Suggestions for a new 4x4 RC for sand?

[RC104ever]

Hey so I'm going to look at a new vehicle that I want to buy primarily to use in sand / on the beach. I was looking at the Traxxas e-Maxx or Slash 4x4 because I can get the VW Baja Bug bodies for both. The e-Maxx just looks like a beast but will get pricey with dual lipos and stuff. Slash obviously is ubiquitous so parts will not be an issue and there is tons of support for it.

Last time I used my Sand Scorcher and while it was fun, it also got stuck a lot so I want 4 wheel drive this time. I also want dead nuts reliability (which my Scorcher wasn't really).

I was considering the SC10 4x4 as well just because I'm an AE loyalist

I was also looking at the body shrouds that you can buy to help keep the sand out, which will be important!

Suggestions?

[Coelacanth]

Beyond the questions about reliability & performance, simply add paddle tires to any 4x4 car and it'll do just fine in the sand.

[tamiya]

yup Slash can't be beat on the dunes!

[DMAT]

ive been a little impartial to the e revo lately for a 4wd system. They are making the thing to handle 6S out the box now too. A little demo of both slash and e revo in sand. Traxxas may not be the best for racing but damn do they know how to advertise.

[youtube]watch?v=rdDGLMqKhhA[/youtube]

[klavy69]

I was considering the SC10 4x4 as well just because I'm an AE loyalist ?

I personally would steer clear here even though I am an AE loyalist myself. They just plain suck to work on IMHO. If you wanted to stay AE you could do the prolite 4x4. If you were wanting to go bulletproof you could do 1/8 scale also

Todd

[RC104ever]

I had an RC8e and it was pretty tough and bullet proof to boot. But I just found it too big and.....big, lol. I think as a buggy 10th scale is where its at for me.

That Revo looks badass with the paddles on it! What kind of paddles are those (brand)? Can't quite read it.

I'm just thinking some paddles and stuff will be really fun.

I was also thinking of getting some paddles for my T4 and putting a body shroud on it and calling it a day.

I dunno what to do, someone talk me into spending some of my money on something

[Coelacanth]

I was also thinking of getting some paddles for my T4 and putting a body shroud on it and calling it a day.

This. Why buy a new car just to run in the sand, when all you need are sand paddles with an existing car? I guess if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, buy a new car.

[RC104ever]

Well, I do have some dough burning a hole in my wallet but I may end up buying a new B5M instead.

Plus I just like shiny new things

[ca-rj]

I run a T4 with sand paddles and a Castle 3800 motor and it flies in the sand (and desert). Even geared conservatively it pulls wheelies and will run for 30+ mins on a 2s/5000 mah lipo.

[RC104ever]

How do you minimize the sand in the chassis ?

[ca-rj]

It's pretty hard. Actually, sand gets into pretty much everything. I've had a diff get contaminated with sand. After a trip to the sand dunes, I bring the truck home and give it a good cleaning. The T4 has been very durable. In the last couple of years I've had the original gear diff fail due to the sand getting inside of it, broken a t-plate twice and broken one tie-rod.

[markbt73]

This is timely info! I have an upcoming trip to the coast and am trying to put together a beach runner. Right now I'm leaning towards my "mongrel" RC10 with 2.0" sand paddles (which I already have). But the "sand gets in everywhere" comment has me questioning the old 6-gear's ability to cope.

I have an old 2WD Stampede, and I don't care what happens to it so sand is not an issue, but that just seems... dull. Maybe that dyed-pink 10T that no one wants...?

[RC104ever]

Here's what I'm looking at getting to protect the main part of the car:

http://www.dustymotors.com/

Then shock covers for the shocks and that's it I guess. I've decided to get a new set of wheels, with Panther tires:

http://www.amain.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_26_2338_2340_38/products_id/6968/n/Panther-Razor-22-Sand-Dune-1-10-Truck-Tires-2

http://www.amain.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_26_2338_2340_38/products_id/6967/n/Panther-Paddle-Rear-Sand-Dune-1-10-Truck-Tires-2

[ca-rj]

I think the larger issue is the motor. I forgot to mention earlier that I've had 2 motors get sand in them and lock up. One was brushed and one was a brushless. The only motor that has no issues has been my Castle 3800 and that is because the entire can is sealed.

[RC104ever]

I've got a Castle 3800 I can put in there. Got a 4600 in there now. I'm sure I can put it in a balloon or something to protect it - not too worried about that.

Now that you mention it though, I'm thinking that the gearbox is the only thing that will be pretty exposed. Mind you its quasi sealed but still. Hmmm....

Any suggestions on how I might 'try' to keep it protected? I was thinking I could seal the two halves with a small bead of silicone. Or is it really not necessary?