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FTX Mauler Rock Crawler Owners Thread


johninderby

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I need upgraded gears for my Mauler I keep stripping them after a year or so the mesh is impossible to get right has happened 3 times now, any suggestions would be great, I do have a RW3200 11t 32dp steel pinion but finding a spur that is the right size is difficult any suggestions?

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  • 1 month later...

New to the forum and to RC crawling just ordered myself an FTX Mauler and reading old threads for tips and upgrade tricks to consider... 

 

Any Mauler experts with the best up to date summary of top tips let me know... 

 

Cheers, Callum

Edited by c4llum83
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Hi from a fellow mauler fan. To start i would run it as it is to get used to it, then when the plastic diff centres round off replace them with the metal upgrades, and the steering servo can be changed for a heavier duty one. Its also worth fitting a curved steering rod and modifying the front hubs with a dremel to give better steering lock. I bought mine used off this forum and it already had the steering mods done and was fitted with a traxxas esc, reciever  and transmitter, with metal beadlock wheels and better tyres. Overall i am impressed with what these are capable of and hope you are as impressed with yours

Cheers 🙂

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 19/04/2022 at 19:51, c4llum83 said:

New to the forum and to RC crawling just ordered myself an FTX Mauler and reading old threads for tips and upgrade tricks to consider... 

 

Any Mauler experts with the best up to date summary of top tips let me know... 

 

Cheers, Callum

So had a few issues with an undercharged battery out of the box that caused confusion when I lost steering but all sorted now and will be upgrading to 4600mAh Nimh or possibly Lipos in near future. 

 

Been crawling with a friend who is super knowledgeable and has many cars so got some great advice and already making adjustments.

 

1. Filed down the tabs restricting the steering

2. Ordered a Power HD 20kg Servo

3. began my own custom exterior paint job (keyed lexan, then Tamiya PS gunmetal as a base coat then Krylon Camouflage flat Khaki as a basis for  some Star Wars Mandalorian theme ideas to reveal later... 

PXL_20220430_184237380.jpg

Edited by c4llum83
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Looking good, can't wait to see the end result, pleased you're enjoying lt. Just resprayed mine, will put pics up when it's finished 👍👍

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2 hours ago, wombat said:

Looking good, can't wait to see the end result, pleased you're enjoying lt. Just resprayed mine, will put pics up when it's finished 👍👍

Thanks. I'm just trying to decide what to do about batteries as the info and conflicting advice is confusing. I know I need to upgrade the stock battery and charger as its just soooo slow. But unsure about the whole Nimh /LiPo decision and the knock on effect that all has on cost and additional upgrades / connection changes needed. Not to mention whether I'll even notice the difference or not... 

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I'm using 5000 nimh batteries with an overland er charger, get 2 to 3 hours run time off each battery, with about 3 hours charge time for each battery, also have a 2300 & 3300 as backup, found the supplied battery did not last at all. Thought about going lipo but don't want the hassle of different charging, discharging and storage charging, just keep the nimh charged up to use when needed 

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7 hours ago, wombat said:

I'm using 5000 nimh batteries with an overland er charger, get 2 to 3 hours run time off each battery, with about 3 hours charge time for each battery, also have a 2300 & 3300 as backup, found the supplied battery did not last at all. Thought about going lipo but don't want the hassle of different charging, discharging and storage charging, just keep the nimh charged up to use when needed 

Thanks. Can you confirm which model batteries and charger you use? 

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-Hi, my charger is an Overlander NX - 20, batteries are the same make, Probably not the best, but they suit my purpose and budget, will probably stock up on more batteries soon

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On 02/05/2022 at 06:12, c4llum83 said:

Thanks. I didn't look at these before as thought they had to be 7.2V to work in the Mauler...?  What charger do you use with them? 

You just change the position of the link on the esc/receiver unit for lipo and you're good to go. I bought my Mauler from Modelsport and opted for the lipo package and that is what was supplied, i bought a spare as well. I use this charger for my batteries  https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-t100-dual-battery-lipo-balance-charger-444856

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On 02/05/2022 at 17:56, c4llum83 said:

So... Khaki exterior paint job is done and added adapted Mandalorian decals to roof and sides (another coming for bonnet). Also added metal mesh to side windows and rear bed as well as some engine highlights and piece of an old toy to give it added detail. Driver tray has gone matt black and just working on Mando silver helmet design to dry... 

 

PXL_20220502_153749255.jpg

PXL_20220502_153742980.jpg

PXL_20220502_171007747.jpg

 

We also repositioned the power switch to the rear so it can be accessed without taking off body shell.

 

New Voltz 5000 mAh LiPo on the way as well as SkyRC charger and awaiting arrival of Power HD 20kg servo too. Links below. 

 

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/voltz-5000mah-2s-74v-50c-hardcase-lipo-stick-battery-pack-442614

 

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-s65-ac-charger-65w-438918 + deans charge cable

 

https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/viewproduct/18973/power-hd-lw-20mg-waterproof-servo--20kg--016sec-hd-lw-20mg

Looking good! 👍

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Complete newbie who's been playing with the Mauler for a couple of weeks now. I've found that the Nimh batteries they came with only last around 10 minutes after charging for the recommended 3 hours. Is that expected? Seems a bit low to me. Want to upgrade to a lipo battery. Some questions:

 

1. Are lipo safe sacks a thing? Are lipo's that dangerous in the RC world?

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/overlander-lipo-safe-sack-38313

2. Saw these two batteries in the thread 5000mAHr and 4000mAHr. The square one seems to make better use of the available space, so seems to be the one to get for a longer runtime. How long can I expect these to last? Is Voltz a reputable brand?

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/voltz-5000mah-2s-74v-50c-hardcase-lipo-stick-battery-pack-442614

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/core-rc-4000mahr-74v-3060c-2s-lipo-388538

3. Considering this charger unless there are better recommendations.

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-s65-ac-charger-65w-438918

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-charging-cable-xt60-female-to-deans-male-445872

 

 

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Yes lipo sacks are a thing and good to use when charging batteries but charging batteries should not be left unattended 

Lipos are safe enough if used and cared for properly and if not being used put to storage charge 

Long term lipo storage get an ammo box,or batsafe type box

Off the 2 batteries i would get the volts 5000mah decent enough make

The charger looks ok but just double check it does storage charge if it doesnt this 1 does i have 1 myself and i know it does storage charge

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-e680-ac-dc-80w-charger-440716

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2 hours ago, Rehan said:

Complete newbie who's been playing with the Mauler for a couple of weeks now. I've found that the Nimh batteries they came with only last around 10 minutes after charging for the recommended 3 hours. Is that expected? Seems a bit low to me. Want to upgrade to a lipo battery. Some questions:

 

1. Are lipo safe sacks a thing? Are lipo's that dangerous in the RC world?

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/overlander-lipo-safe-sack-38313

2. Saw these two batteries in the thread 5000mAHr and 4000mAHr. The square one seems to make better use of the available space, so seems to be the one to get for a longer runtime. How long can I expect these to last? Is Voltz a reputable brand?

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/voltz-5000mah-2s-74v-50c-hardcase-lipo-stick-battery-pack-442614

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/core-rc-4000mahr-74v-3060c-2s-lipo-388538

3. Considering this charger unless there are better recommendations.

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-s65-ac-charger-65w-438918

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-charging-cable-xt60-female-to-deans-male-445872

 

 

Yeh so that's the exact battery I went for and it's superb simple upgrade for the price and fits perfectly in the chassis mount. Packs much more punch and run time now seems endless (the stock battery was poor all round).

 

PXL_20220511_124422562.thumb.jpg.0c70ef05d0b0c8fa650c3de4261b1503.jpg

 

Also means I have enough juice to drive and run these new front bumper lights at same time... 

PXL_20220511_072623328.jpg

 

I did however have an external temp sensor error with the S65 charger that arrived so I sent it back and upgraded to the T100 which is much more capable and also can charge/balance/storage run two different batteries at same time so for just a few £ more it's much more future proof if I ever get more batteries/rigs... 

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/skyrc-t100-dual-battery-lipo-balance-charger-444856

Edited by c4llum83
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2 hours ago, Jack Reacher said:

I have a love hate soft spot for the mauler, it was my very first crawler and i really liked what it offered but it let me down every time out, dont think i ever finished a run with out something falling of, but i know a little more about crawlers now and been getting close to buying the RGT Trample version, but its got a few things different and makes me think some parts could be hard to get, and not an easy one to fit a different shell, so kinda half toying with getting a new mauler and making it a bit like my old one, only more reliable, here is a pic of the old one

Mauler ford.JPG

It seems like such a solid and capable chassis that with good quality sensible upgrades should be a great all round crawler.

 

Obviously if you have the money you can always buy bigger and better anything, but for a budget crawler with affordable parts and variety of upgrade and potential shell options it seems to be perfect base for the casual hobby driver ... 

Edited by c4llum83
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On 13/05/2022 at 13:22, wombat said:

New look mauler IMG_20220513_131210.thumb.jpg.9bdf847d4c70927039b37e77fe321503.jpgIMG_20220513_131202.thumb.jpg.43426cbd3046a6326aeeb835e50a432c.jpg

IMG_20220513_131210.jpg

Looks superb. What wheels and tyres? I'm running as I am for now with stock esc/rx/motor/shocks/wheels/tyres but thinking about possible future upgrades and if I ever spot any deals/bargains ... 

 

Been looking at these Pro-line XL 2.2 G8 Super Swampers seem to have good reviews, anyone got experience with these? 

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/pro-line-interco-tsl-sx-super-swamper-xl-22-g8-rock-terrain-truck-tires-387193

1678284197_Screenshot_20220514-1119332.thumb.png.52c07c457cf68f6e3ba95c3dff5e0b48.png

 

Also consensus from reading this and other forums seems to be Hobbywing 1080 80a ESC and maybe a Flysky GTC3 or a newer GT5 Transmitter/Reciever? Those with long term experience any thoughts? 

 

And lastly what about beadlock wheels, upgraded shocks and the motor - e.g keep the stock 20T or change it? 

Edited by c4llum83
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Hi, @Jack Reacher , just looked at the trample, looks good, better spec than a mauler

 

@c4llum83wheels and tyres where on it when bought, don't know about the wheels but the tyres are duratrax deepwoods cr, and they are big, but seem to stick to anything, got some axial ripsaws to try on it, when i come across some more wheels and foams

Motor is standard but the esc,reciever and transmitter are traxxas, with the esc having 5 different modes to select, the standard motor suits me fine, if it ever fails wuold happily fit the same

😀 

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On 15/05/2022 at 18:57, wombat said:

Hi, @Jack Reacher , just looked at the trample, looks good, better spec than a mauler

 

@c4llum83wheels and tyres where on it when bought, don't know about the wheels but the tyres are duratrax deepwoods cr, and they are big, but seem to stick to anything, got some axial ripsaws to try on it, when i come across some more wheels and foams

Motor is standard but the esc,reciever and transmitter are traxxas, with the esc having 5 different modes to select, the standard motor suits me fine, if it ever fails wuold happily fit the same

😀

Thanks. I've got Hobbywing 1080 80A ESC and Flysky FS-GT5 transmitter/receiver on order so that's the next upgrade... 😁 Also ordering the bits needed to rebuild rear axle with front axle parts to give it All Wheel Steer...! Might nickname my Mauler "Trigger's Broom" 😂

Edited by c4llum83
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