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(Top 5) Traxxas TRX-4 Replacement Motors

This List Is For Replacement Motors Using The Stock ESC. Most of The Motors Will Be an Upgrade Over Stock But Mostly a “Replacement” Than an Upgrade.

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Below is the rank list will be notes and recommendations on which motor is best for you.

Top (5) PicksFeaturesPrice
#1
Holmes Hobbies
CrawlMaster Sport 540/550
– 5 slot rotor
 540 or 550
– 2s or 3s Lipo
On eBay 550
/
On eBay 540
#2
Holmes Hobbies
TrailMaster 540/550
– 3 slot rotor
– 540 or 550
– More speed than the motor above but less TQ
On eBay 550
/
On eBay 540
#3
Team Associated Reedy Radon 2 540/550

– 5 slot rotor
– Easier to rebuild/fix
– Adjustable timing
On Amazon
550 / 540
On eBay
550 / 540
#4
Surpass Hobby 540/550
– 5 slot rotor
– Rebuildable
– Adjustable timing
On Amazon
550 / 540
On eBay
550 / 540
#5
RC 4WD 540
– Just can’t beat the price
– Can get it as low as $12
– 65 turn 540 motor
Check on Amazon
/
Check on eBay

#1 Holmes Hobbies CrawlMaster Sport 540/550 (5-Slot)

s l1600

This is probably the best motor out of the bunch in 550 5-slot if you run 3s Lipo. Should have nice slow speed crawling and with a low turn motor (12t) you could get ok speed for the trail.

More info on this motor at… Exocaged RC YT – Holmes Hobbies Crawlmaster Sport 550 12t & 15t test in the TRX4


#2 Holmes Hobbies TrailMaster 540/550 (3-Slot)

s l1600

The advantage of this over #1 is the speed for being a 3-slot motor. You lose a bit of control on-power at slower speeds. This would also mostly be the motor to pick if you only running on 2S lipo (#1 might be a little too slow on 2S). It might run a bit hotter if you add weight to your truck – so I would try to stick with the 550-size motor unless you are clawing only.

More info on this motor at… Exocaged RC YT- Holmes 12t Trailmaster Sport 550 in a TRX4 Bronco


#3 Reedy Radon 2 Crawler (5-Slot) Motor 540/550

s l1600

Reedy is a long-time big name in R/C so it’s kinda hard to go wrong here. The advantage of this motor (over #1 and #2) is it can be rebuilt and have adjustable timing – but not really a big deal in a budget trail/crawler motor. It’s mostly comparable to #1 on the list but costs more. Another advantage of this motor is it’s easier to find online.

More info on this motor at… MMF Make My Fun RC YT – 16 Turn 550 Can VS 16 Turn 540 Can


#4 SURPASS HOBBY (5-Slot) Crawler Motor 540/550

s l500

I’m usually a super big fan of SURPASS HOBBY as the best budget motor but not in this case. They are better in 540 than in 550 but still, they really don’t compete in performance or price. The V2 motor might be the best 540-motor on the list but is almost $50 and this truck is kinda of heavy (a 540 motor would only be recommended if slow crawling only).

More info on this motor at… donaldsneffe YT – 550 5-slot Budget Crawler Motors: Holmes Hobbies Crawlmaster Sport vs. Surpass Hobby… CRCG YT – $40 AliExpress “MAGNUM” motors? | Surpass Hobby 540Plus V2 brushed Crawler Motor Review


#5 RC4WD 540 Crawler Brushed Motor (3-Slot)

s l500

The advantage of this motor is the price. It’s only in 540 and will really only be good as a crawler but it will get the job done.

More info on this motor at… Unboxingexperience7 YT – RC4WD brushed 540 motor 55t for rock crawler


list of motors to use on Amazon

list of motors to use on eBay

Notes: On the list, you will see (3-Slot) or (5-Slot). 3-Slot motors have more wheel speed (good for racing) The holding power/drag brake is also better (better off-power control) Vs 5-Slot motors have more control (on-power) at slower speeds and has more torque. More Info Here… ScottishRC YT – Surpass 27 Turn 3 Slot vs 13 Turn 5 Slot.

Now 540 Vs 550 motor size – 540 is smaller, lighter, and runs more RPM. on the other hand 550 motor is bigger, has more torque, and helps the motor run cooler. More info here clutchrc.com – 540 Vs. 550 Motor: What’s the Difference?

recommendation:

  • Trail riding on 3S lipo / All-around performance: 12t 5-slot 550 on 3S lipo. 12t on 3S will get you the wheel speed 5-slot 550 will get you the torque.
  • Trail riding on 2S lipo: This one is a bit tricky. 12t 5-slot 550 will work well but if you want more speed 12t 3-slot 550 is what you want.
  • Crawling only: 27t-80t 3-slot 540 or 13t-20t 5-slot 550 on 2S lipo. 540 and 2S to keep the center of gravity low. Also if you like a little more punch/wheel-speed crawling you can run a smaller 3S lipo (how most comp crawlers run) but it usually requires you to change the setup of the truck.

Check out these sites for more on the topic…

  • HolmesHobbies YT – Budget Motor Upgrade For The Traxxas TRX-4 Sport – Install Tips & Test Drive – Holmes Hobbies
  • amazon.com – trx4 motor
  • RC Girl YT – My TRX-4 Gets a SICK motor/ESC upgrade! Hobbywing Fusion 2-in-1 Install, Run & Review
  • rccrawler.com – Trx4 motor upgrade.
  • ebay.com – Traxxas trx 4 esc and motor: Search Result | eBay

Maximize Performance and Power with Traxxas TRX-4 Replacement Motors

 Are you tired of your Traxxas TRX-4 RC vehicle not performing up to its full potential? Look no further than Traxxas TRX-4 replacement motors to give your vehicle the power and performance boost it needs. These motors are designed to maximize power output and provide superior torque, allowing you to tackle even the toughest terrain with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned RC enthusiast or just starting out, upgrading your TRX-4 motor can take your driving experience to the next level. Plus, with Traxxas’ reputation for quality and durability, you can trust that your investment will last. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your Traxxas TRX-4 with a replacement motor and experience the thrill of maximum performance and power.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Replacement Motor

Choosing the right replacement motor is crucial to getting the most out of your Traxxas TRX-4 RC vehicle. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. One important factor to consider is the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you’ll be tackling steep inclines or rocks, you’ll need a motor with plenty of torque to power through. On the other hand, if you’ll be driving on flat surfaces or trail riding, you’ll want a motor that can deliver high speeds.

Another factor to consider is the size and weight of your TRX-4 vehicle. A larger, heavier vehicle will require a more powerful motor to provide the necessary torque and acceleration. Conversely, a smaller, lighter vehicle may not require as much power to achieve top speeds. It’s important to choose a replacement motor that is specifically designed to work with your TRX-4 model to ensure optimal performance.

Finally, consider your own skill level and driving style. If you’re an experienced RC driver looking for a challenge, you may want a more powerful motor that requires precise control. However, if you’re just starting out, a motor with more forgiving power delivery may be a better choice.

How to Install a Traxxas TRX-4 Replacement Motor

Installing a Traxxas TRX-4 replacement motor is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s a video that will help.  

keep in mind that if you are unsure how to do the prosses or not mechanically inclined – the local hobby store will usually get you in the right direction (with a fee)

Troubleshooting Common Motor Issues

Even with the best replacement motor, issues can still arise. Here are some common motor issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Motor Overheating

If your motor is hot to the touch it may be overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including running the motor for too long without a break, too big of a pinion gear – too small of a spur gear.

To prevent overheating a heatsink is a great way to start. changing to a smaller pinion (stock gear is an 11-tooth pinion) is usually the preferred method but the TRX-4 pinion is one of the smallest you can get.

Motor Stalling

If your motor suddenly stops working or stalls frequently, it may be due to a voltage drop or a malfunctioning ESC. Check your battery voltage and replace it if necessary. If the issue persists, try resetting your ESC or replacing it with a new one. The stock ESC is the Traxxas XL-5 HV. make sure you get the HV if not you can’t run 3s lipo.

Excessive Vibration

If you have excessive vibration coming from the motor it’s probably time to replace it. You can try taking it apart and cleaning out the dirt with electrical degreaser spray but most of the time (on a brush motor) the armature is damaged.

Tips for Maintaining Your TRX-4 Replacement Motor

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your TRX-4 replacement motor stays in top condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your motor:

Clean Your Motor Regularly

An easy way is to buy a can of electrical degreaser spray and a lite oil. Just spray all the dirt out of the motor that you can and put a couple of drops on the bearings and good to go.

Check Your Gears

Your motor works in tandem with your gears to power your TRX-4 vehicle. Check your gears regularly for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as necessary.

Avoid Overheating

As mentioned earlier, overheating can cause damage to your motor. To prevent overheating, make sure to give your motor frequent breaks if it tends to run hot, and don’t forget the heat sink as mentioned before.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Traxxas TRX-4 with a replacement motor is a great way to maximize performance and power. By choosing the right motor, installing it correctly, troubleshooting common issues, and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy a top-performing RC vehicle for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your TRX-4 motor today and experience the thrill of maximum performance and power.

(FAQ) Frequently Asked Question

  • What motor is in the TRX-4?

    The TRX-4 comes stock with a Titan 550 brushed motor.

    The motors on this page are direct replacements and a slight upgrade.

  • What size pinion is a stock TRX-4?

     The stock pinion on a TRX-4 is 11-tooth.

    A larger pinion may increase the top speed of the TRX-4 but may result in reduced torque and some crawling ability.

  • Is the Traxxas TRX-4 motor waterproof?

    Yes, the Traxxas TRX-4 motor is waterproof.

    However, it is recommended to clean and dry the motor after use in wet conditions to prevent any potential corrosion.

1 thought on “(Top 5) Traxxas TRX-4 Replacement Motors”

  1. Pingback: Best Budget Brushless Motor Upgrade For Traxxas TRX-4 - RC Guided

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