Overview
The Traxxas Maxx Sledgehammer Tyres (TSM rated) TRX8973 represent a premium upgrade for RC enthusiasts seeking maximum traction and control on challenging off-road terrain. These pre-mounted and glued wheel and tyre assemblies are engineered specifically for the Traxxas Maxx monster truck and compatible WideMaxx models, offering dramatic improvements in ground clearance and debris-clearing performance. Whether you're a serious RC bashers in the UK looking to dominate loose surfaces or a weekend warrior tackling muddy trails, these Sledgehammer tyres deliver the kind of grip and handling that separates good RC cars from exceptional ones.
Sledgehammer tyres have earned a formidable reputation in the RC off-road community for their extreme ruggedness and predictable handling characteristics. The Traxxas Maxx Sledgehammer Tyres (TSM rated) TRX8973 come ready to bolt straight onto your 1/10 scale monster truck with their 17mm hex splined fitting, eliminating the hassle of separate mounting and gluing. These are TSM-rated tyres, meaning they've been tested and approved for high-speed running, so you can push your RC truck to the limit with confidence.
If you're shopping for RC tyres in the UK or searching for ways to enhance your monster truck's performance, this is exactly what serious bashers choose. The combination of ultra-rugged construction, foam inserts for shock absorption, and the distinctive Sledgehammer tread pattern makes these tyres an investment in better handling, longer runs, and more predictable cornering on the trickiest terrain.
Key Features
- Ultra-Rugged Sledgehammer Tyre Design — These tyres are built from premium rubber compound engineered to withstand the most demanding off-road punishment. The extreme ruggedness means they resist tearing, chunking and wear better than standard tyres, giving you longer-lasting performance and better value across multiple bashing sessions.
- Open Block Tread Pattern — The distinctive open block tread design clears mud and debris automatically as your RC truck moves, preventing build-up that would otherwise reduce traction. This means unmatched grip on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, mud and soft dirt where other tyres would struggle.
- Increased Overall Diameter — The Sledgehammer's larger overall size provides additional ground clearance for your Maxx, allowing you to navigate over rocks, roots and obstacles that would otherwise catch the chassis. This translates directly to better off-road capability and fewer mechanical failures from impact damage.
- Pre-Mounted and Glued Assembly — These come ready to install with zero preparation required. The tyres are already glued to the wheels and paired with foam inserts, eliminating the time-consuming process of mounting, balancing and gluing yourself. Just swap them onto your RC truck and go driving.
- Dual-Profile Black Maxx Wheels — The 2.8-inch outer and 3.6-inch inner dual-profile design provides optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics. The black wheel colour matches the aggressive aesthetic of the Traxxas Maxx, whilst the beadlock-style ring offers extra visual appeal and wheel security.
- Foam Insert Technology — Pre-installed foam inserts provide crucial shock absorption and vibration damping, protecting your RC truck's suspension components from the repeated impacts of aggressive off-road driving. This extends suspension lifespan and improves overall ride quality.
- TSM-Rated for High-Speed Running — Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) rating means these tyres have undergone rigorous testing at high speeds and maintain predictable handling characteristics. You can drive at maximum throttle with confidence that the tyres won't let you down.
- 17mm Splined Hex Fitting — The 17mm hex splined connection fits both front and rear axles on compatible Traxxas Maxx models, giving you flexibility in how you configure your truck. The splined design ensures positive engagement with zero slip or wobble.
- Front and Rear Compatible — These tyres work equally well on the front axle or rear axle of your RC monster truck, allowing you to run matching Sledgehammer tyres all around or mix-and-match with other tyre types depending on your driving style and terrain.
- High-Strength Maxx Wheel Construction — The wheels are specifically engineered as part of the Traxxas Maxx ecosystem and are compatible with both stock CV axles and steel aftermarket axles with aluminium hubs, giving you reliability across different drivetrain configurations.
Technical Performance
These 1/10 scale Sledgehammer tyres represent the pinnacle of Traxxas tyre engineering, combining carefully formulated rubber compounds with aggressive tread geometry for maximum performance across diverse terrain. The dual-profile wheel design (2.8-inch outer diameter, 3.6-inch inner diameter) balances rotational mass efficiency with ground clearance, allowing your RC truck to accelerate and decelerate quickly whilst maintaining stability over obstacles. The included foam inserts provide essential suspension support and vibration absorption at high speeds, preventing tyre deformation that would otherwise occur during aggressive bashing. The TSM rating certification means these tyres have been subjected to Traxxas's rigorous testing protocols, ensuring they maintain consistent grip and handling predictability even when driven at maximum throttle. The open block tread pattern has been proven in real-world conditions to shed mud and dirt more effectively than closed-tread alternatives, maintaining grip when running in wet or muddy conditions. The pre-glued and mounted assembly saves valuable setup time and eliminates the guesswork of tyre mounting, ensuring proper bead seating and balance straight from the box. These tyres work seamlessly with both front and rear axles, making them the perfect choice for building a matched set on your Traxxas Maxx or compatible WideMaxx monster truck platform.
What's in the Box
- Two Traxxas Sledgehammer pre-mounted and glued tyre assemblies
- Assembled on 2.8-inch dual-profile black Maxx wheels with black beadlock-style rings
- Pre-installed foam inserts in both tyres
- Ready to install onto 17mm splined hex fittings
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Sledgehammer tyres suitable for all off-road terrain? — Sledgehammer tyres excel on loose surfaces including sand, gravel, mud and soft dirt, where their open block tread excels at shedding debris. They also perform well on grass and packed earth. For rocky terrain or street surfaces, other tyre compounds might offer marginal advantages, but Sledgehammers are genuinely versatile across most off-road conditions.
- What does TSM-rated mean and why does it matter? — TSM (Traxxas Stability Management) rating indicates the tyres have been tested and approved for high-speed driving by Traxxas engineers. It means you can run at maximum throttle without worrying about unpredictable handling or tyre failure, which is crucial for competitive bashers and weekend warriors alike.
- Will these tyres fit my Traxxas RC truck? — These tyres are designed specifically for Traxxas Maxx monsters trucks and are compatible with TRX89086-4 WideMaxx models in any colour variant. They feature 17mm splined hex fittings and work on both front and rear axles. Check your truck's hex fitting type before purchasing.
- How much performance improvement will I see compared to stock tyres? — The combination of larger diameter, open block tread and premium rubber compound provides noticeably better traction on loose surfaces, improved ground clearance over obstacles, and more predictable handling throughout cornering. Most users report measurably faster lap times and more confident bashing.
- Do I need to glue these tyres or are they ready to drive? — These come fully assembled with the tyres already glued to the wheels and foam inserts pre-installed. You simply bolt them onto your RC truck's hex fittings and start driving—no tyre mounting or gluing required.
- Are these suitable for beginners? — Absolutely. Because they come pre-assembled and glued, beginners can install them without needing special tools or technical knowledge. The improved traction and ground clearance also make them forgiving for newer drivers learning off-road driving techniques.
- What is the difference between Sledgehammer and other Traxxas tyre options? — Sledgehammer tyres feature an open block tread design specifically engineered for loose surfaces, larger overall diameter for additional ground clearance, and premium ruggedness. Other Traxxas tyres offer different tread patterns optimised for street or all-purpose use, but Sledgehammers are the choice for serious off-road bashers.
- Can I use these on my Traxxas Hoss? — The Sledgehammer tyres in this listing (TRX8973) are designed for Traxxas Maxx and WideMaxx models. Traxxas Hoss trucks use different wheel patterns, so compatibility is not guaranteed—check your specific Hoss model's specifications before purchasing.
- How long do Sledgehammer tyres typically last? — Lifespan depends heavily on driving style, terrain and maintenance. The ultra-rugged construction means they resist wear better than standard tyres, but aggressive rock crawling or street driving will wear them faster than casual grass bashing. Most users get extended runtime compared to OEM Traxxas tyres.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Maxx Sledgehammer Tyres (TSM rated) TRX8973 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Manufacturer: Traxxas
- Part Number: TRX8973
- EAN: 0020334897305
- Scale: 1/10
- Class: Truck (Monster Truck)
- Tyre Type: Sledgehammer ultra-rugged off-road tyres
- Tyre Tread Design: Open block tread pattern
- Wheel Type: Dual-profile black Maxx wheels with beadlock-style ring
- Wheel Diameter (Outer): 2.8 inches
- Wheel Diameter (Inner): 3.6 inches
- Wheel Colour: Black
- Wheel Hex Fitting: 17mm splined
- Fitting Position: Front and rear compatible
- Pre-Mounted: Yes, fully glued and assembled
- Foam Inserts: Pre-installed in both tyres
- Pack Contents: 2 tyre and wheel assemblies
- TSM Rating: Yes, TSM-rated for high-speed driving
- Axle Compatibility: Compatible with stock and steel CV axles with aluminium hubs
- Compatible Models: Traxxas Maxx and Traxxas WideMaxx monster trucks (TRX89086-4 variants)
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