Traxxas 82034-4, Owner'S Manual

TRX-4 • 23

DRIVING YOUR MODEL

Tips for Increasing Run Time

•  Use batteries with the highest mAh rating you can purchase.
•  Use a high-quality peak-detecting charger. 
•  Read and follow all maintenance and care instructions provided by 

the manufacturer of your batteries and charger.

•  Keep the XL-5 HV cool. Get plenty of airflow across the ESC heat sink. 
•  Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion gear will lower your 

gear ratio and cause less power draw from the motor and batteries, 
and reduce overall operating temperatures.

•  Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts to cause 

binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean.

mAh Ratings and Power Output

The mAh rating of the battery can affect your top-speed performance. 
The higher capacity battery packs experience less voltage drop under 
heavy load than low mAh rated packs. The higher voltage potential 
allows increased speed until the battery begins to become discharged.

RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS

Your new Traxxas TRX-4 is designed with water-resistant features 
to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic 
speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving your 
TRX-4 through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet 
conditions. Though highly water resistant, the TRX-4 should not be 
treated as though it is submersible or totally 100% waterproof. Water 
resistance applies only to the installed electronic components. Running 
in wet conditions requires additional care and maintenance for the 
mechanical and electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal 
parts and maintain their proper function.

Precautions

• 

Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously 
damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional 
maintenance procedures will be required after running in wet 
conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. 
Do not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to 
accept the additional care and maintenance responsibilities.

•  Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your 

battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet 
conditions. Do not use LiPo batteries in wet conditions.

•  The transmitter is not water resistant. Do not subject it to wet 

conditions, such as rain.

•  Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement 

weather where lightning may be present.

•  Do not allow your model to come in contact with saltwater (ocean 

water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or 

other contaminated water. Saltwater is highly conductive and highly 
corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach.

•  Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor. Special 

care must be taken to modify your driving style in wet conditions to 
extend the life of the motor (details below). 

Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions

1. Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions” 

before proceeding.  Make sure you understand the additional 
maintenance required with wet running.

2. Confirm that the receiver box O-ring and cover are installed correctly 

and secure. Make sure the screws are tight and the blue o-ring is not 
visibly protruding from the edge of the cover. Confirm that the wire 
clamp has sufficient grease. 

3. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions. 

Motor Precautions

•  Titan 550 motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the 

motor gets excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle (run 
the motor slowly) until the excess water can run out. Applying full 
throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid motor failure. Your 
driving habits will determine motor life with a wet motor. Do not 
submerge the motor under water.

•  Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet 

conditions.  The motor will be cooled by water contact and will not 
give an accurate indication of appropriate gearing.

After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions

1.  Remove the batteries.
2. 

Clean debris from the Traxx drive units, including snow build-up, 

mud, etc. DO NOT allow mud to dry on the drive units, as this will 

cause the assemblies to seize up and require full disassembly and 

thorough cleaning

. 

3. 

Spray all metal components, screws, bearings, and bushings with 

WD-40® or similar water displacing light oil. It is best to remove 

the rubber tracks to gain access to all areas and to allow for 

complete cleaning of the assemblies. 

4.  Rinse off the truck with low-pressure water, such as from a garden 

hose with a spray nozzle. Do not use a pressure washer or other 
high-pressure water. 

If a garden hose is not accessible, running the 

Traxx in clear water, such as a stream or shallow pond, will remove 

much of the accumulated mud from the tracks. 

5.  Let the truck stand or you may blow off with compressed air 

(optional, but recommended). Wear safety glasses when using 
compressed air.