Traxxas Mini Maxx Upgrades

[TeknoJ]

My honest impression/expectation was that the truck would be able to handle 3s because of how it was advertised by Arrma. It really has been a let down. I believe that Arrma was well aware of this plarform's shortcomings and doubled-down on it when they released these as 3s.

I'll spare you the gory details with a quick spoiler.
This guy takes the Mini Maxx diff apart and finds there are some plastic bushings that could be replaced to help stop the gears binding up and shearing.
It is a partial fix because the other side of the planetary gear shafts are moulded into the diff case.
A good point was raised in comments.
The Mini Maxx 4s version is likely to come with this "upgrade" diff as "stock".

Mini Maxx 4s???
My nitro XTM buggy also has diffs like this. They are strange for sure.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Mini Maxx 4s???
My nitro XTM buggy also has diffs like this. They are strange for sure.

4s (assuming this is actually a 3s?)... the "next" Mini Maxx.

 

[CertifiedMike]

The planetary design is a proven one in monster trucks, military axles etc... its a GOOD design when its done correcty.
This diff issue appears to be easy to fix. Even with better shims and a sleeved or metal housing, its doable if someone wanted to stay "stock".

 

[jojobeans]

I'm not trying to get into "this" specific truck but this is more a blanket statement on r/c.
IF Tomley is correct, this truck, like the Granite 3s version comes from the factory stating that it is capable and designed for running on 3s.
If the truck isn't capable of handling 3s, the product should not be sold or mention ANYWHERE that it CAN handle 3s.
This should be pretty self-explanitory.
My Granite blew itself apart, same as this truck did on 3s.
Traxxas and Arrma (prob many others) are selling these things KNOWING that they can't handle the power.
They also know that we will likely spend another $300 on parts before we decide the truck will NEVER handle the power or abuse and we should buy a bigger truck and start the upgrading game all over again.
Its gonna take a LOT to convince me to buy an RTR, EVER again.
Designed to fail.

I didn't mean to start a kerfuffle about this. Marketing is *always* over exaggerated on anything(not just RC). There is also a lot of confusion about some of the "leak" information about the mini maxx being stated as official marketing... So, there's multiple sides to the coin here and unfortunately it's hard to find accurate information. Like most mechanical items I've come across in my working life, they typically don't last long being operate at 100%... I have since applied that thinking to this hobby and it has saved me a lot of headache and money over the years. That goes for any brand, not just Traxxas.

TomleyRC also has some pretty obvious bias towards Traxxas for one reason or another. Other brands will quite literally do the EXACT same thing and he'll turn a blind eye to it or not even talk about it. When he gets called out hell come out with some kind of half baked excuse or reason on why its different. It is only an issue if Traxxas does it. I mean look at his Granite Grom video. He blew the rear diff on the stock weak brushed motor like a LOT of people did and just kind of dismissed it and was like, "I'm not really gonna say it's an issue" and left it at that.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I didn't mean to start a kerfuffle about this. Marketing is *always* over exaggerated on anything(not just RC). There is also a lot of confusion about some of the "leak" information about the mini maxx being stated as official marketing... So, there's multiple sides to the coin here and unfortunately it's hard to find accurate information. Like most mechanical items I've come across in my working life, they typically don't last long being operate at 100%... I have since applied that thinking to this hobby and it has saved me a lot of headache and money over the years. That goes for any brand, not just Traxxas.

TomleyRC also has some pretty obvious bias towards Traxxas for one reason or another. Other brands will quite literally do the EXACT same thing and he'll turn a blind eye to it or not even talk about it. When he gets called out hell come out with some kind of half baked excuse or reason on why its different. It is only an issue if Traxxas does it. I mean look at his Granite Grom video. He blew the rear diff on the stock weak brushed motor like a LOT of people did and just kind of dismissed it and was like, "I'm not really gonna say it's an issue" and left it at that.

I also didn't mean to cause any fuss.
I watched the videos (not just Tomley's) some time ago. It seems like the diffs might really be a weak spot. The cheap and easy fix is great!
I completely agree. Tomley and lot of other reviewers on the tube are clearly biased. Many APPEAR to be "selling" for the manufacturers.
This ALL needs to be taken into account.
I have bagged on Traxxas for being Traxxas here before. This isn't about the company.

 

[Panko75]

Traxxas and Arrma (prob many others) are selling these things KNOWING that they can't handle the power.
They also know that we will likely spend another $300 on parts before we decide the truck will NEVER handle the power or abuse and we should buy a bigger truck and start the upgrading game all over again.

Let me know when RC manufacters find a way to make screws, tire foams, and bearings "waterproof" to go with their waterproof marketing.

 

[jojobeans]

Let me know when RC manufacters find a way to make screws, tire foams, and bearings "waterproof" to go with their waterproof marketing.

This is why I actually encourage the idea of cheaper beginner focused cars coming with foamless tires and oilite bushings in places like the hubs. This way they’re actually waterproof. I remember when I started this hobby 14 years ago being annoyed and overwhelmed by rusted bearings and unbalanced tires due to rotting foams. Obviously I know better now and have learned tricks.

All my cars get Jim’s Stainless steel bearings… but stainless bearings is something that should come standard on a “waterproof” marketed RC’s IMO.

 

[CertifiedMike]

If a manufacturer makes a claim that their product can do something, it ought to.

 

[9x19]

Water-proof, and rust-proof are very different things...

 

[Panko75]

This is why I actually encourage the idea of cheaper beginner focused cars coming with foamless tires and oilite bushings in places like the hubs.

I usually encourage monster trucks and crawlers on top of that, higher chassis/bigger wheels means less water getting into anything.

For what some "waterproof" RC cost stainless bearings woild be nice, at least in the wheel hubs.

 

[jojobeans]

I usually encourage monster trucks and crawlers on top of that, higher chassis/bigger wheels means less water getting into anything.

For what some "waterproof" RC cost stainless bearings woild be nice, at least in the wheel hubs.

I’ve just accepted the fact that “waterproof” really means “Water Resistant.”

Maybe some forum member can band together to make a new beginner focused RC company that’s true to the claims!

 

[WickedFog]

Water isn't good on RC's period. While you can drive them in water, and WD40 the heck out of everything afterwards, I just don't like all the extra work involved.

And if you do want to drive in water, I would suggest at least pulling the Rx apart and conformal coat the board with at least a couple coats. Servos could stand the same treatment.