Set Review ➟ 31104 Burger Monster Truck
Theme: Creator 3-in-1
Release: 2020
Parts: 499
Minifigures: 2
When the name of this set first released, there was speculation as to whether it would be a truck selling ‘monster burgers’, or a truck driven by some kind of ‘burger monster’. It has of course turned out to be a glorious combination of a monster truck and a burger-selling food stall, making this a set which is sure to appeal to many. The rear of the box shows off two of the main model’s features, and the box itself contains three large numbered bags, four loose large tires, a small sticker sheet (with three stickers—front sign, side menu, and a bumper sticker saying “EAT OR BE EATEN”), plus a hefty 242-page instruction manual for all three builds. The set also includes an orange brick separator, and two minifigures—a generic-looking customer in a blue hoodie and red cap, plus a steampunk-style driver with sunglasses, mustache, and aviator cap with goggles.
A-Model: Burger Monster Truck
Bag #1 builds the customer, furniture (a table and two folding chairs), a gorgeous brick-built doggo, and the monster truck’s chassis. The colourful umbrella above the table is a printed 4x4 dish, while the suspension mechanism itself curiously uses no springs, with the resistance being provided by a pair of flex axles connecting the front and rear axles. I was initially sceptical as to how well this would work, but the end result is pretty effective. Another great play feature is built here, which is the step ladder allowing customers to reach the service window. This cleverly retracts into a hollow space between the axles under the truck’s floor, and is secured in place when stowed.
Bag #2 builds the driver plus the vehicle’s engine and lower bodywork. Bag #3 completes the model, building the interior detail, upper bodywork, and roof with it’s over-sized hamburger. Overall, the build is straightforward, but the level of detail keeps it fun and interesting. The burger grill seems a bit close to the front seats, but luckily there’s a fire extinguisher within easy reach.
The finished main model is very impressive, both visually and in terms of play value. In addition to the stowable step ladder, another nice surprise is that all of the accessories - the table, both chairs, ‘little’ burger, both minifigs, and the doggo - all fit comfortably inside the vehicle under its detachable roof. The suspension works better than one might expect, though it works better springing the vehicle’s body forwards and backwards than it does when compressing the whole vehicle downwards.
On the negative side, there are parts on the finished model which can be easily knocked out of position, such as the front bullbar, rooftop burger sign, and the rear exhausts. More tiles could have been included to give a better finish to the roof, and the large wheel hubs look odd in orange - bright light orange to match the stripe, or even pearl gold to match the exhausts, might have looked better. I know many will be keen to convert the monster truck into a regular food van to fit a city display, and I can confirm that this is fairly straightforward. It is unfortunate though that the set itself doesn’t provide the necessary wheels or parts to perform this conversion. (There’s only one pair of smaller wheels in the set, and they’re a bit too small anyway.)
Grade: 8/10
B-Model: Offroad 4x4
I think it’s safe to say that this is a 3-in-1 set where the design emphasis and overall appeal lies predominantly with the primary model. The B-Model here is a straightforward build, using some SNOT-work for the front and rear chassis, and the previous use of parts in the monster truck leaves me wondering why I am putting bits of lettuce and ketchup inside the rear bumper. The completed model features a working tailgate and some degree of colour co-ordination, but the vehicle itself is completely out of scale for the included minifigures.
Grade: 5/10
C-Model: Tractor Pull
The third model is usually the weakest one, and I was expecting this to be the case here based on the box art, but I was pleasantly surprised with the end result. It would be nice if the front and rear wheels matched in colour, but otherwise the colour use here is very good for a secondary model. The exhausts are again easy to knock out of position, and the printed computer slope brick computer is oddly positioned inside the engine bay, but the external engine detail is very good and I think this build offers better play value than the B-Model. Grade: 6/10
Conclusion
The draw here is very much the monster truck main build, which is a fun and appealing concept, well-executed in design with some really good features and functions. Even without a second alternative set of wheels, it still provides a solid selection of parts and colours. And really, who could say no to that awesome little doggo. Give him a burger. He’s earned it.
Overall Grade: 8/10
We wish to thank LEGO for providing this set for review. The opinions in this review are not supported or endorsed by LEGO.
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