Your Ultimate TRX-4M Starter Guide: From Box to Trail in 5 Steps

Congratulations on your new Traxxas TRX-4M! You've got one of the most capable and fun micro-crawlers on the planet in your hands. But before you start conquering those couch cushions and garden paths, a little preparation goes a long way.

To help you get the most out of your new rig, we've put together this comprehensive guide. It covers everything you need to know for day one, ensuring your first run is a massive success.

Let's dive in.

Step 1: The Unboxing & Inspection

Carefully open the box and take a moment to admire your new machine. Inside, you'll find the TRX-4M, the TQ™ controller, the battery, the USB-C charger, and a small bag of tools.

• Do a quick visual check. Make sure all the cool scale accessories like the mirrors, roof rack, and spare tire are secure.

• Read the manual! We know, we know—it's tempting to skip. But the Traxxas manual has crucial information about your specific model. At least give it a quick skim.

Step 2: Battery Basics - The Heart of Your Rig

Proper battery care is the #1 secret to a long and happy life for your RC.

• Charging: Your TRX-4M comes with a 2-amp USB-C fast charger. Plug the included USB-C cable into a quality USB power adapter (like the one for your phone) and plug in your battery.

• Know the Lights: The charger's light will be solid green when it's ready, blinking green while charging, and turn solid red when charging is complete.

• Safety First: Never leave a charging battery unattended. Always charge on a non-flammable surface.

• Storage: If you're not going to use your truck for more than a few days, don't store the battery fully charged or fully dead. Aim for about half charge (this is often called "storage charge").

Step 3: Mastering the Controller (Your Command Center)

The TQ controller is simple but powerful. Here are the key controls:

• Steering Wheel: Turns the truck left and right.

• Trigger: Pull it towards you to go forward. Push it away from you to brake, then push again to go into reverse.

• Steering Trim Knob: Is your truck pulling slightly to the left or right when you're driving straight? Use this small knob on the controller to make micro-adjustments until it tracks perfectly straight.

• Set Button: This is used for selecting the driving modes.

Step 4: Choosing Your Drive Mode

Your TRX-4M comes with three built-in "EZ-Set®" drive profiles. To change modes, turn the truck on, then press and hold the EZ-Set button on the speed control (the little box on the truck's chassis) until the light changes.

1. Sport Mode (One Green Blink): This is the default. You get 100% forward, brake, and reverse power. Perfect for general trailing.

2. Race Mode (Two Green Blinks): 100% forward and brake, but no reverse. Not very useful for crawling.

3. Crawl Mode (Four Green Blinks): This is the magic mode! It gives you forward power and engages the brakes instantly when you release the trigger, preventing your truck from rolling backward on steep hills. We highly recommend using Crawl Mode for all technical driving.

Step 5: Your First Drive & After-Run Care

It's time! Turn on your controller first, then your truck. Place it on the ground and gently pull the trigger.

• Start Slow: Get a feel for the steering and throttle sensitivity. Practice navigating a simple obstacle, like driving over a single book.

• Listen to Your Truck: Pay attention to the sounds it makes. You'll learn what normal operation sounds like.

• After the Run: Give your truck a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove any dirt or dust. Check for any loose screws (unlikely when new, but a good habit to start). Disconnect and store the battery properly.

That's it! You're officially an RC adventurer. You've learned the essentials, and you're ready to explore. The most important rule? Have fun with it!

Ready for the next step? Once you've mastered the basics, the world of upgrades awaits. From brighter lights to heavier wheels for better performance, customizing your rig is half the fun.

Shop All TRX-4M Parts, Upgrades & Accessories

Happy Trails,

The Hobby City Team