3
Desert buggy xl-e • INstructIoN maNual
ENGLISH
Your new Horizon Hobby vehicle has been designed and built with a combina-
tion of waterproof and water-resistant components to allow you to operate the
product in many “wet conditions,” including puddles, creeks, wet grass, snow
and even rain.
While the entire vehicle is highly water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof
and your vehicle should NOT be treated like a submarine. The various electronic
components used in the vehicle, such as the Electronic Speed Control (ESC),
servo(s) and receiver are waterproof, however, most of the mechanical compo-
nents are water-resistant and should not be submerged.
Metal parts, including the bearings, hinge pins, screws and nuts, as well as the
contacts in the electrical cables, will be susceptible to corrosion if additional
maintenance is not performed after running in wet conditions. To maximize the
long-term performance of your vehicle and to keep the warranty intact, the pro-
cedures described in the “Wet Conditions Maintenance” section below must be
performed regularly if you choose to run in wet conditions. If you are not willing
to perform the additional care and maintenance required, then you should not
operate the vehicle in those conditions.
cAutiOn:
Failure to exercise caution while using this product and
complying with the following precautions could result in product malfunc-
tion and/or void the warranty.
geneRAl PRecAutiOns
• Read through the wet conditions maintenance procedures and make sure
that you have all the tools you will need to properly maintain your vehicle.
• Not all batteries can be used in wet conditions. Consult the battery
manufacturer before use. Caution should be taken when using Li-Po batteries
in wet conditions.
• Most transmitters are not water-resistant. Consult your transmitter’s manual
or the manufacturer before operation.
• Never operate your transmitter or vehicle where lightning may be present.
• Do not operate your vehicle where it could come in contact with salt water
(ocean water or water on salt-covered roads), contaminated or polluted
water. Salt water is very conductive and highly corrosive, so use caution.
• Even minimal water contact can reduce the life of your motor if it has
not been certified as water-resistant or waterproof. If the motor becomes
excessively wet, apply very light throttle until the water is mostly removed
from the motor. Running a wet motor at high speeds may rapidly damage
the motor.
• Driving in wet conditions can reduce the life of the motor. The additional
resistance of operating in water causes excess strain. Alter the gear ratio
by using a smaller pinion or larger spur gear. This will increase torque (and
motor life) when running in mud, deeper puddles, or any wet conditions that
will increase the load on the motor for an extended period of time.
Wet cOnditiOns mAintenAnce
• Drain any water that has collected in the tires by spinning them at high
speed. With the body removed, place the vehicle upside down and pull full
throttle for a few short bursts until the water has been removed.
cAutiOn:
Always keep hands, fingers, tools and any loose or hang-
ing objects away from rotating parts when performing the above drying
technique.
• Remove the battery pack(s) and dry the contacts. If you have an air
compressor or a can of compressed air, blow out any water that may be
inside the recessed connector housing.
• Remove the tires/wheels from the vehicle and gently rinse the mud and dirt
off with a garden hose. Avoid rinsing the bearings and transmission.
nOtice:
Never use a pressure washer to clean your vehicle.
• Use an air compressor or a can of compressed air to dry the vehicle and help
remove any water that may have gotten into small crevices or corners.
• Spray the bearings, drive train, fasteners and other metal parts with a water-
displacing light oil. Do not spray the motor.
• Let the vehicle air dry before you store it. Water (and oil) may continue
to drip for a few hours.
• Increase the frequency of disassembly, inspection and lubrication of the
following:
- Front and rear axle hub assembly bearings.
- All transmission cases, gears and differentials.
- Motor—clean with an aerosol motor cleaner and re-oil the bushings
with lightweight motor oil.
WaTEr-rESISTaNT VEhIClE WITh WaTErprOOf ElECTrONICS
