Running In Sand Tips / By Jeff Snyder

Sand running tips #2 -keeping the sand out. By Jeff Snyder

Here is my helpful tips for keeping sand or of your car when running the dunes, beach or anywhere there might be sand...

You can't! Sand will get everywhere and into everything! You can't keep it out. But. ..you can take some preventitive steps to lessen the amount of sand you get.

Sand gets everywhere. Take a walk on the beach and find out. Just on your person, you get sand in your shoe. Sand on your feet, between your toes, on your hands, arm hair, ears on your scalp....your rc cars gets the same thing. Sand gets into the tires, into the foam in the tires. In the spur/pinion gear. Into the ball cups, link ends. In the chassis, on the shocks, in the battery tray, in the reciever box and even into the tranny case.

Your best defense is a good offense here. As i spoke last time, sealing up your rims will help stop sand from getting in (but it will still find its way in...lol). Venting the TIRES helps get the sand out. A 1/8th inch hole(s) 180 degrees apart and in the center of the carcass is best. This will allow centrifugal force to throw the sand and dirt out as the tire spins.

Dont use grease anywhere on the outside of your car. The only place grease should be, is inside the tranny. And only use enough to lubricate. Dont go crazy. If lubrication is needed outside the tranny, look at something like graphite.

Clean your car before you go to make sure there is no oils on the shocks or chassis. Even old wiped away oils can attract dirt and sand. Clean it with soap and water (or your choice of cleaners), but get it clean and dry before the sand flies.

If you have a chassis shroud, use it. Old used nylons can be made to work if needed.

Do not use a gear cover on 2wd models. Sand will get in there and grind away the spur/pinion teeth. It doesnt come out, but rather bounce around inside there.

I would also suggest using your most basher friendly car. I run Traxxas brand models. They are easy to work on, virtually have a never ending aftermarket support, metal tranny gears and almost every local hobby shop (lhs) has a selection of parts for them.

And finally, be prepared for the environment. Dress appropriately, bring some spare parts and tools.