Element Sendero HD: Do These Things First!

[@RCTNT]

See how much the Stage 1 Upgrades helped in the wet rock challenge against the TRX4 Sport & Gen 8 V2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYSwlJ-Oft9sbNE

[@jeremymiller2340]

I have two trx4's, this element sendaro, has had my eye for a while now, looks very capable that wheel rub before them mods is horrible, nice little fix!

[@RCTNT]

Right on. Big difference it made, too. TRX4s seem to multiply somehow, don't they!

[@jeremymiller2340]

@@RCTNT lol that they do brother!

[@paulschryer9571]

Ya, I like the ELEMENT LINE, but they just do not have all of the functions I wanted, within a certain budget. 🤔 - So, dollar for dollar, I went with the Gmade (GS02F).🏁

[@shoky11TV]

2nd day driving this brand new rig after carrying out said Stage 1 mods - so smooth! Even at full tilt I have zero tyre rub. I thought my TRX4 was fun (it is) but this is a quality piece of kit!! - Stage 2, stage 2!!

[@RCTNT]

Woohoo! And also, lol. Stage 2. I'll have to think about that. Not a lot to change without going crazy on power mods, then having to strengthen everything, etc. Hmm!

[@shoky11TV]

@@RCTNT Agree - for me it doesn't really need much more...perhaps a more powerful servo....perhaps - apart of that, it's near perfect as is.

[@RCTNT]

@@shoky11TV agreed! Though wait until you see the video I release tonight (about 12 hours from this comment, I'm just finishing up the editing now). It's the Sendero testing 7 different tires. It's quite informative - I found it useful anyway! After this, I'll try the 11.83% overdrive and we'll see what kind of different that makes to scores and lap times. Servo really is it otherwise for stage 2 - maybe the Holmes v3 that runs straight off 3s, that plus 11.83% overdrive, and there's stage 2. Sounds like I've got another video to make!

[@danweiss1371]

Somehow, I managed to either miss this video or I didn’t give it a thumbs up. I just enjoyed watching it. I’ve mentioned it enough times that I have the trailwalker, which is the same thing different body. And I love my truck so much I sold my TRX 4 which was a very capable truck. I took that money and bought a builders kit v2 built that to be my class one. To be totally honest, I might missed this video when I was protesting your channel. I won hundred percent accidentally called your number and you blasted me a good one. But after thinking, long and hard, you don’t know me and you don’t know what my intent could’ve been. And I apologized way back then. Keep up the good work love the information that you put out !!!

[@RCTNT]

Dan, I have no recollection of that exchange and blasting people online is about the opposite of how I prefer to operate. I wasn't actually aware you were protesting my channel - I see your name in comments and recognise you as a regular viewer - not taken for granted and happy you're here! In any case, thanks for watching this older video. I've learned a lot since then but the Sendero remains an RTR darling in my RC stable! Cheers

[@danweiss1371]

@@RCTNT I think you got it wrong. At least it’s hard to text it your feelings. I love your channel I accidentally called you one night. on Instagram I accidentally hit the call button and didn’t even know it. And I apologized. This was a year ago too many KZbinrs to remember I didn’t expect you to remember this. I was just stating a fact that I jump to conclusions, so I lost out on good content. I don’t even really know why I brought it up except for the fact every time I watch one of your videos, I am a more informed RC hobbyist. You have always been kind and courteous to me and you answered all questions. I was just trying to convey how my anger over something silly made me lose out on one of the best RC content creators on the Internet. Rc-TNT

[@RCTNT]

Oh I see. I went back and found it in our ig history. I am bad at text stuff - when I said I didn't answer at 2am because I protect my time and that it was no problem, I really meant it. Didn't think about it ever again until this post! There was no blasting from my end, I was only concerned that I explained why I didn't answer in a way that would be respectful (though it seems I failed). I'd never have thought you were angry from that! My apologies for whatever role I played in that. Trust you're doing okay now. Cheers

[@thecustomshopinc.6883]

Just picked up my sendero hd. Thank you so much for this guide 🔥🔥🔥

[@RCTNT]

Ah you're welcome. Great choice, great rig! Enjoy :)

[@philippestacker]

Hello merci pour vos vidéos ! J'apprends beaucoup c'est cool. j'ai suivi vos modifications sur mon sendero c'est top !👌 J'ai hâte de visionner les prochaines vidéos sur les améliorations que vous allez apporter à votre Sendero.

[@RCTNT]

Merci, je suis content que ça vous ait plu :)

[@MrDevo5]

hello from the UK! so a few years down the line and im ready for a new crawler. Ive got the titanium version in a basket, would you still recommend this model or in your opinion has anything surpassed it at this price level?

[@RCTNT]

G'day, it's a great rig but the Ecto performs better. The Vanquish Stance better again. Recommend the VRD Carbon kit, if you're considering the Stance. The Sendero is still very good, so if you like its looks, you'll be happy with its performance. (I overlooked "at this price level", sorry. Ecto is best performer at this price. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH2Wq36bhNJrbdE )

[@MrDevo5]

Thanks for the advice and rapid response

[@brianterrell1496]

Got the same wheels on my Rock Pirates power wagon comp rig. Good wheels.

[@RCTNT]

It's been a while and I have many wheels now, thanks to doing this channel. But I still dig these ones too, they're really nice eh

[@abbycortez601]

This video made me order one today haha Ordered 3 in total including trx4 sport and scx10 iii gladiator

[@RCTNT]

Wow, sounds like you've got it just as badly as I do! Lol, well, nice choices on your rigs. Take your time with them and enjoy yourself! I know you will :) Thanks for sharing your decision here, I'm excited for you! Woohoo!

[@abbycortez601]

Thanks man appreciate it! Hopefully this lockdown in Sydney ends soon 😅🤣

[@RCTNT]

Yeah the numbers are pretty bad. Worse than Vic at the height of the original wave. Might be a while yet :(

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Great detail on the wheel changes and body position - have just ordered kit for a good price and AUS stock.

[@RCTNT]

You're gonna love it! Still haven't broken anything on it yet and still crawls like a champ

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

@@RCTNT have lots of questions around another kit do you have a private email?

[@RCTNT]

@@hadynmcloughlin4661 I get hit up with questions daily in Instagram and by email but because of time just can't reply to everyone as much as I'd like. Suggest you post your questions to reddit.com/r/rccars or /rccrawlers, or else you the rcgroups.com forums. You'll get quality help there and then others can benefit from the discussion too. Cheers

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

@@RCTNT will do

[@sammygonzalez7627]

I really enjoy watching your videos, your always looking to improve your vehicles 👍

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, hope some of it is helpful to you! Appreciate the comment.

[@gxtxRCcrawling]

did these stage 1 to it and bought 3 2200 3 S LiPo as you sugested and mini packs so the balance stays ok comming up with some videos alredy have a 1/12 mn99s but his is someting else man :D

[@RCTNT]

Heh excellent! I have an MN86KS here to review shortly, but you're right, different class of rig! Enjoy :)

[@CactusCrawlersRC]

Great video, I like the mods you have done to improve on a great truck!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! Although I've barely touched it, honestly. Check out the results in today's video (5 Rigs, Same Tires) and note just how well this rig goes against much more expensive opposition. Just a tire change and boom, you're in competition performance territory. Incredible.

[@stevemdelacruz5602]

I have the 1st version with the fusion and gatekeeper pan hard and sway bar..im impresed with these truck s..whem i was young u be lucky if they would drive on shag carpet..

[@RCTNT]

Lol yes! There was some capable stuff in the 80s (my childhood) but it was rare, expensive and had nothing on today's stuff!

[@shoky11TV]

Fantastic and informative videos! I like how you intelligently disect individual elements(no pun) of each crawler and look to improve upon them. Very practical advice. Any advice for me on how to disguise a Sendero HD to look like my TRX4 Sport, so my wife doesn't think I bought another crawler? haha. Keep up the great work - subscribed - looking forward to more great content!

[@RCTNT]

Lol, very good. More content coming soon. Lockdown here in Vic means home schooling and I'm currently a bit unwell, so things have slowed down a bit this week! Back on the horse soon, not to worry! Body posts and similar wheelbase can mean a TRX4 body should fit on the Sendero, I'd think. Though you could always try being straight with her - now she can crawl with you, it's genius!

[@shoky11TV]

@@RCTNT I hope you are feeling well again soon - yes, looking forward to more content. My wife is not silly and I think she's sort-of onto me...haha....oh well how does that saying go?? easier to apologise than ask?? Really love my Sport....but I have got an itch to get that Sendero....love the light weight/turning radius/build quality and overall capability:)

[@RCTNT]

@@shoky11TV she's definitely onto you, lol. Sendero is awesome, no doubt. You could get that same turning circle from overdriving the front diff, possibly. I have the gears on my shelf for an upcoming video, we'd better do a Sendero vs Sport comparison, including features and budget alongside performance. Cheapest vs pricey, probably be interesting!

[@shoky11TV]

@@RCTNT I really like the stage 1 improvements and will be looking to do the same to mine....even before driving it....so - This is an extremely noobish question - I would like to see some more detail on exactly how you raised the sliders. You cut something and drilled something lol...what? Any chance of a short follow up vid or some pics? Sorry in advance for my ignorance...still very new to the hobby :)

[@RCTNT]

@@shoky11TV look at 0:46 for where I drilled. It's so the screw can pass all the way through and a nut can go on the bottom, rather than the screw biting into plastic. We want the slider mounting bars to sit on top of the sideboards rather than underneath. Then look at 0:49 for what I cut - exactly those lugs as pictured. This is so the mount bars can sit flush on top rather than being blocked by the plastic lugs. Pause at those times and look closely - do those things and you'll be sorted. Take your time and think it through rather than just cutting and drilling where the nice internet stranger said, of course! Understand what you want to achieve before you do it, whatever possible! Look, think, cut/drill. Hope that helps!

[@danweiss4928]

TRX four is my first Rockcrawler. But my grandson a GEN seven for Christmas. We need one more capable crawler. And I keep looking at the Sendero Or just get another TRX 4

[@RCTNT]

You're certainly spoilt for choice! I've got a write up here that may be of interest: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews/what-is-the-best-rc-rock-crawler/ (it's due for another update with the latest rigs I've been playing with over Nov and Dec but there's still plenty of ideas to get you started! Cheers)

[@danweiss4928]

@@RCTNT Thank you quite the in-depth article. Well understood. I have one more question. Do you think the body from the element Sendero. Will fit on the TRX 4 I want a new body. Love the look of the Sendero. My wheelbase is 324 but it looks like the Sendero has some extra room in the bed. To cover my frame. I am assuming that my TRX was the defender version. As nothing looks like it was ever moved. I purchased it used with the jeep Cherokee Lexan body. !! I know this is a lot to ask. But it’s $100 purchase and I don’t mind doing work to make it fit. As I am capable and enjoy working on my truck

[@RCTNT]

@@danweiss4928 not sure about that. Let me take a look, I'll snap a few photos and pop them on Instagram for you. Will be later today so check back later and hopefully you'll have your answer! Edit. Pm sent with photos from a few angles of the Sendero body on the Sport. Cheers

[@danweiss4928]

@@RCTNT Appreciate it big time. If there’s anything I could ever do for you please let me know. Be nice if I was like 9600 miles closer. Lol

[@RCTNT]

@@danweiss4928 heh the tyranny of distance on one side of the coin, or the ability to have this discussion and share photos and videos instantly on the other. What a time to be alive! My pleasure to help :)

[@rinntinnglen6291]

The body post you used is there a part number or length that you can recommend

[@RCTNT]

Good question. I grabbed some from my spares box but I'll pull it out and give the measurements soon. Will reply here and update the Description. Should have done that in the first place, sorry! Thanks for asking.

[@RCTNT]

You want any 5mm diameter post that's 57mm to 68mm long. You'll trim it to 57mm or so length, so anything longer than that is fine as you can cut it. I have precisely 42mm of body post above the bracket, to the very top.

[@warren6814]

How are the nylon OD gears holding up? I was curious if they can handle rock crawling over some pretty serious class 2 courses?

[@RCTNT]

Still good, no dramas. The stock 5 pole motor hasn't got a lot of power, so I'd expect they'll last. All my testing is every bit as demanding as a class 2 course.

[@stevemdelacruz5602]

Did u just trim the body at the fender wellz?

[@RCTNT]

Tiniest little trim at each corner of the front wheel arches, yes.

[@burksthepenguin]

Love how unfussed the pup is by the truck!

[@RCTNT]

She's a chilled rc trail companion, for sure :)

[@thor_4017]

It looks somewhat cheap compared with gmade gs02f BOM or buffalo. Maybe the wheels are better but still. Have they improved the body thickness? Element often use thin fragile bodies. Gmade has thick polycarbonate with hidden body mounts. I almost bought element gatekeeper but decided to go for gmade buffalo instead. I'm really glad I went for gmade. There's almost nothing I would want to change on the gs02f design if I could redesign it myself.

[@RCTNT]

This body is thinner than others, by a little, but not so bad as cheaper ones. From your description I'd say it is better than it used to be. I've got a Capra build and test video coming soon. That would be the one to compare to the Gatekeeper. Glad you're enjoying your GS02F :)

[@thor_4017]

@@RCTNT thin polycarbonate it's only a element problem. My 2014 scx10 ram body lasted 3-4 batteries before it cracked. I'm really impressed by the body quality on gmade, and that you can buy the body shell for only 30$. Complete body kit with bumpers, light buckets and decals for 55$. Gmade buffalo don't come with rubber sealed bearings. That's a drawback. Luckily I had a unused yeah racing scx10 bearing kit that was direct fit.

[@RCTNT]

@@thor_4017 cool, there's plenty of variation out there. Some bodies are amazing - Proline has used lovely thick bodies for the 10 or 12 years I've been using them. The Gen8 v2 is quite hefty as well. Thanks for raising this point, I'll pay closer attention on future reviews.

[@paulschryer9571]

- GO WITH THE GMADE (GS02F) !!!! #1, BEST STOCK CRAWLER IN THE "ENTIRE" MARKET !!!!! 👍🤘😜😉🏁

[@RCTNT]

@@paulschryer9571 heh ok, ok I hear you guys. I'm looking into it again today. Quite expensive to get it to Australia, it seems difficult to source domestically. I'll do some more digging and see if I can find some local sellers. Definitely interested to test it since a couple of you are now plugging it! Don't want to overlook a contender! - OK, it's on the way. Be here in a week. On paper it looks amazing, though I bet that rear suspension will need stiffening up a bit. Still, looking forward to it! (Can't compare it to the Sendero directly as it's a kit rather than RTR here, but it's gonna be a performer, I can see that! Thanks guys)

[@mxsty8829]

Should I get the gen 8 v2 in purple or the senduro hd?

[@RCTNT]

Depends what you want from the rig. Crawler first? Sendero. Do it all with trail bias? Gen 8 V2. Here's a video on exactly your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZiVh4KcjbmssM0

[@markwillis7249]

Hey mate we're did you get the longer body posts from?. It is proving hard to find these style of body posts in Sydney.

[@RCTNT]

I would have included them in one of my orders from asiatees or rcmart - I tend to buy a handful of useful craft and hobby items in bulk and then restock every year or so. Less wasted freight this way and less waiting when I'm in the middle of a project! I'd buy body posts, servos, motors, various cables, paint, clips, pins, etc etc.

[@markwillis7249]

@@RCTNT cheers mate thanks. Will look into that.

[@zSotelo1147]

I’m so new to this hobby and would love to do these to my truck, but I have no idea how you did it 😂

[@RCTNT]

Sounds like I need to make a step by step, that's a few people asking about it! Righto, I'll get back to you. Meanwhile, check the recent comments, I've replied with a little info about the cutting and drilling (hint, there are a couple of photos in the video that you'll want to pause on for context)

[@zSotelo1147]

@@RCTNT I appreciate the response! I’ll look for those. Excited to see what else you do with the Sendero. It’s my first truck and so far it’s stock (not for long) but I’m very happy with it. Thanks again.

[@brooklyn_paisan1348]

The body post should they be aluminum or plastic? Thank you! Excellent videos! Thank you for pointing out those small changes (stage 1) I would've definitely overlooked those little changes 😂 especially being out of the Hobby for over 20 years. So much has changed. I ordered a Element Sedona last night after watching ur videos on the Truck. Can't wait to see what stage 2 is gonna be? But ur so right about being outside and just chilling and getting so caught up in the hobby climbing rocks putting new parts on the truck and looking to see what you can do to make the truck perform even better.

[@RCTNT]

I used plastic posts. Any will do as long as they're sufficiently long to do the job. I buy long ones and trim to fit when modding stuff. Drive and enjoy it. Mod and enjoy it. Whatever works for you, yeah! One of the great things about the hobby - many outlets for r&r :)

[@rcflashcars]

cool job! big like! 👍👍👍

[@RCTNT]

Awesome, thanks!

[@Tsmace33]

PLEASE HELP ME!!! I bought this and right out of the box it didn't work. It's my first one ever but even my friend who are experienced can't figure it out. I charged the batter overnight, fresh batteries in the controller, everything seems right but it just won't work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@RCTNT]

That's no good! If it isn't working at all, it'll be something simple. But "won't work" is very vague. There's a power switch - does anything change when you turn that on? Any LEDs light up on the receiver, for example? If so, is there steering? Any throttle at all in either direction, etc. Be specific with the symptoms and I'll give you a few things to check - but it starts with describing the problem precisely as you can. Better info means you get better help! I'll do my best. Also/if I can't help, you'll find friendly help on reddit, too - www.reddit.com/r/rccars/

[@Tsmace33]

@@RCTNT sorry I'll try to be more specific. The controller led turns on one red and one green. No throttle at all in either direction and no steering. When I plug the battery into the truck the Red light blinks on the little control module thing. Idk the proper name. I don't see any kind of on/off switch on the truck itself. Potentially it's a bad battery because I let it charge all day and night and it still blinks green on the charger.

[@Tsmace33]

@@RCTNT also a small detail, the LED head lights don't turn on either

[@RCTNT]

Ok, that's a great start. On the XP-130 radio, both the green and red LEDs should come on, so that's probably (probably) okay. You're right about the ESC (the thing with the black heat-sink and all the wires coming out of it) - there is no power switch. Once the battery is connected, it's 'on'. Turn the radio on first. Then connect the battery to the ESC in the truck. When it's working properly, you should hear the motor go 'beep-beep' and then you'll have steering. You're getting a red blinking light. I am guessing but I think your radio probably needs binding (pairing the receiver to the transmitter). Let's check the wiring is correct first. Remove the 4 screws from the waterproof receiver box so you can get to the receiver. Check the steering is connected to Ch1 and the ESC to Ch2 and that the plugs are in all the way. If they're good, leave the lid off the Rx box and proceed to the binding process below. Paraphrased from the manual: 1. Transmitter and truck are off/unpowered. 2. Connect the receiver to a power source (ie. connect the battery to your ESC). 3. Connect the Bind connector to the “Pair” pins on the receiver. The LED on the receiver will flash rapidly. (If you don't have a bind plug, you just need to short the two pins marked 'Pair' on the receiver. Tweezers work for this but you must be careful!!) 4. Switch on the transmitter. 5. Remove the Bind connector from the receiver. The LED on the receiver will now remain solid to indicate successful binding of the transmitter and receiver. 6. Power off the transmitter and then on again. Test throttle and steering. All should be working, hopefully. If this doesn't work, let me know how you went and we'll have another go at it. Reddit is also a good thing to consider with a video of your issue at this stage - but let's try the basics here first! Good luck!

[@Tsmace33]

@@RCTNT RTR are supposed to be bound out of the box but yes I went through this whole process several times. I am driving tomorrow to visit a friend with years of experience building these and I will go over your instructions with him and let you know how it goes. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help me. You definitely have a new subscriber! And I'm definitely using your mod ideas from the video. Except I just cut my fenders all the way off haha. Thank you again. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

[@pbbbht]

Awesome video with some dead simple and brilliant solutions... Completely off-topic, but who makes your hat? I need one before it starts cooling off here in the States and I like that one a lot.

[@RCTNT]

That's an entertaining message, thanks! The hat... Hm, you might be out of luck there, it's 15 years old and too faded to read, I'm sorry!

[@pbbbht]

@@RCTNT lol ok thanks anyway. Keep up the good work!

[@John.lakesrc]

I wish you did a more in depth video how you did the mods.

[@RCTNT]

Hi John, I could go into more detail - what in particular do you want help with?

[@dominic9279]

I've heard that these trucks are one of the best what is your opinion. Dom from Bathurst nsw

[@RCTNT]

G'day Dom, I think it's performance is near-unbeatable for the price. You can get more info and more of my opinion on it in this ever-growing playlist, featuring the Element RC Sendero HD: kzbin.info/aero/PLP6qQhzesLdpAicew5pL0Kl8yYyzCtzfa Cheers :)

[@ItzLocker]

Nice thumbs

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, been working on them!

[@paulschryer9571]

THE GS02F BODY IS "THICK", WELL 0.0600 OF AN INCH !!! 👍😁 GMADE HAS KILLED MOST ALL COMPETITION.....FROM THE FACTORY BRO's !!!! 😎✌️

[@Charlvdwalt073]

😁🙏🙏💪

[@paulschryer9571]

SO.......when ya gettin' a GMADE (GS02F) !!??? 🤔... YOU SHOULD (REALLY) CONSIDER BUYING ONE, CUZ IT IS AMAZING !!!!!!! ...AND, (ONLY $320 KIT)😁

[@RCTNT]

It's not such a cheap rig in Australia, closer to USD$400, but there's a kit on the way. I'll get it in a week and we'll take a close look. From its spec sheet I can see why you're such a fan!

[@paulschryer9571]

@@RCTNT yes !! Huge "fan" due to functionality !!!😉

[@RCTNT]

For sure. Really looking forward to checking it out :)

[@paulschryer9571]

✳️GMADE (GS02F) HAS A 2-SPEED (OPTIONAL)...AND AN OVERDRIVE IN 1ST GEAR !!!!! 😲 WITH A 14.3% OVERDRIVE RATIO !!! LICK MY TIRES TRAXXAS !!!! 🤣 ...AND THAT IS STOCK !!!!! 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆