What You've ALL Been Waiting For! IFS & Trailing Arms!

Tomley RC
9 Apr 202416:18

TLDRThe video introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS 2 and a Land Cruiser-style body. It boasts a Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, stealth X transmission, and gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars. The truck's independent front suspension offers a unique rock crawling experience. The review highlights the truck's performance on rocks and in mud, and the potential for customization, while expressing a desire for lights and an interior as standard features.

Takeaways

  • 🚗 The video introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS 2 (Independent Front Suspension 2) and a Land Cruiser-style body.
  • 🔧 The truck comes with a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, offering enhanced control and preferred over the old REI system.
  • ⚙️ It has a Stealth X transmission with overdrive options, providing versatility in driving modes and improved performance on different terrains.
  • 🏎️ The model also includes the Gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars for stability, and a 550 motor with adjustable suspension for customization.
  • 🎨 The body is designed with scratch and weather effects, allowing users to choose between a pristine or a more realistic, worn look.
  • 🔋 The truck is compatible with both 2S and 3S LiPo batteries, and includes a shorty battery tray with the option to upgrade to a full-size one.
  • 💡 The model is equipped with a variety of molded parts for aesthetics, including a front grill, lights, fender lights, and a winch, but lacks an interior setup.
  • 🎵 The video script mentions a song, indicating the presence of background music and a casual, entertaining tone throughout the review.
  • 🌧️ The truck's performance is tested in both dry and muddy conditions, showing its capabilities and handling on various types of terrain.
  • 🛠️ The reviewer suggests personal modifications, such as adjusting the suspension for a lower stance and weathering the paint and stickers for authenticity.
  • 🔄 The reviewer plans to create a showcase video to compare the stock version with a modified version of the truck, highlighting the potential for customization.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the introduction and review of the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS2 (Independent Front Suspension) and its various components and performance.

  • What is the significance of the IFS2 on the Zul Trail truck?

    -The IFS2 provides a different driving experience compared to traditional solid axle vehicles, allowing for unique line choices and improved handling on rocky terrain.

  • What type of transmission does the Zul Trail truck have?

    -The Zul Trail truck is equipped with the Stealth X transmission, which offers various overdrive options and is considered a good quality transmission.

  • What is the purpose of the overdrive feature on the truck?

    -The overdrive feature allows the front wheels to turn more than the rear wheels, which helps in climbing by pulling the front end down and improves turning by providing more wheel speed.

  • What kind of tires are on the Zul Trail truck?

    -The Zul Trail truck comes with General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels, which offer a good balance of grip and durability.

  • How does the reviewer feel about the body style of the Zul Trail truck?

    -The reviewer appreciates the Land Cruiser-style body, which is more universally liked compared to the previous Utron body style.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the alloy-bodied shocks on the Zul Trail truck?

    -The reviewer is unsure if they are different from the Utron's plastic shocks but notes that they are wound up quite high and may need adjustment for optimal performance.

  • What additional features does the Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver offer?

    -The Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver offers a lot of control, including steering and throttle exponential rates, trim settings, running mode selection, drag brake adjustment, and battery type selection.

  • How does the reviewer feel about the clear windows on the Zul Trail truck?

    -The reviewer prefers the clear windows over stickers but criticizes the lack of an interior, suggesting that manufacturers should include one standard.

  • What improvements or additions would the reviewer like to see on future models?

    -The reviewer would like to see lights and an interior included as standard features in future models to enhance their overall appearance and appeal.

Outlines

00:00

🚜 Introduction to the Zul Trail Truck and its Features

The paragraph introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, highlighting its independent front suspension (IFS) and discussing the general perception of IFS in rock crawling. The Zul comes with a Land Cruiser-style body, which is popular among enthusiasts. It also features the new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, a Stealth X transmission with overdrive options, and a Gatekeeper rear trailing arm with anti-roll bars. The truck has a 550 motor, a 5-slot and 14-turn brushed motor, and a shock mount insert for adjustable shock positions. The IFS2 camberg front suspension is noted for providing a unique rock crawling experience, and the truck's color is a matte blue, reminiscent of a Ford Fiesta. The Fly Sky transmitter is also discussed, with its various functions and settings.

05:00

🛠️ Customization and Suspension Adjustments

This paragraph delves into the adjustable rear suspension of the Zul Trail truck, the different options for the trailing arms, and the anti-roll bar. It mentions the General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels and the foam inserts. The solid rear axle and the GKS suspension components are also highlighted. The paragraph describes the process of weathering the truck's paint to give it an authentic, used look, and the personal preference for adjusting the suspension for a lower stance. The truck's performance is briefly touched upon, with a focus on the visual appeal and the fun of customization.

10:01

🏎️ Testing the Zul Trail Truck on Challenging Terrain

The paragraph describes the testing of the Zul Trail truck on slippery and muddy terrain. It details the truck's performance, including the effectiveness of the drag brake, the wheel speed, and the traction of the tires. The paragraph also discusses the truck's ability to handle steep and muddy inclines, and the driver's strategy for navigating these conditions. The use of a 3s LiPo battery to increase wheel speed is mentioned, along with the truck's handling in the mud. The paragraph concludes with a positive note on the truck's capabilities and the enjoyment derived from driving it.

15:02

🎨 Custom Build and Final Thoughts on the Zul Trail Truck

This paragraph showcases a custom build of the Zul Trail truck by a team driver for several racing teams. It highlights the incorporation of IFS2, custom carbon fiber parts, and high-clearance components. The truck is equipped with Punk custom carbon wheels, brass steering hubs, BF Goodridge crawler tires, and a Holmes Hobby steering servo and motor. The custom build sits on a GCRC Cayman chassis and features a carbon GCRC bed. The paragraph concludes with the author's intention to create a showcase video on the custom build, detailing its specifications and performance.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Independent Front Suspension (IFS)

Independent Front Suspension (IFS) is a type of suspension system used in vehicles, including the Zul Trail truck discussed in the video, where the front wheels can move independently from each other. This allows for better handling and ride comfort as each wheel can respond to road conditions individually. In the context of the video, the IFS2 is praised for providing a unique rock crawling experience, requiring different driving techniques compared to solid axle suspensions.

💡Trail Truck

A Trail Truck is a type of off-road vehicle designed specifically for navigating trails and rough terrain. These trucks are built with features that aid in off-roading, such as robust suspension systems, large tires, and often, modifications for better ground clearance and traction. In the video, the Zul Trail truck is highlighted as a new release from Element, showcasing its capabilities in off-road environments.

💡Element

Element is the brand or manufacturer of the Zul Trail truck with IFS2 discussed in the video. They are known for producing remote-controlled vehicles and accessories, often used in off-road racing and rock crawling. The brand is associated with innovation and quality in the RC vehicle market.

💡Stealth X Transmission

The Stealth X Transmission is a type of gearbox used in remote-controlled vehicles like the Zul Trail truck. It is known for its durability and performance, offering various overdrive options that allow for different wheel speeds and improved climbing abilities. This transmission system is an essential component for off-road vehicles, contributing to their agility and adaptability on diverse terrains.

💡Trailing Arms

Trailing Arms are a component of a vehicle's suspension system, particularly in off-road vehicles like the Zul Trail truck. They are designed to provide better wheel control and stability during off-road maneuvers. Trailing arms help reduce body roll and maintain tire contact with the ground, even on uneven surfaces, which is crucial for off-road performance.

💡Rock Crawling

Rock Crawling is an off-roading activity where drivers navigate their vehicles over rocky terrain, requiring slow speed, precise control, and strategic driving to avoid damage. Vehicles designed for rock crawling typically have specialized suspension systems, like the IFS2, to provide better articulation and maneuverability over obstacles.

💡Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/Receiver

The Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/Receiver is an electronic speed control and receiver combo used in remote-controlled vehicles. This unit combines the functions of controlling the vehicle's speed and receiving signals from the transmitter into one compact system. It is noted for its ease of use and the ability to customize various settings, contributing to a more responsive and versatile driving experience.

💡Anti-Roll Bars

Anti-Roll Bars, also known as sway bars, are suspension components designed to reduce body roll of a vehicle during fast cornering or over uneven terrain. By connecting opposite wheels, the bars help distribute weight more evenly, enhancing stability and control. In off-road vehicles like the Zul Trail truck, anti-roll bars are crucial for maintaining balance and preventing excessive body movement that could lead to rollovers or loss of traction.

💡Beadlock Wheels

Beadlock Wheels are a type of wheel used in off-road vehicles that have a locking mechanism, known as a beadlock, to secure the tire to the wheel rim. This design ensures that the tires do not come off the wheel during extreme off-road conditions, providing increased reliability and safety. Beadlock wheels are often used in vehicles that participate in rock crawling and trail driving, where the potential for tire detachment is high.

💡Weathering

Weathering refers to the process of making a vehicle's body appear older or used by artificially adding wear and tear effects. This is often done for aesthetic purposes to give the vehicle a more realistic and rugged look, as if it has been through many off-road adventures. In the context of the video, the presenter applies weathering techniques to the Zul Trail truck to enhance its visual appeal and authenticity.

💡Suspension Adjustment

Suspension adjustment refers to the process of modifying the vehicle's suspension system to achieve desired ride height, wheel travel, and overall performance. Adjustments can include changing the position of the shocks, altering the angle of the suspension arms, or modifying the spring tension. In the video, the presenter adjusts the suspension of the Zul Trail truck to lower its stance, which is a personal preference for visual appeal and potentially improved handling on certain terrains.

Highlights

The introduction of the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS2 and a Land Cruiser-style body.

The Zul Trail truck comes with a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver that offers enhanced control and is preferred over the old REI system.

Equipped with the Stealth X transmission, providing various overdrive options for improved performance.

Innovative Gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars for better stability during rock crawling.

The IFS2 Camberg front independent suspension offers a unique rock crawling experience compared to traditional solid axles.

The Zul Trail truck features a matte blue color and a design that allows for easy disassembly, revealing a miniature 1/10th scale garage.

The Fly Sky transmitter pairs with the 2in1 ESC, offering a multitude of functions and adjustments for customized performance.

The truck includes a shorty battery tray with an option to upgrade to a full-size one for extended runtime.

The body post allows for easy swapping of bodies, and the kit comes with optional overdrive and a variety of accessories.

The Zul Trail truck's underside showcases a clean design with room for LED installations and a stealth X gearbox with three overdrive options.

The inclusion of General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels with foam inserts for enhanced traction.

The IFS2 suspension setup allows for better rock sliding and a low profile stance, improving both aesthetics and functionality.

The合金bodied shocks provide a different suspension setup, potentially offering improved performance over the plastic ones found in the Utron.

The video includes a test run of the Zul Trail truck, showcasing its capabilities on rocks and in muddy conditions.

The reviewer's personal preference for a lower suspension setting is discussed, along with the truck's performance at different heights.

A unique custom build by Sha, a professional team driver, is featured, incorporating IFS2 and high clearance parts for an enhanced off-road experience.

The video concludes with a summary of the Zul Trail truck's features and a teaser for an upcoming showcase video with detailed specifications and modifications.