rc crawler Archives

Which RGT Trail Rig is Best for YOU?

by Craig | Dec 17, 2023 | RC Crawlers, RGT

RGT Pro Runner

The RGT Pro Runner EX86130 is just the latest in a growing line of interesting and capable RC crawlers and trail rigs. And hasn’t RGT been on a roll this past year or two!

On our YouTube channel, RGT has featured every now and then when there’s an interesting release to examine. But it was almost as if the company was just warming up for 2023’s big releases that we’re now so lucky to be able to choose from!

RGT’s Other Options

Fans of the channel will recall the well-received RGT Pioneer EX86110, which was arguably a forerunner of the current upper echelon of EX861XX models. (Find our RGT Pioneer video series here). With some careful upgrades on a budget, the Pioneer is an exceptional all-rounder. The EX86010-CJ is also a budget stand-out, while we’re at it. (Video here).

Also, I should note up-front that there’s a gap in our coverage of this family of models: the RGT Tracer EX86180Pro. This is a 4WS-enabled SCX10 Pro type vehicle, and one I think we should try to get hold of in the new year. For now, just be aware that it’s an option for those with a rock-crawling focus rather than trail aspirations.

The Three Contenders

If you love a mix of trail driving and scale rock crawling, things are now very interesting. As of the start of 2024, there are three fantastic models that the discerning RC trail driver and scale crawler driver will want to know about:

RGT Rescuer (EX86190) – buy here
RGT Challenger (EX86170) – buy here
RGT Pro Runner (EX86130) – buy here

Let’s take a look at them!

RGT Rescuer EX86190

There’s a complete article about this model on RC-TNT.com here – have a read when you’re done with this one. The scale crawling and trail driving community had their interest drawn to RGT’s mid-2022 release of the RGT Rescuer (EX86190). And it wasn’t just the attractive 70-series Toyota Landcruiser body – though unlicensed – that made this RC crawler something special. Sporting essentially the same feature set as the full-version Traxxas TRX4, the Rescuer’s scale looks, 2-speed and remote locking diffs made for a very attractive option.

What really stood out to me in my testing of this model was its fun factor. The vehicle rides on 4.75” tires and the live portal axles work under alu-shock, oil-filled, coil-over suspension on all corners. With a moderately high center of gravity, this leads to a scale model that moves pleasingly, with body roll that mimics the real thing. There are many RGT mods available. You can improve the vehicle’s CG (Center of Gravity), for better crawling with some brass parts. Or, you might better light the way with bull bar and roof rack light bars complement the existing light kit. Maybe you want to improve the scale model experience with a complete, polycarbonate interior, with driver. You can do all of this!

RGT Challenger EX86170

On the heels of the Rescuer, RGT next released the Challenger. This was more of a retro style pickup truck and in my opinion, its features put it roughly in between the Rescuer and the Pro Runner. Like the Rescuer, the RGT Challenger sports a pair of portal axles, with a 2-speed transmission that incorporates a DIG (rear axle locking), opposite-spinning drive shafts to minimise torque twist, and a built-in 6.6% overdrive to the front axle.

This attractive machine also sports a rear-facing servo winch, sway bar system on the rear end and a functional light kit! Priced only marginally less than the Rescuer, this is another compelling model. I found there were a few ways to modify this model to make it more convenient to use, but there’s very little this vehicle needs addressing, out of the box. A solid choice.

RGT Pro Runner EX86130

I found the Rescuer to be fun and the Challenger to be quite complete. And so the RGT Pro Runner EX86130 took me quite by surprise, not least because it costs about 20% less than the other two! The Pro Runner is another unlicensed body that looks very close to the Traxxas TRX4 2021 Bronco, even down to the smaller details such as the ABS plastic folding side mirrors and similar front grille. (Quick note: the top photo in this article shows the Pro Runner with different tires. The plastic, silver beadlocks are standard, with the 4.19″ tires. See the rock test video for how good they are).

However, the Pro Runner is special for two reasons, I think. First, the price – in Australia at least, I can buy two Pro Runners for the price of one TRX4 2021 Bronco. That’s already quite significant. Secondly, the feature set – it is vast! Check this out: 2-speed transmission with DIG, 6.6% overdrive and opposing rotation drive-shafts, just like the Challenger; full-function light kit, including brakes and reverse options; straight axles rather than portals for added scale; front-facing servo winch; servo-on-axle hidden in such a way that you’ll miss it if you’re not looking for it; steel universal front axles for greater turning angle and strength than the CVD-equipped Rescuer and Challenger’s portal axles. What a list!

How Do You Choose?

That really is the question, isn’t it? I am in the process of making a video about this, and I suppose writing this article is helpful in distilling my thoughts on this difficult choice. There are some little quality-of-life things, like how the body attaches to each (see the below picture), but the unique blend of features, capability, appearance and handling all add up to something different in each case.

So, I do have some thoughts that you may find useful. I’ll try to use this to guide you on why you may (or may not) decide to select each one. Read on!

Fun

This is the first, and to my mind, most compelling reason to consider any of these vehicles. For trail driving with some crawling, one vehicle really stands out to me: the Rescuer. Why? Consider the remote locking diffs in the portal axles, for a start. The Challenger has portals and the Pro Runner straight axles, but being able to remotely run them unlocked means more scale fun on the trails. When traction gets harder to find, lock one or both ends!

The second part of the fun formula is scale handling to match the gorgeous looks. With the suspension setup on the big, bouncy tires, the Rescuer rolls and moves like few others. I’ve driven this through deep water, mud, rocky ground, and long dirt paths. It just keeps on trucking and it looks great doing it. Vote 1 for Rescuer if you’re shopping for fun!

Modding

There are two kinds of RC crawler owners: those who mod their rigs, and those who just haven’t done it yet. The Challenger is a very complete vehicle out of the box, yes. However, there are a few things you can do to improve its design for easier daily use. I actually cover some of these in my modding video, linked at the end of the article.

But, aside from fixing wiring and putting a body-stand in place, there’s one mod in particular that this vehicle is just begging for: converting that rearward-facing winch to power a rear towing assembly! They’ve actually done most of the work for you already. A boom assembly could be made from aluminum, braised from mild steel, or even achieved with some 3D-printed beams (the last of which I think might be the way I go with it). You already have the winch, so re-route the cable and add a tackle block under the end of the boom and you’ll be done! The Challenger gets my choice as most promising for mods.

Budget All-Rounder

Fun is subjective and not everyone wants to convert a trail rig into a tow-capable machine, I get that. Where I think we’ll all find common ground is on the subject of sheer value for money. On that front, the Pro Runner absolutely and completely delivers.

I took this car with me last weekend to a meet-up with a bunch of folks and we went on a 4-hour mudding adventure in the Aussie bush. Water crossings, treacherous rocky ascents, muddy gullies, greasy clay climbs – this day had it all (video here). I ran the Pro Runner on 3S, which the included WP-1060 allows (and all three vehicles have the same ESC and steering servo, by the way), and this vehicle was reliable and fun. It wasn’t the most capable, with those small 4.19” tires and straight axles, but oh, boy, was it satisfying to wheel. I can’t recommend the Pro Runner enough, if you’re on a budget and want a single all-rounder. Get this, you won’t regret it.

The Bottom Line

So where does that leave us with the choice? Chances are, you already have a pretty good idea of which you prefer after reading the above sections. And if you’re noticing that, wait a minute, none of these three has the remote locking diffs AND a DIG AND portal axles AND a winch, well, yes, you’re right. But not even Axial or Traxxas will give you all that, out of the box. The TRX4 2021 Bronco comes close, as it currently even includes a winch, at time of writing – but no DIG. The Axial SCX10 III gives you DIG and portals, but the diffs are locked full-time. And they are both considerably more expensive than any of the RGT offerings, at least, in Australia.

If you can’t decide and all three grab you, I do have one final suggestion: buy the one that moves you. Pretend you’re going with one of them and see how you feel about not getting either of the others. Repeat for all three vehicles; you may just find you’re most wistful about ‘missing out’ on one of them in particular, and that would be the one to get!

Reviews & Test Videos

Now, if you’ve come this far and you’re pretty sure you know what you want, great! I have a growing catalog of videos that may be useful in helping you get to know any of these three vehicles better. Check them out here:

Trail Run video: coming soon!

Mods video: coming soon!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

Craig has been into radio control since the 90s and into RC crawling since about 2010, when a Losi MRC started the obsession! Now it's all rocks this and crawl that and upgrade all the things! ...You know how it is, right? Welcome home 🙂

A note on affiliate links: although RC-TNT purchased all vehicles in this article, the AsiaTees links contained herein are affiliate links. This means we may be paid a small commission if you choose to click on them to make a purchase. As always, we make effort to ensure that no review is impacted by this. Integrity first, always. We still report on any bugs or issues encountered during product testing, along with fixes or solutions if found. Thank you for reading and happy RC-ing!

RCRun Run80 1:10 Scale Land Cruiser RC Crawler

by Craig | Oct 2, 2021 | RC Crawlers, RC Reviews, RCRun

The RCRun RUN80 is a scale Toyota Land Cruiser 80-Series 1:10 model. It’s a builder’s kit that’s ready for assembly – but you’ll need your own electronics, wheels, tires – AND body and interior! Thankfully it’s all readily available and it’s a fast and enjoyable build. When you do the measurements, it’s actually quite close to 1:9 scale rather than 1:10, but all the same, it’s a beauty!

Unboxing & Presentation

The box is very protective of the metal chassis kit within, ensuring the parts arrive to you just how they were packed. Finishing on parts is generally excellent, though the transmission fit and finish left a little to be desired – nothing deal-breaking though! More on that in a bit. First, the overall model itself. This is a wonderful, wonderful kit.

The price from various vendors, at least at time of writing in mid-2021, is around USD$350 to $400, depending on where you look (and on stock, shipping etc etc). We’ve found AsiaTees to be a consistent and reliable online store and have been buying from them for years, long before RC-TNT was ever conceived. We got ours from them – they sell the RCRun RUN-80 LC80 Kit (affiliate link) and the Team Raffee Co. LC80 Hard Body, along with a good selection of wheels and tires in 1.55″, 1.7″ and 1.9″, depending on your preference for this build. Find a full list of items we used, and where to get them, at the end of this article.

RUN80 Wheels & Tires

Most RC Crawler kits don’t come with electronics and the RUN80 is no different. Like the SCX10II Raw Builder’s Kit and the HPI Venture Builder’s Kit, this one also does not include wheels and tires, which is great for choice and economy, but can be disappointing if you’re unaware until you build! Thankfully, wheels are plentiful, varied and quite affordable, particularly if you look at the Sunraisia style steel rims that are so common on Landcruisers in Australia and the Middle East. If you prefer USA-style wheels to match the petrol models instead, of course you’re still covered. Pick your standard 1.9″ wheel of preference and you’re away. The kit does include hexes, pins and nuts, so you just need the actual wheels and tires and you’re set.

Realistic Axles, Links & Suspension

The suspension setup at each end is very realistic. The coil springs themselves are floating with rubber stops at each end, with the shocks just in front or behind, as on the real vehicle. The upper and lower arms are roughly scale – certainly much moreso than any other model on the market, if you’re going for scale faithfulness to the real vehicle (and the author owns a Landcruiser 80 series, 1HZ, to which comparisons are being made!). The diffs aren’t quite in the right spot as far as horizontal alignment is conecerned, but they’re close enough to be convincing to all but the most critical eye (did I mention I’ve been looking under my 1:1 rig for this review?). Overall, axles, diffs, suspension and links are Very Good as far as scale is concerned. Functionally, they offer about as much range of movement as you’d expect from a well setup full-size vehicle, which for scale driving means some limitation, but it will still be a capable model, if heavy.

RCRun Transmission

This is a single-speed gearbox. That means you’ll want to be thoughtful about the motor and pinion, the latter of which ships with the model (14T 48P). I used that pinion and a Hobbywing AXE 2100kv brushless system – and it is so very nice! If you were taking the more sane route for this vehicle, remembering it’s a single-speed, the Hobbywing WP-1080 would be the brushed ESC to use, along with a 35T or 45T 540 motor. A 550 will fit but you’ll need a hacksaw to help with length – no huge deal, but worth keeping in mind.

Unfortunately, the motor housing itself didn’t make such a great first impression; if you’ve watched the video, you’ll be aware that the screws in our model were over-tightened on the motor housing/transmission assembly. Quite a few of the threads were stripped and needed re-tapping in a slightly larger size. I always keep the tools around for such eventualities, so it was a trivial fix, but disappointing all the same. The gears themselves were seemingly of a high quality steel and the bearings are solid. The motor mount is thoughtfully designed and getting the pinion and spur gear mesh sorted was easy.

Once the transmission is together, you’ll get to the driveshaft assembly. These are also of a reasonably nice alloy, but while I can’t prove this with the equipment at hand, I suspect they’ll be of moderate strength rather than the super-strong, hardened steel of high quality machined parts from more expensive models and hop-up parts. For what you’ll likely be doing with this model, though, they’re a completely fine accompanyment.

Run80 Body Mounts

Although the body needs to be bought separately to the kit, they are designed to go together and so I’ll cover the body, interior and accessories in this review. You want the LC80 experience with this model and these are all part of the intended final product, after all!

RCRun Diffs & Driveline

The diff gears themselves are of the helical-cut type and the steel used in these parts does seem to be solid. I didn’t need to shim my diffs at either end, but this would be all you might need to do to ensure the diffs last as long as the truck. (If you’re unfamiliar with the process, I’ll have a video and article up on this at some point, but in short: shimming the diffs means basically using shims (really thin washers) to move the pinion gear closer to the crown gear for closest possible mesh. You want just a half millimeter between the pinion and crown gears – any less and you’ll be putting unnecessary wear on the teeth, and any more and you’ll eventually wear the teeth down until the diffs click and you lose drive. Shim diffs for close mesh and you’ll be all set!).

Overall the driveline on this vehicle is engineered to suit the intended purpose. The bad threads on the transmission housing were a slight hassle but with the price of this model in mind, the value is still definitely there.

Here’s a video of our look at this stunning model, and below that is a more detailed overview of this lovely model four wheel drive.

Final Thoughts on the RUN-80

If you have some modelling experience and are ready to build a kit with a hard body, this is a solid choice. If you’re a Landcruiser fan, this model should especially appeal, as many other 80-series RC cars on the market appear to be copied from this model, in both 1:10 and smaller scales.

The value is good for what you get, especially for the thoughtful suspension arms and booted shocks. The main drawback is that you need to buy the body and interior separately, but bought all together it still is not a prohibitively expensive exercise.

RCRun Driving Experience

With the servo-driven steering wheel moving with the front wheels – especially if you place a little 1:9 scale figurine in the driver’s seat – your escape to realistic scale driving can be complete and engaging. (Update, there’s a bit more info here about installing that part of the kit).

Coupled with the sound from the rather loud transmission that has that big petrol engine sound when under load, the trail driving experience with this scaler is very good.

An additional enjoyable factor is the weight from the rather heavy body introduces a degree of body roll that gives further impression that you’re driving a proper four-wheel drive vehicle and that physics are very much actively working with and against the rig. It’s quite an enjoyable experience, all round.

If you’re still on the fence about whether this is the right rock crawler for your scale garage, you may find another of our articles helpful: ‘What Is The Best RC Rock Crawler?‘

But from this modeller with many, many crawlers already in the RC garage, RCRun Run-80 is a must-have for scale driving. Recommended.

Manufacturer’s Description:

Features:

Realistic chassis design
Full metal material
Scale engine
Adjustable Wheelbase
Alum internal shocks

Specifications

Wheelbase: 319MM (Adjustable Maximum 343MM, Minimum 295MM)

Size

Front Width: 74MM / 2.91″
Rear Width: 118MM / 4.65″
Axle Width: 171MM / 6.73″ (Not Included Hex)
Total Length: 519MM / 20.43″
Weight: 2.7KG

TRANSMISSION:

Front-Mounted Motor (NOTE: motor not included.)
Realistic, detailed transmission housing in a cast metal look
All metal internal gears 3 output shaft, Forward/Reverse, linear + inertial output
Realistic scale cooling fan (Equipped with mini motor and belt drive)
Adjustable installation Gear ratio 1:24.8

AXLES:

Die-cast zinc alloy housing
Ackermann steering, Up to 45 degrees
Front / Rear Panhard bar
Reverse transmission, smooth action for an efficient drivetrain
Hardened steel helical gear set
Compact yet durable design
The gear ratio of 1:3.6

SHOCKS:

Separate design, spring + shock damping
Compact yet durable design
Organ style cover,
Highly detailed and super realistic

DRIVESHAFTS:

The front and rear driveshafts feature an updated design for added strength

Added carbon hardened steel material which reduces flex and fatigue

A hexagon-splined slide offers super travel length and super-smooth operation

SUSPENSION:

The link rod is made out of heat-treated carbon steel to withstand extreme conditions and the black rubber boot protects the link rod from the elements for even more durability while adding to the scale look.

You will need:

Body (TRC/302243)
Wheels & Tires
Battery
Motor & ESC
Servo
Radio (TX & RX)

Parts In Our Build:

RCRun LC80 Kit (AsiaTees)
RCRun LC80 Interior (AsiaTees)
Team Raffee Co. LC80 Hard Body (AsiaTees)
HobbyWing XERUN AXE R2 2100kV FOC System (AsiaTees)
JX Servo 45KG Waterproof Brushless Metal Gear Digital Servo 8.4V (AsiaTees)
Team Raffee Co. 1.9 Steelie Beadlock Wheels (AsiaTees)
Team Raffee Co. 1.9 Crawler Tire 1.2″ Type B (AsiaTees)
Killerbody LED Light System (AsiaTees)

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

Craig has been into radio control since the 90s and into RC crawling since about 2010, when a Losi MRC started the obsession! Now it’s all rocks this and crawl that and upgrade all the things! …You know how it is, right? Welcome home 🙂