RCCrawler Forums

The_Madness · 12-22-2009, 08:29 PM

Well, a couple weeks ago I ordered my first crawler because I was given a deal on an RTR Losi Micro Crawler I couldn't refuse. Anyways, after the box had been sitting around for over a week (I wouldn't dare open it during finals week last week - too much of a distraction) I finally opened it.

However, after a few runs, it became clear how top-heavy these things are. The battery will be moved to the top of the rear axle as soon as I get more velcro, but the other thing I want to do is add some weight to the wheels. I plan on getting the BWD wheel weight kit with 8 large hole rings. After looking at the PVC beadlock mod on this site, I figure on doing that while adding some solder to the rims under the PVC.

About what weight should I shoot for in the front and rear rims?

Thanks in advance!

JeepinOR · 12-22-2009, 10:51 PM

In other scales of crawlers, it seems a 2:1, front:rear, ratio is common (I say this loosely, as setups are as ranging as opinions).
I'd start with a conservative, nearly equal amount of solder in all four wheels, perhaps with a bit more up front; so those BWD weights will be about fine tuning the weight, not stacking it on there.
It's one of the things I'll try over 'Winter Break.'

BEELZEBOB · 12-23-2009, 12:19 PM

i have 2 feet of solder wrapped around each front rim, and 1 foot each rear

MadForce · 12-23-2009, 04:40 PM

I put 10 grams of solder up front and 6 grams in the rears. That is double the original weight for the fronts.

parker88 · 12-29-2009, 12:13 PM

what kind of solder are you guys using and if i add solder ill have to unglue the tires and reglue right?

constantmotion · 12-29-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parker88

what kind of solder are you guys using and if i add solder ill have to unglue the tires and reglue right?

That is correct, sir

benzy2 · 12-30-2009, 01:58 AM

I went the pvc beadlock route. With the pvc and the rim wrapped full of solder the rears seem just right and the fronts a little light yet, though pretty darn good running droop. I have the battery on the servo as well. I would like to try a few of the BWD wheel weights to see if just a little more weight wouldn't help. The next thing is to remove the esc/rx from the case, shrink wrap it, put it on the front servo, put the battery out back, remove all extra top heavy plastic, and see where it is at then.

I'm new to crawling but in the little I have seen it seem optimal wheel weight depends on the rest of the setup. If everything is top heavy I have had better luck with more weight on the wheels. Start to lower the COG and I seem to do fine with less weight on the wheels. This is why I want to try to cut weight from here rather than continue to add more to the wheels/axles.

12-22-2009, 08:29 PM	#1
The_Madness Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Southwestern PA Posts: 34	Optimal Wheel Weight Well, a couple weeks ago I ordered my first crawler because I was given a deal on an RTR Losi Micro Crawler I couldn't refuse. Anyways, after the box had been sitting around for over a week (I wouldn't dare open it during finals week last week - too much of a distraction) I finally opened it. However, after a few runs, it became clear how top-heavy these things are. The battery will be moved to the top of the rear axle as soon as I get more velcro, but the other thing I want to do is add some weight to the wheels. I plan on getting the BWD wheel weight kit with 8 large hole rings. After looking at the PVC beadlock mod on this site, I figure on doing that while adding some solder to the rims under the PVC. About what weight should I shoot for in the front and rear rims? Thanks in advance!

12-22-2009, 10:51 PM	#2
JeepinOR Rock Crawler Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West of Eugene, OR Posts: 942	In other scales of crawlers, it seems a 2:1, front:rear, ratio is common (I say this loosely, as setups are as ranging as opinions). I'd start with a conservative, nearly equal amount of solder in all four wheels, perhaps with a bit more up front; so those BWD weights will be about fine tuning the weight, not stacking it on there. It's one of the things I'll try over 'Winter Break.'

12-23-2009, 12:19 PM	#3
BEELZEBOB I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: By a lake in Thornton Posts: 2,218	i have 2 feet of solder wrapped around each front rim, and 1 foot each rear

12-23-2009, 04:40 PM	#4
MadForce RCC Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Greece, sun, sea and rocks Posts: 1,242	I put 10 grams of solder up front and 6 grams in the rears. That is double the original weight for the fronts.

12-29-2009, 12:13 PM	#5
parker88 Quarry Creeper Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lawton Posts: 441	what kind of solder are you guys using and if i add solder ill have to unglue the tires and reglue right?

12-30-2009, 01:58 AM	#7
benzy2 Rock Stacker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toledo Posts: 61	I went the pvc beadlock route. With the pvc and the rim wrapped full of solder the rears seem just right and the fronts a little light yet, though pretty darn good running droop. I have the battery on the servo as well. I would like to try a few of the BWD wheel weights to see if just a little more weight wouldn't help. The next thing is to remove the esc/rx from the case, shrink wrap it, put it on the front servo, put the battery out back, remove all extra top heavy plastic, and see where it is at then. I'm new to crawling but in the little I have seen it seem optimal wheel weight depends on the rest of the setup. If everything is top heavy I have had better luck with more weight on the wheels. Start to lower the COG and I seem to do fine with less weight on the wheels. This is why I want to try to cut weight from here rather than continue to add more to the wheels/axles.

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