Saturday , 21 December 2024

Editor’s Choice – Element RC ECTO Trail Truck | CompetitionX

Editors Choice - Element RC ECTO Trail Truck | CompetitionX

One of the hottest new rides to hit the crawling market is the ECTO Trail Truck from Element RC. This ride is based on the Gatekeeper, utilizing the suspension package and electronics that come standard in that truck – basically a GK with an early-year pickup body. This setup allows for some great crawling action (no fenders to rub) as well as giving the ECTO a platform for more scale features; dropped bed design, injection-molded front bumper, fairlead, mock winch, antenna and action cameras!

DATE: 6/9/2021
MANUFACTURER: Element RC
VEHICLE: ECTO Trail Truck
WEBSITE: www.associatedelectrics.com/element/
BUY NOW: Element RC ECTO Trail Truck RTR
BUY NOW: Element RC ECTO Trail Truck RTR Crawler Combo

FEATURES:

• Stealth X Transmission
• Aluminum Track Bar Mount
• Replaceable Shock Mount Inserts
• Reedy Electronics
• Trailing Arm Suspension
• Behind-The-Axle (BTA) Steering
• Aluminum Steering Plates
• Integrated Servo Winch Mount
• Threaded Aluminum Shock Bodies
• CMS (Chassis Mounted Servo)
• Universal Front Drive Axles
• Stamped Steel Frame Rails
• 12mm Wheel Hexes
• Aluminum Motor Plate
• Telescopic Front/Rear Driveshafts
• Extruded Aluminum Driveshaft Splines
• One-piece Rear Axle Design
• Splined Front Axle with Adjustable Caster
• Machined Input Pinion Gear
• Metal Ring Gear
• Machined Steel Top Shaft
• Heavy Duty 5mm Diameter Steel Links
• Metal Ball Bearings
• Steel 25T Servo Horn
• Adjustable Front Track Bar

TONY’S THOUGHTS:
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of the Gatekeeper. I felt it was too tall and narrow for some sort of fast-moving U4-style rig. However, I think the idea behind the ECTO (the old ‘Dodge’ body on the same trailing-arm chassis) is where this rig will shine. The body gives it more of a crawler feel, meaning most will take it slow and steady instead of mobbing the rocks. This setup also removes a lot of weight from up high (the GK cage is now gone), lowering the CoG for a better handling rig. It is certainly on my list of future trucks to get – and should be on yours as well!

VIDEO:
Enduro Ecto Trail Truck RTR

RC Across America – Dead Man’s Crawl 2021 / Element RC ECTO – Horseman’s Park – Apple Valley CA

About Tony Phalen

Tony Phalen - As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!

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