A CUT ABOVE – Traxxas TRX-4 Ford F-150 High Trail Edition

The Ford F-Series pickup truck is an unmistakable classic, easily recognizable by its iconic silhouette. With a high-riding profile, boxy shape, and nostalgic design, the F-Series has been a beloved staple since its introduction in 1948. Ford’s early success with the F-Series is a testament to the enduring appeal of this legendary vehicle.

For 75 years and counting, Ford has produced 14 generations of F-Series pickups. The iconic F-150 now lives on in RC form thanks to the radio-control experts at Traxxas. The TRX-4 Ford F-150 High Trail Edition RC pickup truck is the latest release from the company and offers the opportunity to add a piece of automotive history to your collection.

For fans of Ford trucks, the F-150 is an iconic favorite. Similarly, Traxxas’ TRX-4 has become a beloved staple in the world of trail-crawling remote-controlled vehicles. With the High Trail Edition, this venerable chassis has been upgraded to deliver even greater trail performance and a striking presence in your RC garage. The latest TRX-4 truck is packed with scale features and performance upgrades not seen before in any other Traxxas TRX-4 ready-to-run (RTR) kits. Whether you’re a die-hard RC enthusiast or simply appreciate the thrill of off-road driving, the TRX-4 Ford F-150 High Trail Edition is a must-have addition to your collection.

EXTRA LIFT
A standout feature of the High Trail TRX-4 chassis is its pre-installed long-arm lift kit, which raises the F-150 truck more than an inch higher than other TRX-4 models. This additional ground clearance complements the already impressive clearance provided by the standard portal-axle-equipped TRX-4. The F-150 also sports larger 2.2” diameter wheels instead of the 1.9” wheels found on other TRX-4s. With the long-arm lift kit and larger tires, the F-150 boasts a combined four inches of ground clearance under the center differential pumpkins, providing an impressive level of clearance right out of the box. Whether you’re tackling rough terrain or simply enjoying a leisurely drive, the High Trail TRX-4’s exceptional clearance is sure to impress.

The F-150’s slotted mag wheels are both stylish and practical, boasting detailed locking hubs that help to conceal the wheel nuts and enhance visual realism. Mounted and pre-glued to the wheels are Traxxas Canyon Trail tires, featuring large lugs for improved grip on the trail. These aggressive S1-compound tires are designed to ride over two-stage foam inserts that provide realistic tire characteristics. The oversized wheels and tires work together to elevate the F-150 to new heights, allowing it to easily navigate even the most challenging off-road trails.

The High Trail’s upgrades are supported by an extended steel ladder frame that provides exceptional stability thanks to its extended 13.2-inch wheelbase. The frame includes molded cross members that create a rigid backbone for the F-150. This extended platform offers drivers the perfect combination of stability and maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating steep inclines and tackling technical trails with precision. Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, the High Trail’s extended frame is sure to impress.
The TRX-4 is fully loaded with features that enthusiasts love, including a two-speed transmission and lockable differentials that can be switched on the fly. The TQi radio system included with the truck features switches that provide easy control over all of its systems. The Bluetooth-capable TQi transmitter also allows for onboard vehicle settings changes via smartphone with the help of Traxxas’ optional 6511 wireless module. Powering the F-150 is a combination of Traxxas’ XL-5 HV electronic speed controller (ESC) and 21T Titan motor, which offers plenty of torque to tackle steep climbs and heavy loads. The ESC can handle 3S LiPo power, making this a versatile and capable vehicle for any off-road adventure.

DETAIL PACKED

This Ford F-150 features a body styled after the sixth-generation model in Ranger XLT trim. The truck is available in two period-correct colors, blue or brown, and is adorned with chrome accents and specially molded parts that add to its realism. This officially licensed Ford F-150 boasts a detailed 1/10-scale body with accurate injection-molded, metal-plated elements, including a detailed grille, front and rear bumpers, door handles, windshield wipers, side mirrors, and more. The attention to detail on this vehicle is so impressive that we often find ourselves staring at it longer than we’d like to admit.

GOING CLIPLESS

Traxxas is leading the way in a new feature for their RC line: the clipless body mount. This innovative system has already been introduced on several of their RC vehicles and has now made its way to the TRX-4. The F-150 model features a clipless body mount that is both secure and easily removed in seconds thanks to its integrated quick-release system, eliminating the need for traditional body clips.

The clipless body mount is a feature that we can’t get enough of. Although it may seem like a small inconvenience to have to remove and install body clips every time you take the body off, you’ll quickly realize how convenient it is to do so within seconds, without worrying about losing any clips. Furthermore, a clipless body eliminates the need for body posts or visible body clips, resulting in a more realistic appearance for the RC model. We applaud Traxxas for pioneering this clipless trend and hope to see it implemented in more of their products, including their classic models.

POWERED UP

After charging a Traxxas battery, we headed out to our local park to put the High Trail TRX-4 to the test. With its factory-installed long-arm lift kit and larger 2.2” diameter wheels, we were excited to see how this truck would handle tough terrain. To our delight, the F-150 performed exceptionally well, effortlessly navigating both hard and soft surfaces. The extra ground clearance provided by the lift kit allowed us to tackle steep inclines and maneuver over obstacles that would have posed a challenge for other RTR crawlers.

But the High Trail TRX-4 is not just a rugged performer. With its classic pickup body and chrome accents, it looked great simply rolling along the trail. The truck’s four-wheel drive system, featuring a two-speed transmission and lockable differentials, gave us plenty of control and maneuverability. Overall, we were impressed with the Traxxas TRX-4 Ford F-150 High Trail. It’s a fully capable crawler that not only performs well but also looks fantastic while doing it.

Traxxas TRX-4 Ford F-150 High Trail Edition
VEHICLE SPECS

P/N: 92046-4
MSRP: $549.99
traxxas.com

Height: 10.9 in. (277m)
Length: 22.2 in. (563mm)
Width: 10.6 in. (270mm)
Wheelbase: 13.2 in. (336mm)
Ground Clearance: 4 in. (99mm)

Scale: 1/10
Weight as Tested: 7 lbs., 6 oz. (3.33kg)
Chassis: Steel ladder frame with nylon composite cross members
Shocks: Oil-filled aluminum coilover
Suspension: 4-wheel independent
Differential: 4-gear, remote locking
Body: Pre-painted, decorated, pre-cut polycarbonate
Wheels: 2.2” slotted mag
Tires: Traxxas Canyon Trail 5.3 x 2.14”
Speed Control: Waterproof XL-5 ESC
Motor: Titan 21T 550 reverse rotation
Steering Servo: Traxxas 2075X metal gear
Radio: Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz (4-channel)
Receiver: Traxxas 6533

FINAL WORD

Traxxas has certainly outdone themselves with the accurate scale appearance and intricate detailing of the Ford F-150. The High Trail Edition takes the already-impressive TRX-4 performance and elevates it even further with the long-arm lift kit, clipless body, and other enhancements. The crawler not only performs exceptionally but also looks stunning. If you’re seeking a crawler that delivers exceptional crawling performance while boasting realistic scale aesthetics, the Traxxas Ford F-150 is the perfect choice.

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Text by Jerry Tsai
Images by Michael Wiene and Jerry Tsai