Traxxas TRX-4M First Look and Drive!

It's FINALLY HERE! The Traxxas TRX-4M is the newest model from the fastest name in Radio Control. At only $149, does it suck? If not, Why is this thing so cheap? How do they manage to get a fully licensed Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender body at such a low price point? We take a look at some of the accessories, upgrades and stock electronics. We'll also look at it next to an Axial SCX-24 and compare the two. We'll also look at it next to a few other 1:18 scale RC crawlers available on the market before we take it outside and go crawling with it. I give it my full review and first look at the all new Crawler from Traxxas.
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[@sloanketteringgg]

Fun fact, underneath the sticker on the spare tire cover is a screw. Take the screw out, and behind the spare cover is actually a 7mm hex so you can mount on a functional spare😎

[@10thScaleGarage]

Right? I wish they sold tires individually or in a set of 5.

[@motododo4626]

Yup I got some injora wheels and tires 58mm stock is 57mm so I'll be puting a stock tire out back

[@chadriddle3517]

Nice ! Just bought one 2 days ago and did not know this ! Thanks

[@Friskee62]

I took the whole thing off...Just 4 tiny screws now, much better look.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great video, as always. Keep up the real world reviews. Thanks for sharing. John

[@jdelmonaco1]

Great video…super entertaining! 🙏🏼❤️🙌🏼

[@michaelkav6345]

I always run mine stock for awhile first, then slowly upgrade. Thanks, enjoyed the video. Have a good day. Mike in Fla.

[@UpperLeftRC]

Love the videos and your reviews and your builds too but please for the love of god get rid of that monster underbite of a bumper on that gladiator 😂 it does not fit that truck, way too big, too heavy looking and just ruins the vibe lol but hey that’s just my opinion keep up the great content 😄👍🏻

[@Dario3.7]

Good thing about this hobby is everyone can make their build the way THEY want.

[@SnarkyRC]

@@Dario3.7 Nope. They gotta listen to this guy or else. 🤣

[@OppositePengui]

Just bought an infraction 3s, so excited!

[@jonny5662]

Every channel keeps saying it’s underpriced, traxxas is listening for sure and will raise.

[@josephtiani6145]

I just picked mine up and bought several upgrades! Got the shock upgrade, the aluminum servo tray (because why not), the light kit as well. They only got one trailer in so wasn’t able to get one. It was weird they literally only had one of each upgrade, so only one set of 2 tires not 2 sets lol

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Great detail

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Good evening bro always great video nice review

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Really great review! I really was stoked about this when I heard a few months back that it was coming out. I was going to preorder, but decided to wait. Pretty hard to believe that they priced it pretty decently for it being a Traxxas. I’m not a Traxxas fanboy by any means. This thing looks and seems like it drives super smooth with good modulation. I respect that they license their product when they copy an actual vehicle out there like this Bronco, but it’s not super important to me to have a brand logo on the vehicle. I’m not diggin the web being spun here by Traxxas either with all the proprietary stuff going on in there. Why can’t they just at least give people the option to use what they want? It’s a web I don’t want to be tangled in. The bushings don’t bother me to much especially in a 1/18 crawler. All this aside I am still curious but not in a hurry. For now at least ,I will continue playing with my current 1/18 favorite the Panda Hobby Tetra II! No webs to get caught up in with them! Really kick ass review buddy. Love what your throwing down!✌🏻😃👍🏻

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Really nice set up

[@ricklabelle9075]

Cant wait to get mine. $150 traxxas crawler? Awsome. Love your review.

[@10thScaleGarage]

Hey thanks for watching.

[@jjrotogeek]

love it!

[@bigkennyg.621]

I got one,blue bronco w/trailer as well super happy with it Edit: my servo lasted about 2½ weeks traxxas shipped me the parts to fix it but I got impatient and bought the all metal one 😂 I really recommend the upgrade

[@CodyOnTheGo]

I love mine best traxxas purchase ever !

[@vizionct1]

Great review. Got mine in silver w trailer. News is Injora will be doing 3rd party mods soon for this mini rig.

[@gregorholmes1837]

I bought mine today. Great rig. Good tires. Very capable out of the box, unlike the axail anything. But under powered, needs 3s or a diff motor. Trailer is meh/neat but should hoo onto the bumper instead of the low handing hitch You loose so must departure angle.

[@joekrause954]

due to life my upgrades come one at a time and 1-3 months apart but it gives me time to pick the best ones for me

[@vinnieland6140]

Thanks for the size comparison, now for an ability stand-off😁

[@qwest1000]

My wife ordered a TRX4m in blue for me. It will be sitting under the Christmas tree. Great video and action shots.

[@10thScaleGarage]

Nice 👍

[@NathanStorer-RC]

I've been thinking about getting one of these. It's not something I "need", but are any of these? I'm not too impressed with the battery situation, but I think I can get past it if it has enough run time.

[@carloswright]

I can't wait to get mine. I for sure want to see what upgrades you get and how they do.

[@10thScaleGarage]

I’m thinking ALL of them. Haha. Which one did you get?

[@carloswright]

@@10thScaleGarage Couldn't resist the grey Defender. I am going to leave kit scale, then when aftermarket goodies are available, I will get a Bronco to build.

[@asuchemist3371]

I played with my blue bronco for a minute tonight. Was fun but loud. No issues and gearing that it comes with is good. Turning radius is $

[@10thScaleGarage]

Yeah it is! The plastic steering linkage is a little worrying.

[@J33P4D00R]

Boom! Called it! I upgrade a little at a time, running a few RCs I kind of repair/upgrade as I can afford it in an arbitrary order of importance. But I want one as a Green Defender, but if I got the Bronco I would have the 24th, 18th, and 10th scale all in silver.

[@10thScaleGarage]

I like the white one a lot…. More than I thought I would. I’m hoping they release a Mercedes G wagon, similar to the 10th Scale TRX-4

[@J33P4D00R]

@@10thScaleGarage I really like that you got the trailer, I want to get one too since like you said the price is right. I want to see the old school bronco brought down to thos scale or the old school blazer. Both would be mwah, chefs kiss. Maybe some inner fenders too

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I like it enjoy the weekend

[@hovan2yourjunk]

I put 2 on hold at my LHS that I’m going to pick up tomorrow for me and my kid. These will be our first crawlers. Just got into RC maybe 4-5 months ago…

[@10thScaleGarage]

Nice! You two are going to have a blast.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@10thScaleGarage He has 1 Bronco and 4 defenders available. I figured we’d get one of each and let my kid have the first pick. I assume he’ll take the Bronco. Already ordered 2 sets of brass hub extenders (1 is 10mm and the other is 7mm…7 going on the Bronco) and 1 brass steering link because I’ve seen that the Defender needs some weight at the front to balance 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m just tryin learn here man. Any thoughts?

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

That thing's pretty cool. We need to do some crawling...

[@midnight_gamer6454]

5:11 I once did a fat burnout in my brushed 2wd slash and the tires and the motor started smoking and it took me 3 months to get the replacing parts and also to install it

[@dirtbikedion3233]

Finally got mine pro ordered it. Haven’t gotten to use it yet because I’m sick of course I want to use it so bad.

[@LuisNieves]

Battery actually charges pretty quick. I’ve been enjoying my trx4m Bronco so much. Best $150 I’ve ever spent lol. Only thing that took a shit on my Bronco is the servo. Gears stripped, but o replaced the gears with the metal ones, part # 2064R and has been problem free ever since.

[@10thScaleGarage]

A Traxxas servo failing? Say it isn’t so!

[@iavagabond124]

I bought the Eazyrc Bronx not to long ago. How good is Eazyrc? And should I of waited for this Traxxas Bronco

[@prostreetcamaro]

The oil lite bushings are self lubricating and will never rust. In a light weight slow rc like this, I think it's the ideal choice honestly. I wont bother replacing them in either of our's. If they end up wearing out fast, then i'll upgrade to bearings (jims bearings will have a kit by then). If they last a good while, i'll probably just use bushings again. The aftermarket is going to be INSANE for these I believe.

[@10thScaleGarage]

Facts.

[@paulclancy2404]

Ya went I got back into the hobby when the 2wd slash came out I'd go through those 12t titan motors but they were only 20 bucks . Brushless systems were around 250$ and that's about 400 $ now they weren't cheap .

[@EvdogRacing]

I’ve been in the hobby for about 4 years with a rustler and just recently bought a traxxas Supra. Obviously in that time I’ve taken some short and some long breaks. I’ve burnt 3-5 titan motors. They’re great cars though.

[@patricklavoie8719]

Thanks for the video! How would you compare the low speed modulation between the TRX4m and the SCX24 Gladiator?

[@10thScaleGarage]

The gears seem a bit taller in the TRX, but the curve is super smooth. The gladiator is a bit jagged and harder to control precisely- just my opinion. Traxxas has two gear boxes and gear set options on their website.

[@patricklavoie8719]

@@10thScaleGarage Thanks man!

[@nunu4692]

Nice little toy, i much rather get a regular tx4 defender but for 150 u cant beat that is a nice one. And u can get a trailer too😂🔥

[@Friskee62]

I have the orange Bronco. The most capable crawler I own. Even better then my 1/24 rigs...

[@misterbrown4122]

Great video. There are battery adapters out there to charge with hobby characters

[@rcit949]

love this littel trx4m i takeit anywhere nolugging around whit the trx 1\10 no problems yet

[@moneymanjoe9639]

Damn, that Titan 12T motor on my stampede burned out if you looked at it the wrong way. Hell I thought you had to replace it after every run.

[@shawnmarshall882]

Wow it seems like so many people have problems with traxxas electronics. I haven’t really had any problems I have a slash with the original servo in it from 2009 and it’s still kickin. I did have an esc burn up in a vxl bandit that I only ran on 3s but other than that I have had pretty good luck

[@10thScaleGarage]

I’ve had bad luck with brushed motors and servos mostly.

[@paulclancy2404]

I'd say they already have the licenses for broncos and tires . Traxxas probably thought let's not be too greedy with profit margin to try get sx24 markets. Thier profits are greater from parts and upgrades atleast for the hobby shops . How much could cost them to produce these 75$ so still 100% profit . It does seem odd to get something cool from Traxxas we don't feel like we have to pay extra . I bet no sx24 ever and these would be 250$ and they be OK with half the sales . Traxxas always aggravated me but now I'm rich 😒 jk just older and can afford .

[@JIMJAMSC]

My guess is the truck alone was probably made for less than $50 max.. Being critical of cheap plastic parts when most will quickly replace EVERY part with $$ aluminum. You can spend that much for just 2 brass upgrade covers to protect / weight down the bottom. People have / will easily spend $500 + for his little guy easy in aluminum bling.

[@Friskee62]

There are appropriate connectors to charge with your normal charger, out now...

[@BlueOvals24]

Well that totally wasn't biased at all

[@ruftime]

The battery lead is just a proprietary balance lead, since the normal JST style balance lead can't handle the amps needed to supply the ESC. As an XT30/60/90 lover......It is an elegant dual purpose solution for eliminating parts count in manufacturing....ala Tesla

[@jamespeacock356]

I'm sure because they already had the license to use the Ford and land Rover bodies they didn't have to add it into the cost and I'm sure a lot of the parts are stock items that are used on other vehicles

[@V8chump]

You should check your shocks, some people report nearly empty shocks. I say this bc you mentioned it being bouncy which it shouldn’t be, I’ve seen some BUTTERY suspension outta these. I think the inclusion of bushings was a killer idea, that’s why it can be $150. Bushings are much cheaper, require no maintenance, doesn’t make a difference at this scale, and benefits a waterproof

[@jamespeacock356]

On my big TRX it was a slow upgrade process and she still ain't done

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I’m not a fan of either body. I wish they’d do a square body blazer and 79 bronco like tge trx4

[@rcjoe406]

They are gonna make bank on upgrades..

[@zdog90210]

I think some of the cost is in upgrade parts maybe. Kind of like Sony with the PlayStation, sell the console at little profit and make a big profit off games

[@10thScaleGarage]

Yeah. Excellent point! I’m already looking at a full upgrade package.

[@mauriciobuitragoosorio230]

Is BEST scx 24 en new axial capra 1 18

[@WoodsUnknown]

So who mucked up with the scale size Traxxas or Axial. I'll stick with my axial rigs. Awesome review as always.

[@mikehatfield3561]

From your attitude I would say you should just stick with scx242

[@CarlBalzer]

Notification squad

[@shawnmarshall882]

But it’s traxxas!!!

[@10thScaleGarage]

Even the dang trailer

[@pooljunki1]

Cut the plug off of the battery and solder whatever connector you want on the bare wire you cut, and you are all set I know you know this butt you seemed to make a big deal about it

[@Mars_rc_adventure]

Normally yeah. The difference here is the battery has 3 wires and all 3 plug directly into the esc.

[@adamwhite5832]

I’ve burned out at least 3 12t’s and I’m about to burn out my 775 in my summit. It smokes after hard acceleration or slow moving lol

[@10thScaleGarage]

Oh no! Time to go brushless???

[@busman2050]

Motors burn out when you abuse them. I barely replaced mine after several years of driving my stampede

[@busman2050]

I always use a heat sink in mine

[@AnthonyRogers-zh8rj]

Like bese my friend Like it I have 2 bese thay good my friend gave 10 of 10

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

I picked this up yesterday and regret it. My hobby shop had zero parts for it. And most of the upgrade parts will not be available until January according to Traxxas website!! Such a fail in my opinion. I just want the aluminum steering link since this thing likes to bind a lot and flex. Think I'll sell it. I should've went with the Capra 1/18

[@douglaselliott8298]

Nylon bearings, composite transmission gears, mini-steering servo, and possible need to lower(tune) your gearing. That is how Traxxas hit the price point. In its favor is its wonderfully detailed, licensed hard bodies and tires, the pragmatically engineered chassis, and Traxxas's first-rate support still makes it hard to resist. Awesome Christmas gift to a pre or young teen. But a RC addict is gonna likely drop another $100+ to tune it to taste.

[@petermakeithappen8336]

So what does the other guy look like?!

[@10thScaleGarage]

Hahaha. I’m pretty sure the whole thing was caught on a Ring video doorbell.

[@thatsharshman.8544]

What's up, lol.

[@justincountryman-chronic_r3696]

Damn 2 weeks and no vid you guys are falling off

[@Rc_Alex_76]

First

[@user-bv5ng5jm5r]

doesn't have enough power to crawl and move slow , used one last night and I hate it !!!

[@ethanh3421]

Yeah, I personally think it’s underpowered…

[@playanddisplay3636]

Probably 15-20 Titans killed at this point and have been in the hobby for 3 years. Chevy K10 would be bigger than a Bronce in full scale.

[@10thScaleGarage]

Really? My sister has a bronco sport, and a buddy has a full size one and they seem bigger….. granted I’ve never seen a “real one” next to. K-10 but I’ll take your word for it.

[@playanddisplay3636]

@@10thScaleGarage I think a lot of the sense of size you get from the modern off roaders like the Gladiator and Bronco are from the offset tall tires. I believe their frame width is the same as a Ranger not a half ton pickup. That being said my 2013 F-150 is A LOT bigger than my 79 or 81 F-150's are.

[@busman2050]

Video barely started and already an ad???? Come on man!

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

ill looked into it nope to cheaply made plastic gears nope 75.00 max

[@ellisb1451]

0

[@hookabunny5030]

Now that they ask how is this so cheap the price goes up .. and I don't buy

[@peteaponoves]

6 Titan motors. And counting...😑

[@mitsuman5555]

You’re the first person I’ve seen mention the proprietary battery connector. Big thumbs down on that “feature”. Boooo

[@10thScaleGarage]

Well, hopefully the ESC lasts.

[@SnarkyRC]

Traxxas electronics are trash per usual. I prefer kits so, when I install upgrades I put them on while I'm building the kit. The running video at the end would be better without the music.

[@danification6587]

great video but it's TRAXXAS TRASH!!! lol

[@jauken83]

Cool, but ultimately another Traxxas product that forces you into their overpriced ecosystem.

[@joekugelman4196]

I am still waiting for mine

[@yetimonster2586]

Looks cool. Priced so that you don’t feel bad about spending tons on upgrades from a proprietary monster. F that. I’ll take my Kyosho Mini z. It’s just fun. No upgrades needed.

[@zsrc3623]

I hate that they did the new body clip system on these. Why havent manufacturers put strong magnets on them instead of other mounting options? I understand that there are pros and cons to all options however it would be the most versatile and cheapest.

[@busman2050]

The body clips work fine. Let's see how long they last