RC Gas Truck For Sand Dunes

[Dune Runner]

Hi,

I am in the early stages of investigating different models/brands of gas trucks to run exclusively in the sand dunes.

Please give me your opinions & suggestions on models/brands that I should consider.

I am in the Phoenix metro area. Any suggestions on area stores like HobbyTown USA or others. What about reliable Internet RC stores?.

I am a newbie looking to tap into your expertise & experience so that I can make the right selection from the beginning.

My current budget for this project is $500. Is that in the ballpark for a reliable truck/controller or should I expand the budget?

I appreciate your response & suggestions.

 

[cvec7]

Well, running in the sand is gonna put some hell on your drive-train....especially the bearings...and you had better hope not a single grain of sand gets in your engine...

But if you still want to under-take this process, I reccomend buying a MT roller off ebay, then putting in a good engine, and get some paddle tires... I say savage for durability...

 

[PiErow]

As far as a web site

towerhobbies.com
stormerhobbies.com
amainhobbies.com
rushrc.com
horizonhobby.com

 

[Plaidfish]

Someone (I think Sandho is his name) has built a revo for the dunes and i think he's in AZ too.....search threads/posts from him there was pics of it....

 

[vbgagnon]

Here you go...

https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30679

 

[Dune Runner]

vbgagnon, A huge thanks for that link. I have sent a personal message to Sandho for his ideas.

We run sand cars & Atv's (full size) at a dunes about 3 hours west of me in Calif, called Buttercup.

During the "down-time" we are always looking for things to do.

Last year, we saw this guy with a gas powered RC truck shredding sand and thought that was pretty cool.

No one in our group has RC experience. So, I thought I would "jump-in" and see what needs to be done to find a reliable sand truck that will handle that environment.

Again, thanks for the link and I am still looking for any suggestions from you guy's.

Thanks......

 

[Plaidfish]

Don't use K&N filters for RCs
make sure your engines get over 200*F but under 220*F during breakin
and save your self headaches w/ radio gear and buy GOOD servos and at least an FM radio

 

[olds97_lss]

The airtronics MX-3 is a pretty decent FM radio for around $100. You can find it at tower.

I'd also vote for the savage as a good all around truck. I think with sand, you will want something with power and torque. Your not going to find it for $500 with a small block (18 or smaller). A big block is 21 or larger in most cases.

Yes you can upgrade a maxx or a revo to a big block, but the savage starts as a RTR with a big block.

 

[whuggs1]

Soon as we hit buttercup again I will be taking my Tmaxx to see how it does. Be interesting to see how it does across one of those big bowls.

Dune Runner are you a member of RidingAZ ?

 

[Plaidfish]

dude running your truck across bowels is disgusting......I hope you and your murderous group get caught doing what you're doing out there in the desert....

 

[ImBroken]

What you are looking for, needs to be as light as possible, with tons of power and some sand paddles.. I think a Savage would be too heavy, even if it had a .27 or higher mill.. I think it would bury itself.. The Revo might be the platform your looking for, to start your project.. Good luck, & keep us posted of your findings..

 

[Dune Runner]

Thanks to all who have made suggestions.

Based on the info from your suggestions, I am now going to take a look around the RC shops here in the Phoenix area for info and available vehicles.

If anyone has any further comments, please keep posting.

It looks like my budget will need to be increased for this project.

I have sent Sandho a message. I now know what I want after seeing his truck!!!

whuggs1: Yes, I know of ridingaz

Again, thanks for the suggestions, I am sure I will have more questions.

 

[.30savage]

i love those paddle tires,there's a guy up here with them on his savage,when pulling the sled we have at the tough truck his unit and the sled both vanished in the rooster tail he was throwing down the whole track...very cool,i just wish they made them bigger,after running 40 series ,they look so small.good luck on the sand rail

 

[cvec7]

Ya, I have to change my vote to something lighter like a revo...I forgot that weight is an issue in sand...lol.

 

[.21Rc10GT]

The revo with a CF chassis, rpm arms, shock socks, an RB 323, and some paddles. I guess there are other things, but thats the main stuff i would go with. Sand is easy riding on rc cars (except for the part that it eats bearings and such). A Motor Saver air filter would be good too. can't really think of anything else...

 

[Plaidfish]

balloons for your electrics and sealing your servos might be a good idea....I know that sand can be very fine too.....

 

[CorradoPsi]

id say get a Jato, or nitro rustler. get some good paddle tires for the back, the sand ribs for the front, and a very good filter system. that should be all thats needed. a stadium truck would be better suited for sand than a monster truck.

 

[olds97_lss]

Yeah, they are right... lighter would probably be better. Also, considering sand would just fling everywhere, 2wd might be the way to go. Maybe a stadium truck like the rustler, jato (mentioned above) or the tried and true AE RC10GT with paddle tires and rail tires on the front.

I looked for real sand rail tires for the front, but all I could find were the ones for the mini-t: http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=LOSB1154

 

[Dune Runner]

Hi again, and thanks for the latest round of great suggestions.

We'll the project really got rolling today. I went to a Hobby Town near my home and met a guy that became interested in the project immediately.

The interesting part is that he suggested many of the same ideas that you guys suggested.

I am extremely impressed with the person that I met and he has the experience that I was looking for. During my hour long discussion with this person, you would never know that he is a salesman. It was two guys sitting and going over the options for building a truck that will perform in the sand.

This guy is actually meeting me tomorrow at the shop on his day off to get everything going.

There were numerous options discussed and once we finalize the details I will share the plan with all.

It is going to be a Revo, with several modifications.

My $500 project is approaching a grand. I am sure this won't surprise any of you.....

 

[bustedgears]

Maybe a t-maxx platform? they are pretty light.... if you don't convert to all aluminum. 18 CVRX should be a good mill.

Not only that, you can easily convert to two wheel drive, and forward only.