How to Waterproof a Traxxas RC the Right Way

How to Waterproof a Traxxas RC the Right Way

How to Waterproof a Traxxas RC the Right Way

Traxxas RC vehicles are water‑resistant out of the box, but not fully waterproof. This guide shows you how to properly waterproof your electronics, drivetrain, and chassis so you can run through mud, snow, puddles, and wet grass without frying your ESC, servo, or receiver.

Why waterproofing matters

Traxxas trucks like the Slash, Rustler, Stampede, Maxx, X‑Maxx, and TRX‑4 are advertised as “waterproof,” but that really means “splash‑resistant.” The ESC, servo, and receiver box can still fail if water gets inside, especially during deep puddle runs, snow bashing, or mud crawling. Bearings rust, connectors corrode, and motors wear out faster when exposed to moisture.

Waterproofing your RC the right way protects your electronics, extends the life of your drivetrain, and prevents expensive failures. This guide covers the correct methods — not myths — for waterproofing Traxxas vehicles safely and effectively.

Whether you’re running a brushed Slash in the rain or a TRX‑4 through creeks, these steps will keep your truck alive.

Where Traxxas vehicles actually leak

  • 🔌
    ESC case seams
    Water can seep into VXL‑3s, XL‑5, and VXL‑6s housings.
  • 📦
    Receiver box lid
    Foam gasket wears out or gets pinched during installation.
  • ⚙️
    Servo output shaft
    Water enters through the horn area on stock 2075 servos.
  • 🔋
    Battery connectors
    TRX plugs corrode when repeatedly exposed to water.
  • 🛞
    Bearings
    Stock bearings rust quickly when submerged.
  • 🔥
    Brushless motors
    Water washes out lubrication and causes premature wear.

How to waterproof a Traxxas RC the right way

  • 📦
    Seal the receiver box
    Add silicone grease to the gasket and screw holes to prevent leaks.
  • 🔌
    Waterproof the ESC
    Coat seams with silicone sealant; avoid covering the heat sink.
  • ⚙️
    Upgrade to a waterproof servo
    Stock 2075 is water‑resistant; upgrade to a sealed high‑torque waterproof servo.
  • 🛞
    Use marine grease on bearings
    Protects against rust and extends life dramatically.
  • 🔋
    Protect battery connectors
    Apply dielectric grease to TRX plugs to prevent corrosion.
  • 🔥
    Maintain brushless motors
    After water runs, spray with motor cleaner and re‑oil bearings.
  • 🧴
    Use corrosion inhibitor spray
    Light coat on metal parts prevents rust after wet runs.
  • 🧱
    Seal wire entry points
    Use silicone around ESC and servo wire exits.
  • 💧
    Dry the truck after every wet run
    Blow out water with compressed air and let electronics dry fully.
  • 🛠️
    Check screws and bearings
    Water loosens hardware and rusts bearings quickly.

Waterproofing checklist

  • 📦
    Receiver box sealed
  • 🔌
    ESC seams sealed
  • ⚙️
    Waterproof servo installed
  • 🛞
    Bearings greased
  • 🔋
    Connectors protected
  • 🔥
    Motor cleaned after water

Top 10 waterproofing accessories


Products Mentioned


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