Torque Twist Management
Torque twist is a common issue in RC crawlers, particularly in those with high-torque motors. It occurs when the motor's torque causes the vehicle to twist or rotate on its axis, making it difficult to maintain stability and traction while climbing obstacles.
Torque twist can leave you frustrated and it’s easy to see why. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to minimize or eliminate torque twist:
Weight distribution: Ensure that the weight distribution on your RC crawler is balanced. You can achieve this by adjusting the placement of the battery, electronics, and any additional components. Proper weight distribution can help reduce the tendency for torque twist.
Lower gear ratio: Lowering the gear ratio can reduce the amount of torque being transferred to the wheels. This can be achieved by installing a smaller pinion gear or a larger spur gear. However, keep in mind that a lower gear ratio may sacrifice some top speed, so find the right balance that works for your crawling needs.
Dual motor setup: Using a dual motor setup with each motor powering one axle independently can help distribute the torque more evenly, reducing the twist effect. Some RC crawlers come with pre-installed dual motor setups for this purpose.
Weight additions: Adding weights to the front or rear of the crawler can also help balance the torque. You can use specialized weight plates or simply attach small weights to the chassis until you achieve better stability.
Suspension tuning: Properly tuning the suspension can have a significant impact on torque twist. Experiment with different shock positions, spring rates, and oil viscosity to find the right setup for your crawler.
Traction management: Improve the traction of your crawler by using high-quality tires with softer compounds. Soft tires can grip better and help reduce the effect of torque twist.
Electronics adjustments: Some electronic speed controllers (ESCs) have features like drag brake and punch control. Adjusting these settings can help manage the power delivery and reduce torque twist.
Anti-torque brackets: Some RC crawler manufacturers offer anti-torque brackets as optional upgrades. These brackets can be installed on the axle housing to counteract the twisting forces.
Throttle control: Learning to modulate the throttle smoothly can make a significant difference. Gradually apply power instead of abrupt full-throttle inputs to reduce the likelihood of torque twist.
Try these methods one by one or in combination until you find the best solution that suits your RC crawler's setup and terrain. Always remember to consider the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines while making modifications or adjustments to your RC crawler.
