How to Upgrade Your MJX H8H RC Crawler for Even Better Performance

The MJX H8H has become a very popular RC crawler in 2024. Updated to V2 in September 2024, the H8H is often compared with the slightly smaller TRX-4 truck and is highly praised for it's impressive feature to price ratio. The MJX H8H is armed with remotely lockable front and rear differentials and bluetooth connectivity which is not something usually seen at a sub £400 price point.

While the stock H8H model performs well right out of the box, there are several ways to upgrade the MJX H8H to improve it's stability and make it an even more capable RC crawler. These upgrades center around methods of increasing and improving the weight distribution of the truck, and therefore improving it's grip and achieving a lower centre of gravity which is crucial for challenging crawls. 

Upgrade the H8H Wheels and Axles

MJX have released their own H8H upgrade kit (part number OP8H01). The metal upgrade pack for the MJX H8H includes four alloy beadlock wheels with soft rubber tyres. Tyres measure 55mm x 136m (standard 2.2 inch size).

Also included are metal front and rear axle assemblies complete with differential and drive shafts. Axle shaft diameter is 6mm. Wheel hex coupler is 17mm.

Other than looking great, the main benefit of this kit is the added weight it delivers. Adding weight to the wheels or axles can enhance handling and keep the crawler grounded on steeper climbs. Compared to the plastic parts, the upgraded parts add a net 800G gain to the overall weight of the MJX H8H. With the weight being added at the lowest level of the truck, the centre of gravity is greatly improved which provides increased stability.

The H8H beadlock wheels also includes softer tires with a deeper tread pattern which will improve traction and handling.

The MJX H8H upgrade kit can be purchased here.

Add Weight to Lower the Center of Gravity

The H8H crawler truck will perform better with a lower center of gravity, which improves stability and reduces the likelihood of tipping. In addition to the MJX H8H upgrade kit detailed above which increases the overall weight of the truck, extra weight can be added in the form of adhesive lead weights.

The lead weights are ideally added to the front of the MJX H8H truck, since the truck is more likely to tip when attempting steep climbs. These weights can also be added to the each of the four wheels, as well as the axles

Upgrade the H8H Batteries 

The MJX H8H can support both 2S 7.4v and 3S 11.1v LiPo batteries. With front and rear battery trays, two batteries can be fitted an ran in parallel to achieve both additional run time as well as increase the overall weight of the truck.

Each battery tray within the H8H will support standard sized 3S soft-case batteries up to about 6000mAh. Assuming the batteries use quality LCO LiPo cells, each battery should weigh 550-600 grams. Positioned at both the front and rear of the vehicle, two batteries should add significant weight to the H8H distributed in the correct places.

Note, an XT60 parallel wiring harness will be required to operate the two batteries together, extending the overall run time.

Conclusion

Because the H8H is so capable right out the box, relatively few upgrades are required to make it even better. Upgrading the MJX H8H RC crawler unlocks its full potential, making it a formidable competitor even alongside premium models like the TRX-4. By enhancing its weight distribution, upgrading to metal parts, adding high capacity batteries, and improving the tires, you can significantly improve the crawler's performance on most terrains.

Each of these upgrades contributes to better stability, improved grip, and a lower center of gravity, enabling the H8H to tackle tougher climbs and more rugged environments with confidence. With the right modifications, your MJX H8H can become a truly powerful and capable RC crawler, ready for any adventure. Happy crawling!