Radio Control Truck

Radio control truck models are fun and rugged vehicles. They can be used almost anywhere, they don't need too much running space, and are unfazed by a little wind so they are great all-around toys. There are monster trucks, rock crawlers, racing trucks, and other designs available. These are almost always guided with pistol-grip transmitters that have a trigger for throttle control and a turnable wheel on one side to provide steering input.

As with other radio control vehicles, these are made in entry level, toy type versions and also as more expensive, hobby grade models. Almost all entry level and a number of ready-to-run (RTR) hobby grade remote control trucks are powered by electric batteries. Ready-to-run trucks that are nitro or gas powered are also popular. More recently, a couple of manufacturers have begun offering attractively priced, mid-level radio control truck models that are not truly hobby grade, but do offer replaceable parts and some upgrades. These vehicles are a terrific way to get started in remote control trucking!

Without further ado, let's take a look at some fun radio control truck models!

Redcat Racing, based in Arizona, offers several nice (and attractively priced) ready-to-run rc trucks. Their electric Sumo RC vehicles are a great introduction to the rc truck world. They're small, quick, cool, and cute! At 1/24 scale, they are small enough to use in some indoor spaces. They are not so fast as hobby grade racing trucks, but are still agile and can be handled by novice truck drivers-including children. These currently sell for about $50-$55 US and have cheap, replaceable parts. They come in two styles: a truck and a truggy.

The availability of inexpensive replacement parts is one feature that separates Redcat models from most other manufacturers offering products in this price range. Also, they are based in the US so any warranty service claims can be handled in the US.

There is also a related Sumo Micro Crawler at 1/24 scale that sells for approximately $90. It runs on rechargeable AAA batteries and is a real blast to drive.

Megatech is another company offering a couple of mid-level truck models with replaceable parts and upgrades. They have two vehicles in this category: the Megatech Megapro Truck pictured at right and the Megatech Megapro Buggy. At 1/18 scale, these are bigger than the Sumo RC vehicles but still on the small side among remote control trucks.

The Megapro trucks are a little more expensive than the Sumo RC models, but also have brushless upgrades that are not currently available for the Sumo RC trucks. Available upgrades include a brushless motor and brushless ESC (electronic speed control), titanium tie rods, and aluminum rims. Yum!

The Redcat Racing Rockslide RS10 XT Rock Crawler is another electric, ready-to-run radio control truck from Redcat Racing that offers a good value for the dollar. This 4x4 bad boy has an aluminum chassis, oversize crawling tires, and oil-filled shocks. A 3-channel remote controller gives you several steering modes to choose from to help you negotiate the toughest obstacles. The first two channels are still throttle and turning, while the 3rd channel lets you select the steering mode remotely as you drive.

Watch the video below to see the crawler in action! The Rockslide RS10 XT is the hands-down value winner for an entry level crawler. Other ready-to-run crawlers are typically priced $100 or more above the Rockslide RS10 XT. The XT model is an upgraded release of the original RS10. Its wheelbase is slightly shorter, it uses a regular stick pack battery, and has a solid plate underneath to help keep the underside from getting caught up in rocks.

At the next level up in price, look for the Venom Safari Creeper. This is a ready-to-run truck based on the their top-selling Venom Creeper crawler kit. The body design gives it a little better scale look and it is waterproof as well.