Axial SCX10 Battery Basics
The Axial SCX10 family—SCX10, SCX10 II, and SCX10 III (including Base Camp and Coyote)—covers a wide range of crawling styles. Most drivers start with 2S or 3S LiPo packs for balanced torque, runtime, and thermal safety. If you’re optimizing for performance on SCX10 III or the Coyote, 3S is the mainstream pick, while 4S is a niche upgrade that demands proper gearing and ESC/motor compatibility.
2S vs 3S vs 4S on SCX10 / SCX10 II / SCX10 III
- 2S (7.4V): Smooth throttle and lightweight handling for classic SCX10 and SCX10 II trail builds.
- 3S (11.1V): The most popular choice on SCX10 II and SCX10 III; strong punch with manageable heat.
- 4S (14.8V): Advanced tuning only—ensure ESC/motor limits and consider tire traction and gearing.
Fitment & Connectors for SCX10 III Coyote
The Coyote’s forward battery position improves front weight bias. Always check internal tray length, width, and height including strap allowance and wire bend radius. Common connectors are XT60, EC3, EC5, and TRX. If your ESC and battery differ, use a quality adapter or re-terminate to a single standard with proper solder and heat-shrink.
Recommended Reading & Accessories
Learn the platform evolution and battery logic here: SCX10 Evolution & Battery Upgrade Guide.
FAQ
What LiPo size fits the SCX10 III Coyote battery tray?
Official internal dimensions aren’t published. Many 3S soft packs around 135 × 43 × 25 mm fit typical SCX10 III layouts. The Coyote’s forward tray can be space-efficient, but measure your rig’s net space (length/height first) and allow for strap and wire clearance.
Is 3S safe for SCX10 and SCX10 II?
Yes for most ESC/motor combos commonly used on SCX10 II; always confirm your ESC specs. For original SCX10 setups, 2S is common—3S can work with proper gearing and good throttle discipline.
Can I run 4S on SCX10 III?
Only if your ESC/motor support 4S. Expect more heat and stress—consider gearing, tire traction, and driveline strength. 4S is for advanced users seeking maximum punch.
Which connector should I choose (XT60 / EC3 / EC5 / TRX)?
Keep ESC and battery on the same standard. XT60 is widely used for crawling; adapters are fine if high quality. Re-terminating to one standard is cleaner and reduces resistance points.
How big should I go for long hikes?
On SCX10 III / Coyote, 3S 4000–5200mAh balances runtime and handling. If you prefer lighter steering and responsiveness, choose 3000–4000mAh and carry a spare pack.
For more crawler battery options, check out our RC crawler batteries collection .