Part 2 - The new Arrma Kraton 6S V5 - Essential Upgrades

In this video, part 2 of the bumper, rear skid plate and wheelie bar are installed on the new Kraton V5 6S. Stay tuned for some bashing with this insane rig, coming up!
Link to the wheelie bar for the Kraton on Amazon: amzn.to/3uCjUnT
Link to the front bumper from RPM on Amazon: amzn.to/4b7mPdX
Link to the rear skid plate from RPM on Amazon: amzn.to/3bnFjcN
Link to the Kraton 6S V5 on Amazon (RED): amzn.to/47NvDTp
Link to the Kraton 6S V5 on Amazon (BLUE): amzn.to/3u5xBAD
What are your favorite upgrades for the Kraton 6s V5? Leave your answer in the comments below!

[@jimk962]

Keep em coming more videos please

[@rcleesd]

Will do!

[@Victic005]

First thing I did was to replaced the chassis with the Mojave chassis and all associated stuff. Then I got rid of the wing and use my old Losi LST XXL body. Got rid of the chop shop body. I had to replace the servo only after a month of use.

[@rcleesd]

Good call replacing the chassis. Associated makes good stuff. These Arrma servos are definitely not the best.

[@Victic005]

@@rcleesd not Associated. I meant all the parts needed with the longer chassis changed

[@tonysmith7989]

Just picked up the red snow black v5 my self and picked up the bumper and skid plate like I did with the notorious and put in the order for the RPM WING MOUNT!! Guess everyone else fis too, and I fin out I called the day after theh sent the order over. AHHHHHHHCHOO!! Excuse me. 🤣. Knew especially in the winter gonna need them caustic that arrma wing mount snaps around 42°. Or if wing twist enought the arrma arms and screws can't take it.

[@rcleesd]

Good call! The cold definitely doesn't help the plastic. Enjoy!!

[@Killa_b_rc]

I love these type of videos. Helps me out a lot

[@rcleesd]

I'm glad it helped!! Thanks for watching!

[@jimsweet5967]

Got two Kratons - The BLX 6s V5 and the other one is the EXB roller. Waiting for the Tekin motor and Savox servo with a Gen3 ESC to complet the build. On the BLX side took it out for a spin and the pinion gear worm gear fell off. I got home put in a new worm screw with good quality blue locktight(red locktight is way to extreme to remove). Afterward to check all the hex screw and I must say most of side plate hex and some of the other hex screws were in at about 85%...one word of advice for all new Kraton owners...Check and tighten EVERYTHING before taking it out for its first spin.

[@rcleesd]

I agree! Check everything on any new RC, but especially the Kraton. Thanks for the comment Jim, I appreciate it!

[@uploadtime1780]

Subscribed. Good videos RC Lee

[@rcleesd]

Thank you!

[@Miguel_289]

Great video had to sub, just picked up my first arrma 6s been on the 3s rigs for a while. Definitely looking forward to getting the RPM bumpers gonna try both front and rear plus the wheelie bar.

[@rcleesd]

Thanks for watching and subbing! I appreciate it!

[@jdmlifehonda7415]

I suggest getting a hot racing front lower hing pin block . I landed on the rpm bumper and it ended up snapping the bolts off the stock front bumper/block and breaking it completely off . Because its so bulky and enough force pushed against will break it . The rpm bumper was fine tho.

[@rcleesd]

I have been considering doing that, thanks for the tip!

[@tiguyrc1963]

I’m looking to get my Kraton 6S V5 Thanks for the video

[@rcleesd]

Awesome! You're gonna love it!

[@locobadgerfpv7088]

My Kraton Wheelie bare set installation was a pain, the molds were not indexed correctly so had to shave off material about 0.45mm worth on 2 hex on wheelie bar.. it finally went on about 1hr worth of putin the Wheelie Bar on and testing fitment taking off shaving more installing again...you Got lucky😂 installing your Wheelie Bar set

[@rcleesd]

Oh man, what a bummer. At least you were able to make it work.

[@barfly246]

good vid

[@rcleesd]

Thank you!

[@jaysonshepard434]

just broke my stock front bumper so badly that the 2 pieces separated..... gonna put the stock bumper back on and then the rpm thanks to this video.... great vid

[@rcleesd]

Thanks for watching!

[@damienshaw1117]

The bumper for the outkask is beffer and i think is a better option

[@NCMOUNTAINSbackyardRC]

Im really big in to crawling but I just got my first arrma kraton 6s First arrma too come over and Sud Sweeeet vid too 👍👍

[@rcleesd]

Thanks! They are such a good value, and for the most part, fairly durable. These wing mounts and screws for it snapping have been the only issue so far...

[@jillianricard51]

love your videos! you explain things in great detail

[@rcleesd]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@joeabrenica4467]

thanks for this vid very informative time to upgrade! 🤘

[@rcleesd]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tuidkskiwjdhdbd]

You got a new sub in me bud I got a kraton yesterday and I have a big rock 3s trx4 lots of others so yea new fan great content

[@rcleesd]

Thank you for watching!!

[@Xiggy4Ever]

Good info, nice videos, keep up the great work... Not too sure about the DeFault tools tho 😬

[@rcleesd]

Haha, thanks. I haven't had any issues with my Dewalt stuff, but I liked this particular setup for RC.

[@TheDesmonaut]

Just some feedback from my testing. I run the wheelie bar and the RPM bumper in the back. RPM is excellent in the rear. I have mixed feelings on the wheelie bar. When installed I find it causes more damage to the wing brace on bad landings. This is just my experience and you should keep an eye on it as you test and let us know how it works for you.

[@rcleesd]

I'm starring to think that may make more sense. I don't do wheelies often, unless on concrete or asphalt, so a bumper may make more sense. Does it look weird or does it blend in? I've only seen it once in a video, briefly.

[@TheDesmonaut]

@@rcleesd to be honest the rpm bumper in the rear isn’t the most elegant mod, but it’s highly effective. For me I rather take the protection as I’m not able to land flat every time yet.

[@rcleesd]

@@TheDesmonaut Absolutely 💯! Form over function for these types of expensive toys....who cares how good it looks, if it breaks, right? Thanks for watching!

[@TheDesmonaut]

@@rcleesd did you have issues getting the snapped wing brace bolts out of diff case? I suggested you have a spare case handy incase you did.

[@rcleesd]

@@TheDesmonaut I saw that, thank you. I'm actually going to do the repair and make a video about it today, should be out in a day or two.

[@joserios7046]

Great video!👍

[@rcleesd]

Thanks Jose!

[@teds4165]

Lets bash ✌

[@rcleesd]

👍

[@EastTactics]

Whats up RC Lee, wishing you the best of luck with your RC Channel, I subbed ya! You've got quite the collection going there. Definitely a veteran in the hobby. One small tip for ya you might consider, not sure how important it is. From what I understand its not quite recommenced to simply install the RPM bumper directly over the V4 or V5 stock bumper. Unfortunately it won't sit perfectly flush with the chassis. Many recommend grabbing Part#AR330230, which comes with a bumper that better complements the install. Your probably fine as is. but you might get unwanted debris between the bumper and the chassis. Great video.

[@rcleesd]

Thanks so much! I may have to look into getting that one, I've heard similar things about the bumper.

[@lennyz853]

Thanks for the tips! Could you do a video to compare the Arrma Granite brushed vs brushless for me! Thanks Lenny Z.

[@rcleesd]

Sure, I could do a quick comparison.

[@rcpd3157]

3s Granite is my 2nd favorite truck just behind the Big Rock. M2C is making parts that will soon be out for the 3s/4s platform. #EastTactics has a video about making that RPM bumper even better you may like. Great video. Great job!

[@rcleesd]

Thanks Jessica, I'll take a look at East Tactics. I own the Granite, Typhon and Senton....don't have a Big Rock yet, went out to get one at my local hobby shop and they are back ordered, but I'm sure it handles a bit better with the slightly longer wheelbase.

[@rcpd3157]

@@rcleesd I love it and it's tough. But no, it actually handles a little rough. If you know how to drive it may be different though. Even with the wider wheelbase on the v3, it still likes to roll, at least with me at the wheel! It has a much better body shell but still needs reinforcement too. The body clip retainers are my complaints. I have broke all 4 and I have only had it for a few weeks now. But if you like the Granite even a little bit, you will love the Big Rock!

[@rcleesd]

Awesome, sounds about spot on! I love the durability of the Granite, probably won't bash the Big Rock as hard, more of speed and grass driving with bumps, rocks and dirt too. I'll leave the heavy bashing to my Granite, since the body is getting wrecked already!

[@lennyz853]

68 years old and just starting out looking to buy a rc truck. Looking at Traxxas and Arma.What truck would be best to start with.

[@rcleesd]

I would go with the Arrma Granite 3s (brushless motor, fast, need to buy a battery and charger, but comes with the controller) for $329. Or the Granite Mega that has a brushed motor (slower, but comes with nimh battery, charger and controller) for $229. That would be my recommendation for a first RC!

[@freddieparrydrums]

Arrma tough

[@rcleesd]

Yeah!!

[@kevingalea92]

Must be nice that cordless screwdriver in Canada 🇨🇦 is 229 son of a you know what lol

[@rcleesd]

Wow, that's crazy expensive!

[@boomerak4774]

Can you explain what's the difference between 3s and 6s? Like is 6s more powerful and faster. Cause I know some 3s cars run just as fast as 6s. Is 6s better than 3s and what are the advantages? Thanks in advance

[@rcleesd]

Sure! 6s has 6 cells in "s"eries and 3s has 3 cells in series. This is very similar to a flashlight that uses 2 AA batteries versus 4 AA batteries, the 4 is more powerful (higher voltage/potential). The difference is when weight and gearing is factored in when talking about electric motors and speed. One isn't necessarily better (most would say more is better though) but it largely depends on the scale of the RC; heavier and bigger will generally have higher series number on the battery. The Mah is total capacity (think: gallons in a tank) of the battery and is also usually a reflection of the size needed to run for about 10-20 minutes and not get voltage sag from having too small of a battery for the ESC/motor size. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for watching!!

[@boomerak4774]

@@rcleesd Thanks for the reply! With that being said I own a rusler vxl brushless 3s and I just ordered a kraton 6s blx v5 a few days ago I can't wait to get my hands on it!

[@joezepp9523]

Actually the RPM front bumper install is wrong. Dont worry i did the same thing. You need RPM front bumper part# 81812. This is for the v5 Kraton 6s. It has 2 humps on the front bumper plate instead of one. Also, you remove the original small Arrma bumper and the 81812 kit has an extension bar that gets bolted onto the red regtangle part that you removed the OEM bumper from. Because if you look what you did by leaving the orignal Arrma bumper on it does not sit flush when you bolt down the new RPM bumper, that is why you remove the OEM bumper. Also, the rear skid plate is the wrong one. You want rear skid plate part# 81332. It has one large hump in the middle to pass over the 2 humps on the Kraton v5 6s. If you look at the rear skid plate you have part# 81442, it only has 1 hump on the one side of the rear skid plate. I mean it will work, but that really is the wrong rear skid plate for the v5 Kraton 6s. I bought the new parts that are suppose to go on the Kraton v5 and they work great. The RPM front bumper and rear skid plate you have installed in this video are really for the Kraton v4 and below versions of the Kraton 6s.

[@rcleesd]

Hi Joe, you are correct! I made this video before those parts were available. Now they have all the V5 stuff available. Thanks for watching and updating the part numbers for all of us, I appreciate it!

[@joezepp9523]

@@rcleesd No problem. I wasn't trying to call you out. I just didn't know if you knew there were updated parts for the Kraton v5.

[@rcleesd]

@@joezepp9523 No worries, I appreciate it!

[@kevinbreese5739]

FYI: Your link to the rear skid plate is the wrong link; it's the front bumper link.

[@rcleesd]

Thank you for letting me know, it's changed now!

[@afronegro791]

Great vids 👌 how does the Kraton v5 handle out the box? Tossing up between the Ktaton and the Losi 8ight XTE

[@rcleesd]

I haven't had any issues with it so far. Didn't shim anything or change any grease or oils in the shocks or diffs. Running it stock, taken to the skatepark and jumped it hundreds of times, only broke the shock standoff because I landed upside down at the skatepark from about 10 feet in the air. I'd say you can't go wrong with either...the Kraton is far more popular and common, compared to the Losi, for what it's worth. I would go Kraton, obviously, but both are awesome 👌.

[@afronegro791]

Thanks bud... definitely leaning towards the Kraton thanks for the feedback👍

[@rcleesd]

@@afronegro791 No problem, thanks for watching!

[@kylerbuican7945]

would you say you can just take the wing off and not add a whelie bar or will the no wing make it slower and damage the body

[@rcleesd]

Honestly, I don't think the wing helps that much for stability; especially in loose, hard packed dirt like where I run mine. If you were doing speed runs, it would help a lot, especially above 40mph. That being said, if you removed the wing and support brackets for the wing/wheelie bar, then you would lose all of your protection in the rear. If you landed on the shock caps, shock tower, etc without the wing and supports, while bashing, you would likely bend or break those exposed components.

[@kylerbuican7945]

@@rcleesd Thanks for the help so it looks like im ordering a wheelie bar lol

[@skillz2tthemaxx157]

what are the name of those tools i need asap

[@rcleesd]

MIP tools! Here is the link to the handle version...amzn.to/36xiJiL Here is the link to the tool bit version...amzn.to/3iFDj2Y

[@chrisjames5823]

Note to everyone. I been in the Hobbie about 5 years and still make boo boos...I have the v5 6s kraton. Picked up the rpm front and rear a arms and mud gaurds. Long story short... they have issues. The shock pin is too long for the rear a arm for one. The second thing was the swing arm doesn't fit where they want u to put it. Finally the angle is just a tad off. After some work I realized I had to put the old ones back on.. haven't tried the front ones yet. Do they have upgraded a arms for the v5?

[@rcleesd]

Did you break a stock arm? These V5 come with a re-designed heavier duty arms than pervious versions. I haven't heard of anyone breaking one yet and was just curious. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrisjames5823]

@@rcleesd nah. I just wanted blue. 😆

[@krs1127]

Give the link of wheels

[@rcleesd]

Wheels are stock in this video

[@freddieparrydrums]

With LiPo’s what charger with dual should I buy thank ypu

[@rcleesd]

I use the Spektrum dual charger, but any lipo charger should work. Skyrc males an affordable one.

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@rcleesd Thanks, I have seen the SkyRC one. Looks good! Also I’m getting the EXB, never fit a motor before but that’s part of the experience! Thanks 👍👍

[@2brosfilmz208]

do you have a link for that dewalt tool?

[@rcleesd]

I do, let me see if I can find it.

[@2brosfilmz208]

@@rcleesd thanks buddy!

[@joezepp9523]

Is the wheelie bar adjustable or does it just stay in one position?

[@rcleesd]

It only stays in one position.

[@lancewhite3297]

Do u have a link on where to buy the Dewalt TooL? I can't find it anywhere..

[@rcleesd]

I do, here you go! www.amazon.com/dp/B011WRUODC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_5CWQ14HREDK6JXVSQ5F7

[@mysticaldragon2740]

using such a tool in this way, especially installing such small hardware is a surefire invitation to disaster. As a professional mechanic this drives me nuts.

[@jasonbradbury7304]

Do you have a model number for the dewalt screwdriver you are using bro?

[@rcleesd]

I sure do...DCF682

[@Bassin07Si]

What wheelie bar is that. Can't seem to find a RPM one for the 6s Kraton

[@rcleesd]

It's linked in the description box....it's actually the identical one that is for the Outcast, and for some reason, that's what they call it. I verified the part number in my manual before ordering on Amazon. There is also a link for both parts there too. EDIT: It looks like the wheelie bar is sold out, but I will see if I can find it from another seller and update the link. The package for both parts are still available.

[@hoganater487]

What size screws did you use for the bumper?

[@rcleesd]

I can't remember the exact size of the screws, but they come with the Bumper from RPM.

[@jaysonshepard434]

so these fit even though the diff bump on the new v5 is larger?

[@rcleesd]

I haven't had any issues so far.

[@trevyy240]

Do the rpm bumper and skid fit ok even with those smaller holes to accommodate the v4 diff bulge because I know the v5 diff bulge is wider

[@rcleesd]

I've had the front bumper and rear skid on my V5 Kraton 6S since it was new, no issues whatsoever. The rear skid is starting to wear down, so I may replace it since the part is cheap, but adds a lot of protection and softens those chassis slap landings. I'm going to install the same bumper and skid on my Typhon, I may do a video on it since there isn't much out there about this topic on the V5.

[@fwoodman]

The RPM bumper does not fit V5 Kraton. I just ordered one and tried to install it now. The bumper plate won't sit flush to the chassis due to the diff bulge and the existing bumper is a bit lower than the chassis. You can try to dremel and thin out the RPM bumper where the diff bulge is and it may fit better. You can still screw the RPM bumper in without any modification but it is not a right fit. RPM website specifically said that their bumper won't fit V5 Kraton.

[@rcleesd]

@@fwoodmanGreg, I agree about the skid plate, but my bumper had no issues on the install and looks fine to me. That being said, I have had them both on, without modification (skid sits slightly bulged) but hasn't caused an issue and absolutely has saved the truck from many bad landings. Just my 2 cents. The EXB was backorderd at the time, otherwise probably would have been my first choice.

[@fwoodman]

@@rcleesd Good to know. I just couldn't figure out how many type of screws to get for the EXB Bumper set based on the diagram. The RPM is a very simple install. Do you also have a bulge on the rear RPM skidplate as well? Do you recommend the rear skidplate as well?

[@rcleesd]

@@fwoodman The bulge is nearly identical, but better than nothing was my thoughts.

[@stevenmaness5153]

Damn. I just wanted to see how the RPM bumper looked with the body on! Why wouldnt you finish the video with the body on? Bro 🤦

[@rcleesd]

Sorry Steven, luckily I made this video months ago, so all my future videos show what it looks like with the bumper installed.

[@leroy5202]

Why can't arrma just add the wheelie bar standard?? If you want more publicity join the ArrmaForum, everyone there is really helpful and will help your channel grow!

[@rcleesd]

That's exactly what I wondered too. If you don't install one and run on any high traction surface, you will pop wheelies and flip over or destroy the wing. Bash video to follow, it held up well!

[@phishitaac]

just got my kraton v5 6s but i had a granite and i loved the steering feel and turning radius. any way you can get the steering to be as tight as the granit on the kraton? ive set the end points.would a new servo help? my kraton is brand new. i really just want a tighter turning radius

[@rcleesd]

That's interesting, mine turns quite sharp....this might sound dumb, but did you check the first dial (of the 3 adjustment knobs) on the transmitter? It says S/R and you can dial that up or down and will affect the throw of the servo for steering? I wouldn't go too far with it, but you should be able to get the stock servo to make circles about 3 to 5 feet in diameter at 5 miles an hour or so.

[@joezepp9523]

This is the video that i have been needing. Thanks for posting! I am getting ready to buy the v5 Arrma Kraton and these are the exact upgrades that i wanted to do to my Kraton v5. These are the parts that should have came on the v5 stock. I have no idea why they didn't put a wheelie bar on it or have such a small front and rear bumper. Anyway, i got my question answered about will the wheelie bar and front bumper fit with no extra modifications because according to rpmrcproducts.com they have this version notes: Version Notes: If you own a V3 or newer Kraton running a #AR320432 front bumper, you will need to swap it with the front bumper / hinge pin retainer from #AR330230 before our bumper will work on your truck. So what are they talking about when you just put the front bumper on without swapping the front bumper/hinge pin retainer out? SMH! Anyway, Thanks again. This is exactly what i have been waiting for after emailing companies about will the wheelie bar fit, will the front bumper fit.....so you answered all my questions in your 2 videos.

[@rcleesd]

Glad I could help! I saw that too about the hinge pin retainer, maybe that only applies to the V4? Thanks for watching!

[@joezepp9523]

@@rcleesd...yeah i was about to just say forget the front bumper for now, it seemed like too much work. So then i found your video and was like, wow! you just screwed the new front bumper plate right over the stock one. Whatever those Version Notes are from rpmrcproducts.com, i have no clue, but you obviously showed all 3 parts are easy to install.

[@ssrixk]

Has anyone bent the stock v5 chassis? Kinda scared to take mine out and im waiting to see if m2c racing is coming out with a redesigned chassis

[@rcleesd]

I'm planning to go to the skatepark with mine soon to find out, stay tuned!

[@jonathanbeaumont2183]

Had a good 30 min bash yesterday on my v5 and was jumping roughly 6 feet high and 25 feet distance at minus 1 to plus 2c had no problem. Only think I noticed was the suspension is soft out of the box. I turned the spring retaining nut about 10 turns so its roughly 3/4 inch from shock cap, and about a half inch in front. Back end of chassis was getting beat up/ scratched so differently will be getting the skid plate.

[@rcleesd]

@Jonathan Beaumont Nice! Was this at a skate park?

[@jonathanbeaumont2183]

@@rcleesd no it was in my subdivision were I live i made my own ramps/jumps, ones I bring with me everywhere, legs fold on them so they lay flat. I was also using the snow banks that I made jumps out of. Also hit a tree at about 30 mph no damage i was surprised. All jumps were to flat cement or pavement. I have about 14 years of hard R.C ing.

[@jonathanbeaumont2183]

@@rcleesd another thing/ video i saw said to run some kinda silicon under the motor/ there's a pretty big gap between the motor and chassis so you fill it in. I guess some people who have been going big on jumps have bent this/ the motor mount or screws broke.

[@kevinbreese5739]

No wheelie bars available for the Kraton right now. Frustrating. Should have definitely come with one from the factory. The other thing that sucks, is the Arrma wheelie bar mounts to the wing shaft which is already a weak point! They got 2 little screws in there holding it. Very poor design by Arrma.

[@rcleesd]

You are correct on all points sir! Hopefully Arrma addresses the issue...

[@thomaswalton9089]

The stock bumper is pathetic I knew I should of changed mine before I took it out today the first thing I hit took out that bumper and now my servo is acting funny

[@rcleesd]

Bummer, definitely worth the upgrade on the bumpers.