Upgrading your RC car is one of the most exciting things you can do, and adding some Traxxas Hoss upgrades is no exception!
The Traxxas Hoss is renowned for its power, high performance, reliability, and striking design. It’s widely considered one of the top Traxxas RC cars, standing alongside models like the Maxx and Stampede.
What makes the Hoss particularly appealing is its size, which falls perfectly between the Traxxas Maxx and Stampede, offering an ideal balance. It’s not just the size that stands out, but also its impressive performance and competitive price.
If you’re looking for a strong contender to rival the baby X-Maxx, the Hoss is a fantastic choice! (Be sure to check out our full review of the Traxxas Hoss.)
But if you’re already a proud owner, why not take it up a notch? Upgrading your Hoss is the next step in elevating your RC experience, and trust me, it’s a decision you won’t regret as an RC enthusiast.
And don’t worry about scouring the internet for the best Traxxas Hoss upgrades—we’ve got everything you need to know right here in this article.
1. Battery : Basic Traxxas Hoss Upgrades
Upgrading the battery is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance the performance of your Traxxas Hoss. A battery swap can dramatically boost your RC car’s speed and overall performance!
However, before upgrading, it’s important to ensure compatibility with your Traxxas Hoss.
- NiMH Battery: A solid choice for beginners.
- LiPo Battery: A game-changer in terms of performance!
You can opt for either a 2s or 3s LiPo battery, both of which will significantly enhance the speed of your RC car, especially if you’re new to the hobby. But, if you’re looking for jaw-dropping speed, go for a 4s battery—the same one used in the Traxxas Maxx! And if that’s not enough, you can even go up to a 6s for the ultimate experience.
Read Also: Traxxas Hoss Review. This is Why You Should Still Buy It!
2. Battery Strap Upgrade
When upgrading to a larger battery, you may face a challenge: the stock battery strap on the Traxxas Hoss isn’t compatible with all sizes. Unlike the Traxxas X-Maxx, the Hoss has only one battery compartment, and the strap height is limited to 36mm, which works well with a 2s and perhaps some 3s batteries.
However, many 3s batteries tend to be larger, and the stock strap won’t hold them securely. To ensure you can use a bigger, more powerful battery, you’ll need to upgrade to a taller battery strap. This simple modification will allow you to install almost any battery size for maximum performance.
3. Traxxas Hoss Tires
Many RC enthusiasts find that the stock Traxxas tires wear out quickly, especially under high speeds. This issue is particularly prominent with the Traxxas X-Maxx, which experiences tire wear due to its large size and weight. The Hoss can face similar issues, especially when using a 3s battery that can push speeds up to 60mph.
If you’re pushing your Traxxas Hoss to its limits, consider upgrading the tires to something more durable. However, if you’re not driving at extreme speeds, you may not need to upgrade the tires until the stock ones start to degrade.
Read Also: Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL. Which is Better?
4. Servo Upgrade
The servo is responsible for translating steering commands from your remote into mechanical movements. The stock servo on the Traxxas Hoss may struggle under high speeds or rough terrain, leading to less responsive steering.
To maintain precise control, especially when driving at high speeds, upgrading the servo is a smart move. You have two options:
- Economical Method: Continue using the stock servo until it fails, then replace it.
- Professional Method: Upgrade the servo now to avoid any future performance issues.
Keep in mind that waiting until a part fails could potentially cause damage to other components, which may lead to more expensive repairs down the road. By upgrading critical parts like the servo early, you can prevent unnecessary strain on other parts of your RC car.
5. Driveshafts
In addition to the servo, upgrading the driveshafts is crucial, as they work directly in conjunction with the servo. Think about it: what’s the point of having a reliable servo that converts commands into mechanical movement if the components responsible for executing those movements aren’t up to the task?
Failing driveshafts can make it significantly harder to control your vehicle. This could lead to a loss of control, potential crashes, and damage to multiple parts of your car.
To help prevent this, Traxxas has introduced new aftermarket driveshafts made from durable aluminum. These driveshafts are designed to handle more stress, offering better control and overall performance for your RC vehicle.
Here are some driveshafts we recommend for your Traxxas Hoss:
6. Aluminum Shocks: One of the Best Traxxas Hoss Aluminum Upgrades
A common complaint among Traxxas RC car enthusiasts is the use of stock plastic parts. Traxxas often equips models, like the Slash, with plastic components, and while these parts are lightweight and inexpensive, they tend to break easily, cutting your fun short. However, this downside comes with a silver lining—it opens the door to performance upgrades.
Shocks are one of the first parts you’ll want to upgrade. The solution? Aluminum shocks. These aftermarket shocks are far more durable than the stock plastic ones and can withstand much more intense driving conditions.
Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your Hoss. Here are a few excellent aluminum shock options to consider:
Read Also: The ultimate guide on how to clean an RC car? 8 easy steps for you!
7. Shock Caps
Remember when I said that upgrading one part can sometimes negatively impact other parts? This applies to the relationship between your new aluminum shocks and the stock shock caps, which hold the GTR shocks in place.
The issue arises when the powerful aluminum shocks put too much stress on the weaker plastic caps, causing them to crack under pressure. To avoid this, it’s essential to upgrade the shock caps as well. And just like with the shocks, you can pick caps that match the color scheme of your vehicle.
8. Suspension Arms
The suspension arms are another critical component of your Hoss’ suspension system. It’s important to upgrade all these related parts because if one fails, it increases the strain on the others, potentially leading to more than one part breaking. This means more damage—and more money out of your pocket on repairs.
As you might expect, the problem with the stock suspension arms is that they’re made from plastic. Aftermarket suspension arms, however, are constructed from aluminum, making them much more durable.
When you combine upgraded GTR shocks, shock caps, and suspension arms, your Traxxas Hoss will be able to handle anything you throw at it, whether it’s high-speed racing or rough off-road conditions. Trust me—upgrading these components will save you from the dreaded cracking sounds that signal suspension failure.
9. Traxxas Link: One of the Best Traxxas Hoss Upgrades
The Traxxas Link is an exciting and useful upgrade you’ll love adding to your Traxxas Hoss. This device attaches to the back of your controller and connects to your smartphone via the Traxxas app. Through the app, you can monitor various metrics related to your RC car, including its location, speed, and motor temperature.
It’s incredibly easy to install, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get it up and running. Here’s a link to find it on rochesterrc :
Wheel Hexes
Wheel hexes are critical for securing your Hoss’ tires, especially during intense, high-pressure driving. With stock plastic hexes, you might experience issues with the tires coming loose during extreme bashing sessions.
The difference between stock and aftermarket hexes? As always, it comes down to materials. Aftermarket hexes are made from aluminum, making them far more reliable than their plastic counterparts. If you’re planning to upgrade your tires, it’s a good idea to pair them with aluminum hexes for optimal durability.
Check out these options…
Read Also: Top10 things I wish I knew before buying Next Traxxas RC Car
