CI unboxes the TRX4 by Traxxas

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I'm thinking that it should be as simple as switch plugs at the Rx so that you could lock the rear axle first, then the front if that's the way you want to do it.

Just seeing a quick glance at that assembly manual, Traxxas has provided us with a ton of new parts to be used in Frankenstein ways !

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

This is all I can find: https://traxxas.com/products/models/...rx-4?t=support

Thanks Tim.
Ernie

[crazee horse]

Wonder when we're gonna get a sloppy mud video....

[Nova's Ark]

Originally Posted by crazee horse

Wonder when we're gonna get a sloppy mud video....

Since you mention it... CI received the TRX4 in this thread one week later. The first place we (my son Gavin and I) took the TRX4 was Barnwell Mountain ORV Park in Gilmer, Texas for the Friday. We trailered my '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee and were planning to use it to drive far into the park where there is rocky terrain. Clearly the universe had other plans for us that day. We took the jeep on one trail, noting that it wasn't sounding well or normal. Gavin was driving and said it was down on power.

'94 Jeep:


We went back to the truck, checked the fluids, and inspected the jeep. Everything looked good enough to carry on for the day. We headed out to a 2nd trail and did not feel comfortable dropping into a 2nd trial. As we turned around to drive back to the trailer the fan belt broke. And from there the day continued to reveal other issues from neglect, or improper installation from the previous owner, and parts wearing out. After we got the jeep back on the trailer, Gavin and I filmed each other driving the TRX4 in stock condition. The stock body was not helping the performance, and frankly I wasn't much in the mood.

Later that afternoon we returned to the CI compound and decided to test the waterproofness of the traxxas electronics. That was fun. We filmed many, many, under water crossings LOL. The fun lasted until the brushed motor gave up. That weekend I worked on compiling the footage into a video, but much of the footage had sound issues. It was also obvious to me that a voice over explaining the video was truly needed. And that's where the media cover for this TRX4 sits. Well that, and CI does have some new parts for the TRX4 which are seemingly taking forever to get produced for market so I can't freely picture the TRX4 I have been driving for over two months now.

[Nova's Ark]

After two months of use, I finally broke my first part on the TRX4. It was from driver neglect on course and the truck took a hard fall that partially broke the right front axle shaft. One side of the CVD machined end broke off, the opposite side was still connected allowing the truck to run. Thankfully RPP Hobby had the replacement parts in stock.

[Nova's Ark]

The stock electronics lasted the first day. Once the brushed motor gave out, I parked the TRX4 for a couple weeks. I was distracted with repairing my jeep among other things. When I did finally get back to the TRX4 a few weeks later, I removed the factory electronics. I installed:

Castle Creations One Cell ESC
Castle Creations BEC
Tekin Gen3 13.5 sensored brushless motor
Hitec 7954 steering servo
Futaba 4PK tx & rx
4S Lipo

I still have the factory micro servos installed. I only have the Two Speed transmission and front axle servo working. The rear axle servo is locked to keep the axle locked.

This combo has been fantastic and the TRX4 has been my personal "go to" rig. As the previous post mentions, I just broke the axle shaft last weekend. That's a lot of run time on 4S. I have been very impressed and pleased with my TRX4. Mine is far from stock though. The stock shocks are terrible. I removed mine for a set of Traxxas 3.5" Big Bores with Mini T springs. The suspension cycles so much smoother and is much more controllable. Also ditching the factory body for a simple lexan body has been enjoyable. More to come on this rig.

[Nova's Ark]

This compilation includes some current, as well former Crawler Innovations RC vehicles. Some of the cars featured have full build threads on the RCCrawler forum with links below. All vehicles are using Crawler Innovations tire foams as well as other CI products. Thank you for watching.


'34 Ford Truggy:
Crawler Innovations '34 Ford 4x4 Truggy build

Big Blue:
Crawler Innovations "Big Blue" - 2.2 KOH Crawler; wraith based

Forced Wraith:
Forced Wraith

Water Crosser:
--- The Crawler Innovations Water Skippin' FOFFer Build ---

CI Dakar truck:
Szczerba's Second CXT Build

"Top Shelf" 1.9 Ultra 4:
Crawler Innovations "Top Shelf" Ultra 4

"Beastly Beauty" 2.2 Ultra 4:
Crawler Innovations "Beastly Beauty" - 2.2 Ultra 4 Rig

"TImely" 2.2 Ultra 4:
TImely - 2.2 Dual Trailing Arm, Titanium rod Ultra 4

Crawler Innovations Web Store:
RC Crawler Foams, Rock Crawler Foams, Tires and More by Crawler Innovations

#1 Source for RC crawler content:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum

[Nova's Ark]

Crawler Innovations bolt on electronics tray for the front of the Traxxas TRX4 scale crawler. The tray is cut from 1/8th black delrin for strength and durability. The purpose of the tray is to move the electronics to the most forward location to increase front weight bias for competition RC rock crawling. The front part of the tray can serve as either a small battery mount, or the knock out plate can be removed to allow for a standard size servo winch. The electronics plate is cut to accept a standard Velcro battery strap. The rear of the plate extends towards the transmission along side the motor to allow for esc or receiver mounting. This electronics plate installs by removing the factory servo screws, feed the steering servo lead through the opening in the plate, and then re-install the factory bolts. This product is made in the U.S.A.



One Tray is $14.95


#crawlerinnovations #rccrawler #traxxastrx4

[treadway47025]

Is that an emaxx body?

[Nova's Ark]

Originally Posted by treadway47025

Is that an emaxx body?

I do not know. This body was in a collection of bodies that have been amassed over the years in the attic of the shop. Is there someway to verify?

[treadway47025]

Not that i know of. Thanks for reply though

[Nova's Ark]

An over due update on the unboxed TRX4. I see no real reason in creating a new build thread for this truck, as it is the same vehicle from post 1. It will be neat to see how long this car stays together and what directions it takes in the future. It's current conditions:



Vanquish Products / Incision Method 1.9 MR307 bead lock
Pitbull Tires 1.9 Braven Tires
CRawler Innovations Lil Nova Foams:
CWR-2092 Front = 4.0" / Medium Outer
CWR-2093 Rear = 4.0" / Firm Outer


Traxxas 3.5 Big Bore shocks P/N 2660
Jeepindoug Mini T spring Cups
Losi Mini T front spring set
Jeepindoug 5mm ball studs


The rear bumper was created by my son Gavin of Ayala Metal Works:


Castle Creations One Cell ESC
Castle Creations BEC
Tekin Gen3 13.5 sensored brushless motor
Hitec 7954 steering servo
Futaba 4PK tx & rx
4S Lipo


Crawler Innovations TRX4 Front Electronics Tray CWR-5015


My son Gavin of Ayala Metal Works created the ultra simple and strong front bumper:

[Nova's Ark]

Another view of the electronics:



A better view of the Jeepindoug 5mm Ball Studs:


Underside view:


This view is to show the underside view of the installed CI electronics tray:






Value Hobby 4S 1600mah lipo battery:

[Nova's Ark]

More wheel, tire, and foam goodness.

Vanquish Products / Incision Method 1.9 MR307 bead lock
Pitbull Tires 1.9 Braven Tires
Crawler Innovations Lil Nova Foams:
CWR-2092 Front = 4.0" / Medium Outer
CWR-2093 Rear = 4.0" / Firm Outer

[CM9000]

that little 13.5 probably screams on 4s.. can it handle? lol. id say that's a well used trx4.

[Nova's Ark]

This TRX4, or "The Ferd" as Gavin & I refer to it as, is definitely my "go to" rig. It's extremely durable and always running. As a person collects rc's or builds rc's as the years go by, it's easy to have a collection of not running rc's. When one breaks, just grab a different one and carry one. Especially if a person has limited free time to actually run them. Also, high performance RC's require maintenance, and if it's not done, the parts fail. So far this TRX4 just keeps on going and since it does, it's time for upgrades.

Brass Portal covers and Brass Axle C's;


The weight of the factory plastic;


The weight of a single brass cover;


Both covers together;


Factory plastic axle c weight;


Single brass axle c;


Both of the brass axle c's together;

[Nova's Ark]

Originally Posted by CM9000

that little 13.5 probably screams on 4s.. can it handle? lol. id say that's a well used trx4.

I have it geared down. I want to be able to technical rock crawl with my TRX4, then switch into high gear with the ability to do donuts at will. The rear axle is locked while the front is select-able for better and controllable donut action. I have used this combo for nearly a decade now. If you search my early build threads, the Tekin 13.5 on 4S with a Castle Creations MMP controller has been our standard electronics set up. Not only for crawlers, but for drifters and on road cars as well. The drifters and on road use 3S instead, but they run for hours on that combo when geared correctly. Thanks for the comment

[Nova's Ark]

Something to be aware of... not all "bolt on" replacement parts are made the same as factory specs:


Factory Traxxas C, notice the positive caster and how much the top of the C is leaning back toward the rear;


STRC Brass C, notice it has less positive caster and has less of lean towards the rear of the vehicle at top;

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by Nova's Ark

Something to be aware of... not all "bolt on" replacement parts are made the same as factory specs:

Factory Traxxas C, notice the positive camber and how much the top of the C is leaning back toward the rear;


STRC Brass C, notice it has less positive camber and has less of lean towards the rear of the vehicle at top;

Interesting. Good info!

How has that affected performance?

[Nova's Ark]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Interesting. Good info!

How has that affected performance?

Thank you.

It has been hard to tell if it has negatively or positively effected the steering. The addition of the brass weight made a noticeable improvement, so much so, that I think it might be masking any effects of the loss of caster. I only have about an hour of drive time on the car with the new changes, so maybe after more drive time, I will notice it.

[Nova's Ark]

CI traded for this second TRX4 sometime ago. It needed some assembly and electronics. Here it is next to The Ferd;


Pretty straight forward;
Vanquish Products 1.9 KMC Enduro XD222 bead lock wheel
Vanquish Products KMC Enduro 1.9 beadlock ring black anodized
Pitbull Tires 1.9 Rock Beast original
Crawler Innovations 4.50" Lil Nova Foams; Comp Cut;
P/N CWR-2025 front; CWR-2026 rear