Best Electric Monster Truck

[ajh1400]

hello all. this is my 1st post. I have read through many of the threads and haven't run across much advice on Electric Monster Trucks. Mostly Nitro talk (which I would love SHORT list of pros vs. cons on Elec vs. nitro, since I am just getting back into the hobby) I used to own a stock Nikko buggy 1/10 and eventually ended up with a couple RC10's with the gold tub. The thing I remember most besides just having a blast bumping and jumping them is I always wished I had invested in a MONSTER TRUCK!! I also remember batteries not lasting nearly long enough and the charge seemed to last an eternity. I almost bought the Lunchbox years ago and enjoyed the posts about it here. I'm very tempted....maybe the lunchbox for me and blackfoot for my son. Anyway, It is almost certain I will get one for X-Mas I just need to info to point my wife in the right direction. She'd like to surprise me with something. $$ is flexible and I've looked at some of the Traxxas trucks and some of the more monster trucks. I used to be very impressed by the looks of the USA-1 and Clodbuster. Also wondering on any input on durability and stability. I could probably ask many more questions, but will see where this takes me. I really am leaning towards Electric for IMO less maintence and down time. Thanks for any input.

[quicklimegirl]

Electric M/Ts are high maintenance and a money pit but cool if you can afford it. I run an E-MAXX Well into $1,000.

[tadium54]

what mt isn't a money pit lol. that comes with this hobby lol

[quicklimegirl]

correctomundo!

[tadium54]

e-maxx, super clod, twin force are your 3 main options. I dont think the usa-1 is around anymore, and it needs alot of mods to get it in any decent shape. i have an e-maxx that i love, and its pretty strong as long as you dont introduce it to a cement pole at full speed.

lime- what mods are on yours?

[rcconcept]

You forgot about the Tamiya TXT-1

[Fat Old-Guy]

...maybe the lunchbox for me and blackfoot for my son.

If the Lunch Box and Blackfoot are in your size range... take a good long look at the Traxxas Stampede too.

The Stampede is one of the most popular, most modified, (small) Monster trucks on the market.

[Just Gundam]

There is also the e-zilla that you can consider.

Stock twin force, e-maxx and e-zilla are the fastest among larger monster trucks, with plenty of torque and power to overcome most terrains and obstacles. You will be impressed with their performance. I myself have an emaxx for almost 2 years now and my love for it has only grown stronger! :D

As far as maintenance goes, batteries require the most care. Get some good batteries and a good charger, and with proper battery care, they will last you a long time.

[SMUDGER]

:) Just browsing thru, www.nitrotek.co.uk for a very affordable MT. Comes factory assembled using plastic parts. After hitting a tree or post at 30 KmPH you can repair the truck with Aluminium parts from store online.!
Can anyone advise me on maintenance for Trucks when not in use? ie temperature to store at etc????

Hi from the UK!

[ajh1400]

really looking hard at the E-Maxx, Stampede probably more my speed. If I went with the E-Maxx do you know of any immediate necessary upgrades or do you think I'd be better off upgrading the Stampede. Both are somewhat comprable in regards to size of body, ground clearance, etc. speed, power, durability are probably my biggest considerations. I saw a video of the E or T Maxx that looked incredible.

How inferior is the Lunchbox and Blackfoot compared to the Stampede. I really wanted more "Monster Truck" and was under the impression the Traxxas truck were more "stadium style"

I am also interested in approx top speeds for the above and ability to perform tricks w/o rolling over.

the cost of electric was also brought up, are the nitro cheaper to maintain in the long run, when I had my RC10's - Electric was the way to go and Nitros were just up and coming to the average RC hobbiest.

Thanks for all the input.


Thanks for all the input.

[SS Pede]

The emaxx will be quite a bit more expensive to start off with than the Stampede, even including necessary Pede hop-ups. Twice the number of battery packs, etc. The emaxx is definitely bigger and 4wd...a little bit more of a true monster. The Stampede sort of has stadium truck roots, but it has a totally unique chassis with huge ground clearance so it is definitely not a stadium truck anymore! The Stampede is known for being very durable, once you get a few key upgrades in place. The emaxx is heavier and may take a little more work to make as durable as the stampede...but this is only a guess because I don't own any Maxx trucks.

I'd say the Stampede will outperform the Blackfoot and easily outperform the Lunchbox because of its stadium truck-ish design. Way back in '98 the Stampede beat out the Blackfoot and all other trucks in RCCA's 2wd monster truck shootout.

The Stampede's stock top speed is about 18mph tops. The Emaxx goes around 23 or something and has more brute power. The Stampede can tip over somewhat easily...but then again it often seems remarkably stable to me. Again, going back to its stadium truck roots.

I guess the long and short of it is: The Stampede is more of a stadium truck than the emaxx but has big ground clearance, so I definitely consider it a monster truck. It just has the performance/handling benefits of a Stadium truck. The Blackfoot and Lunchbox probably won't ever be as capable as the Stampede, at least if you're talking about fast jumps and stuff. The emaxx trounces all of them, but only in terms of hugeness and 4wd. The Pede can go just as fast or faster for quite a bit less money.

[ajh1400]

I'm really leaning towards the stampede for cost and possibly of purchasing 2 somewhat equal trucks. Which necessary upgrades would you recommend? ie: for speed, suspension, durability. I'm also interested in purchasing quick chargers and LONG life batteries. I've been told some run 45min!?!

Have you seen the tower "ultimate combo for the stampede? what do you think?

[Maxx42]

I'm really leaning towards the stampede for cost and possibly of purchasing 2 somewhat equal trucks. Which necessary upgrades would you recommend? ie: for speed, suspension, durability. I'm also interested in purchasing quick chargers and LONG life batteries. I've been told some run 45min!?!

Have you seen the tower "ultimate combo for the stampede? what do you think?

The charger and battery in the ultimate combo will get you running, but IMO not worth it. The battery pack they offer you is a low quality, low capacity nicad pack (for long run times you would be better off with at least a 3000mah nimh pack), and the charger they offer can only charge nicads. If you are just trying to get started, I would suggest getting some cheap nimh packs. I get them at: http://www.batteryspace.com/ . The batteries on this site are not good for racing, but if all that you are doing is bashing around they are fine. As far as chargers go, I would suggest a 959 charger made by mrc. There are plenty of chargers out there that are better than it, but I don't know how much you are willing to spend on your whole setup.

[Peterbilt]

I dont think you can go wrong with proven Stampede. They are very affordable. I got one as my first hobby level RC. If I had to choose between the TMaxx and the 'Pede, the Stampede would stay. In the 3 years Ive had mine, I havent broken any parts other than bending some suspension pins. However, thats not to say you wont break stuff, because you WILL. But, hey, Stampede parts are dirt cheap and are readily available.

Some upgrades I suggest (If you bought a Pede):

-Aluminum rear shocks. IMO, fronts arent that important. Ive never blown a front one. Since most of the trucks weight is biased towards the rear, you'll blow a rear shock on a good jump. I have some simple blue anodized ones on my truck...

-Aftermarket motor. I run a P2K2 Pro, but it all depends on how fast you want to go or how much you can spend.

-RPM front and rear carriers. They will hold up better than the stock ones, + they accept larger bearings. They wont break as easy as smaller ones and the truck will perform better than with the stock bushings.

-RPM camber links. Only if you dont care to adjust camber. I just like em cause they keep my RPM theme goin :p

-Aftermarket steering servo. You WILL break the stock one. Nearly guaranteed. I broke mine less than a week after I got the truck. They are known for stripping it out easily. A Futaba S3003 or S3004 isnt expensive at all and will make the Stampede turn plent fine. I have an S3004 in mine and it works great...

Thats about all I can think of. If you have any questions in particular about the Pede, or want some good pics...lemme know...

Edit: I dont suggest going with the Ultimate Combo either...buy a good pack and charger seperately, it will pay off later. Get a good charger the first time around. I currently have a Duratrax Intellipeak AC/DC Pulse Charger. Charges NIMH and NICD, discharges, and can be used in the field to charge from your real car/truck. You can also adjust the charging amps. I do, however, need to buy some good batteries. After these few years I STILL have stupid 1500 packs :rolleyes:

[Racing t]

does anybody nows what is the average run time of these 2 trucks ( stampede, e-maxx) whit a 3300mah nimh or two of those in the case of the maxx, just an average

[ajh1400]

Thanks Maxx and Peter. I will take your input into serious consideration. I definitely would rather make the initial investment on good batt packs and charger up front. I know from previous experience it should be worth it. how much running time can you get out of the nimh packs.

Peter - I would very interested in any pics you would like to share and am also interested in the approx cost of the upgrades you suggested. I used to have a buggy and loved the speed, but I'd like to find an after market moter with both speed and power. I'd be interested in your opinion of the most price effective vs. optimum choice if I had the $$.....Too bad you cant order direct from dealer with mods already in place w/o spending on stock items

[Peterbilt]

Here are some pics of Ole Reliable :D

Click the thumnails to see bigger pics.

Front
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/171/imgp04994ns.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp04994ns.jpg)

Back
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4116/imgp05002jj.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp05002jj.jpg)

Rear Suspension w/ RPM Carriers and camber links. Can also see the aluminum shocks and P2K2 Pro.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1356/imgp05012zx.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp05012zx.jpg)

Front. Sorry, its a bit blurry. Can see the RPM camber links and carrier...
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8511/imgp05022vk.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp05022vk.jpg)

P2K2 Pro. The tranny...I have aftermarket steel yokes on my truck (the piece sticking out of the tranny and connecting to the driveshaft). Freakin $20 for those little things!
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7282/imgp05031ol.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp05031ol.jpg)

Just a shot of the bottom. No mods here, just a Traxxas decal I added...
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5701/imgp05055mn.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp05055mn.jpg)

I have a little video of my Stampede jumping if you'd like to see that. I can also shoot another little one tomorrow to show what kinda of performance my particular setup has if you'd like.

The parts on my truck cost me:

-RPM Front Carriers $9.00 + Price of bearings (so I guess $12 +/- a couple $)
-RPM Rear Carriers (same prices as front)
-P2K2 Pro $29
-RPM Camber Links $6.00
-Aluminum Shocks. Cant remember who made mine, but 2 rear shocks should be around $15.
-Futaba S3004 $14

All prices from Tower Hobbies.

I couldnt really give you an opinion of the most price effective vs. optimum choice seeing as Im still learning myself, but again, keep the questions coming...me and the rest of RCZ will keep answering...

Later.

[ajh1400]

Thanks Peter! All those upgrades for under $100, looks right up my alley. If you could change any of the mods you have made which would it/they be?

I would love to see any movies you have shot with your truck. I have only seen Maxx movies and was very impressed. Thanks again.

[Maxx42]

Nice pede Peter. I use the p2k2 pro motor in my TC4 and I like that motor a lot. I agree with using as many RPM parts as possible when upgrading an RC. That's what I use to upgrade my maxx. RPM stuff is high quality and, in some cases, is lighter than the stock plastic pieces they replace. I wonder if they are going to make a-arms for the electric pede and rustler because they just came out with arms for their nitro counterparts (not compatible with elec though).

[SS Pede]

A word about the steering servo. I believe Traxxas is now shipping the Stampede with the 2055 servo, same as in the Emaxx. It's still a plastic gear train, but it should be a lot more durable than the old 2018 servo.

[ajh1400]

thanks for everything...i will continue to watch this forum...not sure whether I can wait till Xmas....I may have to buy mine and get my son really psyched for Xmas! That way I can make sure he has interest too. Any more pics to share anyone?

[SS Pede]

http://monster.traxxas.com has lots of Pede picture in the Pede forum.

[Just Gundam]

thanks for everything...i will continue to watch this forum...not sure whether I can wait till Xmas....I may have to buy mine and get my son really psyched for Xmas! That way I can make sure he has interest too. Any more pics to share anyone?

Looks like you are set for a nice hopped up pede :p Anyway my emaxx is here: www.rc pics.net/member/JustGundam, remove the space in "rc pics".

[ajh1400]

JustGundam your EMAXX looks great! Yeah, I am pretty excited about getting the stampede. I going to check my local hobby store to see how much they cost and if I can get a deal. Otherwise I'll probably order online. Thanks for the link to the rc pics site.

[joostin421]

lots of custom and aftermarket parts, but traxxas:

stampedes:

http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1230.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1229.JPG

rustlers:

http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1287.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1378.JPG

justin

[ajh1400]

Justin,

Do you agree with the recommended changes posted earlier on this thread? Have you made several of the same mods? Also, I was thinking while I was pricing stampedes the rustler looks nice too. My son may prefer a buggy or stadium truck to my MONSTER truck. Dunno. Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

[Fat Old-Guy]

If your son wants a stadium truck, the Rustler and Stampede share most everything. Some differences are body posts, front steering turnbuckles (longer on the Stampede due to steering servo set-up), front shock tower (IIRC) and of course, the chassis.... the other front and rear suspension parts are the same, as is the tranny.

[ajh1400]

good to know....It will be beneficial to be able to exchange parts or keep limited supplies available for breakages. I've been pricing batteries and a good charger. I may go ahead and get one to gauge his interest before Xmas. I found a hobby store that seems to carry everything I could possibly need or want. Prices for the Stampede were comprable to prices I found online. Guys at store willing to share info too.

[joostin421]

i agree, i think that the most things people do first to the stampede or rustler are the following:

1. ball bearings.
2. aluminum idler gear.
3. larger rear hub carriers (the nitro versions) with larger bearings.
4. rpm/steel/titanium tie rods, and camber rods (you have adjustability with rods and rod ends compared rpm ones).
5. nice shocks (i usually go 4" all around in the stampede), and stiffer springs.
6. aluminum skid/bumper in the rear.
7. widening arms, wether the be plastic, or FLM aluminum widening arms.
8. chassis - aftermarket or custom made, because you can do a lot with some dragonplate carbon fiber, a scroll saw, and a drill press.
9. BL motor system.

i always take it a little bit further though with BL motor systems and go for the Coldfusion Racing SS diff gear to be safe ($60 is a lot of money sometimes).

if you are going to get an aftermarket chassis though, i totally recommend the Fastlane Machine chassis for the rustler. i have not tried the stampede one though - only reason i have the FLM Rustler chassis is because i got a killer deal on the FLM rustler pictured on the previous page.

the stampedes steering setup is definately easier to work with when building your own chassis most of the time.

justin

[ajh1400]

The guy at the hobby store tried steering me towards the Rustler for stability and speed. I had to go and see the differences in person. The EMaxx was incredibly impressive! I'm still leaning toward the Stampede, but this guy kept telling me it was a stadium truck trying to be a monster and I'd be better off with the Rustler. I going to do some more thinking.

[SerpentKing101]

But the stampede is a monster, just because its 2wd doesnt mean much. me personally given the choice between a rusty and a 'pede, would choose the latter. its just something about the "cool factor" of a monster truck (quasi-monster in the hobby shop owner's eyes) over an actual stadium.

or you could step up to the E-maxx like i have. :D (just set aside some pocket change for rear body posts until you get good at jumping it)

[ajh1400]

That E-Maxx is awesome! I'm sure I'll stick with the Stampede though. I keep telling myself I can get to 'pedes for the price of 1 E-Maxx. My son went with me. He was impressed with the Rustler and some of the street racers they had. Thanks for the post.

Also Justin thanks for the vid, I look forward to the next one. In the vid he lauched his 'pede off a ramp and after a solid landing it bounced and rolled and then landed right side up. So much for unstable. Thanks again.

[Peterbilt]

That E-Maxx is awesome! I'm sure I'll stick with the Stampede though. I keep telling myself I can get to 'pedes for the price of 1 E-Maxx. My son went with me. He was impressed with the Rustler and some of the street racers they had. Thanks for the post.

Also Justin thanks for the vid, I look forward to the next one. In the vid he lauched his 'pede off a ramp and after a solid landing it bounced and rolled and then landed right side up. So much for unstable. Thanks again.

Justin?

I was the one who sent the vid ;)

Glad ya liked it...I'll have the better one today hopefully...

[ajh1400]

Justin?

I was the one who sent the vid ;)

Glad ya liked it...I'll have the better one today hopefully...


Sorry man, I posted that way too late last night after checking out every 'pede website I could find. I look forward to checking out any other videos you send. Thanks!

[ajh1400]

Thanks everyone who contributed to my new 'pede Monster Truck purchase this after noon! It is the RTR w/ ESC, and purple body. I got it about 2 hrs ago and already busted the cap on one of the front shocks. I am going to need aluminum caps or a different set up all together. I will go back and review the previously suggested mods. Thanks again. My son loved it too!

[Peterbilt]

Thanks everyone who contributed to my new 'pede Monster Truck purchase this after noon! It is the RTR w/ ESC, and purple body. I got it about 2 hrs ago and already busted the cap on one of the front shocks. I am going to need aluminum caps or a different set up all together. I will go back and review the previously suggested mods. Thanks again. My son loved it too!

Awesome.

I suggest just some full aluminum shocks. They will do you better in the end. Ask the hobby shop if they carry the front and rear shocks for the Duratrax Evader. They are aluminum and have threaded bodies for easy adjusting. They are relatively affordable too. If not, just look for any basic aluminum shocks. Besides, a little shiny anodizing is always a good thing :D

[ajh1400]

Awesome.

I suggest just some full aluminum shocks. They will do you better in the end. Ask the hobby shop if they carry the front and rear shocks for the Duratrax Evader. They are aluminum and have threaded bodies for easy adjusting. They are relatively affordable too. If not, just look for any basic aluminum shocks. Besides, a little shiny anodizing is always a good thing :D


I'm on the phone with them now. They are checking to see what's available in aluminum. :D

[joostin421]

it has begun :D

justin

[ajh1400]

LHS was closed....I went to buy super glue.......it didn't hold
I'll have to pick up caps or shocks tomorrow. I am also considering a nice bumper. I gotta make this thing a little stronger. I ended up with a twin peak charger (lhs didn't have recommended ones) and 2 3300mah nimh batts. takes about 45 min for a full charge (little disappointed) i'm going to price 1500 and 2500 batts while I'm there. I need to compare batt sizes too, the 3300's were a very tight fit. Thanks again.

[SS Pede]

RPM wide front bumper is the way to go. 45 mins for a full charge is normal, sorry!
:( Still, if you charge two at once you get around 30 minutes of driving for 45 minutes of charging...could be worse.

[ajh1400]

RPM wide front bumper is the way to go. 45 mins for a full charge is normal, sorry!
:( Still, if you charge two at once you get around 30 minutes of driving for 45 minutes of charging...could be worse.

wide front bumper sounds exactly what I'm looking for....I'll see if lhs carries it. If not, I could order online. Does the bumper add enough weight to help with steering? I think I may have only gotten about 10 or 11 min per batt. LHS said that was normal for 1st full charge on those batts.

[Peterbilt]

wide front bumper sounds exactly what I'm looking for....I'll see if lhs carries it. If not, I could order online. Does the bumper add enough weight to help with steering? I think I may have only gotten about 10 or 11 min per batt. LHS said that was normal for 1st full charge on those batts.

The RPM bumper wont be noticeable in the handling of the truck. Though, it will definetley be a good upgrade. Takes some of the front impacts away from the tires and suspension arms. I had some bent front end pins before because I dont have an RPM bumper (gonna order one one day, lol).

[ajh1400]

The RPM bumper wont be noticeable in the handling of the truck. Though, it will definetley be a good upgrade. Takes some of the front impacts away from the tires and suspension arms. I had some bent front end pins before because I dont have an RPM bumper (gonna order one one day, lol).


Do you know how much they cost? I haven't found it on the tower site yet.

[Peterbilt]

Here ya go. $7

Click here (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEV91&P=ML)

[ajh1400]

Here ya go. $7

Click here (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEV91&P=ML)

Thanks!