RC vehicles are aplenty these days, and there are various types for you to choose from too. From the RC cars to the RC boats, you are spoilt for choice. But while the above-mentioned RC vehicles can be fun, you cannot omit the presence of the RC truck. RC trucks exist because of its power in navigating terrain, especially in the area of navigating around the cross country(of course, we have those that can navigate around sand dunes, but it is a different ball game altogether).
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Why Buy RC Truck
As mentioned, there are already many other RC cars that can achieve the things that RC trucks can do, so why bother buying an RC truck, or even the monster RC truck, right? Here are some of the reasons why an RC truck might be more suited to your needs.
- You are looking for a mean beast that can navigate terrains easily
- You are sick of speeding through race tracks
- Water is not your thing
- You love the extra oomph that these RC trucks bring
- You just love power
If any of the above resonates with you, then the following reviews of some of the best RC trucks in the world will surely be of use to you.
1. Traxxas 8S X-Maxx 4WD Brushless Electric Monster RTR Truck
The mother of all monster trucks should be the Traxxas 8S X-Maxx. Made to destroy tracks and own the field, you can be assured of hours of fun while driving this beast through sand dunes, rocky terrain, and other off-road riding conditions.
This beast of an RC truck is powered by a 1200 XL brushless motor which enables a top speed of 50+ mph. Together with the extreme VXL-8s speed control which uses 33.6 volts to generate power, the sweet sounds of the engine roar will surely be music to your ears.
One of the top concerns when driving over the cross country is the RC truck’s ability to withstand the knocks, collisions or even the bumps. For the case of the X-Maxx, there is the self-righting mechanism that allows stability over the roughest of off-road conditions. It is coupled with the Traxxas Stability Management system that is eponymous to the brand, hence providing the much-needed stability that is usually required for using the RC truck in off-road conditions. There is also the shock-absorbing crush drive as well as the GTX shocks that shoulders most of the stress coming from the engine itself.
The 8″ high tires allow the truck to overcome most obstacles that you place in front of it. Also, in order for the truck to operate in its maximum efficiency, there are the ESC and motor fans that helps to regulate temperature in this beast.
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions:30.7 x 22.3 x 13.8″ | Fast | Expensive |
Weight: 19 lbs. | Self-righting | Not suited for newbies |
Motor: Brushless motor | Extreme powered | |
Wheel clearance: 8″ | Brushless motor | |
Fuel type: 2 x 4s LiPo batteries | RTR | |
Max Speed: 50 mph | Fan cool |
2. Redcat Volcano EPX Truck
Whenever we compare between different brands of RC vehicles, the battle between Redcat Vs Traxxas often comes up. And since we reviewed the Traxxas X-Maxx, we have to review the Redcat equivalent, right? And here it is, our review of the awesome Redcat Volcano EPX truck.
This is another beast that is able to navigate through the tough road conditions that exist in most off-road terrain. While it might not be as powerful as the Traxxas X-Maxx, the Volcano EPX truck is still able to have sufficient power due to the 19T RC550 brushed motor. However, the speed is just at 20mph, which actually is perfect for beginners.
We all know how tough it is to drive these RC trucks over terrain if there is a lack of suspension or other shock absorbing mechanism. For the Volcano EPX truck from Redcat, there is the 8 aluminum capped oil filled coil over shocks as well as the independent suspension system that is more than adequate to ensure that the entire ride is smooth for the RC truck.
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions:15.8 x 12.2 x 7.5″ | Budget-friendly | Not that powerful |
Weight: 8.25 lbs. | Good for newbies | Low clearance |
Motor: 19T RC550 brushed motor | Good suspensions | |
Wheel clearance: 1.2″ | Easy to use | |
Fuel type: 7.2V 2000mAh NiMH | RTR | |
Max Speed: 20 mph |
3. Hosim RC Car Electronic Monster Truck
A new player in the field, the Hosim RC Car Electronic Monster Truck proves to live up to its expectations of holding onto its own in the congested RC field.
The RC monster truck by Hosim proves to be a good purchase for many, given that it is blessed with two motors that help to provide the power to allow this RC monster truck to achieve a top speed of 30mph. Though it is still nowhere near the ultimate RC truck in the Traxxas 8S X-Maxx, it is still good enough for many RC hobbyists.
What we love about this RC truck is its wide reach as well as its low CG. This allows for the much-needed stability that is sorely missed in most other RC trucks that you see in the market, especially on Amazon. Together with the suspensions in the wheels as well as the RC truck, you can be assured of its stability in off-road conditions. However, much can be said about the shocks since it is those plastic made shocks. If you can, we recommend you to use these oil-based shocks for added protection.
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions: 17.8 x 12.8 x 6.8″ | Budget-friendly | Suspensions can be better |
Weight: 5.47 lbs. | Good for newbies | Low clearance |
Motor: strong magnetic carbon brush motor | RTR | |
Wheel clearance: 1.4″ | Heat protection | |
Fuel type: 7.4V/500mAh battery pack | ||
None yet Max Speed: 30 mph |
4. Distianert RC Truck
Also another new player in the field, the Distianert RC Truck is considered by many to be one of the best entry level RC truck that you can find. It is easy to control as well as easy on the pockets too.
Reaching top speeds of 25mph, it is able to deliver power to its wheel due to the 390 brushless motor. This is more than enough to navigate through the terrains. The wheel itself is good enough to have traction on the sand dunes or rocky paths, hence allowing this RC truck to climb slopes that have an inclination of up to 45 degrees. The extra large wheel is resistant to slip and abrasions too.
To assist you in having a smooth time riding the RC truck across uneven paths, there is the WD independent suspension technology that is incorporated into the design. If you are fearful of destroying this RC truck, you should rest easy knowing that there is the anti-collision head at the front of the RC truck itself, hence providing some protection against hard knocks.
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions: 13.4 x 11 x 6.22″ | Budget-friendly | Inadequate suspension |
Weight: 4.4 lbs. | Good for newbies | Low clearance |
Motor: 390 brushless motor | RTR | |
Wheel clearance: 1.2″ | Wide and light | |
Fuel type: 3.7V 1500mAh Lithium-ion | ||
Max Speed: 25 mph |
5. Hosim High Speed RC Off-Road Car 9112
If you are looking into the best RC truck under $100, then the Hosim High-Speed RC Off-Road Car 9112 will be the top choice for you, either as a gift or for yourself. Though it is priced below $100, the quality of it does not differ much from the others (except for the monster Traxxas).
It is able to be driven at speeds up to 28.5mph. We realized that this is the average speed that most RC trucks could provide, and this is also achieved due to the powerful electric brushed 390 motor that is present in this RC truck under $100.
This RC truck is really perfect for all terrains, including sand dunes, off-road or even in the snow. This is really because of the design of the wheels tracks as well as the power that can be delivered to the wheels itself. If you want to perform quick turns and drifts on an RC truck, then the Hosin 9112 is for you.
However, when it comes to a collision, it is reported that the Hosin 9112 will not be able to hold up that well. Though there are the four suspension links, springs as well the shockproof system, the material used in the body can be better. Hence, we really recommend that, should you decide to buy this budget RC truck, you should really take care not to crash this RC truck!
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions: 12.6 x 10.2 x 5.5″ | Budget-friendly | Inadequate suspension |
Weight: 3.95 lbs. | Good for newbies | Low clearance |
Motor: 390 brushless motor | RTR | |
Wheel clearance: 1.4″ | ||
Fuel type: 3.7V 1500mAh Lithium-ion | ||
Max Speed: 28.5 mph |
6. SPESXFUN RC Car
For the best RC truck for beginners as well as a good RC truck that cost below $100, the SPESXFUN RC Car might just be the top choice for you. It is priced much lower than the other RC trucks that we have reviewed.
Though the price is lower, it can be said that the features, as well as the top speed, is actually comparable to most other RC trucks that you see in the market. With a top speed of 25mph, it is fast enough to give you that adrenaline rush that you are sorely missing. While the exact engine specifications are not mentioned, many reviewers did say that the engines are powerful enough to allow the RC truck to bash through rocks, sand, and other rough terrains easily.
To allow the car to remain unscathed, there are sufficient suspension systems in the wheels that help to absorbs the shock when it comes to driving across uneven terrain. The tires itself are anti-slip tires. When coupled with the twin engines, you will surely be amazed how this small budget RC truck can climb up slopes with relative ease!
Key Specs: | The Good: | The Lowdowns: |
Dimensions: 11.4 x 7.1 x 5.1″ | Budget-friendly | Inadequate suspension |
Weight: 2.75 lbs. | Good for newbies | Low clearance |
Motor: 2 x motor | RTR | 2WD |
Wheel clearance: 1″ | Easy to operate | |
Fuel type:6V 700 mAh rechargeable Ni-MH | ||
Max Speed: 25 mph |