TRX4 vs SSD Trail King - Help me decide!

[Bob_in az]

It's time for another truck & I've narrowed it down to either the trx4 sport kit or the SSD trail king kit. I'll want to keep the final weight on the lighter side & I'll be using a small-ish body (still undecided there too). While it won't be a dedicated comp truck, I will likely comp it here & there. I'm leaning towards the trail king & I've already got a truck with portals (gen that I'm very happy with, but there's just something about the trx4 that always keeps it in the running for me. Can anyone who owns both chime in with some pros & cons?

[JatoTheRipper]

I own both, but I haven't been able to use the Trail King yet. All I can say at this point is that the TRX-4 is much heavier than the Trail King.

[LSXGMC]

The TRX-4 is going to probably feel very similar on the trail as the Gen8. I'd get the Trail King for something a little different. Two portal trucks sounds boring to me.

[Panther6834]

I was in the same boat as you...tho, I'm new to crawlers. My 1st was the Capra, and in trying to decide my second, i initially narrowed down my final choices to the TRX4 Sport, SCX10.2 Raw Builders Kit, Trail King Pro, & Gen8 P.A.C.K. (I REALLY like the VS4-10 Pro, but the cost was a bit high). I quickly eliminated the Gen8, as it's not a true 'kit'. Then I eliminated the SCX10.2, as upgrading it would end up costing at much as the VS4-10. Between the TRX4 & Tail King, I decided that, since I already had one rig with portals, I should get something different. Yes, there were other reasons, but the non-portal axles played a considerable part in my decision.

~ More peace, love, laughter & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place

[Bob_in az]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

I own both, but I haven't been able to use the Trail King yet. All I can say at this point is that the TRX-4 is much heavier than the Trail King.

Good info. Do you think the difference is because the trail king uses titanium links & has no portals, or do you think it's because the trx4 is kinda overbuilt? Maybe a little of both? I'm assuming that the COG might be quite different between the two as well.

Originally Posted by LSXGMC

The TRX-4 is going to probably feel very similar on the trail as the Gen8. I'd get the Trail King for something a little different. Two portal trucks sounds boring to me.

That's what I'm thinking. I can always get a trx4 later.

Originally Posted by Panther6834

I was in the same boat as you...tho, I'm new to crawlers. My 1st was the Capra, and in trying to decide my second, i initially narrowed down my final choices to the TRX4 Sport, SCX10.2 Raw Builders Kit, Trail King Pro, & Gen8 P.A.C.K. (I REALLY like the VS4-10 Pro, but the cost was a bit high). I quickly eliminated the Gen8, as it's not a true 'kit'. Then I eliminated the SCX10.2, as upgrading it would end up costing at much as the VS4-10. Between the TRX4 & Tail King, I decided that, since I already had one rig with portals, I should get something different. Yes, there were other reasons, but the non-portal axles played a considerable part in my decision.

I had an scx10.2 at one point, but sold it. It was alright, but I was a little disappointed in the quality, especially for the cost. I just didn't bond with it. I like that the trail king is basically a modified scx10.2 platform though. One of my gripes with the scx10 is the center-mounted motor, which SSD has obviously addressed.

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by Bob_in az

Good info. Do you think the difference is because the trail king uses titanium links & has no portals, or do you think it's because the trx4 is kinda overbuilt? Maybe a little of both? I'm assuming that the COG might be quite different between the two as well.

More because the TRX-4 is overbuilt. Everything about it is beefy. Even the inner fenders, which the TK doesn't have, are thick plastic. They are high quality, but add a significant amount of weight.

LSXGMC has a good point about not having another portal truck. Portals are an advantage in some situations and a detriment in others.

[Topher Builds]

The TRX4 also just has more parts. The portals with the extra gears will add weight, and like others said it’s just beefy in general. However I don’t think that’s a bad thing IMO. I appreciate that having the portals means more parts can be brass and not rotating weight. Such as inner and outer portal covers, which is one of the main reasons I attribute to my TRX4 being so capable.

With that in mind, I absolutely love my trail king. You really can’t go wrong with either choice. If you’re going to comp you will almost certainly get considerably more steering out of the Trail King.

Here are a couple videos of my TK and my TRX4 if you’d like to check them out.

[Bob_in az]

Originally Posted by Topher Builds

The TRX4 also just has more parts. The portals with the extra gears will add weight, and like others said it’s just beefy in general. However I don’t think that’s a bad thing IMO. I appreciate that having the portals means more parts can be brass and not rotating weight. Such as inner and outer portal covers, which is one of the main reasons I attribute to my TRX4 being so capable.

With that in mind, I absolutely love my trail king. You really can’t go wrong with either choice. If you’re going to comp you will almost certainly get considerably more steering out of the Trail King.

Here are a couple videos of my TK and my TRX4 if you’d like to check them out.

I've watched all of your videos before, they're great! Our terrain here in the Phoenix area is about the same. The TK seems like a great truck. Pretty sure I'm set on it at this point. I'm sure I'll get a trx4 sometime too, but the TK comes first.

[Topher Builds]

Thanks Bob! Happy to hear you enjoyed them. The Trail King is a solid kit. I think you’ll be happy with that choice.

I’m going to be in the Phoenix area in a few weeks for a bit of a family reunion. I may holler at ya to see where the good rocks are.

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by Bob_in az

I've watched all of your videos before, they're great! Our terrain here in the Phoenix area is about the same. The TK seems like a great truck. Pretty sure I'm set on it at this point. I'm sure I'll get a trx4 sometime too, but the TK comes first.

I'm jealous of Topher's climbing spots every time I see them in his videos!

I think you'll love the TK. It's a very fun build. Haven't driven mine yet, but I'm anxious to do so.

[Bob_in az]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

I'm jealous of Topher's climbing spots every time I see them in his videos!



I think you'll love the TK. It's a very fun build. Haven't driven mine yet, but I'm anxious to do so.

Time for a road trip to join us out west!

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[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by Bob_in az

Time for a road trip to join us out west!

Thanks! I'd love to. Not sure my girlfriend would be cool with a vacation just for crawling though! Might be able to swing a day out of it if we ever make it out that way though. I'd love to crawl with you guys.

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Thanks! I'd love to. Not sure my girlfriend would be cool with a vacation just for crawling though! Might be able to swing a day out of it if we ever make it out that way though. I'd love to crawl with you guys.

Hey Tim, there is always the Pro-Line By the Fire event in May, it is becoming one of the biggest events on the West Coast!
Ernie

[Topher Builds]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

I'm jealous of Topher's climbing spots every time I see them in his videos!

My lease is up in July and the circumstances that brought me out here have changed so I’ve considered moving again, but the thought of not having calico basin in my “backyard” makes it really difficult to leave. Plus I like the weather and not having state taxes.

Originally Posted by Bob_in az

Time for a road trip to join us out west!

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This! Low key I always thought it’d be cool to get a little informal RCC gathering out here in Vegas with a small contingent of people that are able to make it happen. I think a few people may be out here for scale nats next month but I won’t be able to make it to any of that unfortunately as I’ll be traveling that weekend.

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

Hey Tim, there is always the Pro-Line By the Fire event in May, it is becoming one of the biggest events on the West Coast!
Ernie

I missed this last year because I ended up having to work till 2am and couldn’t stomach the drive after a few hours of sleep. Took the surrounding days off of work this time so I’m there for sure.

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

Hey Tim, there is always the Pro-Line By the Fire event in May, it is becoming one of the biggest events on the West Coast!
Ernie

It definitely seems that way. I'd love to. Maybe some day.

Originally Posted by Topher Builds

My lease is up in July and the circumstances that brought me out here have changed so I’ve considered moving again, but the thought of not having calico basin in my “backyard” makes it really difficult to leave. Plus I like the weather and not having state taxes.

This! Low key I always thought it’d be cool to get a little informal RCC gathering out here in Vegas with a small contingent of people that are able to make it happen. I think a few people may be out here for scale nats next month but I won’t be able to make it to any of that unfortunately as I’ll be traveling that weekend.

I missed this last year because I ended up having to work till 2am and couldn’t stomach the drive after a few hours of sleep. Took the surrounding days off of work this time so I’m there for sure.

Well if you ever move to PA, for some odd reason, we can crawl here.

[scaled]

Can't say anything about the TRX4 other than people love them and the Sport seems to be the best option for most. As for the Trail King it is worth every penny. What I like:

• Value, for $369 everything is quality and nothing needs to be fixed.

• Balance, people suggest that this is just a modified SCX10.2 but my 10.2 has never felt this planted and stable.

• Front Motor, it is scale, contributes to the balance, and is well made. Only gripe is they need to include the 23mm spacer to move engine cover forward.

• Shocks, they are just awesome, buy some for your SCX10s.

• Room for a huge interior. Can we say scale!

My only complaint is that I built it as a class 1 rig and that limits what I can do. I want my XL meaty tires and a light weight body so I can kill my other RCs. The capability is there and it tempts me to make the ultimate scale crawler every time I drive it.

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by Topher Builds

My lease is up in July and the circumstances that brought me out here have changed so I’ve considered moving again, but the thought of not having calico basin in my “backyard” makes it really difficult to leave. Plus I like the weather and not having state taxes.



This! Low key I always thought it’d be cool to get a little informal RCC gathering out here in Vegas with a small contingent of people that are able to make it happen. I think a few people may be out here for scale nats next month but I won’t be able to make it to any of that unfortunately as I’ll be traveling that weekend.



I missed this last year because I ended up having to work till 2am and couldn’t stomach the drive after a few hours of sleep. Took the surrounding days off of work this time so I’m there for sure.

You know you're welcome to join our group, as with the event our camp gets bigger every year! would be nice to spend some time with you!
Ernie

PS: And we have great rocks and no state tax in Oregon.

[svt923]

Originally Posted by Topher Builds

My lease is up in July and the circumstances that brought me out here have changed so I’ve considered moving again, but the thought of not having calico basin in my “backyard” makes it really difficult to leave. Plus I like the weather and not having state taxes.

If it will make you feel better, the average Nevada residents pays the highest amount in taxes (between sales tax, excise tax, and various others) of the 9 states that don't collect income tax.

The rocks are pretty great though.

[Topher Builds]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

It definitely seems that way. I'd love to. Maybe some day.

Well if you ever move to PA, for some odd reason, we can crawl here.

One of these days I want to get out there and go to PNC park, not sure if you’re close to Pittsburgh but if so I’ll holler when that trip’s coming.

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

You know you're welcome to join our group, as with the event our camp gets bigger every year! would be nice to spend some time with you!
Ernie

PS: And we have great rocks and no state tax in Oregon.

Thanks Ernie! Definitely planning on stopping by and spending some time with y’all. Looking forward to meeting you.

Originally Posted by svt923

If it will make you feel better, the average Nevada residents pays the highest amount in taxes (between sales tax, excise tax, and various others) of the 9 states that don't collect income tax.

The rocks are pretty great though.

Damn you and your logic

Originally Posted by scaled

Can't say anything about the TRX4 other than people love them and the Sport seems to be the best option for most. As for the Trail King it is worth every penny. What I like:

• Value, for $369 everything is quality and nothing needs to be fixed.

• Balance, people suggest that this is just a modified SCX10.2 but my 10.2 has never felt this planted and stable.

• Front Motor, it is scale, contributes to the balance, and is well made. Only gripe is they need to include the 23mm spacer to move engine cover forward.

• Shocks, they are just awesome, buy some for your SCX10s.

• Room for a huge interior. Can we say scale!

My only complaint is that I built it as a class 1 rig and that limits what I can do. I want my XL meaty tires and a light weight body so I can kill my other RCs. The capability is there and it tempts me to make the ultimate scale crawler every time I drive it.

Agreed on all points. Sounds like you need a 2nd TK

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by Topher Builds

One of these days I want to get out there and go to PNC park, not sure if you’re close to Pittsburgh but if so I’ll holler when that trip’s coming.

Nope. I'm 5 or 6 hours away on the opposite side of PA. I'm only about an hour away from Citizens Bank Park.