Upgrading your Traxxas Summit can take its performance to an entirely new level. Known as one of the most versatile and powerful RC trucks out there, the Summit is built for off-road dominance — and it gets even better with the right upgrades.
Thanks to its already impressive off-roading capabilities, adding high-quality Traxxas Summit parts can transform this machine into an unstoppable beast.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note: the Traxxas Summit comes in two versions — the 1/10 scale and the 1/16 scale. The parts are not interchangeable between these versions due to size differences. But don’t worry — for each upgrade listed below, I’ll show you options for both versions (when available).
Let’s jump into the top 10 upgrades you can add to your Traxxas Summit right now:
1. Battery Upgrade
The battery is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. The Traxxas Summit features two battery compartments, and to unlock its full potential, it’s ideal to use a 2S LiPo battery in each holder.
That gives you a combined 4S power setup, which significantly boosts speed, torque, and overall performance.
Recommended Batteries:
2. Tires
Tires are crucial, especially for an off-road powerhouse like the Summit. Upgrading your tires doesn’t just improve performance — it also enhances the aesthetics of your RC truck.
Whether you’re into rugged Pro-Line tires or shiny chrome finishes, there’s a tire set out there that matches both your driving style and your Summit’s look.
Top Tire Picks:
3. Body Shells
Did you know you can customize your Summit with different bodies even before you buy it? If you already own one, there are tons of upgraded body shells in various colors and styles available.
Having multiple body shells gives you flexibility and motivation. You can switch up your look anytime or use a spare shell in case of damage.
Recommended Body Shell:
4. Servos
The Summit comes with dual servos out of the box — a great feature! However, the stock servos can be replaced with more powerful options to improve steering precision and durability.
Upgrading your servos is a smart move if you want to take your performance to the next level, especially on rough terrain.
Recommended Servo Upgrade:
5 . Another One of the Traxxas Summit Upgrades: The Wheelie Bar
Noticed your Traxxas Summit doesn’t come with a wheelie bar? While it’s true that this RC beast isn’t built for high-speed wheelies, don’t underestimate the usefulness of this upgrade!
A wheelie bar isn’t just about preventing backflips during acceleration—it also helps your Summit tackle large obstacles more effectively by adding stability and control when climbing or landing.
Top Pick: Best Stainless Steel Wheelie Bar
6. Upgrade to Aluminum Push Rods
Push rods play a crucial role in your Summit’s suspension system. The stock ones, however, can fall short in terms of durability—especially in intense off-road conditions.
That’s why upgrading to aluminum push rods is a smart move. They’re far more resilient and won’t snap easily during rough impacts or crashes, saving you from frequent replacements.
Here are the best pushrods you can get:
7. Suspension Arms – Essential Reinforcement
When upgrading your RC car, replacing some parts without upgrading others can cause performance issues. For the suspension system, both push rods and suspension arms work hand in hand.
Suspension arms take on a lot of stress from rough terrain. While aluminum arms offer greater strength, it’s important to note that exposed aluminum components can be vulnerable in crashes. Still, many enthusiasts find aluminum arms a worthwhile upgrade for their durability and performance.
Here are the best ones to add to your Traxxas Summit parts list:
8. Rocker Arms: One of the Important Traxxas Summit Upgrades
One unique feature of the Traxxas Summit is its rocker arms—a part not commonly seen in other Traxxas models. These arms are essential for linking the push rods to the horizontal shocks, ensuring smooth suspension movement.
Without them, your shocks can’t function properly, and even upgraded push rods won’t help. Upgrading to aluminum rocker arms adds strength and reliability, especially when crawling over tough obstacles.
Don’t worry about installation—they’re among the easiest parts to replace!
Here are the best ones of my choice:
9. Hex Hubs – Keeping Your Wheels Locked In
Wheels absorb a significant amount of impact, making hex hubs critical for keeping them securely attached. The stock plastic hubs are decent but might not withstand heavy-duty usage.
Switching to aluminum hex hubs offers greater strength and longer lifespan, giving you peace of mind during aggressive off-roading.
Here are the best ones from my choice:
10. The Skid Plates: Great Traxxas Summit Upgrades!
If you’re not taking your Traxxas Summit over rocks, trails, and rugged terrain—you’re not unlocking its full potential!
While the Summit has good ground clearance, the plastic underbody is still at risk of damage from sharp rocks or rough landings. Skid plates provide a protective barrier that shields your chassis from cracks and scrapes.
Choose between stainless steel or aluminum skid plates for maximum protection.
Here are the best Skid plates you can have. You can choose between the aluminum ones or the stainless steel ones:
