rc rock crawler

Rock crawling is driving off road over obstacles, especially rocks. It can be done with Jeeps and other specially modified 4x4 trucks. Of course, everything big trucks can do remote control trucks can do, too. An rc rock crawler is a special type of remote control truck designed for climbing over and through rocks. They're a blast to drive either outside in your backyard or at a park or even on a camping trip. An rc crawler can also be run indoors on a custom made living room obstacle course - at least when Mom isn't around. It is amazing how much fun you can have with your truck plus a few sofa cushions, cardboard boxes, and stuffed toys on a bad weather day!

Redcat Racing, Losi, Axial, and Venom are some of the main rc rock crawler manufacturers. As with other remote control toys, some models are sold ready-to-run (RTR) and others are provided as kits. For an economical and practical entry level crawler, you really can't beat the 1/10 scale Redcat Racing RS10 Rockslide. Losi has a micro rock crawler that isn't too expensive, but at 1/24 scale it really is micro sized. Most rc crawlers are either 1/10 or 1/8 scale. Venom has been known for their Venom Creeper crawler kits and are now coming out with a ready-to-run version called the Safari Creeper. It is due to be released in mid-November 2010.

I hope you enjoyed the crawling video with the Rockslide RS10. It shows some of the fun things you can do with a ready-to-run rc rock crawler. Rock crawlers are specialized vehicles. They not only have special suspension designs to help get over obstacles, but also have more sophisticated steering systems than regular rc trucks and their electronic speed control systems are also unique.

Rock crawlers generally allow you to choose from several steering modes to help negotiate obstacles. This means whether the steering is done by front wheel only, rear wheel only, front and rear wheels moving in the same direction ("crab steer"), or front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions. You can change steering mode on-the-fly from the radio and a graphic on the radio LCD screen for the Rockslide RS10 shows you what mode is selected.

The ESC or electronic speed control for crawlers is also different from what you find in other radio control truck models. A crawler ESC has a hill brake to help keep the vehicle in place on inclines - very important!

The stock Rockslide RS10 is a fine entry level crawler, but not what many competitive crawlers would classify as a competition rig. Of course, bear in mind that products advertised as competition crawlers such as the Axial XR10 are more expensive than the Rockslide RS10. The Rockslide RS10 gives a nice ride right out of the box and if you replace the tires, as many people do sooner or later, you'll have a very capable little rig.

There are two major design types for rc rock crawlers: moa, or motors over axles, and shaft driven, or shafty for short.  MOA proponents like that it allows a low center of gravity and axle clearance, but there are nice rigs to be had of either type. Most crawlers agree that driver skill is a much bigger factor in performance than MOA vs. shafty.

Usually, people go rock crawling on dry rocks as we've already seen. People do sometimes run their vehicles in water and mud as well, as you can see in the video below. You should be aware that running an rc rock crawler or any other rc truck through water may void the manufacturer's warranty. Of course, everybody does it sooner or later since it is so much fun and the main point is, after all, to have fun! Many vehicles do okay with limited exposure to water - just remember that they are not submarines.

If you want a crawler that is waterproof (and where running through water won't void the warranty), you should look at the Venom Creeper Safari.

People who like to bash their electronics might want to look for manufacturers that offer replacement electronic parts at reduced cost beyond the initial warranty period. Redcat Racing is one such place with a lifetime electronics replacement program. You just have to mail them your existing part and pay a discount replacement fee plus $5 for shipping to get a new part sent to you. A surcharge may be applied for an abuse, for instance water damage, but the cost is still less than the regular price of a brand new part. You also have to allow extra time for shipping and processing.