Quadcouplers and Wobbly Rockets

[Jodo42]

I'm not completely sure how to describe this issue, so I'll just post a picture of it.

The decouplers are clipping through the quadcoupler like they're not attached. It happens on 3 of the 4 connections. I thought .23.5's new joint system was supposed to fix this? Am I doing something wrong?

[sal_vager]

Jodo42, only one of those decouplers are even connected, this is just how KSP works, you need to use struts to strengthen your rocket.

[cantab]

What sal said.

You can see this clearly if you omit the decouplers, only one of the engines will have a shroud round it.

The usual solution is some cubic octagonal struts (or any other protruding part) on the tanks above and below, and regular struts joining them. You can just about see what I mean on the screenshot of my Tycho lifter.

[Technical Ben]

Here is a video for effect/explanation.

Note one has struts, one has docking ports. Docking ports give "real" connections, but might send fuel in the wrong direction. Without the docking ports, you need to use struts, and only need a decoupler on 1 (the original) connection, but can add others for looks.

You do that by placing a decoupler under each engine, then a docking port under each engine pointing down. Then add 1 docking port pointing up and connect to 1 of the ports/engines. Then connect 4 docking ports to a 4 way connector (may need to do this on a separate part). Then connect the 4 way connector with 4 docking ports underneath.

When the game loads, it then "connects" all 4 docking ports. Giving you true 4 way structural connection.

Edited April 6, 2014 by Technical Ben