RC4WD Trailfinder 3 - I'm not happy.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- RC4WD has just released their latest RTR, the Trailfinder 3. There's a bunch of really strange decisions made in this truck, and I go over all the details, and share some running video with you in this video.
NOTE: Spur cannot be changed, but pinion can be 11, 12 or 13T.
Want one? I got mine through Horizon Hobby:
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6.7 liter inline 6 Cummins Diesel is a nice touch.
🤣
It took me a little bit to get your comment but now I fully understand. But I believe it's closer to like a dt466 or maybe an 8.3 Cummins!🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ouch!
👋😂👌
The more torque the better😂😂😂
Pros: coolish stickers, 6 lug wheels
Cons: LITERALLY EVERYTHING ELSE
Thanks for the good, honest review Matt.
Thanks for watching!
You forgot to list the second bumper and huge plastic engine as pros. If only my TRX-4 had come with these wicked options out of the box.
I'm so glad I held off on getting this. Thank you for the overview video, this really solidified the many small things I don't like about it.
You took the words right out of my mouth…literally in my cart on tower… guess I’ll go with the tried and true marlin
@Steve Vento Honesty....I use to be in retail....cost-wise...this is a much cheaper rig to make compared to a TF2. Much more profit here. Can't say I totally "dislike" it but I'd easily spend twice the cost of the rig to get it like it should be.
@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 Hey can u tell us why it is mich cheaper to manufacture. Greetings from Germany
Thanks for watching and I'm glad I could help!
@@timohoffmann5768 Using a press with a dye to make a C-channel classic is a fraction of the cost not to mention made much faster than a CNC'd AND powder coated aluminum chassis. The single plastic cased 2-speed transmission with the married transfer-case is also much cheaper to manufacture than the cast aluminum RTR single and kit 2-speed transmission with divorce transfer-case with the midway shaft.
They should spent the money on updating the axles.
Not saying I'd ever get one....problem is....I'd replace the axles, transmission with a 10.3 transmission(if I'm going to have a plastic cased transmission....I'd at least want optional gearing with a DIG). The 10.3 transmission...I believe is shorter than the TF3 2-speed and that should make room for a servo upfront....get rid of that inefficient bellcrank steering set-up.
I love rc4wd. But with high prices & nothing new coming out its kind of sad. There are other bodies they could use even to make the new TF3 fresh especially in a hard body.
Right like why the hell didn't they use the 4runner or the 85 pickup they already make that has an opening hood to see the gigantic engine. To kindo of justify the horrific steering setup.
"I have to get the charger out of the garbage" 🤣
Really enjoyed this one. I don't know anyone in real life that would see the appeal of an in-depth critical review of a toy truck. This is such a weird niche, but you are all my people.
Hahaha! Fair enough, it's part of the reason I make these videos, because most of my friends here aren't into RCs 😂. Thanks for watching!
@@scalebuildersguild I'd rather you did reviews like this. At least we now know what it is. Thank you.
Driving rigs like this makes you better, frustrating at first but i grew ro appreciate the added difficulty
Your good camera work is the only thing this truck had going for it .
Thanks!
Got my SCX III GREY JLU RTR last year, still holding up great, and no issues. Got rid of the 4 foot tires it came with and dropped the low gear considerably. Great review Matt👍
Thanks for watching and glad to hear that you're having fun!
Awesome video man. Your editing is always top notch. Sweet looking rig right there👍
Thank you!
I don't know if I should be worried or not at how similar our videos and thoughts were on this thing! Lovely camera work as always - and those red lines look smashing on it. I reckon this thing can be made alright! We shall see!
I felt like I was watching the opposite hemisphere version of me when I was watching your video! Seems that we're not alone in our deductions though.
@@scalebuildersguild something something great minds something... Or the other adage, fools' minds seldom differ. Take your pick, heh.
I love how everyone just keeps talking me out of getting an RC4WD rig🤣
Check out the trail finder 2 it's better.
Just get a TF2.
I have the TF2 Midnight. Great truck, except for the electronics. Oh...and locktite every screw. I have lost, at least 1 screw, on each outing. I added the AXE system, but looking back on it, I should have just slapped in a 1080 and Holmes 27T and let it be for $150 less than I spent. Also I have the terra flex z-box and shackles. I a ready to take them off, and go back to stock. Way too much rear end play, for my liking.
@Steve Vento here you go again crying like a little bitc*
I have a bone stock tf2 and it's been fantastic, straight out of the box. Plenty of power and climbing capability, plus my 3yo loves chasing it around the house!
Seemed to run the trail better than I expected, it did look decent on the drive. Good review, especially on the shortcomings, this is a wait and see for me.
Thanks for watching!
I totally respect your review on this truck, honesty is always the best policy. Your camera work still made it look great though.
Thanks! I agree, I always try to give honest and fair reviews.
I love your honesty. Very rare when reviewing products.
Thanks! I really aim to give fair and honest reviews.
Well I bought this truck last week, and yesterday I took it to a comp. Well the truck broke after gate 6. I burnt out the 2 speed transmission servo, broke the left side axle shaft and tore the bell crank support of the bumper mount. New parts on the way and hopefully we can get back on track. I do still like the truck . But I think I would of been better off buying a TF2. thank you for the video Matt.
Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that!
Love your show love your honesty!!
Than you for all your help information!
Like the fact that it looks way more realistic than any other rc even the chassis
Your camera work is unbeatable Matt! Keep it up!
Thanks for watching! I love filming and now that it's warming up, am hoping that I'll be able to get out more!
So glad I went with a SSD Trail King chassis and the RC4WD Trail King body. The TF3 is goofy at best. Someone was asleep at the wheel using msdos version AutoCAD
I can see that the springs are softening the more you drive it but I would agree about the rear springs and that dang steering knuckle
That rear bumper looks like it fits over which is cool. Would have been neat to see the front add on one be more of a square brush guard as that would make sense to run in front of the stock bumper.
Outstanding review, love the honest comments! I have had three TF2 kits as C1 comp rigs, and all three were trash. I bought #2 and #3 because RC4WD had supposedly done performance upgrades, which simply was not the case. The best part of those trucks were the scale body, and the rock solid transmission and transfer case, which the latter is missing from the TF3. It looks like they are using the same chintzy axles, shocks and drivelines as before. Most likely RC4WD will recommend the same $400-$500 worth of upgrades to get the TF3 almost on par with trucks that cost a lot less; just as it did with the TF2. Honestly, $500 for this rig is just absurd for what it is and all of its issues. As an RTR, it should go for no more than $400, and really $350 is more reasonable. The kit version, which really offers nothing over the RTR should be around $300. Finally, this is the 3rd major version of this thing, and they haven't come up with a better mounting system?
Thanks for watching, I always try to give honest and fair reviews!
Leafs for the win, always! They're so predictable and fun to drive. I like the bellcrank, it adds to scale realism; it's much more similar to having a steering box hooked to a pitman arm, that does the steering on a real vehicle. That motor reminds me of a diesel as well. 4BT swap. lol With no kit instructions yet, I was curious about the guts of the tranny, thanks for taking it apart! It looks like there were quite a few upgrades on the Frist Edition one I have from the regular one. The springs were much softer and some other things, interesting. I'm glad to see you're so happy with your new TF3!!! Hahahaha! :D
There are limits to what I'm willing to accept in the name of scale accuracy. Shoddy steering is not one of them. Thanks for watching!
Looks awesome on the trail.
Love the fact you're so honest with the reviews.
Personal i think you and josh should team up and make a scale rig it would be a killer and other companies would have to compete with it
Except that Josh works for Vanquish... Thanks for watching!
@@scalebuildersguild that's why with vanquish reliability , Josh's performance and your Excellent attention to detail on the scale side it would be an absolute amazing rig
@@richysrc2158 that’s basically the Vanquish VS4-10 Phoenix!
@@scalebuildersguild ha I didn't realise you had input on the phoenix 🤦♂️
@@richysrc2158 I didn’t really, but knew about it for a long time!
Basically it looks cool. Let's just say that your opinion came through very clearly. And I couldn't agree more. Could have been so great
First off thanks for the comprehensive look at this lil guy, you pointed out some things that others have not. They changed so much I think I'm going to agree with you and say it's a bit on the disappointing side. I could list all the things I'm not impressed with.. but you already said what needed to be said.
I'm can't lie. The running video section of this review, is one of my favorite's of yours. It's in the top 5 for sure. Terrible performance, wonderful representation.
Thank you! That's really kind of you to say!
Since they have a 22R in there I hope the intake they may possibly offer with it has a carburetor on it. I do dig the front 3rd member is off to the passenger side, so that’s correct. I’ve been wanting a TF2 for a while, I’m not sure about this one with that steering setup. Also, that rear shackle angle being inverted like that isn’t going to help flex , that upper bolt needs to move inboard a touch past the lower bolt
4.06. Hysterical laughter. 😂 I fondly remember the driver figures. That was the best joke of 2016 or whenever they released that. 🤣
Cutter would argue otherwise. Or was it Rick?
You should send this to Comedy Central as the TF3 Roast
Thanks for your review, I was waiting for it!
After watching I think, it's a new trailfinder generation, but maybe the same mods from tf2, are necessary for a better, maybe the same performance in the end....?!
What a crazy evolution...
But nice review and run as allways! Thanks.
I'm still in the same spot I've been in. I want a TF2. A kit I build myself.
Not seen anything except a semi-truck that I would want a 2 speed in
And I hate throwing away all those electronics.
This just went away from scale. Wich is what a Trail Finders strong suit was
Oh well I still enjoyed watching the vid 👍
Be well, and have an awesome day.
Thanks for watching!
It is a handsome truck though. I probably won’t buy it but I wouldn’t say no if one was given to me. Just my two cents lol. Thank you so much brother for showing us the truck.
Thanks for watching!
Well that transmission makes it sound like a diesel so I guess it all works out. Lol
Matt great video, always enjoy the sound tracks in your running videos.
Maybe in future videos you could take your camera and pan the shop. I love Easter egg hunts. :)
Good idea! Who doesn't like easter eggs? 😂
@@scalebuildersguild that's the last time I'll bring it up. I my heart i know I'm funny.
Great. Gorgeous shots of it mudding
Thanks for watching!
I enjoy my leaf spring truck. challenging to drive. Keeps it interesting.
I don't disagree. I just don't think this was a very good one.
Hey, I found the video I thought I saw, but better! looks like a military diesel conversion not finished. Paint yellow with a cat sticker and throw some diesel badges on the outside along with thicc axles and call it a day.
That was a good side by side comparison of scale!
Haha, I'm glad we cleared that up! 😄
My front suspension does not rebound as well as yours which bothers me. The steering link also hits the oil pan at full compression so i had to add a spacer. I also flipped the rear leaf spring hanger brackets to force the uptravel consistently. Just gonna have to work on that front suspension. I like mine.
i finally bought one of the tf3`s, now its my favorite rc. by far one of the most scale accurate trucks i`ve ever owned and by far not that bad at all ;)))
Glad you like it?
Alway a good honest review. Thank you. You should review the gelande ii cruiser rtr.
Thanks for watching and I aim to give honest and fair reviews. The gelande is pretty old, I've had a few... check out my previous reviews on it.
They are for sale here in switzerland atm. For 350 swiss bucks. Not a bad price for a RTR from overseas. I have the TF2 already but i will sell it and switch to the TF3. There are so much improvements you can do on the TF3 like a open hood and some additional engine parts with a 3D printer. Nice review btw.
Thanks for watching!
That motor is holding all of the RC4x4's worker's! 🥵😂
If they came up with a modern quick body mount and front marker lights that stay in place would have been a plus.
I’m with you on this one! Even though is a nice truck! Something about it doesn’t seem right! A bit off! I feel the transmission and engine are a bit large, they’ve could have done a better job on the leaf springs on the rear! But otherwise a good looking truck.
Yup I won’t be getting one then, good honest review as always Matt. 👌
Thanks for watching! I always try to give fair and honest reviews!
@@scalebuildersguild that you do buddy, top notch 🔥
I got so hyped when I seen they were releasing a new TrailFinder truck. But after watching this video, I think I’ll just get another TF2. I’d be willing to bet stock vs stock, the TF2 will last so much longer than the TF3 and simply just the better truck.
How progressive is RC4WD to adopt designs used on the 40 year old Tamiya Bruiser.
Thanks for the information on this
Besides the Bruiser-esque frame you pointed out, that steering is exactly how the Highlift F350 is set up. And thats basically a Highlift Hilux body with square headlights.
RC4WD must really like Tamiya...
Things I like about this truck.
Your decals.
Your driving.
Your filming.
Your editing style.
That's all!
I appreciate that! Hahaha
Bell crank steering - the 80's are back... :-O Def wouldn't mind seeing how you go about softening up the waaaay over spring suspension.
Stay tuned for more!
You should do a motor swap video I can't find one lol thanks for all the good content
Great review brother! as an ole school bruiser builder I see they repeated many old mistakes ie steering, loose as a moose's poose with a plastic faux engine/gearbox that looks like a Cummings Diesel at least the original bruiser had a heavy front weight to give some scale leaf spring bounce, the rear narrow springs don't help balance the front either, don't get me wrong hands down I love a leaf spring truck off road
Loose as a moose's poose... are you from Canada like me, eh?
I’m just south of the border in New England 👍
Just finished watching, I will say this I have owned two TF2 and a Marlin (Marlin I still have)
For today’s costs on everything (bang for the buck is definitely disappearing) I think RC4WD could have come up with more (a lot more if I didn’t want to be nice) that bell crank steering eeesh 😒 the (maybe weaknesses in the trans) it’s like they took the TF2 and made it worse
My personal opinion though
Great video as always 😜👍👍
Thanks for watching and I couldn't agree more!
Ha! I thought that motor was a straight 6 til you said it was a 22r 🤘🍻🤘
Damn. I was waiting until I saw a solid review on this. I had my doubts. All confirmed. Why the hell did they cheap out and completely reinvent what was once a perfect truck. They could have done so much with what they originally had going on.
I just LOL'd at the "not a lot of flex in this truck" which brings me to asking: if after they've seen all of us modding this suspension down to the bare minimum to function, then why do they still continue to sell them this way? Hard as a rock.
People buy these and give up on them because of how stiff they are. A lot of folks have no idea the extent that these can be taken to for mods. So why limit the absolute F out them right out of the box so most don't even have a chance of truly enjoying the trucks.
Long story short: be happy you have a #TF2 if you have one. ✌
Thanks for watching, appreciate your opinions!
They really do charge a premium for reboots, But I do like the body. Note: great driving video, loved the background music.
Thanks for watching!
I use to have a radio shack truck that drove just as stiff as this truck. Thank you, I will definitely not be purchasing this truck. Great review and your channel is one of my favorites for my rc hobby.
Thanks for watching! I aim to give fair and honest reviews.
I don’t think anyone ever said more plastic is better or let’s replace decent metal parts with crappy plastic parts. If I were to get a leaf spring truck, it would be the TF2.
ya the the lack of a shackle reverse on the front and the leaf mount positions on the rear frame really let me down. I own full size 87 Suzuki samurai and besides the leaf over conversion, the first thing I did was a shackle reverse kit. It also provides a smoother ride because the suspension is working with the forward momentum.
You couldn't be more right! Rumour is that A&M is working on a fix.
I love the look of this.. it is amazing...
I like leafs to
The steering... Well, it seems like the concept was in the neighborhood, but the execution is one state over. LOL
I actually LIKE the idea of a remote mounted servo and a drag link coming forward. The potential is there to totally clean up the front end of the truck, and leave a bunch of room around the engine bay. That "up and over thing" kinda takes it out back and shoots it, though. All they really had to do (in my mind anyway) is bring the drag link down instead of up. I'm sure it was manageable. The bellcrank is a stop gap. If they altered the steering arm on the passenger side steering knuckle and ran the drag link from the servo right to it, it would have negated the need for the additional complexity, slop, and weakness.
I'm actually glad to see the new frame, such as it is. The stamped c-section is a lot more true to scale, but looking over the chassis, there seems to be a lot more plastic in it than the TF2. That's disappointing.
Anyhow, thanks for a great overview video!
I do think for the amount of money they want, they needed a lot better product. Without an opening hood the scale big block 4 cylinder is pretty much a waste of time and resources. And there are so many real Toyotas on the road, finding images of their suspension for reference should have been easy. So I think your review is pretty fair and honest.
RC Everyday flipped rear leaf hangers around . Seems to help some .
Nice honest review.
Thanks!
Died laughing with the getting the radio out of the garbage 😂
😂
Great review, and I agree with you. The price point doesn't match the quality and durability of the vehicle
That rear drive line is UGGGLLYYYY, i cant believe he banged on about the engine scale and rear leaf location and never mentioned that.
The oil cap would be a 6" diameter, nice. It looks more like the 4.5L in-line 6 in my land cruiser. Never had a TF, basically because of everything in this video. The body is still nice, there is that, the body will always be a plus.
I don't think so.. . that system requires a brush motor. Thanks for watching.
Great and informative video on a truck I will never own. Just can’t fall in love with a leaf sprung truck like this. But interestingly, it gave me an idea with all its steering issues. Has anyone come up with a steering gearbox, ala 1:1, that would multiply the efforts of even a common servo?
It's a cool idea, and I think space would be the only issue there. Thanks for watching!
Agree that inner fenders and interior should have been included. To not include those but put that insanely huge engine that you can't even see due to the lack of a functional opening hood makes no sense. As for the steering, I give them credit for thinking outside the box, but maybe more work to do there. Good review!
Thanks for watching!
I wasn’t impressed with this latest release. Will stick to the TF2 for now !
It’s like they made the TF3 to increase the sales of the TF2. Genius!
I’m still happy with my TF2, I just added the red super soft leaf springs and it helped out
@@turksandjerps this is 100% "New Coke".
Also did the leaf pack mods on the drag link smashed right into the “oil pan” so that had to go 😂 and the shackles fold flat
How's the slop between gears on the 2-speed? I'd heard it was kinda bad on the old R3 2-speed from RC4WD so I stayed away from it. Now I see the TF3 gearbox and internals are all new part numbers from the R3, but they each have the same gear ratios. So I'm curious if the gear lash has been tightened with the new parts, or if they just rearranged the same flawed design to make it fit in the new trans case.
Stay tuned for more on this truck. I honestly can't say until I've spent more time with it. Thanks for watching!
Like the dramatic music!
Thanks!
Looks like a great truck. The only thing I'd love to see is a second front bumper.
Wait, what? OK. Nevermind...
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 awesome review.
Thanks for watching!
You know, I tend to prefer a heavier truck actually. Greater pressure on the tire contact patch creates more traction, helps wrap the tires around the contour better, sinks the vehicle down into the slop where it has something to grab, and helps the suspension overall look and feel more scale... especially on a leaf sprung truck. Just my opinion, but I like an RC that looks scale rolling without slow motion.
Then you won't want this one i'm afraid.
Always top skill level capturing 🏆✨🎥✨🏆
Thanks!
Only thing I don’t like is the non opening hood . The rest of the truck seems great as usual 👍🏻
And yes you all know I’m a RC4WD fan boy lol
I didn’t know Toyotas came with a 24 cylinder motor!
😂
Great review as always,. The space from the top of the wheel and the arch in the wheel wells looks to high, from a scale point of view
0:38 Same i love leaf springs also.
It actually drives better then a thought it would. I just don’t know why they are so expensive. But it is a very scale truck.
That motor cover would be great for a 1/14 Tamiya Globe Liner or King/Grand Hauler
looks a little monster trucky
I also love leaf spring has managed to get 105mm travel with a car with only 242mm wheelbase
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, I’m personally not impressed with this new release. I’ve been debating on a tf2 extra cab mcfly truck, it seems a lot better then this version hands down. My trx4 blazer puts this thing to shame and looks better, they could’ve done a lot better on this one.
It does look like this TF3 is a step back... TFs and TRX4s are in different categories, imo.
Love the McFly truck, but it is too nice to drive it, so I recommend if you want to save a few bucks, Tower has an exclusive LWB red TF2 ARTR for $480. Same body as McFly, just need to add your own electronics, and it has the single speed transmission.
I'm not a fan of the leaf spring trail trucks. Your review just reminds me why. This thing has all the spring and articulation of a buckboard wagon.
Also, when you had it on the bench and showed the steering movement. I could see the bell crank "twist ?" at the end of each articulation. That's a pretty clear illustration of how weak that linkage is.
A few things that REALLY bother me: of course the steering and giant engine catastrophe. the big ass screws in the tail lights. The ugly screws at the base of the door holding the body on (they really should've figured out something better after all these years of producing this body). And the headlights have almost no texture to them. Basically just clear plastic 😥. They definitely got the chassis and trans shape right though.
Brutal, honest, cause it's honestly brutal
Well seal the deal on me not getting a tf3. I feel like they didn't address the short comings in the tf2. They just tried to distract and over complicate stuff. Thank you for the great job you do Matt.
Thanks for watching!
It is stiff as a board! With ours I did some adjustments with the leaf's and shackles and it works a lot better better. the steering is funky make sure you take each screw out of the front steering crank because it slips left and right a bit and always makes it steer crooked .. take one screw out at a time and thread lock it and tighten them real tight and it will stop it. Also I do not like how much it takes to swap out a pinion gear or get the motor out to work on it. it looks sharp though.
Thanks for the tips!
@@scalebuildersguild 😁👍
Thx a lot for the honest preview. I realy love RC4WD, own 1 G2 and 4 different TF2 ( swb, rwb, lwb ) . But realy sad, that they prefer dumping money into traxxas than supporting their Fans.
I once wrote with John and talked to him about some ideas for RC4WD. Little bit later traxxas came out with my idea. My idea was a 1/10 Semi.
Well, anyways. I think there will be no changes for us Fans.
Keep it going mate.
Greetings from Germany.
Glad you liked it!
Looks more like a Barrra Ford in-line 6 then the 22R that's a big fail. Great inspection and insight on the new rig.
Thanks for watching!
I was hearing the new tf3 had softer springs. But that when all the initial launch editions were first being reviewed. Now that the non-launch editions are being reviewed it sounds like they’re stiffer. Any chance you have both to compare? Just curious if different springs were used, and if so curious what came on the launch edition or what was done to make them softer.
Thanks for watching! I did not buy both to compare, but I think that they did ship with softer springs.
@@scalebuildersguild reached out to them to ask cause like I said I noticed the difference in the comments and a lot of people liking the TF3 launch Edition springs. RC4WD got back to me and said they did actually have the SUPER SOFT FLEX LEAF SPRINGS on the launch editions. So looking at ordering a set of the TF2 ones to try them out. Sounds like they shouldn’t have the failure issues the earlier versions had. Worth a shot.
10:37 I like that stiff suspension. What I wanted is a cargo pickup, to put weights in the back. But as I live in Brazil, the dollar is worth too much, I'll have to wait and just keep my Maxx 4S. Do you recommend any other models for this purpose? Pleeeeeeease! Maybe a good chassis and body, without motor or servo, for me to complete when I have more money.
Buy a used TF2 if you can find one!
I litterally just picked this up for $100 at my lhs,lol. I traded a really beat up bone stock smt10 plus the $100. So if it's that bad at least I'm not out much,lol. The only thing I ordered for it (well that I found in stock) was the od/ud gears. Not sure how well it will work on the new tf3 but figured it's worth a shot,lol.
Hope you have fun with it!