Trak racer tr160 or build my own?
- Thread starter Rnb1
- Start date
Generic 80/20 rigs like Simlab P1-X and Trak Racer TR160 area great value for money. If you don't dabble in 80/20 a lot, then it's hard to beat their prices.
However if you have time on your hands then a DIY will get you a better rig. You can do all kinds of stuff like adjust the length, add hinged areas to make ingress/ egress easier or mix and match components.
e.g Buy a Trak Racer pedal tray, a SimCore Wheel mount, SimLab Triple Monitor Mount and customise your own 80/20 lengths will get you a better rig.
However if you have time on your hands then a DIY will get you a better rig. You can do all kinds of stuff like adjust the length, add hinged areas to make ingress/ egress easier or mix and match components.
e.g Buy a Trak Racer pedal tray, a SimCore Wheel mount, SimLab Triple Monitor Mount and customise your own 80/20 lengths will get you a better rig.
Upvote
0
Since you're in the UK, consider RD authorised vendor Racing Sim Rigs. They offer a great value even shipped to the States.
I only see clear anodized aluminum profile but they do offer complete rig powder coating in the color of your choice for an additional GBP 150. Maybe ontact them to see if they will can bulid you a rig from black anodized profile.
I only see clear anodized aluminum profile but they do offer complete rig powder coating in the color of your choice for an additional GBP 150. Maybe ontact them to see if they will can bulid you a rig from black anodized profile.
Upvote
0
Also, I have built several 80/20 rigs with no previous experience. Aluminum extrusion is truly an adult Erector set. I have copied and borrowed layouts and bits from all kinds of posts and sites. I am constantly looking at commercial offerings and ideas which appear on this site. (Be sure to check out RCHeliGuy's ever evolving rig.) This stuff is addicting!
I agree with the suggestions of others to augment stock profiles with custom plates from the well known rig suppliers.
That all said, the profile rig vendors must buy their extrusions and hardware at tremendous discounts because it is difficult to DIY one cheaper.
I agree with the suggestions of others to augment stock profiles with custom plates from the well known rig suppliers.
That all said, the profile rig vendors must buy their extrusions and hardware at tremendous discounts because it is difficult to DIY one cheaper.
Upvote
0
Has Trak Racer sorted out their shipping issues yet? When I saw the reviews of their stuff earlier in June all the receivers had scratches and damage to the paintwork and missing parts. They seemed to be good value but also kind of problematic even to the extent where they were telling buyers to buy the missing bolts locally and they would refund that much.
Upvote
0
My experience:
I went halfway with it. Following the dimensions in the TR160 assembly instructions (it's on their site), I ordered regular (i.e. not black) 15-series 80/20 from Tnutz.com (highly recommended, best prices on 80/20 in North America based on my research, you just have to do some imperial to metric conversion) and ordered the DD Wheel mount, Shifter Mount and Pedal Deck from TR (will use my current seat for now). Also ordered these from Amazon to help move the rig around during cleaning/maintenance.
I ordered everything on the 6th and 7th of August. Other than Tnutz saying 1 part would need backordering, everything was in stock on both sites...key point to remember.
For the 80/20 I just reduced the main base to 4.5" bars (equivalent to 120mm as opposed to TR's 160mm) and the seat supports to 1.5" (40mm equivalent as opposed to TR's 80mm), everything else was to spec.
(Please note: I live outside the US so I have to wait 1-2 weeks extra to receive my orders from Miami by sea)
80/20 is 80/20 so I don't mind not having the all black rig (I actually prefer the two-tone look now). Saved about $150 USD doing it this way, but it took nearly 2 months for In-stock parts to be delivered to a US address. It might have been less headaches with SimLab, but a little more expensive with shipping from Europe.
I went halfway with it. Following the dimensions in the TR160 assembly instructions (it's on their site), I ordered regular (i.e. not black) 15-series 80/20 from Tnutz.com (highly recommended, best prices on 80/20 in North America based on my research, you just have to do some imperial to metric conversion) and ordered the DD Wheel mount, Shifter Mount and Pedal Deck from TR (will use my current seat for now). Also ordered these from Amazon to help move the rig around during cleaning/maintenance.
I ordered everything on the 6th and 7th of August. Other than Tnutz saying 1 part would need backordering, everything was in stock on both sites...key point to remember.
For the 80/20 I just reduced the main base to 4.5" bars (equivalent to 120mm as opposed to TR's 160mm) and the seat supports to 1.5" (40mm equivalent as opposed to TR's 80mm), everything else was to spec.
(Please note: I live outside the US so I have to wait 1-2 weeks extra to receive my orders from Miami by sea)
- The Tnutz 80/20 and parts arrived in Miami on Aug 14.
- Backordered Tnutz part arrived Sept 1.
- The Pedal Deck (which was "In Stock" on Aug 7) arrived Sept 1 to Miami. A few screws were missing, but they sent more parts and a free cup holder and cable management clips a few weeks later, so pedal deck was finally added to rig last week and fits perfectly. The pedal deck is rock solid.
- Wheel Mount and Shifter Mount (also "in stock" on Aug 7) arrived Sept 18 and 21. My shipping company said those two packages didn't have my name on it (compared to the pedal deck shipment), so they've had it in storage for 3 weeks now...should ship this week, so not sure who's at fault between TR and shipping company.
80/20 is 80/20 so I don't mind not having the all black rig (I actually prefer the two-tone look now). Saved about $150 USD doing it this way, but it took nearly 2 months for In-stock parts to be delivered to a US address. It might have been less headaches with SimLab, but a little more expensive with shipping from Europe.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
After owning several rigs, I finally made my own out of wood a couple of months ago. Best decision ever.
Upvote
0
Dont mess with trakracer unless you have time and want a headache. They have tons of missing parts and you will have trouble getting it on time. I bought a TR80 and took three months to get it all there.
You will eventually get it the product...just will have to do some waiting and some emailing/phone calls to get the whole product in your possession.
You will eventually get it the product...just will have to do some waiting and some emailing/phone calls to get the whole product in your possession.
Upvote
0
