Rovan Class 1 cage/body impressions

[Bryan K.]

Hey guys,

I just installed this last night after waiting 2 1/2 months for it to be shipped from China. No idea why it took so long, but anyways, just wanted to share some pics and feedback about the kit since I don't see many around.

Quality and fitment is great! I'm actually surprised how well thought out everything is. All the hardware was complete and fit pretty well. The panels were advertised in carbon fiber pattern but arrived jet black which is fine with me. Comes with the front bumper and light pods, cage, body panels, mounts and side body trays. The kit was way more involved than I expected. It actually took quite a bit of time to install. I also had to ditch my metal front shock tower mount and swap it for the stock plastic one as it requires the body/bumper posts mounts on the shock tower. The only issue I have is my CPI exhaust touches part of the cage in the back. It'll definitely melt it if I don't dremmel it or maybe wrap the exhaust in heat wrap. The gas cap is also a bit more of a pain to get access to. Engine, plugs, carb, etc have easy access through the large opening in the cage in the back.

The cage mounts to the front body posts in the front shock tower then through 2 custom included body mounts on the side, then uses the 2 rear body posts into the rear section of the bumper/cage. They'll all attached using body clips, no screws. I'm not sure how'll they'll hold up after some bashing. I would have prefered something a bit more sturdy/permanent. The front of the body is adjustable through the body posts, but not the side or rear.

Anyways, pleasantly surprised by a Rovan product. It's definitely a quality kit. Is it a copy of a well known kit? I have no idea, just fit my price budget and looked pretty cool I thought. I had the bulky heavy metal Rovan cage before but wanted to keep the weight down with this plastic cage. Seems really flexible so should take a beating.

 

[STOMP5150]

I got myself one of those to for my HPI 5t. I liked the look of it, and I'm doing some mods on mine. the spare and wheels and tires are not the ones that will be put on it when its done

 

[Bryan K.]

Looks good. Did you use the spare tire wheel mount for the DBXL? I wasn't sure which mount it used.

I found the proportions a bit odd with the Baja tires. I might swap to the 5T tires which are taller.

 

[Seandonato73]

I think it looks ok. Nice toner they have a decent kit out.

 

[Bryan K.]

There are better looking kits out there for sure, but this one was under $200 Cdn.. Not much available for that money.

 

[Z.hb71]

I got myself one of those to for my HPI 5t. I liked the look of it, and I'm doing some mods on mine. the spare and wheels and tires are not the ones that will be put on it when its doneView attachment 56354View attachment 56355View attachment 56358View attachment 56356View attachment 56358

Hey dude I remember you from Facebook, im "zeehan hb" I believe we talked once or twice ?

 

[STOMP5150]

Looks good. Did you use the spare tire wheel mount for the DBXL? I wasn't sure which mount it used.

I found the proportions a bit odd with the Baja tires. I might swap to the 5T tires which are taller.

I made my own mount, I got skinny tires coming for the front and rear, I agree the wide in the rear don't look right

 

[Bryan K.]

Are you going to go with the front 5B tires all around or going for the taller 5T tires? I think I'm going to go for the Trencher 5T fronts all around. My only concern is the loss of traction in the rear and the excessive ballooning with the taller tires. On the plus side, you'll be able to do a proper tire rotation. I'll be able to swap tires with my DBXL then as well!

I'm just going to order the spare tire mount meant for the DBXL, I think they're all universal. My exhaust at the top touches the top of the cage, so I wonder if it'll melt my tires too. I'm going to wire up the front bumper spot lights too. I have the same ones mounted to the roof on my DBXL and they are insanely bright. I can literally play at the park when it's pitch black at night.

 

[Seandonato73]

Tape your tires mate, ballooning will be a thing of the past.

 

[Bryan K.]

Tape your tires mate, ballooning will be a thing of the past.

I've tried taping the foams on the rear of the baja tires with Gorilla tape. It works for a short time until the tape unraveled and bunched up on one side causing a big bulge in the tire then ultimately causing uneven tire wear. I never had any ballooning issues on my DBXL. I think it's only an issue on RWD and the Baja's extreme body roll exacerbating the open diff effect in the corners thus causing the lifted tire to balloon excessively. I'm convinced the DDM 0 growth tires are the answer, but I just don't feel like paying that much for them.

 

[Seandonato73]

Nah mate turn the tires inside out, buff them with some sand paper, clean them off with rubbing alcohol and tape the tires. I had ballooning issues a long time ago and started taping the tires. Actually I tape all my rc tires except my rock crawler. I have taped foams with mixed results. Normally about 3 wraps around the tire then I'm good to go.