Problems with the King Kong RC Lurker

[@Fl0ob]

I bought one, it worked for maybe an hour. The design they chose for the power train makes no sense. The problem is they tried to save money on esc's. They built it so that the customer could just drop in a couple of cheap and easy to find hobbywing esc's. Turning, more accurately pivoting, a vehicle this heavy that is sitting on four big soft sticky rubber tires requires a lot of force to overcome that tire friction, especially on a hard surface. Two 550's and one 30amp dual bi-directional esc and an rc tank gearbox would have been the sane and obvious way to do it. I've spent many hours now working on this vehicle and it still aint running. Another thing prospective buyers should know, yes it foats, yes it rusts, yes it is not waterproof. There's even a letter in the box stating that it is the customer's responsibility to waterproof it and the manufacturer is not responsible for any water damage. And waterproofing it is no quick chore as it requires a complete dissassembly. Had I known it was going to be this much of PITA I would have just bought a much more expensive customrc or Max Limit rc sherp. And sadly that would be my recommendation to anyone considering getting an rc sherp. This rig isn't ready for primetime at the moment. Maybe someday.

[@Xofroggy]

Funny, they added that water damage letter after the first run, they should have sold it as a real kit and it wouldnt have been as big an issue that they didnt seal it. I sold mine, didnt want to deal with the issues

[@BlackSeaRC]

I see that King Kong RC now have an upgraded transmission available. I wonder if that will be fitted as standard on new kits?

[@Xofroggy]

possibly a v2 coming, there doesnt seem to be many stock of them left, so either v2 or discontinuation coming, if they do a v2 hopefully it comes fully sealed, id so buy a new one if they do that and have the new trans in it

[@ShenRC]

Hi cant you disassemble the rear gearboxes to see what is broking inside? I would like to know what it looks like inside, it's neat but sad it did not last long at all. Good luck with it I hope they send you new parts.

[@Xofroggy]

i have been trying for 3 days now just to get the stub shaft out so i can take apart the gearbox. i fully intend to open it up and look at it before it if at all gets sent back to them. it only has the one in the front. and the 3 deceleration boxes for the motors.

[@ShenRC]

@@Xofroggy Bust her open!! hope they did not use plastic or pot metal gears!! let us know.

[@Xofroggy]

@@ShenRC if its metal its for aure pot metal

[@QuinnsRC]

Aw man, that sucks!

[@Xofroggy]

Indeed, ill keep everyone updated as this progresses

[@jonthomas8487]

The issue is that “Hobby grade” has always meant that parts are replaceable and should be somewhat easy to get. They are treating you like this is a toy from Walmart

[@Xofroggy]

in fairness it did just get released on christmas and this is the first run but to not just be like ok its broke, we will send you a new gearbox is ridiculous

[@rjmanzano0877]

what do you expect made in China it will break

[@Xofroggy]

I expected better metal

[@BlackSeaRC]

That isn't really a fair statement is it? You have to assess many factors including the component design, the material, the method of manufacture, the assembly, the usage profile, the maintenance, the cost, etc. The location of the company is not especially relevant in the grand scheme of things.

[@Xofroggy]

@@BlackSeaRC very true, and im pretty sure every hobbywing esc ever made was made in china, and they work amazing lol

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@Xofroggy I think the issue is that this is a new style of vehicle. The real one was tested for many years to overcome design issues exactly like this and in the RC world, this is a bit of a trial vehicle as well. I can bet with those large rubber tyres there is quite a lot of traction so if they grip the surface the stress on the gears is very high during skid steering. Of course I would have hoped that the product would have been properly tested before launch. I would have also expected a more comprehensive instruction manual with full assembly instructions or at least exploded views to show the parts plus guidance on the electronics set-up, amphibious use and any necessary maintenance requirements.

[@Xofroggy]

@@BlackSeaRC for sure more testing and the saddest thing was seeing rusted bearings from one water trip. Should have came with ceramic bearings or just a note like you said on the maitenence. In hind sight the fact that the only video released had zero driving. Should have had me sceptical but its a sherp lol

[@Miskamandariini]

Oh damnit