Traxxas T-Maxx: Monster tech takes a giant leap

Radio Control Car Action, Feb 2000 by Vogel, Greg

Ever since we showed off the protype T-Maxx in "Inside Scoop," and Traxxxas* began running its ads for the new "big truck," we've been bombarded with questions about the newest machine to come from the home of the Sledgehammer and the Stampedetwo of the most popular monster-style machines ever to hit RC.

Although they were very happy with the success of the 2WD monster formula, the engineers at Traxxas had bigger plans fot the T-Maxx. THey decided they wanted this truck to have it all: nitro power, four-wheel drive, forward and reverse capability, plenty of speed and tons of suspension travel and graound clearance. They also wanted the T-Maxx to handle well--no small feat for a monster truck. When they had finished their planning, Traxxas' engineers discovered that they were building something entirely new; nothing like it had ever been seen before. In fact, the only things the T-Maxx has in comon with other trassas trucks are its shcoks and its engine!

WE DRIVE IT!

"Prototype" Is usually synonymous with "undrivable," but Traxxas assured us we could pound on the sample truck they supplied. We had already decided to sneak in a test run, but if Traxxas was endorsing the idea, look out!

Here are the highlights:

Yes, it's fast. When we first heard that the T-Maxx was to be powered by a .15, we thought "What, no .21?" Thanks to the truck's 2-speed tranny, the TRX .15 is able to power the big machine with authority. Undoubtedly, someone will put in a bigger engine, but the T-Maxx does not need a bigger engine. Traxxas designed the truck for .15 power, and it's a good match.

Drive it like ya stole it. The T-Maxx likes to be driven hard, and the transmission works best when you give it plenty of revs to work with. It's a monster truck, not a touring car; clamp it. Reverse really works. We had to get used to squeezing forward throttle to engage reverse (after stopping and flipping the reverse switch), but now, we're spoiled. Unless you flip the T-Maxx onto its lid, you'll never have to leave your lawn chair to kick the truck off an obstacle. Plus, you can do reverse donuts and stuff. Be careful when steering out of backward high-speed runs, though, or you'll barrel-roll the truck.

Scale-like chassis action. When those big wheels start turning, the T-Maxx squats down and hooks up; when you hit the binders, the front end dives and the truck stops surprisingly well. The chassis motion is very realistic and much more scale than Clod-based, 4-link designs (ironic, since the 4-link design is "real truck"-inspired, whereas Traxxas took the "performance first" angle).

The best monster-truck suspension-period. Comparing the T-Maxx's super-plush setup to that of other trucks is like comparing a waterbed to the cot in the school nurse's office. You have to see it; when it lands a jump or plants a drop-off, it just soaks up the hit with no rebound or drama whatsoever. It's uncanny. Over uneven terrain, the suspension works constantly to keep the rubber on the ground. It's a lot of fun to watch the T-Maxx in action; those undulating arms are a great testimonial to the effectiveness of independent suspension.

Surprisingly nimble. Even with its sway-inducing, long-travel suspension, the T-Maxx can hustle around turns at a decent clip. Hardcore performance guys will want to fit the truck with swaybars, but most T-Maxx owners probably won't care, and who wants to compromise all that sweet suspension action?

Jump it! The T-Maxx can be skyed without complaint; with its foamsupported tires and eight oil shocks, it has all the suspension you'll need. Just be careful not to clamp the brakes before touchdown; those giant chevron tires store a lot of energy, and if you tap the binders while in flight, they'll flip the truck over in midair.

CHASSIS

The T-Maxx is built on a 2.5mm, blueanodized aluminum slab. The sides of the chassis plate are folded up slightly to increase its strength, and a pair of thick, molded composite rails span the bottom of the chassis and are bolted to its center.These rails further stiffen the truck and lend a subtle, ladder-like look. The T-Maxx's enclosed transmission is suspended in a large opening in the middle of the chassis and is protected by the chassis rails. Dropping the tranny into the chassis lowers the T-Maxx's center of gravity and allows the telescoping drive axles that join the front and rear gear cases to the tranny to operate at a shallower angle.

BODY AND WHEELS

Tramas has designed an awesome-looking, extended cab pickup truck body with sleek lines and good-looking decals. The body Is trimmed to allow complete access to the fuel tank, EZStart Jack and cylinder head. Bright chrome bumpers grace our pre-production truck, but production machines will feature a more chip-resistant satin finish. The S-spoke wheels will also have a brushed aluminum finish (better-looking than the plating on this sample) and will be wrapped in the same loamsupported, chevron-tread rubber tires seen here.

SUSPENSION

At 8.6 pounds, the T-Maxx is no lightweight, and Traxxas wisely spec'd an over-built suspension system. Deviating from the standard set by Tamiya Clod Buster-based electric trucks, the T-Maxx relies on a fully independent suspension that supports the bulk of the truck's weight, instead of using a four-link setup that merely holds the radio gear off the ground.