20 • SLASH 4X4 ULTIMATE
RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS
Your new Traxxas model 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 model
through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet conditions.
Though highly water resistant, the model 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 Traxxas TQi 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 salt water (ocean
water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or
other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly
corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach.
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. The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and exit
the tire during normal running. Water will enter these holes and get
trapped inside the tires if holes are not cut in the tires. Cut two small
holes (3mm or 1/8” diameter) in each tire. Each hole should be near the
tire center-line, 180° apart.
3. Confirm that the RX 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.
4. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
5. Use lower gearing (smaller pinion gears, as low as 9T or spur gear as
large as 54T) when running in mud, deep puddles, snow, or other
similar situations that will restrict the tires and put much higher loads
on the motor.
Motor Precautions
• Velineon 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.
• Use special care when operating your model in muddy conditions. Stop
operating your model if it appears to be straining due to the tackiness of
the mud or build-up of mud on the chassis. Do not allow mud to collect
on the motor or pack around the motor.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Drain the tires by spinning the tires at high speed to “sling” the water
out. One way to do this is to make several high-speed passes on a flat,
dry surface, if possible.
2. Remove the batteries.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the truck with low-pressure water, such
as from a garden hose. Do NOT use a pressure washer or other high-
pressure water. Avoid directing water into the bearings, differentials, etc.
4. Blow off the truck with compressed air (optional, but recommended).
Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the truck.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
®
or similar
water displacing light oil.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
