RGT Challenger Upgrades! Rock Test vs Stock!

The RGT Challenger EX86170 was pretty full-featured, but I reckon Phil (‪@TomleyRC‬) was a shade premature in calling it 'fully loaded'. Well now, we've slapped diff lock into it, a simple arm to hold the body open when working on it, and a few other little changes and fixes.
So, now can you call it fully loaded? Looks pretty well-rounded on paper. But how's it crawl? One way to find out:
Let's test!
Buy here: asiate.es/aff?l=211893&i=76070
My article about choosing between this, the Rescuer and the Pro Runner:
rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/rgt/w...
Corrections/notes:
- I forgot to mention in the video that I removed that rear sway bar, too!
- The overdrive is way too much, yep, noted that! I'd fuss about with it some more if wanting to keep it longer term. I think 10% to 20% is about the best range for front overdrive (or rear underdrive), but despite it being far too great, it still performed well enough! Will fix this soon :)
Videos:
- Our original review of the RGT EX86170: • RTR with Beadlocks, 2-...
- ‪@TomleyRC‬'s "Fully Loaded" review of this same rig: • The Cheapest FULLY Loa...
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Shout out to ‪@LRCR‬ for our little exchange on getting a boom tow setup installed on this thing. It's a great idea and I'll come back to it after the comp season is done (April on). Looking forward to that!
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Other RGT Vehicles We've Tested:
Rescuer EX86190 (aka. FTX Outback Tracker): • Can a Cheaper Rig Beat...
Pioneer EX86110: • RGT EX86110: Let's Tes...
136100 v3 RC4: • Good News! RGT 136100 ...
136100 v2 RC4: • $150 RC Crawler Review...
136240 v2: • Best 1:24 RC Crawler? ...
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 EX86170 Upgrades
4:02 Rock Test
9:15 Drive Debrief
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Articles:
What's the Best RC Car? rc-tnt.com/guides/best-rc-car/
Best RC Crawler? rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/multi...
Follow us:
Website: rc-tnt.com/
Twitter @rctrailandtech and on Instagram:
/ rctrailandtech
WHERE TO BUY RC STUFF:
Buy kits, models & upgrades here: www.asiatees.com/shop-now?rc_...
Send money directly to people living in extreme poverty (lets combine our resources to help those most in need):
community.givedirectly.org/ca...
#rccrawling, #rcreview, #rgtchallenger, #rccrawler,

[@Wild_Buggy]

Your channel deserves at least 10x times the subscribers and views! You have the best content for technical crawling!

[@RCTNT]

Thank you. I guess I'm building it and they will come. Eventually!

[@mitsuman5555]

Some people prefer stripped-down crawlers for simplicity and reliability, but I like bells and whistles. This truck comes with so many bells and whistles, and you've found a way to add even more. Love it.

[@RCTNT]

Haha yes, pretty much!

[@alantaylor353]

You could make that thing look like "the world's biggest wrecker" from Matt's towing channel.! It's really cool to see RGT evolving their product line.!

[@RCTNT]

Rgt is really maturing. I love that they're going their own way rather than just copying existing designs. I'll have to look into that suggestion. I'm not familiar with that rig or channe. I don't watch a lot of KZbin, funnily enough!

[@markcole6475]

Impressive for a large heavy rig! Nice upgrades which Made significant improvements

[@RCTNT]

It's a great machine isn't it!

[@FeralRC]

We love our new RGT. A few adjustments and small upgrades is all it needed to be a shining star. That's a common theme for RGT. I found some Dodge Power Wagon emblems on eBay so now I'm patiently waiting for them to come from Poland of all places...

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool! Recent RGT vehicles have been really good, eh! Glad you found some legit decals, that'll be cool :)

[@ShadeTree_RC]

shes coming right along and love the wrecker idea i couldnt think of a better application for this rig excited to see what becomes of it 😎

[@RCTNT]

I think it'll be a winner, yeah :)

[@andrewrichey7374]

What I love about the flubber Stuffers the tire doesn’t roll over on itself still get the good squish. Appreciate this video this is my passion I love it.

[@RCTNT]

I need to check that out, thank you!

[@CasperRc81]

Brilliant finally people are seeing the benifit of unlocking the rear pinching the tires for loss of traction to climb turn sharper and so forth

[@RCTNT]

I've been enjoying that in comps since the TRX4 was first released. Brilliant feature.

[@YNOTRC]

Love the vids. We want to see what mods you have coming for the RGT. Thanks for bringing us along on your discoveries

[@andrewrichey7374]

Love how the tires conform to the rocks, I’ve been testing out flubber stuffers they were great

[@BlackUnitAdventureSport]

RGT always the best.. Worth the money, easy to get parts and a lots of things can be upgraded.. Never upset me, only downside their customer service after sales... They need to improve on that areas... Great footage mate.. Thanks for making and effort for this review...

[@RCTNT]

I appreciate that, thank you! Next video coming out here is the RGT Rescuer with all the RGT upgrades for it. They're making interesting vehicles that really deliver on fun and value, eh? Cheers :)

[@BlackUnitAdventureSport]

@@RCTNT awesomes to hear that n can't wait for your next videos... Subscribed to your channel... 👍👍

[@RCTNT]

Nice, thanks and good to have you! The Rescuer video will publish in a bit over 4 hours from now, so you won't have to wait long! Thanks for watching my videos!

[@Big_Country_RC]

Super video man! Keep up the amazing work.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it and let me know. Cheers

[@andrewrichey7374]

Dang it was so close love it

[@dkmgm2011]

Sorted rig. Great videography. Concise information. Will done sir.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks!

[@fishnrc294]

I like the RGT’s they have a New one out. I like the body & the Green color looks good. I was looking at a RGT & a few others then Vanquish came out with their RTR so I picked one up. I haven’t even had it out yet it’s getting upgrades right off the bat. New metal beadlocks & Fusion pro. Probably throw in some lights I have as well. I’m hoping you get one to test I wasn’t sure if you already had one so I may go back & check older videos. I think the Vanquish in RTR form would not due very well because it doesn’t have great clearance. I could be wrong since I’ve never had one till now. Those upgrades you did made a huge difference feels good when you wrench on them then see it pay off.

[@RCTNT]

I only have the one vanquish, the Phoenix Portal kit. The straight axle RTR looks cool. Enjoy the mods, it's a fun process :)

[@muskokamike127]

3:53 "all that's left to do is...." to install shift on the fly fwd, or rwd or awd! haha. If you wanted to go really nutso add in raising and lowering suspension! Oh, we mustn't forget the auto righting system for when you fall over.

[@RCTNT]

Just a few minor things then eh

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT yeah, just one or two haha

[@wolfpackrc]

Great little series on this rig. its amazing what just good tires can do. I believe in your last video you mentioned that 2wd was kinda useless. On my axial it has overdrive and dig. I run 2wd from obstacle to obstacle. It saves on the gears running over distances plus with a 2200 mah battery it will last 2 or 3 hours running like that. In my mind its just easier on my drive train with the overdrive when 4wd isn't needed.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. To qualify my statement, I meant that FWD is largely useless off-road, though on smooth enough terrain it works okay, as you're doing with the DIG in neutral. RWD is still pretty usable and I run my BRX01 in RWD until I need the overdriven fronts engaged. It would save battery a bit, as long as there's sufficient traction, you're right! Thanks for watching and for thinking about this stuff with me :)

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great information as always. Excellent content. John

[@RCTNT]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks John

[@user-nc5kb5fv3s]

Recently I thought about what to improve in my Challenger. Thanks for the answer )

[@RCTNT]

Nice. Tires are a good start with this one!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Super cool, love this rig it looks so awesome. Appreciate the video love it I’ll be watching for more 👍👍😎

[@RCTNT]

Nice one, thanks Andrew

[@muskokamike127]

10:24 "mod summary" I could see doing something with the front bumper as well. It seemed to hang up a couple of times. As much as I was being the usual smarta$$ with the variable height suspension, I could see that helping with 3 and others. Just a little extra ground clearance to prevent high siding and then lower it back down to reduce the COG. Got some amazing articulation in some of those shots......

[@RCTNT]

Could put longer shocks on it abs bump the ride height up some, the have that last channel with a motor and cable to winch it down onto the axles to lower itself as needed

[@doubledome2076]

Another great video ‼️ 👍👍🦾🦾

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the visit!

[@mattiasrc]

Well that was a big difference in performance, great test.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I think it was really down to just the tires and foams, they're a significant improvement over the stock ones.

[@bartbbb1046]

The front bumper seems in the way sometimes. RGT shows something here: they offer a lot for the price, but there is still work to make it work correctly. That's also what is fun and enjoyable in this hobby.

[@RCTNT]

For sure. I love tinkering with this stuff, it's just relaxing and rewarding :) And yeah RGT's doing good work eh!

[@clean1566]

Thanks!

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Wow! Very nice set up on this! I really enjoyed and got a lot out of this video. Challenger may be in the cards a bit later this year! Take care my friend!!👊🏼😎✌🏻

[@RCTNT]

Awesome, thanks for letting me know! Same to you :)

[@roblowrie1969]

It's a great looking truck. It's a shame that it would cost so much more, getting it to the UK, with the VAT added to it! The new FTX is close, but the RGT is better. 👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

I don't see FTX here, but RGT sure is doing good things these days!

[@davidburke5686]

Nice work

[@RCTNT]

Thanks :) It was fun to do

[@pandacrawler6x6]

Amazing and ver useful mods! THK's for the Info share! Cheers!

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure! It was a fun one :)

[@pandacrawler6x6]

@@RCTNT I Belive! That RGT is in my wishlist !

[@LRCR]

Very Nicely Updated 😃👉 Thank's for the Mention I Greatly Appreciate it 💯 Great Luck Crawling the Comps 🎊 ✌🤠👍 Having Fun Laughing Playing and RCing 🙏 Stay Safe and Play Healthy My Friend 🏁💯🏁

[@RCTNT]

No worries, Larry :) TABORCTYT (Thanks And Best of RCing To You Too) hehe

[@LRCR]

@@RCTNT That's Clever 🎉 RCF4L= RC Fam 4 Life 🤠👍

[@andrewrichey7374]

I love that rig, love the power wagons this one is super cool. Would like to get one can’t right now. I’m also into 1/24 scale‘s. Well again appreciate the video I’ll be watching for more until then peace and chicken grease 😁👍👍😎

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Andrew, I'm glad you enjoyed these and showed your appreciation in the comments. Good to hear from you. Cheers

[@swamper9131]

Hey RC-TNT aweome videos by the way favorite Rc channel. Any way I am interested in getting a crawler never had a hobby grade rc before I am purchasing one for me and my 7 year old son something for us to do and for him to do he loves any remote control cars I have done allot of research but dill can't decide which route to go just curious what truck you think could be the best for all-around. While thinking about future upgrades and ease of getting replacement parts. Any way have a great day keep up the good work

[@RCTNT]

Hey, thanks a lot. Glad you're enjoying the channel and I appreciate you telling me! Can't go wrong with any of these for your situation, I think. (Consider the Deadbolt too) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqSpm6Csh8Zlg8U Cheers

[@clean1566]

What's your preference for the different drive train layouts RGT has evolved through.? I noticed this one they moved the motor back, and servo fwd, and the battery in back like tier old 86010. I personally like my 86010cj, with battery moved in front of transfer case,for a lot of weight fwd, like the 86100. It seems moving the battery back, is a step backwards. Your thoughts?

[@RCTNT]

I generally agree with you, yes. Get the weight forward. However, this thing is just so heavy it honestly doesn't matter a lot.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Nice crawling

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I think that is despite that silly overdrive!

[@royhopkins6197]

I love your videos....

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Roy

[@andrewrichey7374]

Try out some flubber stuffers you’re really like those inserts.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I'm looking at them now. Cheers

[@adamreturns1]

Hi Craig, thanks for the excellent videos. I have one of these and I upgraded the ESC to a Hobbywing 1080g2 so I can run 8.4v to my Dmond steering servo. I have 2x 8.4v Dmond micro servo's to replace the DIG and 2-speed servo's so I don't burn out the originals with the extra voltage, but I can't work out how to set the Ch7 & 8 endpoints. Nothing in the manual. Can anyone help me please?

[@RCTNT]

I don't have the car in front of me now but maybe you could mechanically limit the throw of the servos by attaching the actuator arms on a closer hole to the servo spline? Shorter throw means greater end point required. Maybe that'll do it. Try looking online for Dumborc x8 manual, maybe it'll have something about setting end points.

[@adamreturns1]

@@RCTNT Thanks so much, a shorter throw on the arm is a great idea! I appreciate the instruction manual tip as well. Thanks again.

[@wahyurchoby]

Nice Vidio 💯💯👍🏻👍🏻

[@RandyCrickWatercolors]

Great vid.Are parts avaiable

[@RCTNT]

Yep, RGT makes all of them. AliExpress is where you'll usually find them, though you hopefully won't need them. I'm actually running the rear axle in my comp rig currently. Seems to be holding up well, for whatever its worth!

[@Charlvdwalt073]

😁🙏🙏🙏🙏💪

[@TheLilhulk1111]

Why would you overdrive your front and rear diffs why not just upgrade transmission gears

[@RCTNT]

I have overdrive on the rear diff already on this axle, it's needed given the gearing difference with the RGT. Changing out transmission gears is usually difficult and axles and portal gears are easier for tuning. I admit I haven't looked into the transmission on this one yet. The axle change is temporary, just an experiment. The overdrive is far too high here, so I'll be returning to the original rear or changing the front to a trx4 axle too (if I keep the rear in my other rig). It's possible the transmission would be feasible to change on this one - again, I haven't checked. It's usually not an easy thing, though it might be in this case!