Building the SCX24 Trailer
So, I’m really excited to show you guys this project that I’ve been working on for about the past week. I’ve been going through a couple of different iterations, testing with suspension and without suspension, and I think that I’m finally at a point where I can show you guys how to build one yourselves. Now, granted, this is not perfect. I’m still on Prototype version two and I can still see if there’s probably going to be a couple more along the way. But I definitely think it’s at a point where you guys can go ahead, grab a trailer yourself, and start modifying it.
Getting the Right Trailer
The first thing I did is I stopped by my local hobby shop and I picked up one of these 1/24 scale aluminum trailers. These are about 50 bucks, I’ve seen them go for 60 or even a little bit less. You can get these on Amazon or eBay, but regardless, this is the brand that you want to buy.
Preparing the Trailer
To start out, what I did is I removed these fender liners right here and I moved the ball bearing wheels and tires along with the tail lights. So once you do that, you’re basically going to be left with kind of a just a tub so to speak, and I’ll get these wheels and tires off and I’ll show you that the wheels and tires off this, you can really see just how simple it is. To start out, I took off the wheels and tires and the ball bearings, and then I took one of these Y links or Wishbone links that come off a stock SCX24.
Adding Suspensions
Now, for the suspension, what I did is I used pieces of plastic rod and created little suspension arms that connect the axle to the trailer body. This allows for the movement and absorption of shocks, giving the trailer that realistic bounce as it goes over rough terrain. You can adjust the length of the suspension arms to fine-tune the suspension action according to your preference.
Final Touches
Once you have the suspension arms in place, you can also add some small shock absorbers for added suspension action. These can easily be attached to the suspension arms and the trailer body, adding more realism and performance to your trailer.
Modifying the Trailer
To start off, if you take a close look, you’ll notice that these parts can be found on a stock SCX24 or even in a spare parts bin that comes with the rig. What I did was modify it by cutting off a rear link and then mounting and epoxying it on. However, it’s important to avoid using hot glue or super glue, as they won’t provide the necessary strength. Instead, I would recommend using a little bit of five-minute JBL epoxy. Once applied, you can easily attach it to the trailer.
Shock Mounting Locations
Moving on, let’s discuss shock mounting locations. The aluminum used here is quite strong, so my recommendation is to utilize the three mounting positions where the spot welds were for the fender flares. This will provide a sturdy base for the trailer. As you can see, the suspension moves freely, but there are some binding issues when weight is added. Due to the friction-based drivetrain, it articulates a bit too much. However, since we don’t have ball bearings but instead rely on friction, it’s not too problematic. In some cases, you may need to drill out the center piece of the y-link or the eyelets of the shocks to ensure smooth movement. In my case, I had to do it for the y-link, but once drilled out, it glides smoothly.
Issues with Binding
One of the main challenges I encountered during this modification was the issue of binding. When weight is applied, the suspension tends to bind, making it less flexible. However, with some adjustments and modifications, you can minimize this problem. It’s important to ensure that all the parts are aligned properly and securely attached. By addressing the binding issue, you can enhance the performance and functionality of your SCX24 trailer.
SCX24 Trailer With Working Suspension! How-To #scx24 #diy #crawling
So what I did is I took the shocks and I moved them out a couple millimeters. I did that by just adding in a spacing nut right there, and then I secured it through the tub of the chassis by using one of those extra long screws and also a little nut right there. You can find those on Amazon as well and I’ll link those down below from there.
Ensuring Stability
What I did is that I still ran into a little bit more of a binding issue, and the eyelets of the shocks kept wanting to move outwards. That’s going to happen when you don’t really have a stationary mounting position for the bottom of your shocks as you would on a normal scx24 right here with an axle. If you somehow were able to get a stock axle in here, that would be really cool, but you would lose a little bit of ground clearance next.
Innovative Solution
What I did is, I took one of these stock or brass upgraded hexes right here for the wheel. I bored out the center, so that way, it is able to slide directly onto the actual shaft right here. What’s that going to do is, it’s going to keep the shock eyelets from wanting to move outwards and cause binding. So I’m gonna do that to both sides right here, as you can see, I’m just going to slip them on to each end and it’s going to look a little bit loose right now without the wheels and tires on there, but that’s.
Remember, when attempting any DIY modifications, it’s important to take your time and ensure everything is secure and properly aligned. This trailer with working suspension can greatly enhance your SCX24 crawling experience. Don’t forget to share your results using the hashtags #scx24 #diy #crawling to inspire and connect with fellow enthusiasts!
Adding Width to the SCX24 Trailer
Now that we have completed the basics of the trailer, it’s time to make a few modifications to enhance its performance. One simple way to achieve this is by adding an extended wheel hex. By doing so, we can increase the trailer’s width, allowing for the use of wider tires if desired.
To accomplish this, I took one of the extended axles and secured it in place using a spacer. This not only ensures a perfect alignment with the shocks but also prevents the trailer from moving outwards unintentionally. With these adjustments, the suspension on the trailer can now travel more smoothly.
Resolving Binding Issues
Although the suspension on the SCX24 trailer is working well, there are still some binding issues that need to be addressed. These issues are causing some resistance and hindering the trailer’s overall performance. However, I am confident that I will be able to find a solution for this in the future.
Testing the Updated Trailer
Now that the modifications have been made, it’s time to put the trailer to the test. I am excited to see how it performs when hooked up to one of my rigs. Taking the trailer outside, I am ready to see if these changes have made a significant difference.
Performance in Action
With some energetic music playing in the background, I begin to put the SCX24 trailer through its paces. The enhanced width and improved suspension allow the trailer to handle obstacles with more ease and stability.
As I manoeuvre the trailer over various terrains, I notice a marked improvement in its performance. The modifications made have indeed made a difference. The trailer now navigates rough terrain with greater dexterity, making my crawling experience even more enjoyable.
While there are still a few kinks to work out, I am satisfied with the outcome thus far. The SCX24 trailer, with its working suspension and increased width, has proven to be a valuable addition to my hobby.
In conclusion, I am eager to continue exploring the possibilities and potential of this trailer. The joy of DIY and crawling is in the constant tinkering and improvement of our vehicles. With each modification, we push the limits and uncover new ways to enhance our crawling experience.
So, if you own an SCX24 and are looking to take your crawling to the next level, I encourage you to try out these modifications. You might be surprised by the difference they can make!
Conclusion
With just a few modifications, you can turn a basic SCX24 trailer into a trailer with a working suspension. This not only enhances the overall appearance but also improves the crawling capabilities of your RC crawler setup. So, if you’re into the DIY scene and love customizing your RC equipment, I highly recommend giving this modification a try. It’s a fun and rewarding project that will take your crawling adventures to the next level!
Working on a SCX24 trailer with a working suspension can be a rewarding DIY project for crawling enthusiasts. By following the steps outlined above, you can modify your trailer and improve its suspension capabilities. While there may be some challenges along the way, such as binding and articulation issues, with some patience and tinkering, you can overcome them. Keep in mind that the success of this modification relies on proper alignment and secure attachment of the modified parts. With a bit of perseverance, you’ll have a functioning SCX24 trailer with a working suspension in no time. Happy crawling!
