seems to be about as simple a car as you can get, and for great money, too! It would be a cheaper option that the two above, but I have noticed a few things I do need to know more about. The body mounts (are they really that fragile, and what exactly breaks/damages when this happens?), and the pinion gear (what material is it, can I fit a steel one in it if it isn't steel, what are the gearing options)? And how does the body fit around the chassis? Does it keep the dirt out or not?

Do you have the answer for me which one to choose? Or do you think I've ruled out other cars I should look at?

[Jonny Retro]

I can't comment on the other two, but the Lunchbox ...

The body mounts aren't that fragile, but they do break, especially when they get a bit older, when the weather's cold, or you land it on its roof It's a culmative probelm - if one breaks, the others have to cope with more movement and greater loads, which means they are more likely to break ...

Replacements mean about £13 (inc p&p) for a new chrome parts tree - or you can use tie rod ends & screw the body on from the outside (saw this tip recently in the forum).

The body is not a great fit on the chassis, so extra waterproofing is not a bad idea - gripseal baggies and zipties work well enough.

The pinion is brass - and you don't get any gearing options.

A 3rd shock at the back, oil shocks all round & an FX10 front suspension kit transform the handling ... but at the same price as the kit in the first place.

It's a great choice, but I'd also suggest a Super Clod for it's ability in snow

[kstar]

About the lunchbox. The body don't keep dirt or anything out, but it has allot of space to fit a radiobox in there. The body mounts breaks and thats what happens when they brake, it's easy to build new ones. There are not really any gearing options but that's not a problem, if you want it faster you change motor, it's low geared from the start so it takes any motor. It's a fun car but I don't really think it's what you're looking for as it doesn't handle very well in snow.

[Lemming]

Surprised at the choice of 2wd vehicles for "go-anywhere offroader". I would seriously consider looking 4wd large (E-Revo, E-Maxx, E-Savage etc) or small (mini e-revo or mini slash...?) but the costs are much higher... I absolutely swear by my E-Maxx for bashing on any terrain from mud and crawling to tarmac. It's also the car which always comes out to play!

I've just started changing all my plugs to Traxxas TRX ones since melting a Tamiya one with a Novak SS5800 setup - That or deans are good choices full stop, so don't let it put you off buying a vehicle. Adapter leads are available really easily anyhow.

Not tried the Rustler, but seen (and abused) a Slash and Lunchbox. Personally I think the Slash will take loads more abuse (and silly speed if you want) whilst the Lunchbox will be much more fragile. However, the Lunchbox is by far the funnier car to see running. IMHO Slash is more fun to run more often, on more varied terrain...

Slash is also waterproof as standard - check YouTube for a nice video of one swimming in a pool.

Just my thoughts as always, and sorry for choosing a Traxxas over a Tamiya

Steve

[cubsfan2009]

The one vehicle that fits almost all your criteria is the Traxxas E-Maxx. Price is the only drawback. Second would be the Traxxas Stampede which is loads cheaper, but only 2 wheel drive. I love my Stampede, and IMHO is the best waterproof basher for the money. Tons of ground clearance, quite fast in stock form, and practically indestructable. Also has oil shocks instead of the pogo friction type and very good tires for on and offroad. Throw in a few 5 x 11 bearings at the wheels, a rpm front bumper, wheelie bar, and a 17 x 2 motor and you have a very fast, tough, waterproof, go anywhere basher.

The Slash is great too, but you give up a little ground clearance in trade for slightly better handling. Heard mixed reviews on the Rustler.

Yes I love Tamiya, but Traxxas is better in the weatherproof department.

[Backlash]

If you want to keep it really simple, but have concerns with the Lunchbox body mounts, then why not get a re-re Hornet or Grasshopper and fit lunchbox wheels and tyres (or 2.2' truck tyres) to it and make yourself a Madbull...

I do have to agree with Cubsfan and say that an E Maxx or HPI E-Savage would be my choice, but it may be out of your price range..

Another option would be the humble ClodBuster....

Electronics can be waterproofed by placing receivers and ESC's in balloons or an old servo case... Servos can be sealed with silastic around the joins in the case and grease around the output spline...

[Origineelreclamebord]

Thanks for the replies I don't know what I'd go for just yet, but it's nice to see people's views on these cars.

@ Lemming: Funny you mention it about 2WD The 'Go-anywhere' is a bit subjective, since I live in the Netherlands; No rocks or mountains and usually not a lot of snow in the winter - I just love RWD cars, Plus, from the Traxxas and Tamiya lineup I'm looking at, the 2WD off-roaders are just the cheapest cars.

However, thanks Johny Retro for mentioning it (I forgot to add it to the list), I've been looking at the (Super) Clod Buster. I always found it a very interesting car for the 4 wheel steering, 4 wheel drive and being THE monster truck (ask people to describe the stereotype RC monster truck and it will match the Clod closely). The Clod is more expensive though, and it's size is and weight is massive! This is a problem since I travel to nice driving sites by bicycle and a large bicycle bag which is normally used by postmen. So what's the size of the Clod anyway? (Length, Width and height with the wheels on).

Edit: @ Backlash: Thanks for the advice on waterproofing electronics It sounds like a pretty easy method and definetely something to try out.

[Jonny Retro]

...The Clod is more expensive though, and it's size is and weight is massive! This is a problem since I travel to nice driving sites by bicycle and a large bicycle bag which is normally used by postmen. So what's the size of the Clod anyway? (Length, Width and height with the wheels on)...

Oh, it's pretty silly - I measured my Super Clod roughly & came up with 360mm wide, 310mm tall & 470mm long... either you need a trailer, or get it to tow you there

[Backlash]

Oh, it's pretty silly - I measured my Super Clod roughly & came up with 360mm wide, 310mm tall & 470mm long... either you need a trailer, or get it to tow you there

You could always take the wheels/tyres off to transport it around?

[pastimesteve]

What about a DF-02 with monster truck wheels and tires? That way you get 4WD at a low price. I've been curious myself about doing this with a DF-02.

Steve

[Mouton]

Get a used Tamiya Monster Beetle. They are quite widely available and relatively cheap. Excellent fun factor for your money. If you happen to go to Drilandenpunt, you could also have loads of fun with a CR-01 as well.

But as far as cheap and cheerful goes, the Monster Beetle/Blackfoot trucks are hard to beat!

Oh, and do not think about waterproofing the electronics - do it!

[Origineelreclamebord]

Oh, it's pretty silly - I measured my Super Clod roughly & came up with 360mm wide, 310mm tall & 470mm long... either you need a trailer, or get it to tow you there

You could always take the wheels/tyres off to transport it around?

Well that's not going to fit in that bag anyway, not even with the wheels off - a buggy hardly fits in there with it's 240mm width - and that's one of the bigger bags around...

What about a DF-02 with monster truck wheels and tires? That way you get 4WD at a low price. I've been curious myself about doing this with a DF-02.

Steve

It could indeed work to give a buggy Monstertruck tires and wheels, but I'd rather do it with a DF01 myself. A problem is though that like the Clod Buster, I'd end up having issues with transporting it to a nice place for driving because of it's width (unless I'd remove the wheels for transport). However, I doubt a Slash or Lunchbox would fit either Maybe I should indeed find a way to mount a seat on those cars and drive me there...

[Backlash]

However, I doubt a Slash or Lunchbox would fit either Maybe I should indeed find a way to mount a seat on those cars and drive me there...

When I was a kid, I used to have a paper run, and I would put the papers in a milk crate that I had strapped to the handle bars of my BMX bike.. A Clodbuster would easily fit in the milk crate...

(a milk crate is a heavy duty plastic box approx 50cm cubed that was designed to hold milk bottles)

Just an idea...

[berman]

Simple, Cheap, Reliable and Fun you ask. You've basically just described the Lunchbox, And since you mention you bike everywhere, if you dont want to put it in a pack you can hang the front bumper over one handle on your handlebars (I used to do this as a kid) and put your hand on the top.

Also the lunchbox handles any motor you can throw at it, and there's a fix in the monster truck thread if you need mounts (you have to roll it good to break them). Plus because it's re-re'd bits are plentiful.

I have two clods and two boxes (clod buster, bullhead, midnight pumpkin and lunchbox) and as cool as the clod is, the lunchbox chassis in my opinion is a good compromise of everything, not to mention hilarious to watch

can I get an 'amen' fella's?

[taliesin]

I would absolutely vote for the E-Maxx - its what I run in the winter all the time. Its waterproof and has great traction and clearance and the 4wd makes all the difference in the world. I own both the Rustler and the Slash and they don't do that well in the winter: the tires just spin b/c they have way too much power and not enough grip. Especially the Slash.

I tried the Twin Detonator in snow too, but it is a real mess to clean up after a wet and slushy run and isn't waterproof w/o some attention. It does work though and handles the snow and slick conditions with ease.

I really can't recommend 4wd strongly enough though. Otherwise you really need some chains on the 2wd [i've seen this done on a Traxxas Stampede that went like stink in snow & ice - very cool toy that!].

[arh21]

It might also be worth looking at the new 1/16th Traxxas Slash or E-Revo which are due our soon. The 1/16th scale versions of Slash are 4wd and come with water proof electrics. The Brushless versions are out first but there will be cheaper brushed versions out a bit later.

[slam_it_sideways]

When I was a kid, I used to have a paper run, and I would put the papers in a milk crate that I had strapped to the handle bars of my BMX bike.. A Clodbuster would easily fit in the milk crate...

(a milk crate is a heavy duty plastic box approx 50cm cubed that was designed to hold milk bottles)

Just an idea...

lol good idea, seen it somewhere before though...

[Origineelreclamebord]

I've been looking at the HPI E-Savage and Traxxas E-Maxx, and the E-Maxx seems to have the best chassis as stock imo... Most ground clearance and suspension travel, softer suspension and I know there are more Traxxas than HPI spare parts about in my LHS, may I need to fix my car quickly.

The E-Maxx seems like a proper chassis, it can cope with a lot of stress and looks tough However, I think it wouldn't suit me as an RTR. It's just way too quick, and you can't dial the power down - you need either electrics that can or slower motors. It's all a bit overdone with the two servos, batteries and stuff. Plus, I just made the switch to LiPo, and I don't know if/how to connect an LVC to a two-motor ESC (or two LVCs?) or I'd need to use one battery. So in short, I would need either to replace all that for electrics of my specifications (not knowing if a regular 540 instead of 550? motor would fit), find a roller on sale or choose another car. I don't want to rule out the E-maxx because I can see it would be a good runner - once I get it running

PS: Let's not forget it's got quite a pricetag, too - A NIB one, by the way...

PS #2: The other Traxxas' cars to me have the same problems (too quick), only replacing those electrics would be slightly cheaper.

PS #3: I'm not claiming a Clod Buster would be very cheap either

PS #4: Check this out: Reely, Conrad's RC brand, has copied the Dark Impact and sells it, RTR, for 129 euros! Many of Reely's cars are actually copies, and I'm now looking if there's a copy monster truck of some kind

Which I now found out they don't seem to have aaprt from the Cross Tiger (TL01 based monster truck) - The spare parts availability is very bad (which is why I would only ever buy a copy from a brand like Reely).

[Origineelreclamebord]

I've not been thinking about an offroader for this winter for a few days, and when I was just checking out an online store today an idea came into my mind.

Since I have mentioned before, The Netherlands is not very well known for it's deserts, mountains or jungles (You can find them though if you look well, but somehow I got kicked out of the Zoo when I wanted to run my car between the elephants). The Netherlands is also one of the biggest countries on the world map, so I thought it would be appropriate to look at some very big cars...

...Something from the Losi 1/18th series, or from Traxxas a 1/16th scale car... Maybe even a Tamiya 18th scale TLT-1? Now that's outrageous

Anyway, let's be serious again. I will not run this car in high grass, not expect it to run in the deepest of mud and jump from buildings. I just need a car that will go well offroad, has tires that will run on any terrain without wearing off immediately or having zero grip, is watertight or can be made to be, not to expensive and fun to drive. I found out that many monster trucks match this demand, but are too big for me. However, I think the Mini-versions that Losi, Traxxas and maybe even Tamiya have released would work great for this! What are your views on this?

I could go for:

- Tamiya 1/18 TLT1 Rockbuster (looks better than Max Climber but technically the same).

- Tamiya 1/18 Max Climber ($180 without postage on the bay, New+RTR).

- Losi 1/18 Mini-LST2 ($200 without postage on the bay, New+RTR with 2.4ghz system).

- Losi 1/18 Mini-LST Rammunition/Raminator ($180 without postage on the bay, New+RTR but not 2.4Ghz).

- Traxxas 1/16 E-Revo (regular or VXL) (Traxxas page seems to have issues, can't look for details)

- Traxxas 1/16 Slash (regular or VXL)

[taliesin]

The 1/16th brushless E-Revo is INSANELY STUPID FAST [even w/out the 2nd battery and optional speed gearing] and very fun. I just don't know how it will do in the snow. The dumbed down and slower brushed model might be better for slippery conditions. The brushless model on ice/snow would be undrivable - its nearly so on dry pavement now.

Otherwise its got 4wd, big tires, small size, and is waterproof out of the box. What's not to like? The Slash and E-Revo chassis are identical except the tires [and the A-arms/axles - to keep the geometry correct].

For pure drivability I almost wish I had bought the regular brushed 1/16 Slash instead of the brushless E-Revo - but for just thundering across the dirt lots and down the street the brushless its SO MUCH FUN!

Haven't driven any of the others, so I can't really comment. Hope that helps.

[Origineelreclamebord]

The 1/16th brushless E-Revo is INSANELY STUPID FAST [even w/out the 2nd battery and optional speed gearing] and very fun. I just don't know how it will do in the snow. The dumbed down and slower brushed model might be better for slippery conditions. The brushless model on ice/snow would be undrivable - its nearly so on dry pavement now.

Otherwise its got 4wd, big tires, small size, and is waterproof out of the box. What's not to like? The Slash and E-Revo chassis are identical except the tires [and the A-arms/axles - to keep the geometry correct].

For pure drivability I almost wish I had bought the regular brushed 1/16 Slash instead of the brushless E-Revo - but for just thundering across the dirt lots and down the street the brushless its SO MUCH FUN!

Haven't driven any of the others, so I can't really comment. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your reply Well, finally the website from Traxxas worked again and I must say the E-Revo 1/16 looks pretty promising - except I find it way too quick! I think I'll buy it though, and to keep it less vulnerable for dirt and water I will go for the brushless version (closed motor casing), test it on arrival and deciding after less than two minutes that the first thing I'll do before running it more(and crashing it because of the warpspeed) will be to order a slower motor and appropriate motor pinion...

[taliesin]

Yeah, there really has to be a way to slow it down. The stupid thing will do a standing back flip if you nail the throttle 100% with a fresh battery, and will wheely down the street until it finally flips over if you don't ease into the throttle.

Seriously cool technology for the price though! Traxxas has really stepped up their game with the 1/16 models. Very impressive models.

[Origineelreclamebord]

Yeah, there really has to be a way to slow it down. The stupid thing will do a standing back flip if you nail the throttle 100% with a fresh battery, and will wheely down the street until it finally flips over if you don't ease into the throttle.

Seriously cool technology for the price though! Traxxas has really stepped up their game with the 1/16 models. Very impressive models.

Indeed very impressive Impressive enough to have me order one some minuted ago! Can't wait to get it in - It will be my first non-tamiya RC Car (that I will run, I have a Kyosho but that one was bought for the Nostalgic body it came with) It's the brushed version btw, it saves you roughly $100, money I could well spend on other things or keep on my bank. I think I will buy a heat sink to seal off the holes in the sides of the motor (keeps dirt and water out) and run the **** out of it this autumn and winter!

Oh, and the cure for standing backflips is in the ESC: You can set it up at 50% power...