Adding brass weights to wheels or axles rc crawler upgrades - Best rc crawler upgrade?

best axial and traxxas trx4 crawler adding wheel weights or brass axle weights. Which is better for rc crawlers and what are the trade-offs? Brass upgrades for the trx4 and the scx10 II - snp.link/c68b5a4e
Wheel weights - snp.link/e63423c4
Metal beadlock wheels - snp.link/651b01ca
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@floridatrailfinders9961]

I used 2oz. Bullet fishing weights zip tied to the top of my axles out of sight for a total of 230 grams. Sounds ghetto I know, but you can't see them and it solved all my side hilling issues and it only cost $6. I did it because I needed a quick fix for a trail I was going on, but it worked so well I decided to leave them.

[@RCReviewChannel]

That's one of the greatest almost free mods of all.

[@thomasgross8289]

Ain't nothing wrong with geheto! Lol

[@ridealongryan]

@@RCReviewChannel absolutely!

[@Nate7700]

Im using left over 1oz wheel weights as well underneath my TRX4 lol

[@matthewwhitby5368]

That's not ghetto at all, that's improvising and that's what I love about this hobby...

[@crawlerrc]

Again a complete video with a lot of interesting information, I will follow your advice, good job, thanks from Crawler RC Sevilla

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks 👍. Appreciate it.

[@Partnerthedog]

I have trx4m, just did brass diff cover, brass castor and brass knuckle in the front of my defender and wow, incredible difference. Basically if i get my front wheel onto something, now it pulls the rest up, where before it would just spin. Im adding 3pc beadlock brass rims and upgrading my factory tires next, i bet itll be a beast after that. I plan to do low range gears and bearings next, and brushless upgrade one day maybe next year! I will prove the defender can crawl lol

[@fa509si7]

Honestly, you have some much knowledge! I learned so much from your videos. Getting our rigs dialed has become struggle, but ever since I started watching your videos. I saved money and got my rigs dialed in. Thank you for helping the Rc community!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

I think that's the key. Sharing is caring. I didn't know too much two years ago but tried to learn every day and share.

[@steveryder6733]

My favorite RC channel and only crawler channel I follow. These videos got me into the hobby and it's a blast

[@RCReviewChannel]

Learning and progressing with us hopefully.

[@thomasgross8289]

FRANCIS was who broke my trx4 sport/redcat gen8 dilemma I was having lol I wasn't new new I'd gotten the gen7 sport when they first came out. Never having anyone for advice as I didn't know anyone personally into RC's and no LHS I wasted a lot of money learning the ropes lol I think I killed 8 redcat/axial transmissions before going full metal and used to order spur gears by the dozen! Lol so was going to get the trx4 sport but the gen 8 came out and was torn giving them my biz because I felt redcat was really being innovative and stepping up thier game....glad i chose the trx4...wrenching on the rigs is my least favorite part of the hobby and it seemed everything on my redcat i had to "make" work! Ugggg lil red has been a beast haven't broken anything and I beat the tar outta him for about 2 years now...my idea of maintenance is running it threw a mudpudle lol

[@runnerbaba]

@@thomasgross8289 So siehts aus! Love my TRX-4 Sport and now my Defender (looks better, and nice to have 2 crawlers...)

[@steveryder6733]

I always tell people don't be a brand snob and just get what you like most. Different brands nail different models just right. Seriously though for crawling, the trx4 series and sport are great because they have a ridiculous drievtrain. I beat the crap out of them, over power them and they just don't fail me. Like you I hate spending hours I don't have wrenching on these cars. Lol so I was cringing when I read your message thinking you were not going to choose the trx4 sport. For serious crawling the sport version just means less weight and less to go wrong. Anyway great choice

[@CrawlerRuth]

Excellent video. You explain every thing we talk about just a few days ago. Here's my new dilemma. I purchased a set of Treal knuckles

[@danielkonrad1444]

How many guys are involved in your channel? You are one of my favorite channels on KZbin.

[@williamjohnson1104]

Thanx for this, you’ve answered all the questions I had! Love the channel by the way 😎

[@apocalypsezombyRC]

Love your videos they are always full of great and useful information! Thanks for what you do for us! Stay safe!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Sharing is caring!

[@BobL1]

Fantastic video and channel. Thanks for all of your hard work.

[@edwardperez9833]

Always useful information. Thank you.

[@sprather84]

Awesome vid my rc brother great comparison between the two ways to add weight

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Pedro123-s6v]

Sometimes informative and illustrative, other times as a reminder. But always useful👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you think so!

[@ericfaley9019]

Thanks learned a lot in just a few minutes.

[@tomjones5860]

Great video. I like the technical discussions just as much as the driving. I calculated the center of gravity on mine. It only requires scales, formula and calculator. Something like a pound of brass to the axles lowered CG about 1/4”. Tire foam became too soft for the extra weight. Shock oil became too light. Plus, my motor because not strong enough. Honestly adding brass ruined the handling and performance until I spend a lot of time replacing parts and tuning. It was fun process but very unexpected. I thought adding weight would just make it better no questions asked. I think designers (at least Element RC) knows how to tune it really well from the factory.

[@jtsimaras]

Well that nails it for me no need to add weights to my sendero hd... Not wanting to add a bunch of more parts on top of an already great rig out of the box 👍🏼

[@BandAid350z]

Adding a pound seems quite excessive. Just a few grams strategically placed will help a lot.

[@tube7577]

Cool I think if metal breadlock rims then add cover of four brass or plastic rims add of four covers and c hub front brass. Just right the weight because I seen lot people add too much brass could hurt powertrain :)

[@dasgoofinhiemer5039]

after researching weights last year when I was building my TRX4 I ended up going with metal axle housings. The weight was good and the scale look improved, something you don't get with brass.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Great share. It's all about the quest for the right upgrades.

[@abelinkinxvi1735]

Best description of this topic on KZbin. I am still curious how a few extra pounds can stress the factory servo/motor over time. I am hoping to replace the motor when it is needed, testing is in order first. Should realistically need a better crawler motor to exhibit more realism with movement as well as locking the roll more efficiently.

[@sitlos.]

Wish u would of mentioned about what changes u might need by putting weight on. (Ex: stiffer foams in tires etc...). Love the video ad always. God bless my friend.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Great point!

[@thomasgross8289]

Almost every modification requires some type of change in tiny trucking...if it didn't then why do it?😁

[@kevinbreaker2683]

I like your channel you do a great job you're so informative about Rc,s

[@rcbigsmall5810]

thanks for another informative vid i learned the diff between wheel and axle i took out of wheel and put on servo axle mounted (sticky wheel weights ) 150 grams made a huge difference thanks again for the info Great vid

[@Boss-dr2zk]

In the future, I will go with light wheels, because I destroyed four escs due to fast acceleration and braking I tried to do with my 680g of wheel mass...

[@runnerbaba]

We would love to see a new tire-test video! TRX-4, with Stock Tires, Hyrax, KM3...... and then test it on Stone, Dirt, Gravel/Sand, Wood (wooden board test...) (You did Stone-Testing perfect in previous tests, but not so much on Dirt/Gravel/Sand). In some regions/countries we dont have so many stone and play in the woods/forest.

[@gamingstokr7299]

Late to this party, but what about using steel portal axles instead of adding weight to the stock setup. I prefer the idea of it, as there's less rotational mass for the motor to deal with. Is it enough, or would brass portal covers still be recommended? Asking, because I was wondering if it were possible to stick SCX10 III steel portals on a UMG10...or am I waaayyy off base?

[@imchris5000]

you have such nice rocks to crawl on all my spots are straight up cliffs with 20-30 foot almost vertical sections that are not easy to climb up myself. when you roll you roll a hard 20-30 times before you hit the bottom

[@RCReviewChannel]

thank you. A bit of a drive but some great options.

[@thomasgross8289]

Feel lucky, here in Louisiana we have 0 natrual rock, can find riprap used in erosion control here n there but that's rocks hardly big enough to get the whole rig on, not really rock crawling imo

[@RC_Rooster]

I got 2 tree roots and a woodpile in my backyard lol or I can drive 3 hours to go to a good beach 😅 I usually get my best footage at the beach. Not much to work with locally

[@GastonMaqueda]

Your channel is the best in RC hobby Always find the answer here.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Wow, thanks! We try to learn and share always.

[@docholiday9786]

Wish you had a Sunday morning rc show like back in the day when they had Sunday morning cartoons

[@DavidG-yc1yh]

Great post, thanks

[@bertrigby1886]

Keep killing it 👌mint

[@RCReviewChannel]

thank you!!!

[@BlackUnitAdventureSport]

Thanks for the info...

[@runnerbaba]

Thank you!

[@Garethfrostturkeythroat113]

Nice advice Francis

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you think so!

[@chrisreed6653]

Great reviews very helpful 👌

[@artministratorle]

In theory you can "ball bear" the weight inside of the tires ... sounds weird but will eleminate the punch thing. However sidehilling is then also not the best, so it´s up on where you drive and how you drive, sometimes a heavy vehicle makes sense, sometimes a very light one ...

[@Centurio-LegioX-Equestris]

When you add the weight do you have to get rid of the foam in the tire?

[@traxxasJohn]

I like the technical information you give in your video's. One point I don't believe you touched on was the effects of weight on sprung and unsprung weight. Adding weights to the axle doesn't effect acceleration and breaking, like adding it to your rims and tires does. But it has a big effect on your shocks and springs, since all this weight being added is unsprung weight. I agree that at crawler speeds this doesn't have a lot of effect on performance. My experience in real off road driving, is that keeping your tires firmly in contact with the ground especially in loose conditions on a steep hill climb is critical. Too much unsprung weight will overpower your springs and shocks causing lose of ground contact. This then effects momentum and steering control. This can be compensated for by larger bore shocks and different springs rates. I have added weight only in the form of aluminium bead lock wheels. That's just me, after 25 years of trying to keep the weight down on my full size 78 Bronco it feels wrong. Good job on the channel, you are getting more relaxed.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Great points. Am researching that now. It seems that in fast cars, unsprung weight is not good at all. It overpowers the suspension and it bounces around because it is not controlled by the suspension at all. But in crawlers and at the speeds we tackle rocks, it seems very good. It is very low to the ground for low CG and and it doesn't move or tilt with the suspension, causing it to tip over. Correct?

[@traxxasJohn]

It does seem to work well. It seems to me to be more about weight distribution than anything else. Ideally we would remove weight from the rear rather than add weight to the front. Since you have so much power it's easier to just add weight. The added performance gained from removing weight in the rear would be small, but the difference between 1st and 2nd is a lot of small details. Less weight will make for a more nimble car. It will effect tire sidewall deflection on off camber sections of trail.

[@bugsy742]

Thank you 👍😎🤙

[@angiolobt]

Do you have an original Bronco? you could put it on the Fly-sky scale to see the weight distribution. Thank you

[@Roblogus]

Sir. Can i know which much better? Put weight on axle or wheel ☺️

[@RC_TRX4]

Hello. Do these weights reduce the traction performance of the vehicle? Do the 21t motor, servo motor and gears have the strength to carry these weights? I am from Turkey. I don't know English. that's why I asked

[@alexsoul1555]

What will be best - Wheels or Body weight?

[@crawlerrc]

Bumbum!!

[@CrawlerRuth]

Excellent video. Explain everything we talk about just a few days ago. Here's my new dilemma. I purchased a set of Treal steering knuckles and one set of Treal portal axial brass covers. Also wanted a set for the rear portals of Capra. None are to be found. At Treal, amain, Amazon or Ebay. Would you recommend using the SSD00412 SSD RC SCX10 III/Capra Brass Portal Weights (2) For the rear until Treal has portal axle cover back in stock ?

[@jbsrcs6273]

Any pointers for adding the axle/hub weights? I have bought 3 different sets and none fit any of my crawlers. I have a Gen8 a coyote and a ascender. The only one they did fit, sort of, was my Danchee Ridgerock. Should I be drilling out the center holes to fit? That’s my main issue is they don’t fit over the wheel lock. I see some behind the wheel nut but mine have no space back there. Please help with suggestions anyone. Thanks 😊

[@shawheen2386]

Good Video. Dont forget that with the addition of Wheel or Axle weights, that the spring weight and/or shock oil may need to see adjustments to compensate. If not, you often may feel it flips over easier or side hill worse because it isnt staying flat.

[@RCReviewChannel]

So there is sprung an unsprung weight. Axle weights and wheel weights are unsprung weight (below the spring). Thus they do not affect the load on the springs or the shock oil.

[@shawheen2386]

RC Review Be an awesome video if you had time! -Stock -Weights + Stock Springs -Weights + Modded Spring/oil

[@TheDisemboweler]

I have a gen 8 V2, I added husky heavy links, 8 mm brass wheel spacers, and about 50g per tire in weight, would that be too much? Dont want to break anything. Thanks

[@HL-OOI]

My hex pin broke by adding wheel weights...another thing is strain on the servo..

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good first hand experience. Thank you.

[@HL-OOI]

RC Review now just put weights on the pumpkin..😁

[@Frumundaair]

What model is the blue jeep up on the shelf?

[@GhostRider-ii7tz]

Great info

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derekkinsella2343]

Hi i was just wondering if you might know if the vetera twin hammers has a steering saver as usual another great vid thank 👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

I don not know. Usually, fast cars have it since it's needed for impact.

[@TheSimplePianist]

Great content! Just subscribed. However, for the TRX. Would you add the weights on both front and rear or just the front? What’s your thoughts.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, learn with us. For the TRX-4, front only. It needs a lot fo low, front weight to balance out the battery.

[@Cityboy4x4]

Do you think you can help me out with RZXYL portal axles for scx10? I'm having issues finding the best internal parts to fit them. Differential gears, portal gears. Inner shafts, bearings, and hardware.

[@edp9517]

Where can I get portal weights

[@pbggamer2366]

Do a review on the Traxxas trx 4 Mercedes 4x4

[@imchris5000]

get the 6x6 its totally worth it

[@repairmanjack9082]

The price on the G500 just came down $20....best deal everrrrrr!

[@repairmanjack9082]

The G500 Merc has the best approach and departure angle of all the trx4's. But please replace the rims...they are hideous.

[@tomv3361]

It looks like a toy

[@adamcantryn4951]

What’s the name of the Jeep body that’s on the very top shelf and very left?

[@IBOO57]

Thats an RGT/FTX/HSP (there branded differently in different countries) but the model is EX86010 CJ. There a great entry level crawler.

[@rcjoy5362]

Your vid. Are owesome 👍🏻🫶🏼

[@edwinhewson2354]

Where are the links to the parts?

[@rcyobbo5319]

Hi 3rd comment! And can you do a 4x4 to 6x6 video because I may do that to a Vattera Ascender Ford F-100.

[@N7ShepardSR]

epic video

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

I’m gonna find out

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

I’ve already got the whole Vitavon axles and all the brass, waiting on a couple more parts and then I build it. I hope it doesn’t weigh to much. I’m use to running hardbodies so use to weight. You guys always come through with great information.

[@PNW_Phillip]

You have a twin @MtbrVideos

[@ohwell2790]

Useless unless there is a comparison with and without weights on the same vehicle and the same climb terrain.