Mastering Camber Angle: Why Your RC Car Isn't Flat on the Track
Hey Racers! Ever wonder why pro-level RC cars don't run perfectly vertical wheels? That intentional tilt is camber angle - your secret weapon for cornering grip.Tune smarter, not harder! Let's break it down:
Negative Camber: The Cornering Catalyst
Unlike vintage vehicles (or your scale truck), modern RC cars use negative camber - wheels tilted INWARD at the top. Here's why it dominates:
1.Dynamic Contact Patch
When cornering hard, centrifugal force rolls your chassis outward. Negative camber makes the outside wheel (which bears 80%+ load) sit FLATTER against the track surface.
→ *Result: 20-30% more grip mid-corner*
2.The Straight-Line Tradeoff
Yes, extreme negative camber increases inner tire wear on pavement. But in RC:
• Our tires are consumables
• We prioritize corner speed over tire life
• *Pro Tip: 1.5°-2.5° camber balances wear/grip*
Positive Camber: When It Applies
Some crawlers/trucks use slight positive camber (wheels tilted OUTWARD):
• Better straight-line stability
• Reduced inner tire scrub on loose surfaces
• Note: Rare in competitive track vehicles
RC-Specific Tuning Truths
Camber Isn't Standalone! It interacts with:
• Toe angles (Adjust together!)
• Kingpin inclination (Affects steering self-centering)
• Tire compound (High-grip = less camber needed)
With proper alignment:
• Negative camber reduces shoulder wear on banked turns
• Always check inner tread after 10 battery packs
• Rotate tires clockwise/counter-clockwise between qualifiers
