Spec and Super Truck LiPo Batteries - Explanation | ETRL

Spec and Super Truck LiPo Batteries - Explanation | ETRL

With the ETRL Series just around the corner, we've had a few questions from beginners regarding the batteries allowed in both the Spec and Super Truck class. In this article, we'll give a brief overview of what batteries will be allowed in this Series.

LiPo Batteries
The preferred battery type in RC are LiPo batteries. LiPo stands for Lithium Polymer, or more correctly Lithium-Ion Polymer (thus the LiPo abbreviation). These are the current, high power packs that replaced the older-style NiCD (nickel–cadmium) and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. They produce quite a bit more power and are close to half the weight from the NiCD or NiMH batteries, making them perfect for RC applications.

The ETRL does allow the use of NiCD or NiMH batteries, but I wouldn't suggest getting them simply because they aren't as powerful or efficient as the LiPo batteries.

ETRL Spec Truck Class
Spec and Super Truck LiPo Batteries - Explanation | ETRLThe Spec Truck class is limited to shotgun-style LiPo batteries (also known as Stick Packs); basically batteries with rounded corners, giving the appearance of a shotgun barrel. Since the Tamiya TT01E chassis has molded ribs in it to accept the older-style (NiCD/NiMH) packs, Spec Class drivers are required to use shotgun-style packs for racing. Thankfully, there are some shotgun-style LiPo batteries available that will get the job done!

ProTek 2S 100C Si_Graphene + HV LiPo Stick Pack
Link: https://bit.ly/3Ic5lP4

Reedy WolfPack LiPo 4000mAh 35C 2S
Link: https://bit.ly/3ppSlN6

To keep things equal, there will be no exceptions to this rule.

ETRL Super Truck Class
The Super Truck Class rules state that any 2S LiPo battery can be used as long as no modifications are done to the chassis (ie, no rib removing). You have three options available:

1. Use a shotgun-style LiPo like the Spec Class drivers
This would be the easiest solution, especially if you already have shotgun-style packs or are running in the Spec-class as well.

2. Use a low-profile LiPo battery
Spec and Super Truck LiPo Batteries - Explanation | ETRLCompanies like MaxAmps sell a low-profile, 6500mAh LiPo battery that will fit in the tray without any modifications. This is probably the best option since you get the benefits of a race-level battery pack and the ease of zero chassis modifications.

If you look around, I'm sure there are other companies out there that have low-profile batteries available as well.

MaxAmps LiPo 6500 2S 7.4v Dual Core Battery Pack
Link: https://bit.ly/3lt3Hi8

3. Modify the battery mounting posts
Spec and Super Truck LiPo Batteries - Explanation | ETRLSome standard LiPo batteries will fit the stock TT01E battery tray, some won't - just depends on the height of the pack.

Since you can't modify the chassis (no rib removal), the other option for using a taller LiPo battery is to put longer screws in the battery mounting posts, allowing them to float up to accommodate the taller battery pack.

You'll need to experiment with the screw lengths to make sure you get the proper spacing for your LiPo battery.

Battery Connectors
The ETRL does allow you to replace the battery connector with whatever you choose in both the Spec or Super Truck Class.

That wraps up this article on battery packs for the ETRL Series. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to shoot us an email!

Good luck and we'll see you at the track!