NEW Cross-RC EMO AT4V Pick-up Truck

BlackSeaRC presents the first video in a series looking at the brand new Cross-RC EMO AT4V 1:10 scale radio controlled off-road crawler kit with pick-up truck body. It also looks at a selection of special upgrade components.
Based on the AT4 chassis, this new AT4V variant assembly kit uses the pick-up truck body from the Cross-RC VR4 Demon. Other features of the AT4V include a 4x4 drive system, 2-speed gearbox with adjustable slipper clutch and remote transfer box, 540 size 35T high-torque brushed motor, metal ladder-frame chassis, portal axles with stainless steel multi-link rods and coil-over oil-filled shock absorbers, servo-operated front and rear axle differential locks, Black Rock R1.9" all-terrain tyres with beadlock wheels and scale realistic polycarbonate body plus inner fenders.
A selection of upgrade parts were also purchased to go with this kit build including CNC aluminium alloy, copper and brass components.
In future videos in this series, we will show the kit build including all the special upgrade parts and also detail all the ancillary parts that are required to get the truck running (e.g. radio transmitter, receiver, ESC, servos, battery, paint, etc.). We will then review the completed truck in detail and subject it to all-terrain testing.
The AT4V is a serious alternative to the Traxxas TRX4, Axial SCX10 and Gmade Buffalo.

[@maolnorlexu]

Can't wait for the build !

[@BlackSeaRC]

I've started the build and the quality is looking very good so far. Although the axles and gearbox are pre-assembled, I'm taking them apart to add extra grease as necessary and to fit some of the upgrade parts. Of course I'm making a video as I go along so you will be able to see the construction stages.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I recently finished the build of the AT4V. Check out my new video to see the body part of the kit build. Thanks.

[@hwroadbeasts]

It's the first time I see something like this , interesting

[@BlackSeaRC]

For anyone who you speak to that says RC cars are "just toys", show them this. It has a 2-speed gearbox so you can do low speed crawling and a bit of high speed general trail running as well. The gearbox is shifted by a mini servo controlled by one of the channels on the transmitter. Then the front and rear axles have differential locks that can be engaged when the wheels start to spin. Again, a mini servo is operated by the handset. I will be using a 6-channel transmitter so I have spare channels for functions such as switching on/off LED lighting.

[@hwroadbeasts]

@@BlackSeaRC yeah ! Your right ! I also hate when poeple say that they are just toys it's there opinion I respect that but then I remember that I don't wake up to impress them every day 😂😂😁👍

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@hwroadbeasts Well said my friend! Keep doing what gives you satisfaction!

[@hwroadbeasts]

@@BlackSeaRC of course my friend you too 🤟👍

[@TheTankRC]

Nice I really like the build quality of their truck.

[@BlackSeaRC]

Yes, it was a good build, especially the Cross-RC upgrade parts that were excellent quality. The instructions were a little bit lacking in places though. The main issue I found was trying to fit the cables for the diff-locks. Once they are removed from the differential cover, it is virtually impossible to insert them again without the wire fraying.

[@rexrcs]

This was a really good detailed video especially since Ive been looking at cross for a few weeks now. Thanks man

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thanks for your positive feedback. What Cross-RC products have you been considering? I have followed Cross-RC for quite a few years and also have a PG4A 1:10 scale crawler. I was attracted by the scale realism of their vehicles.

[@rexrcs]

@@BlackSeaRC their military trucks but I see an 8x8 new 1/10 is coming

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@rexrcs Their military trucks look great and are really top end products. I see that they have new DC8 and BT8 8x8 models coming soon but they didn't reveal what the cab/body will be yet. I'd probably wait to see the new models before buying. You might find that when the new models are released that there are some great deals on the older models. I expect the prices to be high for the new models. I'm sure they will be >1000 USD. I also heard there are some new 4x4 products coming soon as well. If there is something interesting, I might have to get another one for my collection!

[@rexrcs]

@@BlackSeaRC im very very interested in multiwheel Setup in 1/10, not a real fan of 1/12 and 1/14

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@rexrcs Multi-wheel in 1:10 scale is not very common. I'm not sure of the scale of the new Cross-RC 8x8 trucks. I know one website claimed they will be 1:10 but the original Chinese website didn't quote the scale and all the other multi-wheel trucks by Cross-RC are smaller scale. Most of the other manufacturers of multi-wheel trucks such as HG, Tamiya, Hercules Hobby, ScaleART, Capo, RC4WD, etc are either 1:12 or 1:14. Of course there are some custom creations in 1:10 scale to be found on AliExpress but these are usually just chassis only.

[@goatrock714]

Looks like a great build project!

[@BlackSeaRC]

I'm sure it will be! I reckon it will be one of the most capable RC vehicles in my collection so far with its portal axles, remote operated diff-locks and 2-speed gearbox.

[@goatrock714]

@@BlackSeaRC Cool! Maybe we'll see it run when you're done!

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@goatrock714 Absolutely! This new truck was quite an investment so I have lots of plans for it. Being a modern crawler it incorporates a lot of features that should make it a great performer.

[@rexrcs]

Wow! Big boy toy

[@BlackSeaRC]

Absolutely right!

[@tekongwawa5284]

Cant wait for part 3...

[@BlackSeaRC]

The AT4V chassis step-by-step kit build video has recently been published and I'm currently working on the detailing of the body. If you check the "1:10 Scale" playlist on this channel, you will find the other videos in the series. Hope to see you back at BlackSeaRC again!

[@BlackSeaRC]

You can find the completion of the AT4V kit build on this channel now! With the body painted up it looks great. Now for the testing...

[@mikestinyshedofdreams]

I just got some cross rc portal axles in the post for my superscale2020 project!

[@BlackSeaRC]

Excellent! Sounds like a great build project, what other parts are you using for the chassis and what body have you chosen? Is it based around the TRX-4? The SuperScale suspension system is amazing to see in action and takes scale realistic RC to another level.

[@user-ksenon]

Hello! Your subscriber. I also have at 4. Will a can of spray paint be enough to paint the body? Will I paint it in one color?

[@BlackSeaRC]

Hello there and thank you for your support. Do you have the AT4V pick-up or the AT4 with the cover over the bed? I painted mine in 2 colours because I wanted the bed and wheel arch extensions to be a different colour to the main body. Also, the same would probably apply to the AT4 as it shows the cover for the pick-up bed in a different colour to get some contrast. Two colours certainly gives a nice result but really it depends upon how confident you are with masking the body. I used one spray can of grey paint and one of black paint. I totally used both cans until empty. This is the minimum you could probably get away with. In reality, I wanted to put an extra layer of grey on but I ran out of paint and it wasn't easily available to get an extra can. There are certain areas that the paint can't reach very easily on the pick-up bed such as the recess along the top edges of the bed. If you hold the body up to the light, you can see the paint is quite thin there. So I would budget for 2 cans if you are using a single colour or 3 cans if you are using dual colours. Did you see the other videos in this series showing the kit build, painting, set-up, testing, etc? If not, see the full playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNbtVgLA4Mp7TCvFjkySdzRTr8n2NAcd3

[@user-ksenon]

thanks for the answer!

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@user-ksenon If you are planning any upgrades and need any advice, let me know as I have fitted quite a few parts to mine. Not sure if you've started the build yet but at build stage 1 you are going to tighten the slipper clutch. I recommend to use the tightest setting as mine came undone on the recommended setting and it is not easy to access once the truck is fully built up.

[@user-ksenon]

Thanks for the advice and help. I haven’t started assembling it yet. I have a Hobbiwing Fusion SE 1800kv for it. If you don’t mind, I’ll contact you. But maybe not through KZbin. Is this possible?

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@user-ksenon If you go to my channel homepage and click on the 'About' section at the top, you should be able to get my e-mail address. You can send me a message there.

[@rccrawlerextreme]

very awesome truck bro! where u buy the truck? any link

[@BlackSeaRC]

I bought the AT4V from 'Highway Toy Store' on AliExpress. I also bought quite a lot of other parts such as upgrade parts, transmitter, ESC, servos, etc to get the truck up and running (all from different places). In the next part of the video I'll show all the ancillary parts and tools you need, and then there will be a build video. The build is already underway and it is looking very good so far! Link for AT4V kit here: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002904250482.html

[@BlackSeaRC]

See also the ancillary parts I bought to get this kit built and the truck up and running in my follow-up video that is now published on this channel, BlackSeaRC.

[@bradkalman2353]

Looks like they were doing a Samsonite commercial on your box. Lol

[@BlackSeaRC]

One of the things I really hate about buying online is that you cannot rely on the post to deliver the package undamaged. Okay, people will say it is just cosmetic because the contents were well bubble wrapped but I collect all the boxes and would prefer them to be pristine. Maybe this kit doesn't matter so much but if you have a Tamiya box, it can have great value in the future as a collector's item.

[@mephandr6479]

do you know if the RTR version includes the heavy tires? how much extra money did you spend to get it ready to run and is it worth the effort or better to buy the RTR version?

[@BlackSeaRC]

Do you mean the metal wheels? If so I would say I don't think so. Usually the kit version is a higher specification than the RTR version. On the AT4, the kit had metal wheels and the RTR had plastic wheels. On the AT4V, the kit has different wheels again. They are 3 piece plastic beadlock wheels with foams in the tyres. I also believe that the RTR version of AT4V has straight axles and not portal axles. There is not much information available about the RTR model yet as it has only just been presented. You can see in my "Ancillary Parts" video what I bought to get the AT4V kit up and running. I chose a FlySky 6-channel radio control system as I wanted extra channels available for the optional independent front diff-lock. The other main parts were the ESC, servos, battery and paint. All the parts start to add up bit by bit. I also bought quite a few upgrade parts because you rarely get a truck like this and keep it totally stock. You may even need some extra tools to suit the hex socket screws used in this kit. As to whether the kit or RTR version is better...I'd take the kit for several reasons. It is a better spec, it is fun to build and allows you to integrate upgrade parts and the electronics of your choice, you can paint it as you want and best of all, it helps you to understand all the details of the truck. If you build it yourself you know it is built properly.

[@mephandr6479]

@@BlackSeaRC Thanks for the detailed explanation, just to get an idea how much extra money did you spent on parts to get the ATV4 ready to run and how many hours did it take you to build it? just wondering if total price is higher than a TRX4 Bronco 2021 or a Element RC Enduro Knightrunner 4x4 RTR 1/10 Rock Crawler? are any of those two better than the EMO ATV4? just wondering if there is anything better for around the same price that is very durable, easy to repair and with aftermarket parts. Thanks again for your response.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@mephandr6479 To give you an idea of approximate costs: AT4V kit (305 GBP), optional upgrade parts (100 GBP), FlySky 6-channel radio and receiver (48 GBP), Hobbywing 1060 ESC (16 GBP), steering servo (21 GBP), gearshift/diff-lock servos x3 (48 GBP), paint (10 GBP). Total cost around 550 GBP, but remember this included 100 GBP of upgrade parts that were not required to get the kit up and running. Now to compare with the Traxxas and Element crawlers. Here are typical prices in UK: Traxxas TRX4 Bronco 2021 RTR is 629 GBP for a spec that is very similar to the AT4V. I did buy my kit from China though so prices in USA and Europe may bring the cost much closer to the TRX4. The Element Enduro Knightrunner RTR is 379 GBP but the spec is different to the TRX4 and AT4V (no 2-speed, no portal axles, no remote locking diffs, IFS). The performance of the AT4V and TRX4 trucks is very similar. I like the Cross-RC as it is something just a little bit different but really there is not much between them. The Knightrunner is a slightly different spec and the price reflects that. With regard to the time to build the AT4V kit, it was actually quite quick. The most complex items (axles and gearbox) are pre-assembled. A lot of my time was spent fitting the upgrade parts so if it wasn't for these it would have been many hours quicker. Probably the most time was spent on the body (trimming, masking, painting, etc.). I think if you dedicated a weekend to it you could get the chassis pretty much complete and then another weekend for the body. If you have constructed RC cars before and have the right tools, then you'll do it quicker. Other options to consider could be the Axial SCX10 III, Redcat Gen8 V2, Gmade GS02F Buffalo, Absima Sherpa/Khamba. Plus of course the AT4 and JT4 from Cross-RC.

[@mephandr6479]

@@BlackSeaRC Thanks a lot for your detailed and useful response. The ATV4 looks very good if the kit is purchased but since this would be my 1st RC it looks too complicated to build since there is no detailed step by step guide to build it, the most useful available guide I found are your useful videos. Do you recommend the new FTX / RTG ex86100v2 RTR (The price is about $280 usd.) or the recently released FTX / RTG 136100v3-fd (this one is about $200 usd range)? How the FTX / RTG ex86100v2 and the 136100v3-fd compares to the AT4V? Does the FTX / RTG ex86100v2 or the 136100v3-fd includes the 2-speed, portal axles, remote locking diffs, IFS?

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@mephandr6479 The AT4V does come with detailed pictorial build instructions but is slightly more complicated to build than the standard AT4 due to the supplemental instructions. If this is your first RC car, you are more likely to be a little hesitant about getting the correct radio control system components, installing them and setting them up. This is quite a complex kit from that point of view, especially the diff-locks and gearshift set-up. The question really is what exactly do you want? Crawlers offer great performance over technical obstacles at slow speeds. Trail trucks are more suited to rough tracks and general off-road usage. They are typically geared for medium speeds. Then there are trucks and buggies that are capable of much higher speeds. In addition to that there is the scale realism factor. I love RC vehicles that look realistic but other people will place a greater emphasis on performance or robustness. Are you a mechanically minded person? Does the idea of constructing your own RC car appeal to you. For me, building the kit is half the fun but for some people they would just prefer to plug in a battery and drive the car. Remember that if you are building a kit for the first time, you will also need to budget for a basic set of tools. Some smaller scale RTR vehicles (e.g. 1:18) often come with a battery and charger but the larger 1:10 scale vehicles typically do not. Features such as 2-speed gearbox, portal axles and remote diff-locks are typically reserved for high-end models. They are certainly nice features to have but that doesn't mean you can't have great fun without them! If I was you, I would consider something like the FTX Outback Hi-Rock RTR truck. It would be a great starter truck that has a decent level of performance without having to spend too much money. The other products you mention are along the same lines. They won't match the AT4V on performance but they really are very capable considering the cost. One further idea to consider...did you think about smaller scale trucks? Have a look at my ROC Hobby Katana videos for example. You can have great fun with these 1:18 scale crawlers...

[@tancp81]

Hi BlackSeaRC , may i know how you insert the diff locking cable into the "pumpkin" ? (i search whole youtube , none users is showing this crossrc emo at4/4v , is very hard and tough to fit into the small hole! )

[@BlackSeaRC]

Hello there and yes, I had exactly the same problem when I fitted the upgraded metal covers. Once you release the cable it is squashed where the grub screw fitted and I believe that it is not possible to push it through the hole again. I actually trimmed the end off the cable and then managed to fit it through the hole. Even so there is a possibility for the ends to fray and if one strand of the wire gets stuck it will unravel and you will still have a problem. The other option is to use new control wires. They are available as a spares item. Luckily, my kit came with the "servo protector upgrade" and this pack included spare wires. I used up several wires attempting to fit a diff-lock servo under the battery tray. Hope this helps.

[@BlackSeaRC]

Did you manage to sort out your diff-lock cable? I found that when I first installed my independent front axle diff-lock, the servo would not unlock the diff. I had to use a longer cable with a greater radius because if the sheath is too short the cable won't pull smoothly.

[@tancp81]

@@BlackSeaRC hi , not yet because my cable is still travel across air mail to Malaysia . 😂

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@tancp81 Oh, I see, I have the same problem when buying parts. I order almost everything from China as I have no good RC shops locally. Usually that means waiting 4 weeks for the parts though!

[@metalrc]

Where did you purchase the at4 upgrades ?

[@BlackSeaRC]

I purchased the upgrade parts at the same time that I ordered the model kit. I used a company called "Highway Toy Store" on AliExpress. The upgrade parts I got are not officially listed on their page but I had seen them on Taobao and asked if they could get hold of them and they did. I don't think the AT4V or all the AT4 upgrade parts are even on sale in USA or Europe yet in the usual stores. I originally tried to order from Taobao because they have models and parts at great prices that no one else has yet but the website is entirely in Chinese and I struggled to get the order shipped because the export shipping process is complicated if you can't speak Chinese.

[@shaunt2937]

They are available on Cross RC website too

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@shaunt2937 I must say that when I ordered the upgrade parts for my AT4V, I checked first on the Cross-RC USA and chinese websites, plus with the UK agent and didn't find any mention of the parts. That is why I ordered them direct from China. I still don't see them listed there yet.

[@shaunt2937]

@@BlackSeaRC just watch the parts with the battery tray, it relocates your diff lock servo from the rear and placed it under your battery tray.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@shaunt2937 I am currently attempting to install a servo under the battery tray but unfortunately Cross-RC did not provide any instructions, just a bag of parts. You would think it would be obvious how it goes together but I didn't work it out yet...

[@bradkalman2353]

Also wondering another thing your English when you write to me is very good are you American and live in Europe somewhere or Asia?

[@BlackSeaRC]

That's because I was born in England and lived most of my life there. Now I'm based in Russia but because of travel restrictions due to COVID, I am unable to access much of my UK based RC vehicle collection at the moment. Therefore, I have started another RC vehicle collection in Russia as well but mainly new models. The real vintage RC gems are located in England which is very annoying as I have numerous projects planned!

[@bradkalman2353]

@@BlackSeaRC I'm sorry right now I remember that you did say this before that you were from England so why were you in Russia in the first place when do you plan on being able to go back to UK?

[@bradkalman2353]

@@BlackSeaRC what new tamiyas are you planning on building soon?

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@bradkalman2353 I have a Tamiya XR311 that I almost finished the chassis of but didn't start on the body yet. Then I ordered some amazing metal upgrade parts for it from RC Channel and will need to rebuild the chassis. One of the best looking mod packages I have ever seen for a Tamiya car! I would also like to get a Tamiya tractor truck, something like the Mercedes-Benz Arocs. I must say that I keep waiting and waiting for Tamiya to release an interesting new product but all they seem to do nowadays is re-releases. How about a new 3-speed truck model, the Bruiser needs a modern day successor!

[@bradkalman2353]

@@BlackSeaRC they came out with the td-4 and the tc-01 and the ta-08 the Tb05r. To name some new ones.

[@shaunt2937]

It’s not an AT4V, Cross RC does not make a AT4V, it’s a standard AT4 EMO with a Cross RC VR4 body.

[@BlackSeaRC]

This model is designated AT4V by Cross-RC. As far as I am aware it is not yet on sale in Europe or USA but it is an official Cross-RC product. I bought mine directly from China. The body is the same as that used on the VR4 but there are also some modifications on the chassis. The build video for the chassis will be published soon and you will be able to see it in more detail.

[@bradkalman2353]

There's laws against the shock oil coming to you from them that makes no sense and you don't even know if that gearbox has full ball bearings.

[@BlackSeaRC]

If you fly almost anywhere in the world there is still a ban on taking liquids due to some attempted terrorist incidents many years ago now. I never considered that this still applied to airmail shipments of goods. I knew that getting paint is problematic but didn't think a little bottle of shock oil would be affected. It is more difficult for me as I don't even know of a decent RC model shop within 100 miles of where I live. With regard to the specifications, I was taking a bit of a gamble but then Cross-RC is a well respected brand that operates at the upper end of the quality market so I was confident that the design is to a high standard. The pre-assembled items (2-speed gearbox and axles) look to be good quality but I'll open them up anyway to add extra grease. The manual shows a full set of bearings so all should be fine.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I have just finished most of the chassis build so if you are interested you can check the new video on this channel. It went together mostly okay but there were a few snags (it is rare to get a build without them). Now I'm working on the body detailing...

[@bradkalman2353]

@@BlackSeaRC I haven't seen anything posted that you've done recently.

[@jarielfuentes1722]

A cuanto se lo dejas a tu mero cuate

[@BlackSeaRC]

Este es un automóvil sofisticado controlado por radio con muchas características de alto rendimiento. Vea la construcción del kit revisando los nuevos videos en este canal, BlackSeaRC.