Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build | CompetitionX

Originally published on CompetitionX

The rumor of a trail truck from Team Associated was strong, however what surprised the world was that it was released under a new brand name – Element RC. Not only was the brand something out of the blue, the truck itself surpassed what everyone was expecting from the race-bred company.

The Element RC Enduro is a top-notch truck that is chock full of high-end features; ladder-frame chassis, CMS (Chassis-Mounted Steering), aluminum shocks, Stealth-X transmission (with an overdrive feature) and all of the molded parts poured from AE’s competition-grade plastics. It’s handling it amazing as well – at the last Pro-Line By The Fire event, the Element RC crew had quite a few Enduros out on the trails and let people, at random, take them through a few gates. Fantastic marketing, but also let perspective buyers get a feel for the truck out in its element (see what I did there?).

Soon after the release of the RTR, Element RC announced a kit version. This is the exact same truck as the RTR minus the body, wheels, tires, bumpers and electronics – you get to choose all those goodies yourself to completely customize your ride.

This article will take you through the entire build process minus the body, wheels and tires. I have an idea of what I want to do, just not sure about it yet – that’s for another article.

But first, let’s go over the support parts we’ll be using:

• #40102 Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Builder’s Kit, www.associatedelectrics.com
• Buy at AMain Hobbies
• #FUTK1410 Futaba 4PM 4-Channel Radio System, www.futabausa.com
• #422HD Reef’s RC 422HD Steering Servo, www.reefsrc.com
• MaxAmps Shorty LiPo 2S 4250 7.4v Battery Pack, www.maxamps.com
• #30112101 Hobbywing XERUN AXE ESC, www.hobbywingdirect.com
• #30401250 Hobbywing XERUN AXE FOC Brushless Motor, www.hobbywingdirect.com

Transmitter:
I’ve been a Futaba guy for quite some time. The quality of the systems are fantastic and, more importantly, the feel of the radio in my hand is key. I like a radio that has a balanced feel and I get that with every Futaba system I use. The 4PM has become my go-to crawling system – 40-model memory, digital trims, programmable mixing – all things needed to fully enjoy your crawlers.

FUTK1410 Futaba 4PLS 4-Channel Transmitter
https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDGDR&P=3
• Buy at AMain Hobbies

Servo:
When it comes to steering, trail trucks require rock-moving torque for the best possible experience. That’s why I chose the Reef’s RC 422HD High Torque Digital HV Servo. This little guy includes titanium-coated gears and throws down 422oz of torque (thus, the name)! It’s also waterproof so I don’t have to worry about trekking, well, just about anywhere I want. Great addition to the Enduro!

422HD Reef’s RC 422HD Steering Servo
https://www.reefsrc.com/store/p_29724/422hd-servo
• Buy at AMain Hobbies

Battery:
The Enduro comes with a tray for both a standard or shorty LiPo option. I chose to assemble the kit with the shorty battery option which will perfectly fit my MaxAmps 2S 4250mAh hard-case LiPo. This pack is pre-built with bullet plugs, but also comes with charging and run leads that utilize a Deans plug. This should power my Enduro for awhile – that is until I’m ready for 3S power!

MaxAmps Shorty LiPo 2S 4250 7.4v Battery Pack
https://www.maxamps.com/shorty-lipo-2s-4250-7-4v-battery-pack

ESC:
The Hobbywing XERUN AXE ESC has become one of my favorite brushless trail truck ESC’s to date. It gives you the benefits of total brushless control with the ‘finger-feel’ needed for precise crawling. On top of that, it’s 3S compatible, waterproof and is Bluetooth connectivity for making drive (or brake) adjustments on the fly. Even the sensor harness has a unique design to make it waterproof.

30112101 Hobbywing XERUN AXE ESC
https://www.hobbywingdirect.com/collections/crawlers/products/hobbywing-axe-v1-1-esc-for-rock-crawler?variant=18645210464371
• Buy at AMain Hobbies

Motor:
To finish off the power unit, I’ve combined Hobbywing’s XERUN AXE FOC Brushless Motor to the AXE ESC. It’s a 4-Pole, 2300kV can that is also 3S capable and waterproof, making for a pretty powerful combo. Best part – it’s super smooth! Gently glide over obstacles on one part of the trail, then blast through the flat stuff! A perfect match for the Enduro!

30401250 Hobbywing XERUN AXE FOC Brushless Motor
https://www.hobbywingdirect.com/collections/crawlers/products/axe-motor?variant=18489248514163
• Buy at AMain Hobbies

Tools:
Here’s a list of useful tools that will help you build this car.
• MIP Metric Hex Driver Set (contains 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm drivers)
• MIP 1.5mm Hex Driver
• MIP 2.0 Hex Driver
• MIP 2.5 Hex Driver
• Hakko FX888D ESD Soldering Iron
• Excel Hobby Knife
• STRC Shock Building Tool
• ProTek Curved Body Scissors
• ProTek Body Reamer
• ProTek Digital Calipers
• Scotch Mounting Tape
• Excel Needlenose Pliers