5  Epoch 5: Rock Ready

Epoch 5 Total: ~$40-45

Low-range gears for technical climbing, skid plates for impact protection. You’ve got the foundation sorted, the electronics ready, the wheels dialed—now you’re tuning for the rock crawling course where impacts are expected.

After this epoch: Technical climbing ability, impact protection, ready for the rock course.

The kids’ job: First rock park trip!

5.1 Bill of Materials

Table 5.1: Epoch 5 bill of materials
Item Part Number Source Est. Cost Notes
Low-Range Crawler Gears (40.3:1) #9776R Traxxas $15-20 Slower but way more control
Stainless Chassis Skid Plate #9766 Traxxas $10 Impact protection
Axle Skid Plates #9765 Traxxas $15 Additional armor

5.2 Q&A

What’s the difference between low-range gears and underdrive gears?

Both slow the truck down. Underdrive gears (Epoch 3) compensate for larger tires. Low-range gears (this epoch) go even slower for technical climbing. They stack—with both installed, you get maximum crawling torque.

Do I need all the skid plates?

The chassis skid plate (#9766) is the most important—it protects the battery and electronics. Axle skid plates (#9765) add armor to the axle housings. If budget is tight, start with the chassis plate.

5.3 Reference

5.3.1 Rock Course Durability Checklist

For courses designed for larger vehicles (where impacts are expected):

TipResources

Video Guides:

Community Discussions: