Tatra T813 Review: The Real Life OG Off-Roader!

[@AsiAzzy]

I would love for snowrunner to implement actual diffs correct realtion to wheel movement and torque applied for left-right and interaxle. For example, many 4x4's offroad have a lockable diff (solid lock) for rear and some for the front as well, and a torsen interaxle diff. The torsen is not locked but can't fully spin one side without moving the other side a bit. for this torsen usually is in the range 60%-40%. The tatra in particular has a torsen diff left to right. It's not locked but if the left wheel starts to lose grip it will spin a bit faster but the other wheel will spin at a slightly slower rate. This is done by the double helical satelites insted of the usual conical satelite in the open diff. Also there are LSD's (limited slip differential) that is similar to a torsen as in it will spin the other side a bit but is dependent to the difference in speed form left to right. LSD's being friction driven will generate a lot of heat and also it's not useful if the overall rotational speed is not much. LSD's are better suited to cars, like drift cars, racing cars, etc, where under power the rear axle might lose grip on one wheel on a track and spin crazy fast creating a huge imbalance in traction and also losing thrust on the other wheel (since one is slipping) so with an LSD if one wheel soses grip it will start to spin faster and the hydro-clutch will engage more and more so the other wheel will not lose much spin or power. So you can powerslide a corner at great speed without imbalancing the car or losing much traction compared to an open diff. For the game there should be a simple model of equations that simulate the open diff, the locked open diff (that locks the planet carrier solid, so there is no left-right give), the torsen diff (that has a set % max give). And also implement those 3 diffs (front, rear, interaxle). For 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, the interaxle diffs can be of several kinds. Many 6x6's have a torsen interaxle diff that is unlockable in some cases (to disengage front axle) and goes to both rear diffs (there are two, one for each rear axle) but the cathc is that the input speed form the gearbox is the same for both diffs! Here the tatra is very special: it has torsen diff left right for each axle (not many have this) and interaxle diff conecting all 4 axles! that makes a bit of a headache to model in relations but to simplify the explanation, the engine will turn every axle by at least 80 % and by most 120% of the normal 100% speed if all axles turned the same (on straight smooth road) so all axles will have power no matter what and will still have the give required for turns where a front axle may travel more than a rear axle. And since all axle actually have a torsen diff this means each wheel will be turned by at least some % (about 40-60 usually, where 50 is when both wheels L-R turn at same speed). This combo and combined with independant suspension and a frameless structure (it's just the back bone and some thinner ladder frame just to support the cab and other structures like the bed, the "rolling frame" for a tatra is the engine supported on some mounts off the central tube and the central tube with wheels! no frame!) makes the tatra a really unique vehicle. There is also the tradition for tatra to make AIR COOLED DIESEL ENGINES! - it's the one of the very few that make such engines (if not the only one). Also there are downsides for the tatra: due to the quirky diff/suspension combo (where it gets that weird camber dependant on the travel of the suspension) it has missaligned wheels from left to right. The right al Left wheel CAN't be concentric. They are off by about 80mm. It can be seen on the door panels the tyne bottom part of the door that envelops the wheel arch is shorter on one side! This is the same for all axles. Each and every one is shifted a bit forward or back from left to right. This gives a trapezoidal contact points of the whole vehicle (this means the tipping of the vehicle will be a bit different if it tends to tip to the left or tip to the right on an angled road). The weird camber is also a downside. The best raction is with wheel perpendicular to road, but on soft surfaces offroad and slow speed this is not very important. Even so, the penumatic suspension (adjustable) can set the ride height correct so the wheels are mostly perpendicular to road regardless of weight. Also the normal ballon tyre for the tatra is specifically for the ample camber variation to conform to the ample camber variation much like a morcycle tyre that is also rounded for the same reason (ample caber where the motorcycle tilts in corners). So no flat tyres like most road truck tyres. Another notable offroader is the merceds unimog 4x4 with true torsen diffs all over (front and rear and interaxle) and portal axles (a lot of ground clearance) but otherwise a conventional truck. I've driven the T813 as a "test drive" (one fitted as a geological/geophysical mobile lab with various large sensors fitted to the truck) and with this truck i have a history for over 20 years going on many mountains in the Carpathians for some surveys and stuff that my parents did and still do. Later being an adult with all licences necesary, the driver let me test drive it for fun (a few times). Unfortunatly that lab truck is not much used anymore.. it still runs but the eqipment onboard is outdated, crusty, broken.. so not much use for the intended purpose I am an automotive engineer in Romania and there still around some Kraz255's and T813 and kamazes, and other soviet trucks (i know the tatra is Czech, but still soviet) rolling around as an emergency vehicle in the winter or as winch truck for broken trams and trolleys in the city. Anyway sorry i got carried away with the long reply. Maybe some will find an interensting thing or two in it.

[@vladvulcan]

too much text

[@AsiAzzy]

@@vladvulcan so don't read. I am an automotive engineer and teach at uni. I'm used to write long informational messages. I like to teach and if some may find good info in my message then i'm satisfied.

[@Leo9ine]

This was a great read, thank you! It's a privilege to hear from experts. Ignore that guy who said it was too long. His loss.

[@konarefur]

side note, Deutz also build aircooled diesels, they stopped that as far i know though

[@danielhomant2832]

Caveat. From what I remember, the Unimog is unique for trucks because it cheats. It is really just a tractor pretending to be a truck.

[@eun5oo280]

The only time i’ve tipped this truck was when I accidentally ran over a big trash bin without noticing. It’s very stable, and the suspension is very satisfying to watch.

[@NProvince]

LOL 😂 I’ve actually tipped over on trash cans too! It’s weird they just don’t collapse. Oh ya the suspension is just amazing, hopefully those new tatra trucks have similar mechanics on that part

[@fridayisgaming]

I actually rolled this truck over on Black River. I ran over that stupid bbq grill in that trailer park where that fuel trailer sits across the street from the farm. It looked as if it exploded underneath my Tatra. That was crazy.🤘😱✌️

[@NProvince]

I've done the same thing! lol Those grills/offset smokers get you. Even trash cans can sneak up on ya too!

[@GrySgtBubba]

I've recently bought this truck pack cause why not, but like you, i was impressed but it was definitely missing a few things that make this lack compared to its irl counterpart. Luckily, there's a mod (Tatra 813 SE) that solves the issues. Has all the vanilla options, but makes AWD & diff perm, and has a raised suspension option. Just using all the vanilla options (except suspension), it definitely lives up to Tatra's legacy finally! Well, except utility. Still only same addons sadly.

[@Nirnad]

This is my fav truck so far. There are "better" trucks, but this game is not really about reaching the finish line fast but with fun. Your forgot one pro: the engine sound. ;D

[@NProvince]

It’s a great truck indeed! When diff lock is engaged it’s amazing. I think people just wanna go fast, but if you can handle slow pace, it’s great! Oh yes the engine sound is good too! Good point!

[@floydthedroid5935]

Always improving mate, thank you for including the other units of measurement 😺

[@NProvince]

Thank you! You’re welcome!! It’s more work, but I think it’s for the better to have both units in there for everyone:)

[@cosmiccuttlefish5765]

While I like the NPROV scoring system I think it may be a good idea to remove the aesthetic value from it or have it as a separate score. Otherwise an awesome video! Keep up the great work!

[@NProvince]

Well I’m glad you at least like the scoring system. I also appreciate the feedback as well. Thank you so much for the input and the support :)

[@technicallyf1394]

That’s a very good score for the tatra I am impressed. It is a shame that it doesn’t have always on diff lock but I guess thats how it goes sometimes. Anyways I may start work on a mod for snowrunner but I am trying to gauge general interest before I start.

[@NProvince]

Ya, I did feel the vehicle was still very capable despite its downsides and also not being bothered by the slow paces. That would be pretty sweet! keep me updated on that. Id like to see your work and share it as well if i can.

[@lunseren]

One thing to remember is that it still Can use hitch trailers, so if you combo sideboard bed with a sideboard trailer you Can carry a good amount of cargo

[@NProvince]

Yes that is true. That setup will allow 6 pieces. I used that type of cargo movement platform for about 830hrs then switched to saddled low trailers with small cranes and never looked back. I actually have a video on that as well! This truck though, it’s really amazing especially in low gear. Love it!

[@vladvulcan]

one of the cons for this beast - it's slow. sometimes painfully so. Having such power and MSH superheavy tires it must be flying through the mud, but it isn't

[@coreyperry9525]

Love the videos man, never stop making them!!

[@NProvince]

Thank you!! That feedback is really uplifting. I'll definetly try my best :)

[@SnarkyRC]

I'd use this truck more often if it had a low saddle.

[@NProvince]

Probably would be one of my top used trucks if it did

[@TomSilver_42]

Real life Tatras like 813/815 or even 6xx range has great "tatra concept" tubular backbone drive train system. However as those half axels swings it always seemed to me a bit sliping aside when empty. It gets signifficantly better when it's loaded. That's why those 6xx models used by Czech military or civil enginnering as trailer pulling heavy tractors always had a concrete block as artificial mass/weight loaded, some in sort of specialized box .. just some 3+ cubic meters of concrete, as cube or as layered slabs. Then, pulling a tank on trailer through the mud is just a piece of cake for that truck.

[@brytonzastoupil9746]

I love the fact you actually identified this as a Czech truck instead of blanketing it as Soviet since it was made back when Czechoslovakia was part of the Soviet union

[@NProvince]

Thank you. I try to get them correct as much as I can

[@thegotlandisfarmer8774]

Did use this one today for the first time because I forgot to take of the Crane one my Grad truck so I called in the Tatra to do the job instead, it do handle the Kola Peninsula really good I did almost flip it over a rich was like in a 80 degree angle but nope it just continues driving, got stuck on some rocks 2 times and almost did not get of them but the beast did not let me down

[@g1g3l]

I have recently restarted snowrunner. And started using the Tatra, it the first run I hadn't really touched it too much. But now I see how great it is. On black river, michigan I've done almost all missions with the tatra alone. It's on the slower side, but it makes up with the pulling power, stability and it's mud driving abilities. Ngl. The tatra dlc is one of the better dlcs they released, plus the fact that's included in the season pass is even better. The biggest minus I see about the tatra imo is the lack of frame addons.. A service frame addon would fit it like a charm. Overall at the beginning of the game it's a really strong truck to use. Maybe not ideal for long drives, and for the long run in general, but still better than what you get in the beginning.

[@NProvince]

Very true! At slower paces this truck is a monster. It has amazing range/power/ stability and those 3 things put together are what every driver needs for sure. Addons are on the wish list like you mentioned

[@TomSilver_42]

Sidenote: I'm not sure real life Tatra has always-on dif.lock. AFAIR it was switchable, even per axel/axel group. CTIS was IMHO in default on military units, not sure if on civilian versions.

[@mauserpad5111]

literally the best offroader i thought i actually managed to get it stuck in the mud then i unhitched the trailer and it powered through i then towed the trailer out

[@NProvince]

Very strong off-road er for sure!

[@NiklasAdv]

Wish every truck in game came with awd and difflock manually locked and unlocked as this, its part of the fun to manage it, i just cant play with it automatically always on

[@NProvince]

That is a very interesting idea. I think the switchable features help people learn the game better than the Always On features.

[@dominikrychta-dodo8928]

I'm from Czech republic and when I got to know, that there are Tatras in snowrunner, I was exited to see them, but I think they made them worse than they should be. I was hoping, that the Tatras would be one of the best vehicles in snowrunner. (I still think they belong to the better ones)

[@NProvince]

They have updated the Tatra Phoenix and Tatra force with some upgrades to balance and abilities via addons. They definitely made the Tatra Force more stable

[@SapphirosCZ]

The high price could feel like con considering you have to buy the pack or season pass, but you need to realize that you get it for free when you puchase the pack. So either you keep the truck and lose nothing or you can sell it and get easy 200k.

[@NProvince]

Paying for an additional vehicle is a con at that price in my humble opinion. However, this con most applies to hardmode because purchased DLC vehicles dont appear in your garage at the start of the game

[@BulletESV]

not got this thing stuck yet, goes slow but it'll go through anything lol

[@NProvince]

I believe it! Slow, but steady :)

[@The_Canadian_Railfan]

how to tip over tatra edition: just try and do a mission that has rocks involved

[@NProvince]

LOL 😂

[@diamondcreepah]

fuel tank: big enough fuel consumption: nonexistent speed: 4th gear in a school zone center of mass: somewhere in hell low gear: a crutch diff lock: obsolete inclines: what's that?

[@NProvince]

Pretty much describes it lol

[@Paladwyn]

I don't use this guy as much as I should but as you said, it's outshined by its peers, and it has a lot of peers. Aesthetics is on par, not a fan of the engine whine.

[@alexlovelace7504]

I really really want to use the tatra trucks, but the lack of options especially saddle low and trucks like the zikz 605R that has huge tyres and always on did and awd and more attached options makes them end up being unused

[@NProvince]

Ya, thats the sad thing about the tatras is they are really good in low gears and not much else. A different saddle option would be nice too.

[@cruisingdanny4974]

Great video!

[@NProvince]

Thank you!

[@Cozmo1090]

Can't decide if I like this truck or not it's great with rocks but not much else other than chains

[@NProvince]

It is good with rocks. I definitely have felt like that as well. It really could use more addons to give drivers incentives to use it more.

[@OG_BiggieCheese]

It my favorite truck... i use it for Almosen everything

[@NProvince]

Its a really strong option to use

[@channdler]

It's great in workers and resources

[@MrJBARRON]

Great video, Nathan. Has the T813 received any update love since this video was made to address some of the cons you mentioned or is it still the same?

[@NProvince]

Hey thank you! Which Con in particular do you mean?

[@MrJBARRON]

@@NProvince Any of them, really. The one that stood out in particular for me was where you said that it was "outclassed by it's peers." For a vanilla price tag of over 200k it shouldn't be outclassed by anything, really. I was just curious if it had received any buffs since you released the review.

[@NProvince]

I don’t think anything has changed to my knowledge. My biggest thing is it’s behavior outside of Diff lock. Allot of the other heavy trucks have always on features and they just seem to one up this. If you can handle going slow with difflock engaged, this trucks is quite incredible. Not being able to use many add ons is another huge issue I don’t think will be fixed. I still think it’s a really good truck regardless

[@MrJBARRON]

@@NProvince Thanks for the detailed reply, Nathan. I'm rank 28 and getting ready to head to the Kola Peninsula, currently driving all the trucks I found in Tamyr. Will they serve me in Kola or should I consider buying other trucks (like the T813) to buff out my roster?

[@NProvince]

If you’re on normal mode. I would try and collect 1 of all the trucks just to try them all out. Hardmode I would say different though

[@KK-fi6ms]

This should have been classified and specced as an offroad truck instead of heavy.

[@NProvince]

It probably coulda been to be honest

[@Tolarbear]

Was that lo4f a teaser for the next review lol 😂

[@NProvince]

😂 LOL I didn’t even notice the Lo4f until you mentioned it. Maybe sometime in the future but not next

[@ChiefLolo47]

I just restarted my campaign on this came .. and I usta have a repair kit on my t813 but I now no longer see the option to add it on my new story mode. Was it removed or what?! Someone please reply back

[@NProvince]

Could just be a glitch. Sell the truck and buy it again. If that doesnt work. Id contact saber

[@ChiefLolo47]

@@NProvince think ima install the game and stuff over again later on when I get off work and wake up later

[@ChiefLolo47]

@@NProvince I thought they took it away or something idk, had me thinking they nerfed it or something

[@reddevil1540]

I like it but when you keep in garage, the wheels look bent.

[@NProvince]

Thats the camber of the tatra trucks explained on the video

[@thatza547]

The T813 is way more capable with the multipurpose gearbox.

[@NProvince]

The only reason for the multipurpose would be to add range. This vehicle already has some of best economy already. Its issue is being outside of LOW gear and having good performance. In Low gears its a monster. This is why its much better to have full value of low gears from the advanced special (which is the best gearbox for any vehicle for torque transfer which is shown in this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6Xdf6KehdmjisU

[@Forloa]

Tatra vehicles... You love them or you dont know them.

[@NProvince]

Glad you love them :)