How to Waterproof a Traxxas RC the Right Way
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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.
📜 Overview
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.
💧 Weak Points
Where Traxxas vehicles actually leak
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ESC case seams
Water can seep into VXL‑3s, XL‑5, and VXL‑6s housings. -
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Receiver box lid
Foam gasket wears out or gets pinched during installation. -
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Servo output shaft
Water enters through the horn area on stock 2075 servos. -
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Battery connectors
TRX plugs corrode when repeatedly exposed to water. -
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Bearings
Stock bearings rust quickly when submerged. -
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Brushless motors
Water washes out lubrication and causes premature wear.
🛠️ Waterproofing
How to waterproof a Traxxas RC the right way
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Seal the receiver box
Add silicone grease to the gasket and screw holes to prevent leaks. -
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Waterproof the ESC
Coat seams with silicone sealant; avoid covering the heat sink. -
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Upgrade to a waterproof servo
Stock 2075 is water‑resistant; upgrade to a sealed high‑torque waterproof servo. -
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Use marine grease on bearings
Protects against rust and extends life dramatically. -
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Protect battery connectors
Apply dielectric grease to TRX plugs to prevent corrosion. -
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Maintain brushless motors
After water runs, spray with motor cleaner and re‑oil bearings. -
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Use corrosion inhibitor spray
Light coat on metal parts prevents rust after wet runs. -
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Seal wire entry points
Use silicone around ESC and servo wire exits. -
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Dry the truck after every wet run
Blow out water with compressed air and let electronics dry fully. -
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Check screws and bearings
Water loosens hardware and rusts bearings quickly.
📈 Checklist
Waterproofing checklist
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Receiver box sealed
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ESC seams sealed
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Waterproof servo installed
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Bearings greased
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Connectors protected
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Motor cleaned after water
🧰 Tools
Top 10 waterproofing accessories
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Dielectric grease
Protects connectors. -
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Marine grease
Stops bearing rust. -
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Waterproof servo
Critical for wet running. -
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Traxxas connectors
Replace corroded plugs. -
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Motor fan
Prevents heat buildup. -
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Silicone sealant
Seals ESC seams. -
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Corrosion inhibitor spray
Protects metal parts. -
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Hex driver set
Required for disassembly. -
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3S LiPo battery
Reliable power in wet conditions. -
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Cleaning kit
Removes mud and water.
Products Mentioned
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Dielectric Grease
Protects connectors. -
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Marine Grease
Stops bearing rust. -
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Waterproof Servo
Critical upgrade. -
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Traxxas Connectors
Replace corroded plugs. -
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Corrosion Inhibitor Spray
Protects metal parts.
Boss Links: Waterproofing Resources
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