Absolutely fun right out of the box. Running this with a 5000mah 25c lipo and it last for a good 25 minutes racing on a big dirt track. Plenty of power and seems durable, after flipping it end over end many times at close to full speed it keeps on going. Very satisfied with the Kyosho Mad Van, especially for its price.
I’ve been in the rc hobby since being a kid in the 80’s.... I’ve got to have at least 60 rc vehicles in my collection now.. The mad van is an awesome rc. Being very simple as having a brushed motor and waterproof electronics. The included spoiler, wheelie bar and other decal scheme are great bonuses.... The rtr radio is one of the best designed and included in a rtr... I’ve been bashing this van like crazy with no complaints... nothing has broken!
Great looking basher from Kyosho. After running a couple of packs I’ve noticed the following. The dog bones can pop out of the hub upon light impact and as result the hub get Boogered up. Also my front left shock leaked from just sitting there. Kyosho sent me a new shock so props to them for taking care of that. Will need to upgrade to the CV style shafts that Kyosho offers as an upgrade.Also the side wall of both rear rims have cracked despite no side impacts. Other than that this thing is a blast and handles really well. Looking forward to going brushless for a little extra power.
I've bought 3 of these for my boys and at first they were a lot of fun till they broke the front suspension arm. I thought no problem, until I tried to find spare parts. Out of stock everywhere! It's been months and still no parts available. As others have mentioned in their reviews, the dog bones in the front can easily pop out with lite impact and easily lost. Yes, The dog bones are out of stock too! I've just had to cannibalize 1 for the other 2 to run. This unit looks well made but breaks far too easy. I ended up spending a little more and getting Arrma Granite's for the kids.
I received this from you guys on Thursday and have had a blast with this thing. So far I've ran about 8 batteries through it.
This truck is definitely worth buying guys...
Recently purchased and so far, so great. The truck is well balanced and plenty fast for a brushed MT. I have run seven packs through it so far in some pretty heavy bashing. Nothing broken, and nothing looks strained. This is my first MT and my first Kyosho, but so far I am impressed. Oh and lets not forget the van body looks sick!
I’ve had it for about 4-5 months now and it’s been great such a cool van very responsive servo and smooth operation everything is simple on the inside so it’s very easy to work on tires work great and grip hood even on concrete fun van for your buck
Got it as a 2nd basher. Not the fastest but still super fun! really durable too.
The Mad Van is legit! Tons of fun and good looks. It's great on dirt tracks, jumps and ramps awesome and looks cool doing it. The MK2 platform is very versatile. Kyosho has a number of MK2 vehicles so If you buy one you can make others with spare parts(if they are available). It's light weight so the brushed system is plenty quick. I have had the driver side plastic ball end of the rear shock break twice but was able to replace the end with the spares the truck came with so I bought the hardened ones (KYOLA438) from amain. I have upgraded the hubs to the FAW204 which is the aluminum hubs that screw on because the first time I drove it a wheel fell off and the plastic hub which does not fix in place was lost. I also had to buy an FA505B which is the plastic hubs and cups set because the one dog bone was slipping out and rounded one of the cups out. After replacing these parts I have not had any issues. I really like this truck and platform. I am getting the Rage 2.0 body shell and body mount set to convert the Mad Van into the Rage just for the heck of it. I gotta get that from kyoshoamerica.com because amain doesn't carry these items but whatever, it's not really a popular body style. They do sell the entire Rage 2.0 truck though.
Out of the box this truck is a blast. the speed is great for a brushed system,and everything else works well together as far as handling goes. I have no plans to mod this truck at all, for a brushed basher it's set up perfect. Would highly recommend the Mad Van
Absolutely love this mean little van, lots of pep and very durable! Great beginner basher!
I've only taken out the mad van for a rip out once. Since its -15 here in northern Ontario. But I can tell you I had a smile on my face the whole time I was driving it. Fast, easy to control. And seemed durable. I can't wate to jump it in the spring.
Just got the MAD VAN 2 days ago and so far it is a blast. Some family members did crash it really hard but nothing major to report, one of the dog bones (I think its called that) popped out but I was able to pop it right back in with no issues. Coming from Mini Zs I think those helped me with having great control of this larger car (for me) from the get go. Ran through 2 battery packs (Gens Ace 2S Stick 50C 5000mAh Type 2) in about 50-60 minutes of total driving and it was super fun the whole time. Mainly drove it on some thick grass and fall leaves and it handled it great. It accelerates quick to top speed and brakes on a dime. Top speed isn't very high but I think it is really well balanced as stock. Handling is also fantastic with the track being so wide, impressed with it. I was thinking of possibly upgrading to brushless but I like it the way it is, it is just so well balanced and I don't want to ruin that.
I can't comment on the transmitter as I bound it to my Syncro Touch KT-432PT that I use with my Mini Zs, but the quality of it seems nice for a stock transmitter. I took the red grip off and put it on my transmitter, which fit perfectly so that was cool surprise.
It is my first RC car larger than the Mini Zs that is hobby grade and I'm super pleased. I think some of my family is interested in getting one too, which would be super fun to have a few of these running around the backyard at the same time.
First off the truck is cool, and it's a blast to drive when it's working.
Let me explain:
Out of the box I checked out the body, chassis, & transmitter.
The factory applied decals on the body were half ass, however, I ended up removing most of them anyway.
Lots of plastic as to be expected with the Fazer MK2 chassis so, I plugged the battery in and had the car run a 15 minute cycle with the wheels off to break in the brushed motor.
Thereafter I threw the body on and off to the backyard!
No more then 30seconds later, the Mad Van was completely out of commission. No jumps, no hitting of rocks, nothing! Literally just rolling around on the grass.
The driveline wasn't turning so I suspected spur gear issues, sure enough the spur gear was completely toast!
Kyosho parts are all on back order for who knows how long so, I found a local R/C shop and was able to retrofit a team associated spur gear and a different pinion for around $20.
After that the Mad Van was ready to rip!
I will say the axle cups, especially in the front are super cheesy from the factory, I know Kyosho makes an upgrade, however, once again on back order.
3-4 times I had to take apart the front suspension the get the axle seated and the plastic cup wasn't looking to great after the 2nd occurrence.
Lastly, a number of people have had issues with the shocks, nothing yet on my end, however, I would recommend a thicker weight oil then what is in there from the factory.
In short, it's a basher, it's $220, it's Kyosho, it's upgradeable, & it's the Mad Van!
Go out, get one, & have some fun!
P.S. Make sure to inspect the gear mesh on the spur and pinion prior to first use, don't make the same mistake I did!
It's really hard to not love driving this van! My new favorite go to RC. Seems very durable so far, with the exception of a lower shock cup that fell off and was lost during the very first run. Even with that problem, I still have to give it an excellent rating cuz it's so fun
This thing is fun! I like to run it out front when everyone is walking their dogs. Please Kyosho, make clear bodies!!
What a blast for the price!
Kyosho has won me over with the MAD VAN. Right outta the box just drop in a 2S lipo and go. One hell of a basher. After being airborne many times nothing major has broken. I have given this thing a beating and it hold up. Loves the beach. Great quality! Great value! Tons of fun! Must add to your collection. Going brushless soon!
Would love to see more aftermarket parts for the Mad Van in the future.
Wow Wow WOW! Now that that’s out of the way, the Mad Van is one impressive basher! I know the platform is little over a year old but fit and finish plus fun factor, FFFF, are top notch. For the price you can’t loose! I absolutely believe nothing in this range comes close and if you are on the fence then fall off it already and pull the triggers! That’s, buy it trigger and then the remote... yeah.
