DO THIS FIRST!! 10 Things to Do Before you Drive the Traxxas Sledge

[@bigboy_supermoto]

Glad I came across your video! I just bought a sledge and want to do some preventative maintenance before she gets a proper send.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@fordboy4ever]

I've had my sledge since early October. Stupid things have kept it down longer than its been up. Things not Traxxas' fault, like I just brought it to the beach the other day and my dog chewed up a tire on the way down (I covered it up with a canvas bag in the tote but he got to one). No local places have them so its down until my new tires come in. I did use it as an opportunity to pick up another set of wheels and paddle tires for sand on my beach trips and the snow this winter (only thing the local shop did have)! I have some wrong offset belted Duratrax that I do like on hard surfaces but are slicker than snot on anything loose or wet. I also spun a hub in one of them (dangit). They also rub the front upper control arm and tie rod so I picked up some extras of those and will run the notched ones till they break. Ultimately, I was really pleased to start watching reviews of the guys getting them right as they came out. Issues with underfilled diffs front to back, rear axles popping out. As I tore into mine for repairs and upgrades, I found every concern early owners had was addressed (I feel like there was more, but those were the ones I remember). It made me less sad when the XRT came out a month later and I was able to remind myself the list of things addressed on my Sledge because I didn't buy it when it first came out. The parts coverage from local shops is the hardest part of the sledge. They carry nothing. Happy to order it in and make me drive 40 minutes round trip to pick it up for the same cost I can have an online store deliver it to my house. I've been slowly buying extra parts that appear to take the biggest beating. Its been tons of fun... And money. Only real mods at this point are the GMP motor/center diff mount and some different wheels and tires. I did see the Vitavon diffs have some foam in the breather hole/slot underneath. Probably super worthwhile to do with the stockers too. That was my first big teardown and redo was just a big service of everything to clean out sand from the beach that first weekend. Cant imagine the ring and pinion lasting very long with all that sand getting in there.

[@RoadsideRC]

Sorry to hear you have had such difficulty with it. Hopefully it is all headed the right direction now.

[@martins2657]

Hello. Good tips as always. I really like your videos and enjoy your calm voice. Someone has issues with motor mount which moved and stripped pinion and spur gear. So i used medium strong blue glue for these 4 screews and tight them fully. Another thing before i run first time, was balancing wheels. Stock sledgehammers are very unbalanced. But also TRX Response pro was also. And also i switched really slow stock servo for faster. But extension cable causes me ghost turns when only accelerate, so i used shorter way for servo cable(faster servo has shorter cable than TRX original). Trim body behind the front bumper is clever, i thought about also. But i chosen the way give some foam material inside(i used air-condition foam isolation). Also i set endpoints of servo sides to 95%. We now rebuilding the only RC track which is in the Prague. Im fresh member now, because no much places to bash here so i want try some hobby racing a join local RC community. So i tried Sledge only few mins on street and some dirt and have Traxxas Responsive pro tires. I'm thinking about bigger pinion and have 15,16,18 bought, but it is not necessary for track. Which is more technical then racing. That was reason why i bought responsive pro tires and switched servo for faster immediately :-)

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Really good tips. Good luck building the community in Prague!

[@j.r.sitman6286]

great video. How do I check to make sure the front diff is working correctly?

[@RoadsideRC]

It depends on the issue you are having. What are you concerned about?

[@ryanzimmerman4051]

I like the zip strip pin solution. Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help!

[@brianmahutga3350]

I've only bashed mine about 6 to 8 times love it did bend chassis didn't surprise me aluminum will do that only real problem I've had is the hing pins at the stub hubs and steering hubs brake cheap metal replace with aftermarket and no problems since

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@gadgetmantwincities]

If you fully compress the suspension and look at the dog bone on the wheel side,one of the pins is all the way out of the drive cup without the oring installed.

[@RoadsideRC]

I am familiar with the concept. In real-life bashing, it has not been an issue.

[@bsbigrcadventures2089]

Yer that’s a very big help Troy it’s will save money from the start if everyone gets a looking to buy a sladge thanks 👍👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

I took my New sledge out, bought the T-ID5000 lipos), was standing in a field running it around me to get used to it, I had two fast turn tumbles, I hadn't even jumped it when it threw my batteries out, they ain't cheap batteries and the control unit they hang of ain't any cheaper so yea, I've added a cable tie to the tear of the hatch going around the chassis brace to save my batteries, I won't go velcro as I only have this system and thats mostly to fit other size batteries but yea securing that tray is a must I agree.....

[@RoadsideRC]

The pins holding the battery lock-down really seemed to help. Basically a must on this truck. Which is odd, since Traxxas uses this same battery hold down style on other vehicles without the same issue. Not really sure what the difference is here.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

@@RoadsideRC yea I've seen what you've done, I had a cable tie through the middle and was cutting it each time, I actually though about cutting a thread into where you put yours and using a screw but I'm just gonna steal your while idea thank you very much 🤣👍👌👍

[@stevereitnauer8406]

After a couple runs I had oil start coming out my front dif, behind the dogbone you referred to, is this related to the o-ring situation? I’ll watch your differential video next.

[@RoadsideRC]

Sounds exactly right - probably that o-ring is not set quite right.

[@nathanhenderson4266]

I just got my Sledge last week. First nice RC car I have owned. The pinion gear came loose on the second use (very minor skate park jumps) and basically self-destructed both the pinion and the spur gear. Busted 2 teeth off the pinion and ground half the teeth off the spur gear. Granted, since I'm new to this, I didn't know what that awful sound was and drove it 20-30 seconds after I started to hear the grinding noise. The pinion gear fell out on the ground when I picked up the truck to look at it, that's how loose it got. The motor mount screws all seem to be very tight and where they should be, so I don't think that was the issue. Do you have a video on how to replace the spur gear? Not sure what to do once I get the center diff cover off. I'm sticking to the 13/52 stock gearing for now. Any other feedback to keep this from happening again would be great. Thanks!

[@RoadsideRC]

Nathan - sorry to hear this happened. That is frustrating for sure. I have not done a spur gear replacement video. I did a video on replacing the pinion gear (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3ybl3VvrrmLh6M). Maybe that will give you some insights? I do recommend using blue loctite on any screws that go into metal. That should help.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

Are you running the big boy batteries, running the higher gearing would actually make your acceleration a wee bit more manageable in exchange for more top end, FYI..... I just bought mine and broke it within 10 mins too, mine threw the batteries, damaged batteries and maybe control unit so about the most expensive injury I could have i reckon, I'm still in love with it tho it's my first real RC toy too....👍👌👍

[@BeauDapro]

Had that exact problem with the dog bone! Also pinion gear came off of the motor shaft, (loose screw).

[@RoadsideRC]

I had the pinion also - but it took longer. Thanks for the feedback!

[@matthewkenna1053]

I have a issue with mine. 1 week old. Only way to turn it off is by unplugging the batteries. Assuming I have a esc issue.

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope! That is how Traxxas designs it so folks can't leave batteries plugged in while not being used. It is actually rather smart!

[@rooseveltrainesjr7618]

The first thing to do take that esc an servo an throw them in the nearest river . Put a firma esc 3- 8 6s. An put a strong servo in. Also put a wheelie bar. On.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting tips, thanks for sharing.

[@CaterCustoms57]

This is very usefull for me because im planing on getting a sledge this summer and a few of these things im gonna do on my slash like tire holes

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Glad it was helpful!

[@jj78rcclub]

Great tip! Just ordered an orange sledge. Thank you

[@RoadsideRC]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Brayrfd1192]

Do you enjoy it? do you break anything

[@MrKen-sj5qi]

I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I will go ahead and get one of these. The more I research, the more I see and hear that I should upgrade this, upgrade that, upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. Well with a price exceeding $1200 (CDN funds) to start with, that's quite an investment. I wish I had Kevin Talbot's unlimited sponsorship, then it would be a go for sure. But for now, still fence sitting.

[@RoadsideRC]

I 100% suggest you get a different vehicle. I have owned this, all of the Arrma 6S lineup, now the Redcat Machete... I put the Sledge at the bottom of the list.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

A question, as a motor sports mechanic I look at the geometry and the settings available and believe it can be set up for rear wheel drive on tarmac tyres maybe even a drift setup, is that something people do with it am I right in my presumptions?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - it can certainly be made RWD. You will need to lock the center diff as well, otherwise it will burn it up. Going all the way to drift....that is a little far, but if you can make it work, folks would love that!

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

@@RoadsideRC I've noticed you can get different stiffness anti roll bars for them, and fully adjustable control arms, I'm confident I can make it drift I built a few drift cars in real life so have a little bit of knowledge lol. I'm new too the car, litterely had her a week and already thrown a battery so I'm probably gonna leave it as is for a bit, get used to and enjoy her but yea look out for sledge drifting videos around summer i'll be transparent whether it works or not....👍👌👍

[@j.r.sitman6286]

I've only had the Traxxas for a couple weeks and it just seems like the front end is not pulling anywhere near like the back does so I don't really know if there's a problem

[@RoadsideRC]

That would probably be more the center diff. Typically if it is a gear issue, you will hear the gear skipping noise. Otherwise, you will need to disassemble the diff to see if it is low on fluid or an internal gear is broken.

[@j.r.sitman6286]

@@RoadsideRC When i got the front diff and front drive shaft out there was no screw connecting them.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@j.r.sitman6286 That would explain it!

[@CatServant]

Do NOT trim the front of the body if you plan to install the light kit, unless you’re OK with not having the ground-level light. That light mounts through that section of the body. Traxxas included a firm foam block in the light kit that mounts between the light and the front of the chassis.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ammen6482]

Hi! It's really usefull video! P.S I have a remo hobby mmax, but so interesting watch video about such models.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@czechiadiecastproject2445]

hello, I have a TRAXXAS sledge for exactly a week and I have a problem with the fact that when driving on the rear wheels, the car makes an unpleasant whistle, please help, I don't know what to do with it

[@RoadsideRC]

Most likely, this is your center differential. When on the rear wheels, it allows your front wheels to spin faster. Try to change to thicker center differential fluid to see if that helps.

[@Blazer-lv3xe]

what motor fan do you use mine gets really hot and i got a traxxas fan and it’s to weak

[@RoadsideRC]

Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling. I have had good luck with these Protek fans: alnk.to/bPd1NIR But honestly - they ALL seem to die in short order in a basher.

[@marinusikke886]

hello as first just as Martin S say's good calm voice..... And now my not expert thinking😁...are those more holes in your tires not creating that they are balloon more easy and faster because when under high rpm and so centrifugal force there can now be more air get suckt in.??????But i am no expert😁 But what you will win with those holes is that the water that's in your tires will come out by those same forces!!! 👍 enjoy the hobby you all and hello from the sunny Netherlands🖐🖐

[@RoadsideRC]

Adding the holes does not seem to increase ballooning.

[@rodgalley9209]

Have you made the video about the diffs yet? I can't seem to find it. Thanks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope, I still haven't needed to pull them apart. Sorry.

[@Bing3132]

I see you have a carbon fiber tower who’s making those already

[@RoadsideRC]

Good eye! Here you go: www.ebay.com/itm/154927071182?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item24125f7fce:g:9iIAAOSwW8diRreI&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA8NJaFLVwjQABFXGwWF8RPBaZv6Veis3Zw7rNykkzRy0L3i3DRNMYpelm%2B5VJgc4yRlcB95QEWRqLU22xBXhTgUD8cjqT0JXEW8zyQomOsu6%2FjBQbRSUJQTgNMHKpbeHbZhzCYpUhlBaGTwPvTXi6rAnHm33Jlm%2BoiZNpavWUrB12FLKkFdmciYjO22SQivFBgmq7tS%2FlGZJTqgK8XPS21V%2F68x0vAOY1oT8aFPw6NlUPZf1gYRHydJ9qyJ28qapUxgqMh5F18KdI2ctCELIGILU%2B6bSQw2vSmq7wzo8zjVE%2BmX%2BLchLLpTVrosZyQXTnyA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM5sOd-IZg&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338469288&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

[@j.r.sitman6286]

Thanks

[@onemansvideos2134]

Don't forget to add droop screws

[@RoadsideRC]

Ahh! Good idea!

[@ufobuff4173]

Awesome break down man thanks for the tips. Can i ask where you got that power screw driver ?

[@RoadsideRC]

Here you go! amzn.to/3ry2yZJ I have really enjoyed it! Strong enough to help remove screws, not strong enough to strip them! I typically start and finish screws by hand, but let this do the tedious work in the middle. Highly recommended!

[@ufobuff4173]

Thankyou bro👊

[@michaelmclemore488]

I believe going get that Screw kit too👍

[@scuffleburgoutdoors]

Sweet truck sir , thanks for the video !

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for watching!

[@someonewhocares5712]

Waiting for mine to be delivered

[@RoadsideRC]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@georgehurr2216]

Thank you! Good tips

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johngantner9314]

cool video? How's your MT8? I finally soldered IC5 connectors on mine along w 4s PowerHobby batters. Man what a difference. Happy Easter

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to hear your are enjoying the MT8! A friend actually bought mine off of me. He really wanted to try it!

[@johngantner9314]

Thankyou Sir

[@darrengaynor4966]

Hi guys did you put ec5 on the sledge too? I want one but I don’t own any other traxass so don’t have their batteries or charger. Only have a spektrum charger and batteries

[@Bigbillyrayfan]

Good vid. Thanks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you liked it!

[@grnsgottaM]

#11: add blue Loctite to all steering/suspension bolts, even though they are steel on steel. I’ve had many of those small nuts walk off. #12: using orange Loctite is the only thing that’s kept my front caster block screws in place. I’ve lost more of those, than previous mentioned nuts.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the tips!

[@DashzRight]

you mean these screws that go through the bushings? God I hate the overengineered parts of the sledge...

[@KurtsRCs]

Great tips for everyone to learn from

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@mattruotolo7380]

Only thing wrong w mine was the main diff literally nothing in it besides that it rips

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you caught that.

[@onemansvideos2134]

I'm curious about the sledge 2.0

[@RoadsideRC]

You better wait until 2050! Traxxas is not in the habit of updating their vehicles frequently.

[@onemansvideos2134]

@@RoadsideRC they did it with the xmaxx within a few months 6s to 8s

[@marcello2563]

They did it with the e revo and the maxx also

[@onemansvideos2134]

@@marcello2563 erevo took a few years

[@395crawlers]

What’s going on buddy on my first run my ping gear came off

[@RoadsideRC]

Ah boo!

[@gadgetmantwincities]

Tire glue is better than super glue it stays stretchy.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the tip.

[@MidwestVillain_Z]

Just curious where you picked the fan up? Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

It is a super cheapo from Amazon. I bought them in a 10-pack years ago.

[@parryhotter5575]

Haha, the diff issue cracked me up. Traxxas can't even assemble an overpriced car like the sledge properly 🤣😂

[@RoadsideRC]

In all fairness, almost every new vehicle I have owned - the community has complained about the diff fluids.

[@parryhotter5575]

@@RoadsideRC Well.. Traxxas is the only brand I have ever gotten a RC car from, that came leaking diff fluid and had such poor gear mesh that it would lock up the wheels. Then I got two new "pro assembled" diffs under warrenty that was in even worse condition than the originals 🤣So yeah, I love seeing their shortcomings being made public 😁

[@colinsunday9149]

Agreed

[@colinsunday9149]

1000$ car no front bumper and 10 things to worry about lol

[@brianmahutga3350]

Ah not right but still way better than any armma I've ever seen and don't need to replace 95% of car with aftermarket parts before you can evbash it for the first time like Armma

[@bashemrc6871]

2 things to do. first is don't get a sledge 2nd spend a few extra bucks and get a xmaxx lol

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! For some people, that is certainly the correct answer. I do see them as vehicles for different uses / driving styles.

[@billyb5057]

great mate the king of all upgrade tips *fully watching🥸Au👍thumbs up too👍*

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you 👍

[@scottguy28]

If ur jumping these things sky high ur bound to have issues.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yep. True with all trucks.

[@jamesblake1848]

The number one thing to do just get a XMAXX 👍😁

[@RoadsideRC]

Also a good choice! :)

[@colinsunday9149]

Shouldn't half to do 10 things to a 1000$ rc car

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly, I am a little disappointed in a few of the things, but most are just normal RC stuff.

[@colinsunday9149]

@@RoadsideRC no doubt budy .. always guna be some stuff just bothers me at over a 1000$ car like jezze...when I seen no bumper it was like ... really lol

[@RoadsideRC]

@@colinsunday9149 Same with the wheelie bar and sway-bar! I was surprised those were add-ons!

[@colinsunday9149]

@@RoadsideRC I think I'm guna stick with my xmaxx.. I just bought a mini v2 maxx and it's pretty awesome woth the max8esc .. I put a max6 in my xmaxx and yea both trucks, bit pricey but they come with what I needed body wise and they last . I almost bought a sledge then instead grabbed a 2nd xmaxx lol

[@mattsimshauser7541]

1st tip dont buy traxxas 2nd tip put that piece of chit up for sale

[@RoadsideRC]

That is one viewpoint!

[@TwigoGamer]

Thanks ran min to times running great so far

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome!