I'm building the Tamiya Grand Hauler. I've got the chassis done. Now I have to wait to get the mfc-02 before I can finish the build. Save yourself some headache and wait until you get the mfc-03 before you build it,but go ahead and get the painting done up. I will tell you that dry fitting and mocking it up will help ensure a good finish as well as the proper fitment. As far as the silver can supplied motor. You might find it a bit on the fast side. I've talked to a few gentlemen that have built a few of these trucks. They recommend the 35 turn brushed crawler motor.

I have built 3 of them now. Always build them with the mfc. It is possible to put it in afterwards but you would definitely have to backtrack a bit. The cab takes as long as the chassis so definitely easier to be installing the lights as you go.

You are just finishing this up as I post, had to go back and watch the whole thing. Beautiful build ! After a year of Crawlers and Bouncers, this year I want to tackle a Custom DAKAR build using my new 3D Printer, and a build like this maybe for the Fall 2022 for the beauty and challenge.

Easier to put MFU in while building, it's also a esc if you didn't know. Silver can is way to fast. People put 80 turn motors in I have a 55 turn. Basically all the trucks have the same chassis just different bodies. Loads of fun to build. You'll love it

Do the MFU at the same time as the build. Also, add the tanker trailer. The three axle trailers are super hard as far as turning, but if you just have to have a box trailer just build it with two axle's. Also, the auto landing gear add on kit for the trailers are nice to watch but can scratch the fenders on the tractor. Tamiya recommends NOT to put the fenders on the tractor if the auto legs are used. By the way, when adding the MFU while building, follow the MFU directions both with the kit and the MFU. Tamiya MFU's are well worth the extra money.

Best to add mfu during the build to be honest. 80t motor with the mfu works very well. I tend to use Carson Poison motors in my trucks.

I built the Knight Hauler a few months ago and I would 100% recommend getting the MFC kit as you have a lot of threading through cables and placing the boxes which you would have to almost take it apart to fit anyway.

You should get the 40ft container trailer and make it a Mercedes F1 support truck , I’m sure you could get a toy grade 1/14 F1 car to convert into hobby grade

I can't wait to see this build, hope it's going to be a in depth build. I would invest in bearings also.

Well done love the way present it keep up the good work

I have built two trucks and I suggest the MFC as your building the truck as taking it apart after things are together is a pain in the butt!!!

From what I understand it is much easier to fit the electronics whilst building rather than afterwards. Looking forward to this one 👍 Hobbyconcepts llc channel is a good place to look for info on these kits 👌🏻

I’ve built lots of these and, while it is easier to install the MFC now, it is no real problem doing it later. Getting a Tamiya TR-Tuned motor is also well worth the money.

Fit the mfc whilst build the truck fit poison motor cheep option for sound and light kit get a GTPOWER Kits get them on eBay around £50

Cannot wait to see this build as I think this is one of the things Tamiya does really well! I also love the more modern look of this truck 👍🏼

If the real one can pull 250 tons, then the 14th scale version should be able to pull at least 17 tons, right? Maybe you could test that when it’s done 😄

Im looking forward to seeing you build this. They are alot of work but worth it when done.

I just built the Grand Hauler and I do have some recommendations - Yes get the MFC to go in while you build it, It will be fiddly to put it all in after the build is completed - it can be done but easier to do when building it. Yes, do get a high turn motor, like 65 or 80 turn. I put in a 35 turn crawler motor into mine and I will probably be pulling that out and putting in a 80 turn in mine. The 35 turn motor is still way to fast in 3rd gear. you will end up leaving it in first gear all the time. Go ahead and get the bearing kit for it. When you go to build this kit, have A LOT of room to do it! I had to bring another table in to have enough room for things and my bench is about the same size as your. It will take a lot of time to get it all built so you are going to have dedicate a solid couple days to get it all built and finished! Lastly go ahead and do as much painting up front to allow the paint to be fully cured before getting to the steps in the manual where you need to start assembling the pieces to the body. Nothing worse then pressing a thumb print into tender paint when trying to wrap up the build! It is going to be a very involved build but you will love it! I have had a blast building mine and the last build video will be out this weekend! I have to get it out and take running video of it, I literally got it 99% completed today!!

I've built quite a few of then1/14 scale trucks, mostly commissioned builds form real companies... Oil Shock are pointless and make the ride way too hard, the 2 5th wheel are for a stock build and the other is for the MFC-03 switch althoughtnyou will get more option 5th wheel plates in the MFC kit, Carson Poison 80t motor is the best motor I've found for them and fit the MFC as you build, I've got loads of videos on this subject on my channel.... just take your time and enjoy...

These truck are crazy fun I have two and two dump trucks one with crane . Also it dose take a while to build . The silver can is to fast I run either 35t or 55t depending on what transmission I run . For sound there are much better sound unites then the mfu look up servonaute and even ess one. Also you really really need to look into a company called lesu you'd fall off your seat with to coolness and lastly the oil shocks are not really worth it the suspension isn't really like on a car or crawler the rear is pretty much a walking beam . And the front is fine even with out any shocks . You will have fun but it's a really different type of mind set with these then with cars. Ps these little guys are crazy strong!

Yes, finally Gavin gets into the challenging builds! Can't wait to see how you get along with the build! Fitting the MFC is always much easier to do while you're first builing it, retrofitting means ripping most of the truck apart again to get all the lights in and all the wires where you want them to go. Also, the speaker mounts into the cab on top of the main section and is hidden by the top sleeper section of the cab... There are cheaper Chinese made alternatives to the MFC available, you can find them on banggood for instance. Which ever way you choose, use threadlock on every metal to metal connection you make, as the vibrationmotor will shake the truck apart if you don't. Good idea on getting a trailer! The tank trailer is a really beautiful kit, nearly all metal, however I think the design and layout of this trailer is more suited for an American style truck. The container trailer, which is even more expensive, is more of the European type of trailer you'd find on the roads here. Don't forget to buy a trailer light set before you start your build, you'll need to put a socket for the lights into your truck cab. The stock silver can makes these trucks way too fast, which can be fun if you like speed and all that, but Tamiya also offer some higher turn motors for these trucks. You can fit a CR tuned crawlermotor, a TR tuned truck motor, or the motor of choice for Tamiya's heavier truck kits like the Volvo tow truck, that's the Mighty tuned motor. Or just any high turn motor, just make sure you don't go over the top with it when you decide to fit an MFC. On top of the higher turn motor you can also get an high torque conversion set which has an altered motormountplate and a smaller pinion. In my opinion the oil shocks hardly add anything to the kit apart from a lot of money as you need 3 sets. I've put them on my Volvo timber truck, but it doesn't seem to change the suspension much, as most of the work is done by the leafsprings anyway. About the gearbox, I saw you use all ball bearings in the one in the F350, but please don't do that again. It's probably also mentioned in the manual, but don't use the two 1260 ball bearings in the sliding shifting gears (or however you'd call these), the opaque white hard nylon parts I mean. Ball bearings aren't meant to slide back and forth, so using them everywhere can in time ruin the gearbox. Just stick with the brass bushings here and don't forget to glue them in well. These kits are highly detailed and look absolutely stunning when you do all the little things, so I'm looking forward to see how good your modelling skills are!

Beautiful presentation 👍❤️

Looking forward to watching this always wanted to build one of these tamiya trucks 👍

Would also really like to see how the 3 speed gearbox works on these for when you build it

OMG what a behemoth :) can't wait to se you bild that one :)

Definitely not a small task to install MFU after the truck is built. I also didn’t care for the MFU at all. On my trucks now, I do separate lighting (from GT Power) and sound (Dual ESS). Works so much better, gives the ability to use lipo as well as brushless if you like. Plus, about 1/3 the cost. If you’re going to stay brushed any 55-80t crawler motor will work. For brushless, I’d stay at 1200kv and under.

This looks awesome....can't wait to see more of this being built.....put the MFU on while you build it....seems it would be easier.....have fun and be safe👍

Hobbies for all would be the one you want to talk to pertaining to your new rig.

Tamiya bushings in a $450+ kit. Why am I not surprised😂😂🤪

Also. When you install the mfc unit while you're building the kit,instead of drilling the 5mm holes,remove the plug at the end of the wiring harness and passing just the wires through the hole then reinstall the plug. You can gently push the connectors in a bit on the plug and they will pull out the back. I would recommend watching a few videos from a gentleman named Bob. His channel is hobby concepts I believe that's right. You could type in much unit install and I'm sure a few of his build videos will pop up.

You need lights and sound before building You change out parts with sound unit. Lights goes in stages.

U put the MFU in while building it as the wires need to be hidden in the chassis rails and the actual mfu unit goes in the cab so it's easier to fit while there's no cab on it

Keep it up 20 sub

Gavs,might be too late but regards lights and sound,have a look at the GT POWER unit. I have the Tamiya mfc euro in Scania,over priced with crap sound. Got a grand hauler so bought a beier unit, Great in all areas BUT very hard to programme. My next truck will get a GT POWER. Some poo poo it but seen a couple of good vids lately on this uit and when done correct it as good as the Tamiya. noidea yet on availability in the UK.

Probably built over 200 Tamiya trucks, I build around one a week ! Save yourself £200 and use the GT power multi function unit. Definitely fit it as you build the truck though. I usually have one for sale on eBay.

30 to 50 turn motor for sure. These models need lights and sou ds for sure also. Tamiya mfc unit easiest to fit BUT not great sound expensive for what you get, better stuff out there but bit more work

If you think you overspend some money on the fix and flip project, just wait until you are done with your first truck LoL. Great choice of truck and nice unboxing, cant wait for the build series.

I have only built one truck. I did not want to buy a trailer, so I got the Mercedes 1850 box truck. It is basically the same thing but no trailer. I painted mine with the LEGO theme. Thoughts?

Having built a few trucks I would advise you to get MFU first but there are other parts for sound and lights witch are cheaper and can still give you that sound and light affect

Hi Gavin, that is a great looking rig! Wow! The parts seem to be endless. I’m looking to get a rig, trailer and MFU unit too. I’ve had your channel already on my subscribe list and that bell notification- done ✅. Great video presentation. Enjoy the build 😉👌

By the MFC before you build it and I would recommend a 55 turn motor

Gavin.... MUCH easier to fit the MFU whilst building! The LED wiring alone is VAST and integrated into the Body and Chassis. Sure, it CAN be done - but it will require massive deconstruction. 😖😣 BE GENEROUS WITH THREADLOCK!!!! If you fit the MFU, the Vibration Motor WILL shaking to pieces. ...... If you wanted to be creative - you can fit a F350 Front Axle, and make your Truck a 6X6!! 😎 (also fitting a Transfer Case) Welcome to the Addiction! I've spent almost $2000 on my Grand Hauler build so far - and NOT done yet!! 😵😳 (VERY custom)

carson poison motor 80t i think i have in mine

You HAVE to fit the MFU at the same time .. otherwise you'll be taking a whole heap apart .. Have a look at the GT power light sound and vibration kit as it can be found for as little as £43

Me personally I like a longer build I got a sense that we're going to be in here for a while I'm glad that we're going to be together on this whole situation I don't like the black though I think you shouldn't do it black and red like rckicks Style I like this side part it reminds me of that little tape recorder from Home Alone whenever he had that little button on the side to turn up the volume on that little voice recorder I like secret compartments just don't tell no one Gavin you set me up for that it reminds me of you got your face all over it I would say a perfect build just like a perfect match incoming amazingly amazing thanks for the great content buddy🤓👍🇺🇸🌠 goodness gracious Great Balls of Fire for the fire department wowser

Hi good vidio but get mfc 03 before build its easier ! But the 2 trailer's you like how about reefer trailer . I know it's long but it is a long build good luck .if you need help let me know I have 5

I think it's gonna take more than a week to build this one. Definitely get the MFU before you build. Trying to retrofit later will not be fun. Looking forward to the build.

you can refit it, but its a lot of taking bits off and remounting stuff, drilling hoes (for the top lightbar and lower lightbar). A cheaper option is the GT Power Pro control unit at a little over a hundred quid. this has the nice touch of being able to connect to your phone via bluetooth to change settings and turn lights on and off etc. If you're not careful you'll end up wanting to build an interior, light the dashboard up etc etc. The benefit of something like the GT Power Pro unit is the speaker unit will fit easily in the top roof, and the main board behind a false wall. the speaker unit of the tamiya mfc is giant.

I didn't see the chassis rails anywhere. Does that model come with metal chassis rails?

Hey gav, I've just finished my third truck, don't get the tamiya mfu, there's an aftermarket one you can fit which is Bluetooth around 70 off ebay much better 👍😎 from gt power

i have built grand hauler last year. it is better to build it along with mfc03 as you go. the wiring will be attached to the rear and front bumper as you put together the kit. i use flysky 6 channel transmitter to control the lights, sound, movements and loading and unloading the trailer unit in the rear. i even installed extra spring on the control stick on the right to self centering. this is needed since it uses right stick for throttle input. u can also bind two receivers at the same time for signal lights in the trailer and the truck itself. it is just a shelf queen collecting dust for myself since i cannot really see myself taking this out on the street and play it. it's too fragile for that.

Electronics while you build it. Loads of after market bits and a bobs. You can get the merc logo as a light, if you want to go down that rabbit hole. What colour you spraying it?

Yes you can add the MFU after BUT…. You basically have to pull a lot of the components back off to install it. It’s much easier to add it while you’re building it the first time.

Not interested in trucks but that is definitely going to be an interesting build, I look forward to it 👍.

I've fitted an 80 turn motor in my grand hauler.

I would also say get the MFU and fit it as you build, or it'll be a nightmare to do it afterwards.... Very nice kit though! Ooh, and looking at the price you'll end up paying, I reckon that your better half might need another really, really nice handbag ;)

Motor= Holmes hobbies 550 16 turn trail master sport on 2s.

I have the single rear wheel Scania in metallic orange... Did get the m.f.u. in euro version... I built it but will say my m.f.u is not installed as I kind of got it to running then didn't bother finishing it .. it's on my list to get back to at some point in time.... I did buy a trailer which is the flat bed with the chains on posts .did also buy the electronic motorised legs but actually forgot I bought it . Was stashed inside the trucks box...

Oil dampers for shur.

And where are chassis rails? Did I miss something? Im looking forward to this one, it will be huge.

I never built one of these (hope to do so some day) but if you want realism I'd rather go for the container trailer than the tank trailer. That would fit more to the European Actros.

I built one. It's a lot easier while building the kit. That is putting in the light and sound system.

The most common motor is a Carson poisen motore or a crawler motor 55 turn or higher m8 don not get the mfu there a pain to do n take up lovers room u can put any esc in but lot people use servanort systems not that cheep but rearly easy to do n very very good I run a truck club in rawtenstall there grate fun u can go for a hurculies hobbys trailer there the same as tamiya but cheaper they r good kits as well m8 have fun buildin it m8 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤞🤞🤞

80T crawler motor for a scale truck speed.

Could of got an arrma kraton for that 😂😂 gunna be a crazy build 👍

Would be great if they did a car transporter trailer that you could put cars on but I suspect even the 1/12 cars would be too big

Jason Kohlmeier I have built one with the trailer but it’s a shelf queen. It works and runs but I didn’t do the sounds etc. what’s the point if it sits on my shelf? Working as a mechanic it would be to me about the same either way, however there are two sides to this. If you build it and run the wires super clean etx and part of it fails it’s a annoying taking it all out. Or like most real cars you have that as well and also they are just thrown in there (aka ford is known for this and so are some vw aka bmw audi etc), anyway if it’s going to be a pure shelf queen you should build it at the time but will definitely hinder your time. Also to each person we all have ways we do thing etc, but again if it like your others I’d do a trailer and call it quits. There is also a cheaper electric version for sounds then the tamiya one. I’m pretty sure you should have ten tires and six which I think you said.

U have two fifth wheels standard one and one for servo release as far as mfu u have gt power / beier or sevonaught which are a lot smaller than tamiya mfu any other questions go on to forums on Facebook loads out there all very helpful motors high torque puller motor

Carson poison motor 80turn

Gav where was the chassis??

Easier to add the MFC during construction. It can be done after assembly but will require a fair amount of disassembly

Painting first

When are finishing off the Ford f50

Did I miss the chassis rails?

Put the electronics in as you build.

Where is the kit made?

Great video Gavin as always, I really need to stop watching your channel as every time I see a new review I want to go out and buy a new kit and my wife just doesn't get it :(

Those trucks are heavy.

Fit a Transpeed motor, make it a drag truck in disguise

55 or 80 turns motor

Rick before you build that Mercedes truck check out hobby concepts rc on KZfaq that is all he build he goes into detail on all those mfc

Buy all the hop-ups and plan out your paint. Only then build. Once it's done it is EVIL to upgrade. You do not want speed. Speed = bad things. Silver can is no good.

Tamiya - the finest in 21st century crappy plastic bushings...

Chuffed about the truck, but then you had a ruin it saying you’re a Mercedes fan. If you said you were a Hamilton fan as well, I would have unsubscribed. Ha ha