For RC crawler peeps

[Dilly’S Willy]

If you enjoy off-roading but can’t do it in real life for whatever reason, this thread is for you!

And feel free to post up your RC crawlers!

After coming to the realization I won’t be doing the cool mods some people can for various reasons, I’ve been getting my off-road fix in with RCs.

I started with a 1:18 scale Defender 110 (TRX4M) for those bad weather days and more of a challenge. I’ve modded it with stainless helical differential gears, the OEM brushless system (better control and slower AND higher speeds), crawler transmission gear (40.3:1), and OEM plastic beadlock wheels. Here’s a current pic:

I’ve since ordered (still waiting for it to show up) a 1:10 scale JL Wrangler. Comes with a 2 speed transmission, unlockable differentials, metal gears, portals, winch, and a full light kit. I also ordered an upgraded steering servo (which already showed up). Just needs better tires but my buddy offered me his spare tires which I’ve seen are killer even in water. I’ll have to post pics after it comes in (bday gift to myself).

Today I found THIS FUCKING THING:
1:7 scale JL Wrangler

Has all the same features as the 1:10 scale but ALSO has selectable 2wd/4wd (FWD/4WD/RWD). This is probably my next and final rig to snag as it has EVERYTHING ready-to-run. And the price is very reasonable. The only real “upgrade” it’s needs is conformal coating all the electronics to waterproof them for those submarine moments, and maybe tires.

Let’s see and hear your thoughts, and rigs!

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[Bandit’s Lair]

That one in the link is SICK!!! I haven’t been into RC for a few years. I used to have an AE86 drifter with the foam wheels. Did a custom paint job on it and everything. The paint job is half the fun on those. I’ll have to look at the market and see what’s out there these days. I could have a full on stable inside of a storage bin!!!!

 

[HOLLYWOOD33]

Got back into RC's late last year after about a 10 year break and have three crawlers.

Traxxas TRX4 Sport (1/10 scale)
Axial SR5 (1/10 scale)
Redcat Fusion (1/10 scale)

All have metal beadlock wheels, running 3S lipos, and have other assorted upgrades.

RC crawling is definitely a cool way to unwind (unlike my speed car - Arrma Limitless on 8S)

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Got back into RC's late last year after about a 10 year break and have three crawlers.

Traxxas TRX4 Sport (1/10 scale)
Axial SR5 (1/10 scale)
Redcat Fusion (1/10 scale)

All have metal beadlock wheels, running 3S lipos, and have other assorted upgrades.

RC crawling is definitely a cool way to unwind (unlike my speed car - Arrma Limitless on 8S)

Post up your crawler pics if you have any.

I also have a 1:16 basher for my dog, does 25mph on 2s out of the box.

But back to crawlers, here’s a clip of the 1:18 I use as both a crawler and trail rig, doing a little submarine duty. Ignore the clicking, I use plastic tranny gears as the steel gears are known to strip the brass pinion on the brushless motor, and no one sells just the pinion for the Traxxas branded brushless motor (they want you to replace the whole motor):

TRX4M Defender 110 Submarine mode

I'll be posting up more videos as I feel like it/get the time.

Just waiting for this 1:10 to show up so I can go more places than a 1:18 can really take you.


I also found a 1:7 Gladiator version of the 1:7 Wrangler I shared previously, the finish isn't quite the same as the Wrangler, but IIRC it's a bit newer and NOT a V2 as the Wrangler is. It DOES however have functioning wipers which I thought was pretty freaking cool. It's made by the same company as the 1:7 Wrangler too.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I have yet to look into these too much. Do these come out of the box painted and everything?

 

[ChrisNLA]

I have yet to look into these too much. Do these come out of the box painted and everything?

Some are RTR (ready to run) and even include a battery, some you'll need to add a battery and charger, and some are full blown kits you build and provide all the electronics and body, tires, etc.

Traxxas and Axial are some of the go-to's off the top of my head for RTR crawlers.

There are some other brands but I'm in and out of the RC hobby a lot and I'm not always up on the latest.

We have six Axial SCX24 trucks but I low key hate them. Three of them are for the kids and three belong to me and the ole lady. Been thinking about selling all of them and spending the money on our larger trucks.

The 24's are just so hard to work on and the motors and servos are trash. It's hard to get things to work smoothly on them (like the shocks) at that scale, etc. I'd never go that small again unless my play area forced me to.

Been wanting to do some 10th scale crawlers, but it hasn't been priority.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’d like the 1/10 scale models. Anything smaller than that out in the desert just shouts issues to me. They look hella fun though!! Probably way cheaper to upgrade than the actual Jeep. Feed my need to build for a fraction of the price.

 

[HOLLYWOOD33]

Post up your crawler pics if you have any.

I also have a 1:16 basher for my dog, does 25mph on 2s out of the box.

But back to crawlers, here’s a clip of the 1:18 I use as both a crawler and trail rig, doing a little submarine duty. Ignore the clicking, I use plastic tranny gears as the steel gears are known to strip the brass pinion on the brushless motor, and no one sells just the pinion for the Traxxas branded brushless motor (they want you to replace the whole motor):

TRX4M Defender 110 Submarine mode

I'll be posting up more videos as I feel like it/get the time.

Just waiting for this 1:10 to show up so I can go more places than a 1:18 can really take you.


I also found a 1:7 Gladiator version of the 1:7 Wrangler I share previously, the finish isn't quite the same as the Wrangler, but IIRC it's a bit newer and NOT a V2 as the Wrangler is. It DOES however have function wipers which I thought was pretty freaking cool. It's made by the same company as the 1:7 Wrangler too.

That TRX is running smooth!

I rarely take photos or videos, but here's one of my son with the TRX Sport I gave him and my Redcat Fusion brushless at our local crawling spot.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

@HOLLYWOOD33 It is pretty smooth, the brushless FOC systems are worth it vs a brushed system.

I'm just more of a function person so I'm confident I'll enjoy the lockable differentials and 2 speed capabilities. Also the one I ordered comes with a winch, so that may be fun on occasion. Might not NEED it, but better to have when I want it than not. I'll be sharing more details and pics when it arrives.

I have yet to look into these too much. Do these come out of the box painted and everything?

As @ChrisNLA mentioned, some do and some don't. Mine comes with a 2S battery and charger (albeit Li-ion, not LiPo, which is better for crawlers). Generally 1:10 crawlers do NOT come with a LiPo kit, but some do.
- I DO have a couple 2S 2200mah LiPo packs for my dog's 1:16 basher that share the same connector as the 1:10 I ordered, so we will see how that works out, until I upgrade to a brushless system.

Most people go for Axial for hardcore crawling, and Traxxas for more of a dual-purpose rig (trail and crawling). There's other big name brands like Vanquish and Redcat to name a couple (I have ZERO experience personally with those latter brands. My friend has an Axial SCX10.2 Blazer and it's modded a bit so I can't attest to their stock performance.
- My TRX4-M (mini aka 1:18) came single speed tranny, brushed, plastic driveline, basic wheels, and 2ch TX. I've upgraded things as mentioned in the first post, but even with those mods, it's both better control at new slower speed with gears AND faster than stock even with the crawler gears. I actually get about 10-15mins more run time to on average. I kept the plastic driveshaft and tranny gears as my weak point as they're the cheapest parts to replace, and I've only stripped the same tranny gear due to one specific scenario: "crawler mode" on the carpet while jamming 100% Forward/Reverse instantly/consistently to antagonize the pup to play, which I need to stop lol.

It's more about what features you desire, do you want a RTR crawler that has less stuff to POTENTIALLY go bad, or do you enjoy having features that make it a true SCALE replica like: lockers, 2 speed transmission, "Turn Assist" (like the Tazer feature, which locks the rear inside wheel for tighter turns) aka DIG (which locks out the rear axle from turning and drags using the front).

There's other mods like: a winch, or a 2wd/4wd selector (remote controlled, but often requires another servo if not already on your rig...say you swapped a spool for your locker, or removed the 2 speed for a single speed tranny), a brushless motor/ESC combo (one of the first mods you'll want for better crawling/control and better battery life), upgraded steering servo (tied for 1st mod), and beadlock wheels/better tires (2nd/3rd upgrade you'll want, as some stock tires are better than others).

As far as batteries, most are 2S or 3S ready, higher voltage means more power/speed, but less heat. Some are even 4S-6S capable. Generally you don't NEED higher than 3S FYI, unless you're over 15lbs on your rig (unlikely on 1:10) or want crazy speed.

Some are RTR (ready to run) and even include a battery, some you'll need to add a battery and charger, and some are full blown kits you build and provide all the electronics and body, tires, etc.

Traxxas and Axial are some of the go-to's off the top of my head for RTR crawlers.

There are some other brands but I'm in and out of the RC hobby a lot and I'm not always up on the latest.

We have six Axial SCX24 trucks but I low key hate them. Three of them are for the kids and three belong to me and the ole lady. Been thinking about selling all of them and spending the money on our larger trucks.

The 24's are just so hard to work on and the motors and servos are trash. It's hard to get things to work smoothly on them (like the shocks) at that scale, etc. I'd never go that small again unless my play area forced me to.

Been wanting to do some 10th scale crawlers, but it hasn't been priority.

I got a female friend into crawling with my TRX4M Defender on a trail one day, and she wanted a Wrangler but didn't want to spend $200 for a stock rig, so she grabbed a SCX24 Wrangler and wants to paint it pink. She took me to the LHS, and we got her: upgraded steering servo, beadlock weighted wheels, stickier mud tires, and she's ordering 2 new 2S batteries for longer run time. She's ready for a brushless system.
- But she refuses to do the work herself, thus I got stuck doing it all so far. I can officially say I DESPISE working on 1:24 rigs now. 1:18 is my limit for small rigs.

You may be interested in the 1:10 rig I ordered, keep an eye on this thread for updates as I will be giving details when it comes in. The price will surprise you!

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

For those curious about the 1:7 Gladiator I found, here's the link (not affiliated):
Rlaarlo JK07 PRO (Brushless)

For a stock rig, it has almost every feature you could ever want: brushless FOC system, high torque steering servo, locking diffs, 2 speed, 2S-4S ready, 10ch TX/RX, full light kit, Multi-mode drive (FWD/4WD/RWD), and not only a FUNCTIONING RTT/Awning but also FUNCTIONING wipers and FUNCTIONING steering wheel that turns with the front wheels when you steer it!

Granted they're a bit pricey, but compared to other 1:6 rigs, you get WAY more. Watch a couple videos if you're on the fence. If I were caught up on bills sooner I'd order a Hydro Blue unit and probably better tires for the only mod.


The SCX10.3 Gladiator was discontinued, and is still $500 without batteries/charger, plus the 2 speed isn't really geared properly (you get 3-4mph more in high gear vs low gear) unlike the TRX4 2 speed which is more realistic gearing between high and low. The SCX10.3 DOES have DIG, but I've heard if you aren't a hardcore crawler (or have that style crawling locations) it's a novelty/waste of money....and the servos for shifting/DIG burn out STOCK pretty easy as there's no End Point Adjustments stock. The TRX4 servos for shifting and lockers seem to be a bit less prone, depending how you use them. Plus I'd rather have selectable 2wd/4wd (which is a mod too).

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’d get the gray. I think I have a sickness.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

I’d get the gray. I think I have a sickness.

I'm down with the sickness Oh ah ah ah AH!

Keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks for my update to the 1:10 I ordered. For the price, I think you may be pleasantly surprised compared to the big brand names.

As for the 1:10 vs 1:7 gladiator, you really need to decide whether you want to be more involved with a more common size (1:10 is way more common than 1:7 for courses/comps) or features and scale. The SCX10.3 Gladiators are pretty solid once you replace the servos from what I've seen, while the Rlaarlo JK07Pro (brushless) is still relatively new and I can't imagine many LHS stock their parts, though you can always order directly from Rlaarlo and they do have upgrades on their store/site.
- All RCs are a money pit eventually. Might as well get what comes with the most features you think you'll want swap. And the brushed version is only $100 less, good luck finding a good brushless system for less than that new, for the weight (the 1:7 is about 20lbs) factoring all features.

Personally, since I've already ordered a 1:10 I'd go with the 1:7 as I just can't find another Gladiator with those features (I can't even find a FWD/4WD/RWD mod for a 1:10, other than a RWD/4WD mod). But I know many people get weird about brands they've never heard of, especially when you factor no LHS stock parts.
- But my MJX 16208 1:16 basher is this way, yet they have an amazon store and manufacturer direct store through Aliexpress/Banggood. After a year of owning it with daily abuse (and a 85lbs dog jumping/biting at it) I've only replaced a shock (well the spring and retainer, as it popped off after 4 months of abuse by the dog...and that's possible with ANY shock) and the spur gear for the driveshaft (again, massive abuse from the dog jumping on it early on at 20+mph, before I trained him not to). It came stock with a 3200kv brushless system and is "splash proof" and a light bar for night use. Everything still works great as of our last run yesterday.

There is a company that makes a 1:10 scale JT body with opening/removable doors and way better details, but you have to assemble it and paint it, plus it's another $200 alone. I just want to go crawl/trail.

Okay, I need to go do something today

 

[ChrisNLA]

For a lack of better words, I've been a bit of a Traxxas nut swinger for years. I got into 'hobby grade' RC around 2004 and I've been in and out of it since.

I've had other stuff too, but seemed to always have Traxxas the most.

Currently I'm sitting on:

Axial SCX24 (A Gladiator, a Bronco, a C10, and three 'Tacomas' - the Bronco has been parted out to keep the other five going)
Traxxas Rustler (bought it used, building an early 2000's inspired truck)
Traxxas Mini XRT (love this one, traded for it recently)
Traxxas Stampede 2WD (my first ever RC truck - it's heavily modified)
Traxxas Stampede 4x4 (the first release, it's an OG as well)
Traxxas Slash 4x4 (all original, currently parted out to fix my step sons truck)

But I'd like to add a couple Traxxas TRX4's to the mix now that the ole lady has Saturdays off. We want to get outside more and that would be fun to take to the local state park for our hikes.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I don't run mine much, that 1/7 scale is super sweet.

I have a brand new SCx10 Basecamp that hasn't even been outside yet :/ Busy busy.

Have a Wraith and Wraith 2.2 up in the barn also.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

For a lack of better words, I've been a bit of a Traxxas nut swinger for years. I got into 'hobby grade' RC around 2004 and I've been in and out of it since.

I've had other stuff too, but seemed to always have Traxxas the most.

Currently I'm sitting on:

Axial SCX24 (A Gladiator, a Bronco, a C10, and three 'Tacomas' - the Bronco has been parted out to keep the other five going)
Traxxas Rustler (bought it used, building an early 2000's inspired truck)
Traxxas Mini XRT (love this one, traded for it recently)
Traxxas Stampede 2WD (my first ever RC truck - it's heavily modified)
Traxxas Stampede 4x4 (the first release, it's an OG as well)
Traxxas Slash 4x4 (all original, currently parted out to fix my step sons truck)

But I'd like to add a couple Traxxas TRX4's to the mix now that the ole lady has Saturdays off. We want to get outside more and that would be fun to take to the local state park for our hikes.

Quite the RC garage you have going so far.

If you’re looking for a couple of TRX4s to add, wait until I update with my order, I think you’ll find you can save a bunch of money vs buying new and still swap TRX4 parts in but for less initial investment.

Or jump on the deals you find. I’m not your dad lol.

I don't run mine much, that 1/7 scale is super sweet.

I have a brand new SCx10 Basecamp that hasn't even been outside yet :/ Busy busy.

Have a Wraith and Wraith 2.2 up in the barn also.

IKR, The blue one will match my JT great. While there’s some fit and finish I’m not the most fond of, nothing a bit of ingenuity can’t resolve. But for the money, you can’t beat that feature list at that scale.
- I mean really, name 1 scale crawler that has functioning wipers or steering wheel?

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