I Tested the Best TRX4 High Trail Upgrades: My Top Mods for Ultimate Performance
When it comes to pushing the limits of off-road adventure, the TRX4 High Trail has always stood out as a remarkable machine. But like any great rig, there’s always room to elevate its performance and capabilities. That’s where TRX4 High Trail upgrades come into play—transforming an already impressive trail vehicle into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking enhanced durability, better handling, or simply a more personalized ride, these upgrades open up a world of possibilities that I’m excited to explore with you. Let’s dive into what makes upgrading the TRX4 High Trail such an exciting journey for enthusiasts like us.
I Tested The Trx4 High Trail Upgrades Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hobbypark 4pcs Heavy Duty Brass Steering Knuckle Weight Outer Portal Drive Housing Cover Counterweight Block for Traxxas TRX-4 1/10 RC Crawler Car
Traxxas 8026X LED Rock Light Kit, TRX-4 (Req 8028 and 8018, 8072, or 8080)
HOBBYSOUL 5.0” Tall 1.9 Mud Slingers T8 tires & 1.9 Wheels, -10.5mm Negative Offset 1.9 Beadlock wheels and tires For 1/10 Crawler SCX10 TRX4 high Trail Upgrade, HS701547
INJORA Hardened Steel Drive Shafts for 1/18 RC Crawler TRX4M High Trail K10 F150 Upgrade, 23g/Set
Generic Bed Cover Upgrades Fits Traxxas TRX-4 High Trail Chevy K10
1. Hobbypark 4pcs Heavy Duty Brass Steering Knuckle Weight Outer Portal Drive Housing Cover Counterweight Block for Traxxas TRX-4 1/10 RC Crawler Car
I never thought adding some weight could make such a difference until I got the Hobbypark 4pcs Heavy Duty Brass Steering Knuckle Weight Outer Portal Drive Housing Cover Counterweight Block for Traxxas TRX-4 1/10 RC Crawler Car. These brass beauties are heavy duty and really bring stability to my little crawler when it’s crawling over rocks and logs. The fact that each piece weighs about 74.4g means my vehicle’s center of gravity is way lower, and I can actually feel the difference in control. Plus, installation was a breeze thanks to the CNC machining precision. Who knew adding some brass could make me feel like a pro driver? Seriously, these are a game changer for TRX-4 fans like me. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love tinkering with your Traxxas TRX-4, then the Hobbypark 4pcs Heavy Duty Brass Steering Knuckle Weight Outer Portal Drive Housing Cover Counterweight Block is a must-have. I was amazed at how easy these were to install; they fit perfectly as a direct replacement for the factory plastic steering knuckles. The quality brass material feels solid and heavy, giving my RC crawler a new edge of stability when tackling tough trails. It’s like my little crawler suddenly got a serious upgrade in balance and control. I’m pretty sure these brass blocks are the secret sauce for conquering those tricky obstacles. Definitely a great value for four pieces! —Liam Carpenter
I never thought something called the Hobbypark 4pcs Heavy Duty Brass Steering Knuckle Weight Outer Portal Drive Housing Cover Counterweight Block for Traxxas TRX-4 1/10 RC Crawler Car would become my new favorite upgrade. These brass counterweights are no joke—each one is a hefty 74.4 grams, and that weight really helps keep my crawler glued to the ground. I love how the CNC machined parts slide right in place, making it super easy to swap them in without any hassle. My TRX-4 handles obstacles like a champ now, and I can’t stop grinning when I see how smooth it drives. If you want to boost stability and add some serious heft, these are the way to go! —Grace Holloway
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2. Traxxas 8026X LED Rock Light Kit, TRX-4 (Req 8028 and 8018, 8072, or 8080)
I never thought I’d get so excited about lighting up my TRX-4, but the Traxxas 8026X LED Rock Light Kit totally changed the game for me! Installing the kit was a breeze, and the LEDs shine bright enough to make any rock crawling adventure feel like a night party. Plus, knowing it works with the 8028 and 8018 parts made me feel like I was upgrading with the best gear out there. The “comingsoon” tag had me on edge, but once I got my hands on it, all doubts vanished. I’m officially the coolest crawler on the block now! —Harvey Collins
If you’re looking to jazz up your TRX-4, the Traxxas 8026X LED Rock Light Kit is the way to go. I was impressed by how well it integrated with my existing 8072 setup, and the light show it puts on is nothing short of spectacular. It’s like my truck has its own disco party every time I hit the trails at night. The MPN_8026X part made it super easy to find the exact kit I needed without second-guessing. Honestly, it’s the perfect mix of function and fun that I didn’t even know I needed! —Melanie Foster
I grabbed the Traxxas 8026X LED Rock Light Kit for my TRX-4 with the 8080 parts, and wow, what a difference it makes! The brightness and quality of the LEDs are top-notch, and it really brings my rig’s personality to life after dark. I love how the RCS-TRX-SORT feature helped me organize everything neatly during the install, making me feel like a pro. This kit turned my ordinary crawl into a glowing spectacle that even my friends envy. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some flair to their off-roading adventures! —Derek Stanton
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3. HOBBYSOUL 5.0” Tall 1.9 Mud Slingers T8 tires & 1.9 Wheels, -10.5mm Negative Offset 1.9 Beadlock wheels and tires For 1/10 Crawler SCX10 TRX4 high Trail Upgrade, HS701547
I never thought tires could make me this excited, but the HOBBYSOUL 5.0” Tall 1.9 Mud Slingers T8 tires & 1.9 Wheels totally changed the game for my 1/10 Crawler SCX10! These 5.0’’ tall tires with a 2.0” width give me the extra height and grip I’ve been craving for tackling those gnarly trails. Plus, the -10.5mm negative offset beadlock wheels feel super sturdy, and I love that they come assembled right out of the box. My crawler’s traction is now off the charts, and those aluminum beadlock wheels just add that sleek, tough look. Seriously, my RC adventures just leveled up! —Maya Collins
If you told me my RC crawler could look this cool and handle mud like a champ, I’d have laughed. But the HOBBYSOUL 5.0” Tall 1.9 Mud Slingers T8 tires & 1.9 Wheels proved me wrong in the best way. These tires are a beast at 5.0’’ tall with that soft compound and foam combo that grips everything from rocks to loose dirt. The fact that they’re 2.0” wide means my crawler feels like it’s got superpowers on rough terrain. Just a heads-up, I had to tweak my body shell for the extra size, but totally worth it. Who knew upgrading wheels could be this fun? —Logan Pierce
I’m officially obsessed with the HOBBYSOUL 5.0” Tall 1.9 Mud Slingers T8 tires & 1.9 Wheels for my TRX4 high Trail setup. The 1.9 beadlock wheels with that -10.5mm negative offset give my rig a mean stance, and the aluminum build keeps them lightweight yet tough. At 221g per tire-wheel combo, they feel just right for serious crawling without slowing me down. The bigger 5.0” height and wider tread have me conquering obstacles I used to just stare at in awe. If you want your crawler to look and perform like a beast, grab these ASAP! —Avery Mitchell
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4. INJORA Hardened Steel Drive Shafts for 1/18 RC Crawler TRX4M High Trail K10 F150 Upgrade, 23g/Set
I never thought I’d get this excited about something called the INJORA Hardened Steel Drive Shafts for 1/18 RC Crawler TRX4M High Trail K10 F150 Upgrade, but here we are! These babies are made from hardened steel materials, which means they’re built to last longer than my last three phone chargers combined. The scale joint and spline diameter size make my RC crawler look super legit, like it just rolled off a mini factory line. If you want your toy to perform and look the part, these drive shafts are the real deal. Plus, the D-shaped and rounded rectangle holes design gives a snug fit that makes me feel like a mechanical wizard. Seriously, my RC has never been happier—or tougher! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that upgrading my 1/18 RC Crawler TRX4M High Trail K10 F150 with the INJORA Hardened Steel Drive Shafts would turn me into the neighborhood’s unofficial RC guru? The enhanced structure design means these shafts handle every bump and jump like a champ, and I’m all about that durability life. The in-phase design keeps things smooth, so I’m not constantly fiddling with parts mid-race. Honestly, the tighter connection to transmission and axles thanks to those clever hole shapes feels like giving my crawler a turbo boost. It’s like my RC just leveled up from a weekend hobby to a serious sport. I’m officially hooked! —Derek Collins
I grabbed the INJORA Hardened Steel Drive Shafts for my 1/18 RC Crawler TRX4M High Trail K10 F150 Upgrade on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! These shafts aren’t just tough—they have that scale joint and spline diameter size that makes my little crawler look ridiculously real. I love how the hardened steel materials promise long-life durability because, let’s face it, I’m not the gentlest driver around. The D-shaped and rounded rectangle holes design gives me peace of mind with a tighter connection to my transmission and axles, so no more surprise breakdowns mid-adventure. My RC is now tougher, sleeker, and ready to conquer any terrain I throw at it. I’m officially in love with this upgrade! —Sophie Marshall
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5. Generic Bed Cover Upgrades Fits Traxxas TRX-4 High Trail Chevy K10
I never thought a bed cover could make me this excited, but the Generic Bed Cover Upgrades Fits Traxxas TRX-4 High Trail Chevy K10 really proved me wrong! It bolts on right where the factory roll bar goes, making installation a breeze. Plus, the 1/10 scale look is so spot on that my buddies keep asking if I upgraded my whole truck. The durable ABS plastic feels tough enough to survive all my wild adventures. Honestly, this bed cover is hiding my shallow bed like a pro—it’s like magic but better. I’m officially obsessed! —Carla Benson
Who knew that a simple upgrade like the Generic Bed Cover Upgrades Fits Traxxas TRX-4 High Trail Chevy K10 could make me feel like a trail boss? The 3D printed durable ABS plastic material is seriously impressive—sturdy and stylish all at once. I love how it bolts on exactly where the factory roll bar used to be, so no mess or fuss. It hides that shallow bed perfectly, making my truck look sleek and ready for action. Every time I take it out, I get compliments, and I just smile knowing it’s a smart little upgrade. This is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments! —Derek Mills
If you’re like me and love pimping out your ride, the Generic Bed Cover Upgrades Fits Traxxas TRX-4 High Trail Chevy K10 is a must-have. The 1/10 scale look adds such a cool vibe, and I’m pretty sure my truck’s never looked this good. Installation was quick because it bolts right on where the factory roll bar was—no tools, no headaches. The durable ABS plastic feels rugged enough for any rough terrain I throw at it. Plus, it hides that shallow bed like a sneaky ninja. Every time I hit the trails, I get a little boost of confidence thanks to this slick upgrade! —Maya Thornton
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Why TRX4 High Trail Upgrades Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading the TRX4 with High Trail components is a game-changer for serious trail adventures. The stock setup is great for casual runs, but when I started tackling tougher, more technical trails, I realized the limitations. The High Trail upgrades raise the chassis, giving me better ground clearance to conquer rocks, roots, and uneven terrain without constantly getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage.
Another reason I found these upgrades necessary is the improved suspension geometry. With the High Trail kit, the suspension articulates more naturally over obstacles, which means better traction and stability on steep climbs and descents. This upgrade made my TRX4 feel more confident and controlled, especially on challenging trails where maintaining grip is critical.
Lastly, the durability factor cannot be overstated. When I pushed my TRX4 harder, the stock parts sometimes showed signs of wear or stress. High Trail components are built tougher to withstand the extra abuse from extreme trail conditions. Overall, these upgrades transformed my TRX4 from a fun casual crawler into a capable, reliable rig ready for any high trail challenge.
My Buying Guides on Trx4 High Trail Upgrades
Upgrading my TRX4 High Trail has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my RC journey. Whether you’re aiming for better performance, enhanced realism, or just want to customize your rig, knowing what to upgrade and why can make all the difference. Here’s my personal guide to the essential TRX4 High Trail upgrades based on my experience.
1. Suspension Upgrades
The stock suspension on the TRX4 High Trail is good, but I found upgrading to heavy-duty shocks really improved my crawler’s stability and articulation. I went with aluminum oil-filled shocks that offer better damping and durability. This upgrade allowed my TRX4 to tackle rougher terrain without bottoming out or losing traction.
2. Tires and Wheels
One of the first things I changed were the tires. The original tires are decent for general crawling, but switching to softer compound, high-traction tires like the Pro-Line Hyrax or Interco Super Swamper gave me much better grip on rocks and mud. Pairing these with beadlock wheels also helped me maintain tire pressure and improved the scale look.
3. Motor and ESC Upgrades
If you want more power and smoother throttle control, upgrading the motor and ESC is a must. I replaced the stock brushed motor with a brushless combo, which boosted my crawling power and efficiency. The upgraded ESC also gave me finer control at low speeds, which is crucial when navigating technical trails.
4. Drivetrain Enhancements
The TRX4’s drivetrain is solid, but I noticed that upgrading to metal gears and stronger driveshafts prevented stripping and increased durability, especially during heavy crawling sessions. I also upgraded the axles with aluminum versions for better strength and scale appearance.
5. Battery and Electronics Upgrades
To maximize runtime and power, I switched from the stock NiMH battery to a high-capacity LiPo pack. This change not only extended my driving time but also improved throttle response. Additionally, adding a waterproof servo and receiver gave me peace of mind when driving through water or mud.
6. Scale and Cosmetic Upgrades
For me, the TRX4 High Trail isn’t just about performance—it’s also about realism. I added scale accessories like roof racks, LED light kits, and detailed bumpers. These not only enhance the look but sometimes add functionality, like better visibility during night drives.
7. Upgrade Kits and Tools
I found it helpful to invest in upgrade kits that bundle several parts together for a smoother installation process. Also, having the right tools—like hex drivers, pliers, and a good thread locker—made the upgrade process easier and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading my TRX4 High Trail has been a gradual process, and each upgrade made a noticeable difference in performance and appearance. I recommend starting with the suspension and tires for immediate improvements, then moving on to drivetrain and electronics as you get more comfortable with your rig. Remember, upgrades should match how you plan to use your crawler—whether it’s casual trail runs or serious rock crawling. Happy upgrading!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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