BACK TO BASICS – Riding High In the Traxxas TRX-4 Sport High Trail Edition

Traxxas’ latest line of TRX-4 High Trail Edition crawlers have caused enthusiasts much excitement thanks to the crawlers’ higher stance and increased capability. As popular as they are, there are drivers and builders that seek a simplified version of the TRX-4. Always with its ear to the ground, Traxxas understood this and has given the base TRX-4, the Sport, the High Trail treatment. For those looking for a less-frills edition of the Traxxas TRX-4, but still wanting it in a raised, High Trail form, the Sport High Trail is the version for you.

EXTRA LIFT
The basis of the High Trail TRX-4 chassis is its pre-installed long-arm lift kit, which raises the Sport over an inch higher than non-High Trail models. The Sport also rocks larger 2.2” diameter wheels instead of the 1.9” wheels found on other TRX-4s. With the long-arm lift kit, portal axles and larger tires, the Sport boasts a combined four inches of ground clearance under the center differential pumpkins, providing an impressive level of clearance right from the factory.

The Sport’s simulated beadlock wheels feature body color matched rings that are mounted and pre-glued with Traxxas Canyon Trail tires. These aggressive S1-compound tires feature large lugs and are designed to ride over two-stage foam inserts that provide realistic tire movement. The High Trail is 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 Sport. This extended platform offers drivers the perfect combination of stability and maneuverability for crawling and trail drives.

Unlike the Chevy K10 and Ford F-150 versions of the High Trail pickups, the Sport does not come with a two-speed transmission and lockable differentials. Instead, it features a basic driveline that includes a single-speed transmission and full-time locked axles. This driveline combination guarantees this TRX-4 some incredible crawling capability that can help the Sport power its way over even the toughest obstacles.

The included four-channel TQ transmitter is used to control the Sport via a combination of Traxxas’ XL-5 HV electronic speed controller (ESC) and 21T Titan motor. The ESC can handle 3S LiPo power, making it a versatile and capable vehicle for any off-road adventure.

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. We’re glad to see that the Sport body has been retrofitted for this new-style clipless body mount. It is both secure and easy to remove 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 really enjoy. It may seem like a small inconvenience to remove and install body clips when you take the body off, but it’s so much better when you don’t have to deal with them. No more keeping track of body clips; just set it and forget it. On top of that, a clipless body means no more visible clips. This means a more realistic appearance, perfect for scale builders.

DETAIL PACKED
This Sport is available in metallic blue and red colors and the pickup truck includes plenty of hard plastic molded details such as a winch-ready bumper complete with fairlead and recovery shackles, a bed rack with recovery boards and fuel cans, a roof rack, light buckets, and a rear bumper that is also fitted with shackles. The Sport looks great straight out of the box—or if you’re thinking what we’re thinking, it’s a good base to start modifying and adding scale accessories to.

POWERED UP
After charging a Traxxas battery, we headed out to the park to put the High Trail TRX-4 through its paces. With its factory-installed long-arm lift kit and larger 2.2” diameter wheels, we had plenty of fun seeing how this truck handled the rocks. To our delight, the Sport performed very well, effortlessly navigating both hard and soft surfaces. It was plain to see that 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.

Traxxas TRX-4 Sport High Trail Edition Vehicle Specs

P/N: 82044-4
MSRP: $429.99
traxxas.com

Height: 10.8 in. (275mm)
Length: 22.2 in. (564mm)
Width: 10.6 in. (270mm)
Wheelbase: 13.2 in. (336mm)
Ground Clearance: 4 in. (99mm)

Scale: 1/10
Weight as tested: 7 lbs. (3.2kg)
Chassis: Steel ladder frame with nylon composite cross members
Shocks: Oil-filled aluminum coilover
Suspension: 4-wheel independent
Differential: Spool (no diff)
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 TQ 2.4GHz (4-channel)
Receiver: Traxxas 6533

FINAL WORD
Traxxas listened, and we’re the beneficiaries. A base model TRX-4 High Trail has its place and we’re glad that the Sport is available for those of us who asked for it. The High Trail Edition takes the already impressive TRX-4 performance and elevates it even further with its long-arm lift kit, clipless body, and other enhancements. If you’re seeking a slimmed-down yet high-riding TRX-4, the Traxxas Sport is an obvious choice.

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Text by Jerry Tsai
Images by Michael Wiene