Overview
The Element RC Enduro Trailwalker Portal Axles Trail RTR (EL40131) is a performance-engineered ready to run RC crawler truck that delivers serious trail-conquering capability straight out of the box. This is a complete, fully assembled 1/10 scale 4WD rock crawler that combines rugged engineering with realistic styling inspired by classic 1970s and 1980s adventure vehicles. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast looking for a dependable trail rig or a newcomer to the world of ready to run RC cars in the UK, the Trailwalker Portal Plus offers the perfect balance of performance, durability and ease of use without requiring complex assembly or additional purchases.
What sets this ready to run RC crawler apart from standard models is its innovative approach to ground clearance and torque handling. The all-new high-clearance portal axles deliver almost an inch of added centre axle clearance compared to standard straight axles, meaning you can navigate over tough obstacles with genuine confidence. These aren't budget components either—every portal axle features all-metal gears, precision ball bearings, and a larger pocket designed for a heavier-duty inner input bearing. The engineering team has also reinforced the portal gearboxes with six screws per side, creating a massively stronger assembly that resists gear separation under the heavy loads inherent with portal axle systems. For UK RC enthusiasts seeking a brushed crawler motor with genuine pulling power, the Reedy Power 5-slot 14-turn motor paired with the RX-21 2-in-1 ESC and receiver provides smooth, controllable power delivery that excels in slow-speed technical rock crawling.
This RTR comes equipped with everything needed to hit the trails immediately: a 4-channel 2.4GHz radio system, high-torque metal gear servo, realistic pre-painted polycarbonate body with detailed trim, and officially licensed General Grabber X3 tyres mounted on bronze Ocho beadlock wheels. The chassis architecture features behind-the-axle (BTA) steering for superior approach angles and cleaner aesthetics, whilst the integrated servo winch mount provides the strongest and most reliable mounting point for optional winch equipment. Whether you're tackling rocky terrain, navigating technical obstacles, or simply enjoying weekend bashers across varied landscapes, the Trailwalker Portal Plus RTR is engineered to deliver dependable performance in demanding conditions.
Key Features
- High-Clearance Portal Axles — The revolutionary new portal axle system provides almost an inch more ground clearance than standard straight axles, allowing you to clear obstacles that would normally catch and damage a conventional RC crawler. All-metal gears and precision ball bearings ensure durability under extreme loads.
- Six-Screw Portal Gearbox Design — Rather than relying on a basic two or three-screw arrangement, Element RC has reinforced each portal gearbox with six heavy-duty screws, creating a dramatically stronger assembly that resists gear separation even under the massive torque loads inherent with portal axle systems.
- Reedy Power 14-Turn Brushed Crawler Motor — This ultra-smooth and powerful 5-slot motor delivers ample torque with consistent power over rough terrain and obstacles, enabling slow, precise acceleration perfect for technical rock crawling rather than high-speed racing.
- 2-in-1 RX-21 ESC and Receiver Unit — Water-resistant brushed electronic speed controller integrated with receiver in a single compact unit, featuring on/off switch for convenient power management. This design simplifies wiring and reduces weight compared to separate components.
- Stealth X Transmission with Adjustable Rear Drive Ratio — The performance-proven transmission allows you to select between standard 5.7% and 11.83% gear options, with optional 12/23 tooth gear set available separately for an additional 36% overdrive from axle-to-axle for serious rock crawler applications.
- Behind-the-Axle (BTA) Steering — Superior steering geometry that provides better approach angles and more ground clearance whilst delivering a cleaner, more professional appearance compared to conventional mounting positions.
- Bolt-On Aluminium Steering Plates — Precision-engineered aluminium steering linkage components allow for adjustments and modifications, offering both strength and future upgrade potential without requiring complete reassembly.
- Integrated Servo Winch Mount — Purpose-designed mounting location on the chassis frame provides the strongest and most reliable mounting point for optional winch equipment, positioned alongside the steering servo for optimal weight distribution and balance.
- Threaded Aluminium Shock Bodies — Fluid-filled aluminium shock absorbers with threaded bodies deliver exceptional stability across rough terrain whilst retaining oil effectively even during extreme off-road conditions, ensuring consistent damping performance.
- Chassis-Mounted Servo (CMS) — Direct mounting of the steering servo to the chassis frame eliminates vibration issues and provides superior responsiveness compared to remote servo mounting solutions.
- Officially Licensed Wheels and Tyres — Pre-mounted General Grabber X3 tyres with high-performance soft compound rubber on bronze Ocho beadlock wheels eliminate the risk of tyre roll-off and deliver authentic trail performance inspired by real-world off-road vehicles.
- Detailed Pre-Painted Polycarbonate Body — High-strength thermoformed polycarbonate body with glossy metallic finish features realistic 1970s/1980s styling, including detachable bed topper, roll bar, injection-moulded bumper, D-rings, windshield wipers, spare tyre cover, and pivoting side mirrors designed to flex and resist breakage during technical terrain navigation.
- 4-Channel 2.4GHz Radio Control — Modern frequency-hopping radio system provides reliable interference-free control with four channels for steering, throttle, and auxiliary functions across the UK and internationally.
- Reedy Power High-Torque Metal Gear Servo — Purpose-designed servo with metal gearing delivers the pulling force and precision control needed for technical rock crawling applications where conventional servos would struggle.
- Adjustable Front Track Bar — Allows fine-tuning of front suspension geometry to match different terrain types and driving conditions, improving handling and ground clearance on technical features.
- Universal Front and Rear Drive Axles — Versatile axle design accommodates future upgrades and modifications, with splined front axle featuring adjustable caster for steering response tuning.
- Stamped Steel Frame Rails — Precision-formed steel chassis frame provides rigid support whilst keeping weight to a minimum, creating an ideal foundation for rock crawling loads.
- 12mm Wheel Hexes — Standard universal wheel mounting ensures compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket wheels and tyres for customisation.
- Adjustable Front Bumper Mount — Customisable bumper positioning allows you to adjust approach angle and winch fairlead location to match specific terrain requirements and preferences.
- Two Battery Boxes — Dual battery compartments provide flexibility in power configuration and weight distribution options for optimising performance across different driving conditions.
- Aluminium Motor Plate — Precision-machined motor mounting plate ensures perfect motor alignment and reliability, with strength to handle the torque loads of the crawler motor.
- Adjustable Body Posts — Aluminium body post positions allow fine-tuning of body height and centre of gravity for improved stability and appearance.
- Adjustable Rear Shock Tower Mount Positions — Multiple mounting locations for rear shock absorbers allow suspension geometry adjustments to suit different terrain types and driving preferences.
- Telescopic Driveshafts Front and Rear — Extendable driveshaft design accommodates suspension articulation without binding or breakage, essential for rock crawling where extreme flex is expected.
- Extruded Aluminium Driveshaft Splines — Precision-cut aluminium splines ensure reliable power transfer whilst resisting wear under constant articulation cycles.
- Machined Input Pinion Gears — Precision-engineered motor pinion gears deliver smooth power delivery and long service life compared to pressed or sintered alternatives.
- Metal Ring Gears — Durable ring gear construction throughout the drivetrain handles the constant torque loads of crawler operation without stripping or slipping.
- Machined Steel Top Shaft — High-quality transmission component ensures reliable differential operation and precise power distribution to front and rear axles.
- Metal Ball Bearings — Precision ball bearing set included throughout the drivetrain for smooth rotation and durability, eliminating the friction and play of cheaper plastic bushings.
- Steel 25T Servo Horn — Heavy-duty steel servo control arm resists breakage during extreme steering inputs and rock contact.
- LED Buckets Front and Rear — Modern lighting system includes front and rear light buckets for realistic appearance and optional light upgrade capability.
- Spare Tyre Mount and Cover — Authentic detail feature with removable faux spare tyre mounted on the body, complete with protective cover for enhanced 1970s/1980s truck styling.
- Clear Windows and Molded Grille — High-quality transparent windows paired with injection-moulded grille deliver excellent visibility and authentic appearance.
- Replaceable Headlight Lenses — Individual replaceable light covers allow customisation and repair without needing to replace the entire body assembly.
- Removable Injection-Moulded Fairlead — Dedicated fairlead attachment point designed for optional winch integration without body modification.
- Optimised Ball Cups for Enhanced Articulation — Specially designed axle ball cup geometry allows increased suspension articulation whilst maintaining consistent driveline geometry through extreme flex.
- Increased Inner Axle Input Bearing Size — Oversized bearing pocket accommodates larger, more durable input bearing for handling the massive torque and shock loads inherent with portal axle crawling.
Technical Performance
The Element RC Enduro Trailwalker Portal Axles Trail RTR is engineered as a serious rock crawler rather than a speed-focused vehicle, with every component selected to deliver torque, control and durability in technical terrain. The combination of the Reedy Power 14-turn 5-slot brushed motor—delivering smooth, modulated power ideal for slow-speed crawling—with the RX-21 2-in-1 water-resistant ESC and integrated receiver creates a responsive control package that allows precise throttle modulation essential for navigating obstacles. The Stealth X transmission features zero percent underdrive in the portal axles themselves, paired with 5.7% and 11.83% gear ratio options in the included setup, allowing you to select power delivery appropriate to your terrain. For buyers seeking even more mechanical advantage, an optional Factory Team 12/23 tooth gear set provides an additional 36% overdrive from axle-to-axle. At 1/10 scale with a wheelbase of 313mm and overall length of 462mm, the Trailwalker Portal Plus delivers genuine rock crawling capability in a size that remains maneuverable through technical terrain. The 4WD drivetrain features universal front and rear drive axles with splined front axle and adjustable caster, telescopic driveshafts throughout, machined input pinion gears, metal ring gears and precision steel top shaft with included metal ball bearings creating a bulletproof drivetrain engineered for endless articulation without slipping or binding. The stamped steel frame rails provide rigid chassis support whilst keeping weight to a minimum, with adjustable front and rear shock tower mount positions allowing suspension geometry tuning for different terrain types. Front suspension includes adjustable track bar for geometry control, whilst both front and rear feature threaded aluminium shock bodies containing fluid fill for consistent damping across rough terrain. The portal axle system represents a significant engineering advancement, with all-metal gears, precision ball bearings, and a new larger pocket for heavier-duty inner input bearing, reinforced with six screws per gearbox to resist separation under extreme loads. This portal design delivers almost an inch of added centre axle clearance compared to standard straight axles—a critical advantage when navigating high-profile obstacles. The chassis-mounted servo approach eliminates vibration and provides superior steering response, with BTA (behind-the-axle) steering geometry delivering superior approach angles and cleaner aesthetics than conventional setups. The officially licensed General Grabber X3 tyres mounted on Ocho beadlock wheels with 12mm hexes provide authentic trail grip and eliminate the tyre roll-off issues that plague lesser ready to run RC crawlers. The pre-painted polycarbonate body features impressive detail including roll bar, detachable bed topper, moveable side mirrors, spare tyre cover, windshield wipers, light buckets and injection-moulded bumper—all engineered to flex and survive contact with rocks rather than shatter. With two battery boxes offering flexible power configuration options and an integrated servo winch mount for future upgrades, this ready to run RC vehicle is engineered for long-term customisation and real-world trail performance that makes it a trusted choice for UK RC enthusiasts.
What's in the Box
- Fully assembled Element RC Enduro Trailwalker Portal Axles Trail RTR chassis
- Pre-painted polycarbonate body with roll bar, bed topper and detailed trim
- Reedy Power 14-turn 5-slot brushed crawler motor
- RX-21 2-in-1 water-resistant ESC and receiver unit with on/off switch
- Stealth X transmission with 5.7% and 11.83% gear ratio options
- High-clearance portal axles with all-metal gears and ball bearings
- Universal front and rear drive axles
- Telescopic driveshafts front and rear
- Reedy Power high-torque metal gear servo
- 4-channel 2.4GHz radio control system
- Official General Grabber X3 tyres (pre-mounted)
- Bronze Ocho beadlock wheels with 12mm hexes
- Threaded aluminium shock bodies with fluid fill
- Metal ball bearings (complete set)
- Steel servo horn
- LED light buckets (front and rear)
- Pivoting side mirrors
- Windshield wipers
- Spare tyre mount and cover
- Removable injection-moulded fairlead
- Adjustable front track bar
- Adjustable body posts
- Aluminium steering plates
- Aluminium motor plate
- Adjustable front bumper mount
- Adjustable rear shock tower mount positions
- User manual and documentation
What You Need to Complete
- Shorty-type LiPo battery (compatible with deans-type connector)
- Battery charger (if not already owned)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Element RC Trailwalker Portal Plus RTR suitable for beginners? — Yes, the Trailwalker Portal Plus is designated as Skill Level 1, making it suitable for newcomers to the hobby. As a fully assembled ready to run vehicle, it requires no technical assembly skills and comes with a complete radio system and all necessary electronics pre-installed. The smooth 14-turn brushed motor and 2-in-1 ESC/receiver combination is specifically designed for easy control and modulated power delivery that new operators find more approachable than high-performance brushless systems. Beginners should be aware that this vehicle requires a shorty-type LiPo battery and charger to operate, which are sold separately.
- What battery does the Trailwalker Portal Plus RTR need? — This ready to run RC crawler requires a shorty-type LiPo battery compatible with a deans-type connector. The exact specifications (voltage and capacity) for optimal performance would be determined by your specific battery choice, though the 2-in-1 ESC and brushed motor system is designed to work with standard crawler LiPo batteries. A compatible charger is also required to charge the battery before use.
- What makes the portal axle system special compared to standard straight axles? — Portal axles on the Trailwalker Portal Plus provide almost an inch of additional centre axle clearance compared to Element RC's standard straight axles, a critical advantage when navigating high-profile rock features and obstacles. The portal gearboxes are reinforced with six heavy-duty screws (compared to fewer screws on competitor models) to resist gear separation under the extreme torque loads inherent with portal axle operation. The system features all-metal gears, precision ball bearings, and a new larger pocket for an oversized inner input bearing, making this a genuinely durable rock crawling solution rather than a budget component.
- Does the Trailwalker Portal Plus come ready to run out of the box? — Yes, this is a fully assembled RTR (ready to run) vehicle that requires no assembly. It comes complete with a pre-painted body, all electronics installed, radio system, motor, ESC/receiver, servo, wheels, tyres and suspension. The only items you need to add are a shorty LiPo battery and charger to begin operating the vehicle immediately.
- What is included in the radio control system? — The Trailwalker Portal Plus includes a complete 4-channel 2.4GHz radio control system with transmitter and integrated receiver (combined in the RX-21 2-in-1 unit). The 2.4GHz frequency provides modern interference-free operation throughout the UK and internationally, with four channels accommodating steering, throttle and additional auxiliary functions.
- Can the Trailwalker Portal Plus be upgraded with additional gear ratios? — Yes, whilst the vehicle comes with 5.7% and 11.83% gear ratio options in the included Stealth X transmission, an optional Factory Team 12/23 tooth gear set is available separately (part number #42373) that provides an additional 36% overdrive from axle-to-axle. This allows serious rock crawler enthusiasts to customise the drivetrain for specific terrain characteristics and driving preferences.
- What type of motor and ESC does the Trailwalker Portal Plus use? — The vehicle features a Reedy Power 14-turn 5-slot brushed crawler motor paired with a water-resistant RX-21 2-in-1 ESC and receiver unit. This combination is specifically designed for rock crawling applications, delivering smooth, controllable torque rather than high speed, with the integrated ESC/receiver simplifying the electronics package and reducing weight.
- Is the Trailwalker Portal Plus waterproof? — The RX-21 ESC and receiver unit is water-resistant, allowing operation in wet conditions, though complete submersion should be avoided. Other components like the servo and motor are not specifically waterproofed, so extreme water exposure should be minimised.
- What is the difference between the Trailwalker Portal Plus and standard trail trucks? — The Trailwalker Portal Plus is distinguished by its innovative high-clearance portal axle system providing almost an inch more ground clearance than conventional straight axles. The portal gearboxes are reinforced with six screws and feature all-metal gears with precision ball bearings, creating a more durable system engineered for extreme rock crawling. The vehicle also features behind-the-axle steering for superior approach angles, integrated servo winch mount, adjustable Stealth X transmission with multiple gear ratio options, and a more detailed pre-painted body inspired by classic 1970s/1980s adventure vehicles.
- Can a winch be fitted to the Trailwalker Portal Plus? — Yes, the Trailwalker Portal Plus features an integrated servo winch mount positioned on the chassis frame alongside the steering servo for optimal weight distribution. This mounting point provides the strongest and most reliable installation location for optional winch equipment, with a removable injection-moulded fairlead included for setup.
- What servo is included with the Trailwalker Portal Plus? — The vehicle includes a Reedy Power high-torque metal gear servo, specifically engineered for rock crawling applications where high pulling force and precision steering control are essential. The servo features a steel 25T servo horn and is mounted directly to the chassis (chassis-mounted servo configuration) for improved responsiveness and reduced vibration.
- Are the wheels and tyres pre-mounted? — Yes, the Trailwalker Portal Plus comes with officially licensed General Grabber X3 tyres pre-mounted on bronze Ocho beadlock wheels. The beadlock design eliminates the risk of tyre roll-off that can occur on cheaper ready to run vehicles, and the high-performance soft compound rubber delivers authentic trail grip for rock crawling applications.
- What is the wheelbase and overall size of the Trailwalker Portal Plus? — The vehicle measures 462mm in length, 260mm in width, with a wheelbase of 313mm. At 1/10 scale, these dimensions provide genuine rock crawling capability in a size that remains maneuverable through technical terrain and suitable for various UK trail environments.
- Are spare parts readily available for the Trailwalker Portal Plus? — As a model in the established Element RC Enduro line-up with detailed dealer support, replacement components including the listed spares part number (EL40131 Spares) are available. Check with your authorised retailer for current availability of specific replacement components.
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 ELEMENT RC ENDURO TRAILWALKER PORTAL AXLES TRAIL RTR EL40131 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.
