A Detailed Description of the Different Types of Crawlers

[kevinlongisland]

This is a work in progress. This thread will remain open to suggestions, but some posts may be deleted to keep the content as informative as possible. Thanks.


A question commonly asked by those of you who are new to radio control rock crawling is what type of truck to purchase or build. It’s a good question because there are many options to choose from. This article was written to help those of you who are currently trying to decide what type of r/c crawler to purchase and/or build.

The available designs have been classified into five different categories:

-Price Range
-Performance/Capability
-Looks
-Vehicle Size
-Vehicle Configuration/Chassis Type

Price Range
One of the biggest considerations when purchasing an r/c rock crawler is cost. A full all-out competition crawler (full size/unlimited) can cost anywhere between $500 and $1000 for all new parts. This is probably the most expensive crawler to build but they are the most capable. On the other end of the scale are the Tamiya TLT’s, Nylints, and other small scale crawlers. The least expensive are the Nylint crawlers available from Wal-Mart. The 1/18 scale Nylints are $45, and the 1/6 scale Nylints are $150. A TLT crawler is anywhere from $300 to $500.


Performance/Capability
The most capable crawlers are, without a doubt, the “full size” or “unlimited” trucks. The most defining aspect of a full size r/c rock crawler is its wheelbase, which is approximately 16 inches. These trucks are typically the most capable and can climb over and around terrain that most other trucks can’t. The performance of these trucks is truly amazing and will astonish anyone new to the sport. The main drawbacks of a full size truck is cost and the ability to find challenging enough terrain.

The Small Scale trucks come in second place in the performance/capability scale. The performance factor of these vehicles has been advanced significantly in the last year and they are now more of an “unlimited” small scale class. They can perform as well as the full size or unlimited trucks, but due to their size they cannot climb on or around terrain the full size or unlimited trucks can. This can be an advantage though. It may be easier to find challenging terrain. The Small Scale scale trucks are also cheaper to build compared to the full size/unlimited trucks at around $300-$500.

Full Size/Unlimited Rock Crawlers:
Gecko Series (www.rcguy.com)
Ridgeblade series (www.rcrockcrawling.com)
“The Stick” or NN (www.thecrawlerstore.com)
Vprime (www.utrcrc.com)
Vertical Smile (http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29776)


Small Scale Rock Crawlers:
Bulu (www.rcrockgear.com)
RBX (http://www.bbyracing.com/rbxchassis.asp)
Jefferson (http://www.utrcrc.com/products.html)
SW2 (http://www.bendercustoms.com/chassis.htm)



Looks
The 2.2 sized rigs and 14” wheelbase trucks can be used for a more realistic look. The 16” wheelbase trucks typically look the least “real” and are more focused on performance. The ultimate “true to life” trucks are the scale rigs.

Vehicle Size
The majority of vehicles used for r/c rock crawling can be classified into the following size groups:

Full Size/Approximate 16” wheelbase (Clodbusters, TXT-1s, and E-Maxxs’ are the most popular)
- Tamiya Clodbuster
- Tamiya TXT-1
- Traxxas E-Maxx
- XTM X-Factor
- Kyosho Twin Force
- Nylint 1/6

Small Scale/Approximate 12.5” wheelbase
- Tamiya TLT
- Nylint 1/18 Scale Scorpion or Jeep



Vehicle Configuration/Chassis Type
The majority of rock crawlers can be divided up into these main chassis/configuration types:

• Clods (Tamiya Clodbuster based trucks)
• Shafties (A central transmission that powers conventional style axles)
• Tubers (Tube Chassis vehicles)

The Clods or Tamiya Clodbuster based rock crawlers use an axle that has a transmission/gearbox integrated directly into the axle assembly. These require the use of two motors, one for each axle/gearbox assembly.

Shafties are configured like life sized trucks. They have a centrally mounted gearbox/transmission with driveshafts that feed power to the front and rear axles.

Tubers can be constructed as a Clod or Shafty, but are distinct due to the way the chassis is constructed. The chassis is made out of solid or hollow tubes.

[clod booster]

where would i find a tube chassis, they look really cool and i would love to get one but i cant build one myself.

[kevinlongisland]

I think aubie is the only guy on here selling them. Check in the vendor section and also try using the search function. Thanks.

[Trikster]

The Bulu site has no contact info page, how does one place an order?

[kevinlongisland]

Get ahold of toyofast:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/member.php?userid=94

[Trikster]

Thank you for that. I had looked and didn't find the "owner" on the site. Still new to this boards searching feature.

[raceplus]

Good handle on the basics. Do you have another thread that goes into more detail?

[kevinlongisland]

I'm not aware of any threads detailing a full build.