Is The Traxxas Slash Waterproof?

The Traxxas Slash VXL 4X4 is one of my favorite trucks. It is a great all-around truck that can handle water, snow, and mud. So, yes, the Traxxas Slash is waterproof! You can drive the Traxxas Slash through puddles, wet grass, and mud without fear of the electronics shorting out. However, I don’t recommend fully submerging the truck under water. In this post we will discuss the Traxxas Slash’s components and which parts are listed as waterproof.

Traxxas Slash Waterproof Markings

The ESC, front steering servo, and Brushless motor all have a sticker that says “waterproof.” I trust the Traxxas brand, so having this stamped on the major electronic component gives me confidence to drive the Slash in wet conditions.

The radio receiver box does not have a waterproof sticker. But, the receiver electronics are safe as they are tucked away in a waterproof box.

According to Traxxas:

“The receiver itself is not waterproof, but it can still be used in wet conditions as long as it is inside the sealed receiver box that is standard equipment in all Traxxas waterproof models. This is true for all Traxxas receivers; it’s the waterproof box that encloses the receiver that allows it to be used in water, mud and snow. The transmitter is not waterproof, so use caution when operating your model in wet conditions, and do not operate your model in the rain.”

https://traxxas.com/support/radio-system-waterproof

Many of the Traxxas models, like the Rustler VXL, have the same motor and ESC. Make sure to spend some time reading each car’s specifications to see if they include the waterproof components. Especially take a close look at the receiver box to make sure it is the waterproof version.

Is the Traxxas Slash ESC Waterproof?

The Traxxas Slash VXL comes equipped with a waterproof Velineon 3S electronic speed controller (ESC.) The VXL ESC has a waterproof case and uses o-rings and rubber seals to help keep water out. That means water can splash onto the ESC case and the electronics won’t short circuit.

I wouldn’t directly point the water hose at the ESC while turned on or completely submerge it. But you can drive you Traxxas Slash in the run and run it through a couple inches of water.

Is the Traxxas Slash Motor Waterproof?

Yes, the Veleneon 3S brushless motor is waterproof. That means it can get wet and keep working properly. However, getting the motor wet does add wear and tear to the motor. So if you are always running the motor in wet conditions, you can expect to replace it more often than if you drive is dry conditions.

According to Radio Control Info:

“The short answer here is that the sensorless brushless motor will indeed operate while being fully submerged, however not without wear and tear. Electrically there will be no issue at the lower voltages we typically run.”

https://www.radiocontrolinfo.com/brushless-motors-the-truth-about-waterproof-sensorless-sensored/

Is The Traxxas Slash Steering Servo Waterproof?

My Traxxas Slash VXL 4X4 came with a Traxxas 2075 waterproof steering servo. There is a sticker on the bottom of the servo that says “waterproof.”

If any component should be waterproof, its the steering servo. It is open to the elements on the bottom of the chassis. It probably comes in contact with more water that any other electronic part on the truck.

I am glad to see Traxxas add waterproof components their vehicles. It helps keep the cars and trucks on the road and not broken down and in need of repairs.

What Should I do After I get my Traxxas Slash Wet?

If you have spent the afternoon driving in wet or muddy conditions, you should immediately clean you RC car or truck when you get back home. You can dry it off with a shop rag or used compressed air. I prefer compressed air.

I will take the body off and flip the truck upside down while I am unloading the rest of my gear. This gives the truck some time to drip dry.

Next, I fill up my small air compressor and begin to blow out the water. I like to take the wheels off to get better access to the drive train and steering components.

Please wear safety glasses and gloves if you plan on using air to help dry your truck. You may want to wear other forms of personal protective equipment, too. Remember, safety first!

Once the wheels off, I will start to work my way from the front of the car to the back, blowing away any water. Try not to directly blow the compressed air into the Truck’s bearings. You could damage them if you directly blow air into them.

You will finally notice very little water coming out of all the tight nooks on your truck. At this point, I think it is dry enough and I proceed to oiling the vehicle.

How Do I Oil My Traxxas Slash After Getting It Wet?

Oiling your truck is essential to prevent rust. You can use a product like WD-40 to oil the truck or a fishing reel oil. I personally use an oil pen with a needle tip to oil my truck. The oil pen helps me add oil in tight places and prevents messes in my shop.

Where Should I Oil My Traxxas Slash?

If the part is metal or it moves, I add a drop of oil. I will oil the shocks, suspension, caster blocks, stub axles, and control arms. I am not shy with the oil either. I would rather add a but too much than not enough.

The only major issue you run into with too much lubricant is dirt and grime buildup. Dirt will stick to any oiled surface. So, you have to periodically do a deep clean to remove all of the debris from the moving parts.

I like to use a product called Muc-Off to help remove the caked on dirt. I don’t use this stuff every time I clean the car, but when it gets really dirty, I spray it on and wash it off with water.

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Is The Traxxas Slash Waterproof Conclusion

The Traxxas Slash is built to withstand water, snow, ice, and mud. You can splash through puddles, drive across streams, and plow through mud.

That does not mean its a submarine! Do not fully submerge your Slash or else you are going to be replacing some of the electronics.

But, you can safely drive the car in wet conditions without fear of shorting out the electronics. Many of the components even have waterproof stickers on them to help ease your mind.

I hope you enjoyed this post and are a little less afraid to get your Slash wet!

Don’t forget to oil it when you get back home!