Engineers Week - Traxxas RC Crawler Technology
Off-Road Excellence: Inside TRX-4 and TRX-6 Transformative Tech
Engineers Week is a perfect opportunity to tell the story behind the transformative technology of the Traxxas TRX-4® and TRX-6®. The TRX-4 took the scale 4X4 world by storm as soon it was announced, and quickly became the best-selling trail truck thanks to its innovative, versatile design. With its High/Low transmission, T-Lock™ remote locking differentials, and portal axles, the TRX-4 broadened the horizons of adventure far beyond terrain-crawling.
Portal axles are a staple of full-size truck tech, and Traxxas engineers knew from the start it had to be part of the TRX-4 recipe. It’s simple: more ground clearance means greater off-road capability. The TRX-4’s portal axle design lifts the “pumpkin” that houses the ring and pinion gear, allowing obstacles that stop other trucks to simply pass beneath the TRX-4.
For RC trucks, there’s a bonus advantage: the additional gear reduction of the portal design virtually eliminates “torque twist.” When you need to pour on the power, the TRX-4 surges ahead with straight, forward motion instead of wrenching the chassis sideways. In the design phase, it was apparent that portals would outperform standard axles, but when testing began it was obvious that the difference was even greater than planned.
Versatile 2-Speed Performance
Trail trucks aren’t meant to be speed demons, but Traxxas engineers weren’t content with just creeping along. Fast is fun, and the ability to switch into High gear was on the design brief from the get-go. The Low ratio goes to work when terrain is tough and technical, while High lets you move out with more velocity when the trail opens up. It all happens right at the TQi transmitter, with the flip of a switch. With the TRX-4, what was previously the arduous task of carrying a truck from spot to spot or lagging behind the pace at crawl speed became switching into High gear and motoring down the trail.
Trail trucks aren’t meant to be speed demons, but Traxxas engineers weren’t content with just creeping along. Fast is fun, and the ability to switch into High gear was on the design brief from the get-go. The Low ratio goes to work when terrain is tough and technical, while High lets you move out with more velocity when the trail opens up. It all happens right at the TQi transmitter, with the flip of a switch. With the TRX-4, what was previously the arduous task of carrying a truck from spot to spot or lagging behind the pace at crawl speed became switching into High gear and motoring down the trail.
Traxxas engineers pioneered remote-locking differentials with the Summit, and that ground-breaking truck’s T-Lock diffs were a perfect addition to the TRX-4 formula. On the fly, the T-Lock system allows the front and rear differentials to be locked for maximum climbing and crawling traction, or unlocked for enhanced handling and a tighter turning radius in less challenging conditions. The T-Lock diffs go hand-in-hand with the High/Low transmission to provide both a more realistic and more versatile driving experience. In a full-size 4x4, you don’t use locked diffs on the highway, and the TRX-4 operates the same way.
All-weather Fun
The last piece of the puzzle was the ability to take on all conditions for scale and trail fun in all seasons and all settings. Traxxas waterproof electronics allow TRX-4 drivers to plow through mud and snow, and even cross rivers and streams just like the full-size overland rigs that inspire them. Combining a sealed receiver box with weatherproof electronic speed control and servo, the possibilities for adventure don't stop when things get wet.
The last piece of the puzzle was the ability to take on all conditions for scale and trail fun in all seasons and all settings. Traxxas waterproof electronics allow TRX-4 drivers to plow through mud and snow, and even cross rivers and streams just like the full-size overland rigs that inspire them. Combining a sealed receiver box with weatherproof electronic speed control and servo, the possibilities for adventure don't stop when things get wet.
Putting It All Together in The Ultimate Off-Roader: TRX-6
There’s only one way to top the ultimate 4X4, and that’s to go 6X6. The TRX-6 combines the TRX-4’s tech achievements with astounding scale detail to give trail truckers the world’s most advanced off-road rig. Three portal axles, three T-Lock differentials, High/Low transmission, and a full LED lighting package make the TRX-6 Traxxas’ most extreme scale machine. The mystique of the full-size Mercedes-Benz® G 63 AMG® 6x6 set a high bar for the TRX-6, one that could only be matched with maximum realism and maximum performance.
There’s only one way to top the ultimate 4X4, and that’s to go 6X6. The TRX-6 combines the TRX-4’s tech achievements with astounding scale detail to give trail truckers the world’s most advanced off-road rig. Three portal axles, three T-Lock differentials, High/Low transmission, and a full LED lighting package make the TRX-6 Traxxas’ most extreme scale machine. The mystique of the full-size Mercedes-Benz® G 63 AMG® 6x6 set a high bar for the TRX-6, one that could only be matched with maximum realism and maximum performance.
