seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Japan
seen from Russia
seen from Lithuania
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from Germany
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Netherlands
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from France
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Malaysia
Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump on Thursday formally kicked off an administration initiative designed to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs while removing illegal immigrant commercial drivers from America’s roadways, arguing the effort will improve highway safety and create new employment opportunities for former service members. Speaking at the…
Supreme Court rules trucking broker can be held responsible for using dangerous haulers
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that a man maimed in a tractor-trailer crash could sue the broker who arranged the load, a major win for highway safety advocates who have sounded alarms about record numbers of deaths and injuries in collisions with unsafe trucks. A CBS News investigation last month revealed the widespread scope — and deadly consequences — of the explosion in demand…
Troubleshooting RC Trucks and Haulers: Gearboxes, Trailers, Scale Detail and Multi-Speed Systems.
Troubleshooting RC Trucks and Haulers: Gearboxes, Trailers, Scale Detail and Multi-Speed Systems.
This troubleshooting guide is written for hobbyists who run RC trucks and haulers and want practical fixes rather than vague theories, and it concentrates on the areas that most often give grief on the road or at the show area.
Gearboxes are the workhorses of any hauler and the most common sources of vibration, noise and sudden failure, so start with a careful visual and tactile inspection before assuming electronics are the problem.
Check for stripped or worn teeth, excessive backlash, bent shafts and rough bearings, and listen for grinding which often indicates metal-on-metal contact, and then run the gearbox unloaded to confirm that the noise is internal rather than coming from a wheel or axle bearing.
Multi-speed systems are increasingly popular but they add complexity that creates distinct failure modes, such as failed shift servos, worn selector forks, or clutch slips under load, and you should test shifting both with and without load to rule out load-related binding.
Trailers and towing setups create unique demands on drivetrains and suspension, including coupling alignment, articulation limits and additional braking loads, and a simple checklist helps avoid repeat trips back to the bench.
Inspect the hitch and drawbar for movement and play, and adjust or replace worn couplings if the trailer tracks badly.
Check axle alignment and wheel runout on the trailer to stop binding and tyre rub against mudguards or chassis components.
Balance the load over the axles to avoid excessive tongue weight which can overload the truck gearbox and worsen gear wear.
Scale detail improves realism but can interfere with function if not considered during installation, and small accessories like side mirrors, fuel tanks and 3D printed armour panels can restrict suspension travel or foul steering linkages if they are fitted too tightly.
For parts, printable fittings and build guides that help you avoid common scale-detail mistakes see WatDaFeck for practical suggestions and downloadable models that are designed for function as well as looks.
A reliable diagnostic workflow speeds up repairs and prevents unnecessary parts replacement, so isolate variables by testing motor and gearbox separately, trial a different servo for shifting problems, and run a bare-chassis check where you lift the drive wheels clear to confirm smooth operation under reduced load.
When you repair, use gear-safe lubricants, re-time mesh settings with the correct pinion and spur, replace bulged belts or worn dog rings in multi-speed units, and consider upgrading to hardened steel gears or sealed cartridge bearings if you regularly haul heavy loads or run large tyres.
Follow me on: Facebook | Instagram.
RC Trucks & Haulers: Tips and Tricks for Hobbyists
RC Trucks & Haulers: Tips and Tricks for Hobbyists
Whether you run full-size scale haulers on a track, tow a low-loader across field trials, or simply enjoy the look of realistic rigs in your garden, attention to drivetrain, trailer behaviour and scale detail makes all the difference. This guide collates practical tips on gearboxes, trailers, scale realism and multi-speed systems so you can get the best performance and appearance from your RC truck projects. The aim is to give actionable advice you can apply straight away when building or upgrading a rig.
Start with the gearbox, because it is the heart of any heavy-haul model. Metal gears, proper shimming, and quality bearings are worth the extra cost for long-term durability and reduced backlash. Check mesh under load and keep gearboxes clean and lightly lubricated with the correct grease to avoid premature wear. Consider sealed housings for wet or muddy running and add ventilation or a small heatsink if your motor and ESC combination runs hot. A good gearbox mount and alignment will stop binding and protect the rest of the driveline from damage.
Multi-speed systems transform the way a hauler behaves on varied terrain and add a thoroughly satisfying realism to scale runs. Two-speed mechanical gearboxes are common for trucks, offering a low crawl and a higher road gear, and they are often actuated by a servo or a pneumatic setup for scale realism. When fitting a multi-speed unit, ensure the shift mechanism is strong enough to move under torque and consider a slipper clutch or torque limiter to prevent damage during engagements. Electronic gearboxes and sequential units give smoother shifts but require careful integration with your ESC and motor tuning.
Trailers deserve as much attention as the tractor unit because handling and load distribution make or break a hauler setup. Secure, reinforced hitch points and a realistic pivoting fifth wheel keep articulation natural and reduce stress on the model during turns. Balance the trailer so most weight sits over the axles and use tensioned linkage or sway bars to prevent wobble at speed. For scale operation, add servo-controlled trailer steering or an auto-steer linkage for multi-axle trailers to reduce tyre scrub and improve cornering accuracy.
Scale detail is what separates a toy from a believable model and it matters to judges and spectators alike. Use correct wheelbase proportions, matching tyres and realistic wheel offsets to avoid a toy-like stance. Weathering, accurate signage, tarps and tied-down loads all add authenticity, as do working lights, mirrors and air lines on articulated models. Small additions such as load straps, model pallets and crew figures enhance the story your truck tells and make runs far more engaging to photograph and watch.
Practical setup and regular maintenance are the difference between a dependable rig and constant repair work. Test gear ratios against your motor KV and battery pack to find a balance between torque and top speed, and always run a gear-in check session after a new gearbox install to bed-in the components. Break new metal gears in with light loads before attempting heavy hauls and carry spares such as pinions, spur gears and hinge pins to the field. If you want build inspiration and walkthroughs for common upgrades please visit WatDaFeck for more articles and photos, and use those walkthroughs as checklists when you plan your next upgrade.
Follow me on: Facebook | Instagram.
RC Trucks and Haulers: Practical Tips for Gearboxes, Trailers, Scale Detail and Multi-Speed Systems.
RC Trucks and Haulers: Practical Tips for Gearboxes, Trailers, Scale Detail and Multi-Speed Systems.
Building and running RC trucks and haulers is immensely rewarding when you pay attention to the mechanical details that make a model perform and look convincing on the road or trail.
Start with the gearbox because it dictates torque delivery and durability for any hauling task, and consider whether a metal-geared sealed unit or a lightweight plastic gearbox suits your use case better depending on expected loads and impacts.
When selecting gear ratios think in terms of the load you will tow, the gradient you expect to climb and the top speed you want to achieve because lower ratios give torque for towing while higher ratios improve cruising speed when the load is light.
For trailers pay attention to hitch design and weight distribution, and use a sufficiently stiff drawbar or kingpin to avoid wobble; also reinforce trailer axles and bearings if you plan to carry heavy resin or metal loads to prevent premature wear.
Scale detail makes a model believable and aids functionality, so fit appropriate tyres and wheel offsets, add realistic lighting and wiring, and secure loads with tie-downs or chains to prevent shifting in corners, and for project inspiration and parts guides visit WatDaFeck for ideas and printable accessories.
Multi-speed systems can be achieved with purpose-built RC transmissions, two-speed gearboxes, or dual-motor setups, and you should choose a shifting mechanism that matches your skill level and the desired realism because servo-actuated gear changes are simple to operate but proportional transmissions deliver a more convincing drive feel.
Setup and maintenance are the unsung heroes of reliable hauling, so regularly check gearbox lubrication and backlash, keep tyre pressure consistent for predictable handling, test towing behaviour at low speed before attempting heavy loads, and balance your trailer to maintain safe tracking and reduce wear.
Follow me on: Facebook | Instagram.
Troubleshooting RC Trucks and Haulers: Gearboxes, Trailers and Multi-Speed Systems.
Troubleshooting RC Trucks and Haulers: Gearboxes, Trailers and Multi-Speed Systems.
RC trucks and haulers are rewarding to build and drive but they also combine many failure points into a single machine, so a structured troubleshooting approach saves time and money.
Start with the gearbox when you hear grinding, whining or intermittent loss of drive, because most propulsion problems originate there.
Diagnose gearbox noise by isolating the drive train and running step tests, listening first with the wheels off the ground to determine whether the sound comes from the motor, gearbox bearings, or the gearing itself.
Inspect gear mesh and backlash visually and by hand, looking for chipped teeth, metal filings, loose screws, or a bent input shaft as these are common culprits; cleaning, proper lubrication and replacing worn pinions or differential gears will often restore smooth operation.
Multi-speed transmissions add realism but also introduce shifting problems, and common faults include misaligned shift collars, binding linkages, insufficient servo torque and worn synchroniser dogs, so check neutral positions, clean the selector mechanism and test the servo movement with a paddled lever before reassembling.
Trailers and couplings are another frequent headache for hobbyists because faults can present as steering pull or slippage, and the usual checks are to verify fifth-wheel alignment, ensure secure electrical contacts through the bulkhead and reprofile or re-bush articulated joints to remove binding while keeping scale motion.
Scale detail improves appearance but often causes unintentional interference with moving parts, so if bumpers, fuel tanks or accessories contact tyres, drive shafts or linkage then trim, add spacers or remount items using low-profile fixings; if you want build photos and parts sources I document many practical fixes on my blog at WatDaFeck for reference and inspiration.
Preventative maintenance will save you from repeat visits to the workbench, so carry a short checklist including fresh grease for the gearbox, checking bearing play, tightening mountings, verifying servo centring and testing multi-speed shifts under load on a test bench before a full trial run.
Follow me on: Facebook | Instagram.
For the WIP thing:
Carlos Family Fic and Hauler doc? 🥺
Hauler Doc is an ongoing document of me attempting to write what I hope one day will amount to a comic. It's a mixture of a shifting outline, scraps of formally written parts, character descriptions, in-story mockuments, ideas or inspiration, etc etc. basically a catch all for anything I come across / make in relation to them so I don't forget anything.
Here's are 2 excerpts -
Carlos Family Fic is pretty self explanatory - I have a finished fic of Cecil meeting Carlos' family outside of Night Vale . I was interested in the idea of Cecil's Night Valian weirdness representing his queerness, and the inherent tie between the two. I wanted to treat Night Vale as a place that brings out the parts of you that have remain hidden - and because Cecil is the embodiment of Night Vale, he brings epiphanies to each of Carlos' family members in some way or another and they all grow a fondness for him. The vibe I was going for was the early 2013's version of Cecil where he is a dork, sure, but he's got that classic otherworldliness about him where he somehow knows things, can put anyone at ease, and can be whatever you want/ need him to be.
And. you know. the fact that Carlos disappeared for x amount of years and his family dealing with him building a life somewhere else and cecil IS fucking weird to outsiders standards. bc. well you know!
tbh im not gonna post an excerpt of that bc its v old and my writing was very.............underbaked imo
RC Trucks and Haulers: Practical Tips for Gearboxes, Trailers and Scale Detail
RC Trucks and Haulers: Practical Tips for Gearboxes, Trailers and Scale Detail
If you are into RC trucks and haulers as a hobby, the details make the difference between a fun model and a convincing scale recreation, and this guide focuses on practical tips for gearboxes, trailers, scale detail and multi-speed systems to help you get the best performance and appearance from your builds.
Choose the right gearbox for the job by starting from the intended use of the model, as crawlers and heavy haulers need robust metal gears and high reduction ratios while lighter, scale-running models can make do with plastic gears and higher final drive speeds, and remember that gear mesh, shimming and backlash are just as important as the material of the gears when it comes to longevity and smooth operation.
Consider multi-speed systems early in the design so that gearing and motor choice match the transmission, with mechanical two-speed gearboxes giving authentic shifting feel and dedicated multi-speed units offering scale operation, while ESC-based electronic shifting and programmable throttle curves provide reliable low-speed torque without the mechanical complexity, but be aware that shifting under heavy load will stress gears and drive components so tune ratios and shift points conservatively.
Trailers change the whole dynamic of a truck, so pay attention to coupling type, tongue weight and articulation, use a ball or pintle hitch sized to the scale load, fit the trailer with a generous wheelbase and suspension travel to follow your towing truck, and distribute mass low and central to reduce sway and the risk of jackknifing during manoeuvres.
Scale detail sells the model, so add practical finishes such as working lights, mirrors, mudflaps, realistic loads and weathering to enhance authenticity, and if you want build diaries and parts lists to copy or adapt, take a look at my project page at WatDaFeck for reference and ideas that you can apply to your own conversions.
Before hitting the trail, test and tune: check wheel alignment and driveline angles, set diffs to the correct preload for your application, program ESC endpoints and braking for scale responses, perform slow shakedown runs to reveal weak points in gears or couplings, and carry a compact spares kit with pinion and spur gears, pick-up bits and a small toolkit to keep a run going without long delays.
Follow me on: Facebook | Instagram.
