An Honest Review of a Traxxas TRX4!

[@KevinTalbotTV]

If a traxxas hater thinks it’s epic, then it must be the worlds best crawler!

[@MagnifiedGiant]

@@BlackNYella beyond RC is a knob. He told me because I disagreed with him on somethings he had said that he didn't care if I watched his vids. Basically took his ball and went home.

[@robertatallian1085]

Agreed Kev!

[@DanLFC7]

Less commenting, more contenting please Mr Talbot

[@RēIacx]

Hey kev how's the isle of man

[@chasesells43]

One of the best out of the box but definitely not the cheapest

[@screeny30]

I bought my TRX4 Defender on release day, so sometime in 2017... And until this day, I still have the original micro servos for the gear and diff. They still work without any kind of issue....

[@evoxer87]

Same here...😅😂🎉

[@hughjanus5518]

In my older age im understanding why traxxas is the way it is. They may not be the best vehicles for racing but if you want to go outside and have some fun without worrying about brraking parts and having to spend a lot to fix it. My x-maxx takes and absolute beating and keeps in coming and the parts are easy to grt and aftermarket is so much better now than when the 6s version was avaialble.

[@Kburn1985]

That's incidental of their business practices, not something that was intended. They like to force shops to stock massively on their parts and large ticket, hard to sell items, incidentals, and exotic parts. So your local RC shop will have far more traxxas parts than they ever intend to buy. Stores live and die on inventory levels, because they often have to go into debt to keep a shop inventory, so its very hard on them. That said, its great for the consumer, because if you look at other brands, they only stock the absolute bare minimum easy to sell stuff, and part replacement are very slow and very expensive.

[@GhostRyderFPV]

_"That did escalate quickly, didn't it"_ Coffee... everywhere... Thanks for the chuckle my guy!

[@thomaswalton9089]

Hope that's me in 5 years lol

[@204_rc]

I just got my '21 Bronco a month ago and love it. Such a cool rig. It's seen nothing but snow too and been completely fine.

[@district51_rc]

Happy someone else mentioned the raw sewage at 5:20. If you have an environmental group to contact, they will investigate it and find the source and responsible party. More than likely a sewage main break. Great video!

[@VS666]

I slept on the TRX4 for a LONG time but goddamn these things are so good!!! I got a black/black Defender and with just a Fusion Pro, 45KG Amazon servo and a Spektrum receiver. This is my go to rig anytime I hit the trails or the beach and don't feel like lugging around my SCX6 Honcho

[@justinnitsuj7041]

Is the scx6 motor and speed control foc like the fusion pro? Ihave trx4 with hw axe system and love it, has me wanting scx6 for hiking....just wish it had portals and locking diffs lol

[@michaeldorich4485]

It performed extremely well under tough conditions. You can imagined what people do to these rigs. This was great test and review.

[@rc-dom-uk]

yeah the trx4 is a great chassis . and lovely body shells to . the two speed snd locking diffs add to the drive fun .

[@basementracer]

I believe the TRX4 is the best out of the box crawler. Now there is that new one you just reviewed with the portals and such just a few weeks ago and it may be as good but I believe the TRX4 has the crown. Much like Porsche, the TRX4, if it ain't broke, don't change it.

[@ReactionRC]

I liked hearing about when you started your channel! I have a few cheap action cams and finally upgraded to a GoPro! I don't think there were too many back in 2017 with locking diffs. Great video!! Cheers!

[@FatherandSon_RC]

My son just picked up our first crawler, a modded Traxxas TRX4. It is impressive what it can do. We researched which crawler to get as a first truck and talked with a bunch of enthusiasts at various rc stores. We finally went with the Traxxas for scale looks, parts support and huge aftermarket parts availability. Though it seems the crawler really doesn't break so we don'treally need the parts support like with the other cars. It's not getting launched at 50 mph to do backflips, so there's not much opportunity for carnage! Great video, we enjoyed the varied terrain you found for this video.

[@locualoein8543]

Nice one, I bought the TR4M and the price was very good for what you get and I liked so much that I have bought the light kit and the quality is very good, nice fitting. I don´t see why some one could hate traxxas, but I´m new in this world, I only own a Kyosho mini Z and a Maverick ion XT for 15 years but now I have added this TRX4M and a Kyosho Fcer Subaru and the small Hoonitron from Team associated. Too may RC in 2 months ...

[@avipatable]

I know people are divided over Traxxas and it sounds like they do some punitive things to smaller brands, some which seem rather mean. But I have had my TRX4 since 2017 and apart from a motor change and a servo change, nothing has gone wrong with it at all. Just works.

[@RDEnduro]

I bought the first one Traxxas sent my hobby shop and its still works on original motor esc and servos all work. Its never broken and its been driven and used and crashed many many many times its the best and likes a challenge off road

[@willanderson5088]

Got a Trx4 as my first crawler 6 years ago. I’ve got a few other crawlers from other brands and honestly most perform better but it was my first so it’s always one I grab.

[@davesrc_crawling8349]

I find that on tricky down hills it's best to unlock all diffs and put it in high speed. It can roll faster so the gears don't slow it and cause a roll over. Also allows you to throttle out easier. Open diffs prevent one wheel getting stuck and locking up all 4.

[@losv8415]

Just got mine and it fits my needs, love it and running with 3s no issues so far.. also have a rustler ultimate 😊

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

I have this very trx4 in red. I just got finished driving it around at a classic car show. Everyone loved it, and I got some killer photos of it with some legit full size classic American muscle.

[@cruisey9857]

The white/gray stuff in the creek is raw sewage. Just had a large creek by my contaminated by it, freaking gross! Stay out, no ticks for poo crawling lol

[@OkieDokieBoi]

FMS just slaughtered the TRX4's existence. Independently locking diffs, fully four-linked front and rear with SOA, 2spd transmission with FWD only, 4WD, and DIG with dig having the option to be converted to RWD, counter-rotating driveshafts eliminating torque twist, longer and smoother shocks at 100mm, higher clearance on the portals with a considerable amount of more steering angle, a better, more sturdy clipless body mounting system, absolutely solid with no body rattle, factory-installed lighting system, beautiful FlySky transmitter with 11 channels, a drag brake knob for adjusting on the fly, and the electronics are the only ever in an rtr that I'm not even considering changing out. This brushed rig runs nearly like a Fusion, no bs. It has amazing low-speed control and absolutely flies in high gear. Only thing to do is wheels and a steering servo when the original goes in time, as they all do. All for $100-$150 cheaper than the TRX4. Quality/durability is not even a question, I have more than one video evidence of that. I also have two TRX4's and a TRX6. Out of the box, the TRX's are inferior, not even worth comparing. I'll never buy another now. The TRX's are being LEFT IN DUST the by the FCX10, and now even the Ascent Fusion calling out the Sport. Again, not a chance, Traxxas. Apologies, fanboys, just the facts. Traxxas doesn't care about their consumers or their feedback. They don't care to pay attention. They put out what they want, not what you ask for. Even their 1:18's get slaughtered. FMS and Redcat pay attention and listen to the fan base. RESPECT 👊💪🤘

[@kjflyte5088]

Fms won't be as tough as a Traxxas, and for fms they really are behind not in front of the game because their rig is heavier than the trx4 so fms still has some homework to do.

[@OkieDokieBoi]

@kjflyte5088 I beg to differ. The TRX4 is heavier after the upgrades it takes to get it to climb like the FMS. My TRX4 is a bit heavier than than my FMS, and it took another $1200+ to be worthy. FMS took wheels only, plus brass rings in front. That's it. And as for durability, not a question. I'll link three videos for ya. First one is my TRX4 after 1k+ with the upgrades that my FMS will do after $100 in upgrades, being just wheels. Second is the durability of the FMS after many beatings already, axles smashing rocks at full speed, etc. Third one is another of my TRX4 cheater rigs just to show that I know my stuff and build untouchable non-moa rigs. Even my trail rigs have outperformed some folks lcg's. Traxxas has the homework to do in more than just the rig. Electronics, pricing...

[@KnockedSoup]

The big allure for the traxxas stuff is breaking something and then being able to pop down to your local hobby shop for a replacement the same day. Really kills the experience having to wait for something to come in the mail 5-7 days later just so you can enjoy your toy and often forces you to buy multiples of a spare. The hobby shop is a really important part of the RC experience imo.

[@joedipietro2559]

Yeah here in Australia, parts are really hard to get. Could be waiting a year for parts to arrive. I pre-ordered my TRX 4 Ford F150 high trail in metallic brown last June 2023. It's now 21 June 2024 and I still haven't received my truck. Meanwhile 3 other shops in Melbourne have got the truck. I honestly think the shop I brought from is disgraceful and I need to take my business elsewhere. So I keep giving them boneheaded morons chance after chance but the time may have arrived for me to ask for a refund and then go to another hobby RC shop which has the truck in stock. Beware of metro hobbies in Melbourne Australia. They only seem to want to push Arrma.

[@allmightygreat1892]

Good luck with red cat and fms. My lhs told me to only buy trucks they have parts for due to the fact i drive like a trained ape

[@GTMQ8]

I have had 2 TRX-4s and a TRX-6 since 2020 and I picked up the Ford pick up High Trail a few months back. They are absolutely amazing RCs and they are very customizable. The new Clipless bodies are so convenient. Regarding the stock servo, sadly one of the bad things about these TRX-4s are the weak servos so they should be among the very first items to upgrade.

[@NathanStorer]

Crawlers are one type of vehicle where I don't mind bushings. I'm more likely to seize a bearing before a bushing wears out. Also, it's not exactly a high speed application so bearings aren't really necessary anyway.

[@ryurc3033]

I use my crawlers miles and miles at a time. Sometimes 4-5 in one day. I can go 2.5 miles on a 1500mah battery because I'm not over packed with grease everywhere, good bearings, brushless..... My buddy with a scx10ii, brushless, but with bushings, and grease packed into the transmission, and differential, will only get .5 of a mile further than me with a 5200mah battery. But he uses his like a submarine, and I won't hardly get in the water.

[@NathanStorer]

@ryurc3033 yeah, if you stay away from water and mud, bearings are the way to go. For those of us, like me, who like to get a little dirty, and are adverse to deep cleaning every time, I feel like bushings are the way to go. Definitely more rolling resistance, though. I'll give you that.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Good points I never thought about

[@scottydoo46]

Iv ran a trx4 for a good few years and it's been given hell and gone through a hell of a lot of water, opened the receiver box for the first time since building it as my savox servo had finally lost a tooth and the box was as clean as when I put it in the day I built it, not a speck of dust or water mark

[@le_loui7643]

The trx4 sport is definitely my favorite crawler, I took my trx4 79 bronco, put the sport diffs and gearbox, removing all that high end technical stuff (less stuff to break, less stuff to worry about). Best beater rc crawler out there in my own opinion. Big upgrade over my rgt jeep (american ftx).

[@stusrcshed]

Thanks for addressing that mate. Thought that was a mogwai on the floor at first

[@tobiasjarpner1036]

I have tried RC-cars and it wasn't my thing, but watching your videos is very entertaining and this one with a feel of a happy Chevy out on adventure is among your best. Great work!

[@wikyWargaming]

The "Special Edition" is supposed to be a Traxxas exclusive retailer item. Usually the special editions from Traxxas are black, save for the High Trail Sport which is grey and green.

[@lukef5370]

I love them. I have 3 of them. Two 1/10's and the TRX4M high-trail .

[@Sol-hl2rj]

TRX-4 is a good truck.. Thinner oil in the dampers and it livens up! Way too thick oil in stock configuration. More expensive than some, but not necessarily that much more, none of mine (3) has broken anything. A bit old now, and some of the electronics are overdue an update. Especially the transmitter! I’ve changed electronics on mine, original steering servo on one is still going, other exchanged for more power versions, but the stock only stalls when pushed too hard, so if you don’t mind, don’t rush the exchange - it’s not meant to lift or flip the whole car anyway😉😄

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty awesome truck indeed, Phil! 😃 Fantastic crawling there! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

i`ve bought like 10 of them, all types, kit etc, pretty pricey but i just always sold the wheels, electronics even the gear box all new just out of the box and get gt5 radio, all metal gearbox and fusion motor for that money, quite a difference ;)

[@acereport8939]

My brand new High Trail arrived with discoloration from the “protective film” that was stuck to the body, flat spots on the tires and a clicking gearbox.

[@mcgruff424]

Cruise control was always my favorite feature... I just wish they would make a brushless FOC rig... but you can be your own FOC if you just play with the KNOB😂

[@adrianpilbeam7403]

I've not got into the Trailing/Crawling side of this hobby yet. I do keep looking at the TRX4 though. looks great and seems to perform well too.

[@TomleyRC]

It’s certainly not the worst choice you could mate 👍

[@richchase1381]

Hi tomley I started looking into this hobbie I baught my first banzi rc car cos of u and I got my ftx apache looking at ur station mine broke after 5 days but put a new rear diff in my apache and now works great love ur channel mate

[@decal1751]

You can make pontoons for the truck. I made some from a cheap toy i found at a dollar store it was a pontoon boat i just cut them off and put epoxy on the end i had too cut and then figured out a way to mount them i ended up using screws but there's numerous ways of doing it. You could always just use those long skinny balloons and tie them off at the right length and then tie them on i doesn't take much to keep the truck afloat and going forward and its pretty fun too. 😊😁

[@stephenpheonix6549]

Great review Phil! Thank you! The high Trail is a very nice crawler, however, because of the lift kit it’s very top heavy and tends to roll over a lot. It’s better for trail crawling than rock crawling. What battery do you run to take it through the water? LiPos will catch fire in fresh water.

[@TravisMCP]

Your camera angles are so epic

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks dude

[@keyblur_the_stoic]

I guess I got the only reliable micro servos traxxas made. On my Summit working for 10+ years now.

[@TimberWolf429]

I have a TRX4 79 Bronco from when they just came out, the brown outside are probably the C rating on the packs. I have had the same issue with 25C batteries, and once I swapped to 50C batteries, all my brown out issues disappeared.

[@s104x486]

How about a shootout between the TRX4 and the FCX10?

[@littlezeb777]

Looks pretty epic to me! Sometimes it nice be proud of a truck you paid for even if it costs more than others. And in opinion it looks better than any other crawler.

[@Explore_RC]

I like my TRX Sport. It's been working well. Watching you sink a new rc is always painful, but I appreciate you doing it for us.

[@RCBodgery]

I need to get into the crawler world soon. Seriously debating one of these as my first one 😁. Excellent video 😊

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@jimbailey1337]

Special addition black - not sure if this has been answered. I watched RCGirls review and she mentioned the special addition black was a limited release only available from certain Hobby shops, something like that anyway. Man I've had my eye on one of these high trails for a while now, they look so good!

[@Wurstkommission]

A very nice car, the problem in my opinion is that the center of gravity is too high. The only advantage of the new Chevy / Bronco model is the fastening clips, so that the body is attached without any defects. But because of the high chassis, the car is very unstable. And probably shell out around €600 for that, plus around €100 for the lighting kid... 🙈

[@Anglian-Rc]

Awesome 👌 thank you. Have you ever had the absima landi ? I wonder how good that if compared to trx ?

[@BeardRubEnjoyer]

My only issue with the TRX-4 is the top-heavy bodies. But they look great, its a give and take. Easily the best Traxxas line. The Sport with a Fusion Pro and a good servo has served me really well. The stock radio is pretty good in terms of feel and latency, not a crucial upgrade in my mind.

[@roblowrie1969]

Im far from being a Traxxas fanboy, but i love my TRX4 Sport. Like this one, its not perfect, but ive had r years to tune it now. That does suffer because of the higher body and raised COG, but it looks awesome. Some weight low down at the front would make a big difference. That first waterway was disgusting!! And all the litter!! This country really is literally going down the toilet!! Nice run video. 😀👍🏻

[@Craigstern73]

Here you go, it's absolutely spot on for an RTR. Your welcome.

[@Rulusto]

Special edition, the black body is the special. That white stuff in the stream is probably a bacteria or algae bloom after the temperature got higher.

[@roblowrie1969]

That's overflow from a sewer!! Toilet roll and 💩!! 🤢

[@Shadow_Wraith]

11:31 That's a wild haggis that was on holiday. It's just playing dead 😁

[@parieth5442]

Slowly saving up for this gem, it'll be my first big crawler! Can't wait to get it.

[@FarmerFpv]

You should have gotten the K10 Chevy Cheyenne pickup Hightrail. It has a lower center of gravity and a longer wheelbase to help it climb. The K10 Blazer topples over too much IMO. I have both the K10 Hightrail Chevy Cheyenne pickup with the longer wheelbase crawls and trails much better. They both look cool on the trails. Makes me feel like I'm back in high school picking up my friends to get to school in our family's K10 Farm Truck. lol

[@kjflyte5088]

Replace all servos and add brass upfront same problems as 7 yrs ago... too bad those diff covers are still big AF...

[@barrigia]

Would be intetesting to see how the updated HB Toys R1011, with the lockable diffs now compares to this TRX!

[@rcsmith5909]

Dude, those hills look steep even on camera that’s crazy😅

[@TomleyRC]

Yeah some were very steep!

[@redthelegendary748]

I have a trx4 from like 2021 its been great tbh

[@charleshurley8927]

When are you going to finish the big crossrc train thingy? I'd like to see you finish building it

[@BravoKing1]

Grey in that water was sewerage either a burst sewer pipe or it has overflown either way it could do with reporting

[@DavidToyotaHead13]

The FCX10 is where its really at. Would be nice to see traxxas update the Trx4, its just not worth 550 bucks with the brushed system.

[@OBS4ever16]

Crawlers like the trx-4 use the brushed system as it I'd the better option for low speed control. The brushless motors are great but only at higher speed.

[@albertkelly7129]

@@OBS4ever16 lol thats a no dummy

[@RacingHermit]

​@@OBS4ever16Yeah, no

[@EvanTrunnell]

Please do a video on the redcat ridgerunner its a stupid cheap 10th scale crawler and super good less than $190

[@radchad6726]

Just picked one up. Worked great for the 1st hour of rock crawling, then.....snapped the rear axle housing in half. Totally disappointed. Seeing if I can send it back rather than try to replace the axle. Literally only an old.

[@ramonbmovies]

Fun video. BTW, isn't that technically a trail truck and not a crawler? Also, could you compare that one w/ another brand that's less expensive but provides better performance? Whatever it is, I want one! One of the funniest moments @18:49. "Cleaned, dried and lubed...I've also cleaned, dried and lubed the truck..." TMI, :)

[@benschram]

Don't need to pick it all up at once. But just spend 10-15mins each visit to fill up a single bag. Do that a whole bunch of times and you'll make a huge difference. :)

[@KennethSmith-te2xw]

Definitely the best RC KZbin channel out there

[@coma996]

Tomley - got any 'budget' friendly crawler lists for this year?

[@nhmtrhd]

I have a two speed TRX4. After seeing this one tipping around, I’ll KEEP my NON LongTrail 😊

[@alex2500ify]

That light kit. Is eye watering lol

[@allanritchie1539]

You can get cheaper and better options if you shop around. Although the light bar that goes on the roof is an awesome piece of kit.

[@stephenr6427]

I have the high trail sport in grey and green love it

[@kindolive9528]

Can you do this same test for the RGT rescuer or FTX tracker? Please?

[@feron450]

That k5 blazer body looks so good

[@czechu01]

But is high trail really new? I have a '79 Bronco Snap-On Edition high trail that I bought bout 2 years ago?

[@davidrivero7943]

2.2 ? Lucky Phil, his alltime fav. Traxxas the Bandit tires will shoe right in .

[@oldscoolcooldiecast1879]

Excellent crawler only I settled for the red cat gen 8 scout and a axiel scx10 blazer I like traxxas but this one doesn’t come cheaply 😂 I like the two speed and complete water proofing

[@rossmessick5974]

I just want to see some side by side comparisons of the trx4 and the new fms 1:10 k10! They new one appears to have crushed the trx4, but can it deliver in person???!!!

[@billc9635]

Would WD-40 be a good lubricant after cleaning? I want to hose my trucks off but too scared of what to use.

[@MrNobody0044]

Bloß nicht. Nimm lieber Balistoloil ( Waffenöl ) hält länger Wasser und Staub ab.

[@GhostLead65]

WD is perfect as its a water dispersant whereas GT85 is penetrating fluid.

[@billc9635]

I kinda figured it would be, but was unsure of the motors

[@making_randoms]

WD stands for Water Dispersant. It was the 40th formula they tried. It is not a lubricant but perfect for preparing for grease

[@paulnorton7444]

Are you steering towards more high end rigs now.....

[@Casitascrawlers]

I love that style body it just looks so good & honestly it’s a great RC with a solid chassis & parts well except the servos but the fact that they have not changed that platform for years instead just make lifted or different body styles is going to hurt them because other companies are doing the same thing plus more for cheaper now they are going to be forced to change something I think they would do better if they had kits because there electronics are crap. I have the new Bronco & the Chevy truck lifted version it was pretty much $500 if not more & it’s my least favorite to take out & just sits I’m going to buy the Ford body to replace the Chevy it looks like it will fit but the bodies are all on sale right now then it’ll get out more but its 100% trail truck it flips over easy trying force it up tuff lines even if it does make it it’s just not made for heavy Crawling at that height.

[@jasonwestevans7292]

As i see si a great vid with loads of angles and suprises you know how to capture a good shot well done

[@TomleyRC]

Thank you

[@Luke-en2tk]

Will you be reviewing the new FTX Centaur crawler, be great to see how this compares to the new FMS FCX10?

[@craigpoer]

Beauty, all I see is hundreds of dollars of upgrades. Just looks so nice

[@vusalheydar]

Hi Phil, not sure whether you see or not, there is a new version of Beluga with Jeep Wrangler (HB R1011) body, diff control. Can you please order and review?

[@iantroup]

Where can I buy one in the UK? (Sorry but I.m completely new to all this)

[@robertshelton2605]

For the price of Traxxas products, can we get a FS-GT5 style transmitter? The same price as Traxxas transmitters, maybe cheaper. But way better functions

[@franklee6301]

Fms Fcx10 k5 or Trx4 defender? Which are you buying?

[@MagnifiedGiant]

TRX4

[@Alvino_rc]

AH just what I needed to get me through school 😂😂

[@WheelsRC]

Nice thorough test Phil👍

[@sleeprests]

How are you wading in the swamps yourself, moving around and taking those top notch video shots? :O

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Wow! You really got me at the end. Ford, yes please!💪🏽😎🤙🏽

[@Kory1084]

It sounds dumb, but if you want it to perform a little better, run the tires in the wrong direction. Stock Canyon Trails are surprisingly good if you do that.

[@johnrainbird1155]

Try a vanquish Phoenix far superior, I’ve got both 😢

[@Boogie_maan]

Special edition is about the color :)

[@carlandrews3475]

It is special edition because you got it in Black

[@Reissda28]

bro the trx4 defender its my dream rc.but for the moment y drive a ftx outbac paso

[@Reissda28]

@@erood6190 yeah but I'm in a duel with my father, he rides with a scx10 and he tells me that the scx10 is better than the trx4, I want to show him the opposite😂

[@nelis99]

Comment never seen....... but would be interesting if you elaborated more on the after video stuff like 'yea had to clean it, lube the diffs, fix the shocks, etc..' The blurb you had was intriguing, but coming from a noob rc person (me) there's a lot afterwards than you mention, I think, because you're just used to doing it all the time so it's second nature.

[@A.R.77]

It's that sweet ass trim that makes it a special addition.

[@RcCrawler82]

The high trail is just for money. The 79 bronco trx4 is the way to go