The Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car is our best RC truck that is built for off-road control. It is a 2 wheel drive (2WD) with a high speed of 33 miles per hour or more and coated in tough blue color finish. It has a radio control channel at 2.4 GHz and runs on a 390 GP brush motor. You can control and handle the RC truck easier with its S-truck suspension technology and it can be controlled within the range of 100 meters. It comes with a lithium ion 7.4 volts 800 mAh battery as well as a charger and the transmitter requires two AA batteries at 1.5 volts each.
Our step-up pick is the Traxxas 36054-1 Stampede Monster Truck and it is ready to race setup. You can choose from a variety of colors as it uses a radio system at 2.4 GHz TQ. In addition, the ESC is waterproof at XL-5 and accompanies a 550 Titan 12-turn modified motor. All high quality components are used in making this RC truck and with a super innovative engineering and design build, its waterproof level allows it to be taken in various situations such as snow, mud and water. It comes with a DC charger at 4 amp peak detecting and includes a 3,000 mAh 7-cell NiMH battery.
The budget pick is the GPTOYS S912 Remote Control Truck Off-Road which is a very large and powerful 390 GP brush motor. It has a peak speed of 33 miles per hour or more and the waterproof design lets you travel in rain, storm or snow. It has great skid resistance and the S911’s updated version which is upgraded in terms of stability. With lifetime support with 24 hours on-call and a 30 days free return, it can be controlled up to 100 meters or 328 feet.
A Little Background
RC trucks are small monster trucks that let kids or hobbyists experience rummaging through rough terrain such as sand, snow or grass and mud. It is a good driving experience even for the young and a great bonding for family and friends.
Because of their superior tires and great shock, RC trucks have been immensely popular among kids, teens and even adults when it comes to RC racing.
How We Picked
We picked the best RC truck according to the following guidelines?
Is the price a good deal? Most RC toys are kind of pricey but it depends on its features and driving capabilities. Compare and contrast various RC trucks first before coming down to a final price.
Are there cons that can be deal breakers? Know if there are flaws that are too much to take and know if there are more pros than cons.
What are the features of the RC truck? Does it have a good suspension system? How about its ability to drive through off-road terrain?
Can it drive through the roughest of roads? Monster RC trucks are built to take on the roughest roads possible so it must have big wheels and a sturdy build.
Are the features realistic, durable and waterproof at the very least? Waterproof electronics are the core of RC off-road driving, so it must be present.
Our Pick
Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car
The Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car is built for off-road control and is our top pick as the best RC truck. It can easily be controlled within the range of 100 meters as it is a 2 wheel drive (2WD) with a high speed of 33 miles per hour or more.
Control is easy as the transmitter requires two AA batteries at 1.5 volts each and you can control and handle the RC truck easier with its S-truck suspension technology. Being coated in tough blue color finish, the radio control channel is at 2.4 GHz and it runs on a 390 GP brush motor.
The Hosim RC truck comes with a lithium ion 7.4 volts 800 mAh battery as well as a charger and it also has a ball bearing feature as well as steering servos to help you maneuver your RC truck easier. Additionally, it has a rear wheel drive and equipped with a super sport design. Furthermore, the rubber tire has a sponge insert for comfort and flexibility.
Also, the RC truck is priced like most RC toys but its features are hobby-level. With a max speed in kilometer is 45 km per hour, the 1/12 scale Hosim truck includes the RC monster truck, charger, transmitter at 2.4 GHz (no battery included), steering wheel, lithium ion 800 MA battery and a user’s manual.
This RC truck is highly recommended for ages 14 and above. It is manufactured and distributed by Hosim and weighs 3.9 lbs, with a shipping weight of 3.9 lbs and overall dimensions of 12 in x 10 in x 5 in.
Who Else Likes It?
According to Desert Cart , it is a very fast RC truck despite its price and it is easy to find spare parts. It can outrun most toy-sized dogs.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The only few cons that this RC truck have include the fact that not everyone might like the light weight build of the remote control which is mostly made of plastic and also, a 10 to 15 minute use per charge might not be for everyone, but considering the speed, it may be just fine.
Step-up Pick
Traxxas 36054-1 Stampede Monster Truck
The Traxxas 36054-1 Stampede Monster Truck is our step-up pick with a ready to race setup which includes a 3,000 mAh 7-cell NiMH battery. This RC truck comes with a DC charger at 4 amp peak detecting and has a super innovative engineering and design build.
You can choose from a variety of colors as it uses a radio system at 2.4 GHz TQ and accompanies a 550 Titan 12-turn modified motor. The high quality components are used in making this RC truck.
In addition, the ESC is waterproof at XL-5 and als, its waterproof level allows it to be taken in various situations such as snow, mud and water. Furthermore, it has a fully independent suspension type and runs on brushed motor type.
With super easy operation, the suspension of the Traxxas 36054-1 Stampede is very toughly built. Do know that this is a 2 wheel drive or 2WD. The assembly time is approximately 0.25 and the skill level is 1.
With overall dimensions of 16 in x 12 in x 9 in, it weighs 4.1 lbs and had a shipping weight of 8.1 lbs. It is very recommended for ages 16 years and above. Take note that it is a 1/10 scale RC truck which is available in various colors such as red, silver, blue, black, Courtney Force and pink.
Budget Pick
GPTOYS S912 Remote Control Truck Off-Road
Having a very large and powerful 390 GP brush motor, the GPTOYS S912 Remote Control Truck Off-Road is our budget pick which has a peak speed of 33 miles per hour or more. Its waterproof design lets you travel in rain, storm or snow.
This RC truck has great skid resistance and in addition, the S911’s updated version which is upgraded in terms of stability. With a lifetime support with 24 hours on-call and a 30 days free return, this RC truck can be controlled up to 100 meters or 328 feet.
Its suspension technology uses S-truck that helps to achieve better control and handling amd the trucj uses a 9.6 volts 800 mAh lithium ion battery. Furthermore, the charging time is approximately 120 minutes and it can be used up to 10 minutes on average per full charge. Also, this has a suspension system that has a 4 wheel independent system.
Adding to that, this RC truck can be used even on sand, dirt and grass without much problem. Being coated with a green color finish, it is also available in red color finish.
When you order the GPTOYS S912 Truck Off-Road, the package includes a 2.4 G transmitter (requires 2 AA batteries at 1.5 volts), a US plug charger, a hex wrench, Philips screwdriver, steering wheel, lithium ion battery and a user’s manual.
It is recommended for 8 years old and above as it weighs 2.3 lbs with a shipping weight of 3.4 lbs. It has overall dimensions of 13 in x 5 in x 10 in.
Best Electric RC Truck
Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric Truck
The Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric Truck is manufactured and distributed by Redcat Racing and is available in blue or silver color finish. It is our ideal electric powered RC truck which has a 1/10 scale and runs on 540 27T electric brushed motor.
Among its great features, it has a range of 100 yards and is approved by the FCC. It comes with a steering trim, steering dual rate adjustment, throttle reverse and steering reverse switches and throttle trim.
You get a no interference racing experience up to 10 vehicles so you can race together with multiple vehicles simultaneously. Additionally, the ground clearance is 30 mm and the wheel base measures 275 mm. It has a ready to run design and has a 4-wheel drive or 4WD which has a servo that has high torque.
In addition, the Redcat Racing Truck includes a 2.4 GHz radio which requires 8 AA batteries that are not included. As for its resistance, the receiver, servo and ESC are all waterproof electronics. It also comes with a 7.2 NiMh 2,000 mAh battery as well as a charger. Furthermore, the transmission can go forward or reverse.
Also, the shocks are filled with aluminum capped oil and furthermore, the body is made from polycarbonate material for high durability. With a rock solid performance as a monster RC truck, it has overall dimensions of 15 in x 7 in x 12 in. It weighs 5 lbs and has a shipping weight of 7.8 lbs. This RC truck is recommended for ages 14 and above.
Best 4WD or 4-Wheel Drive RC Truck
Babrit 2.4HZ 4WD High Speed Truck
The Babrit 2.4HZ 4WD High Speed Truck is a 4-wheel drive 4WD that runs at a top speed of 50 km per hour. It is a 1:18 scale RC truck.
Being manufactured and distributed by Babrit, this has a 2.4 GHz radio technology that has a signal range of up to 100 meters. In addition, the shock suspension system is built to last and to protect the RC truck. Equipped with a powerful motor, it is built to race without interference worry from other RC controllers.
Ideal and great for racing outdoors or indoors, the structure of the RC truck as well as the components are truly sturdy. It has 4 wheel shock absorbers and the rubber wheels are using Hi-Q technology and also, it comes with chains. With that kind of durability, it can be used on sand, grass or other rough areas.
When you order, the package includes the RC truck, charger and remote controller. Do know that the rechargeable battery is a 3.7 volt 4,000 mAh battery or power supply and that the charge time is about 60 minutes while the approximate use time is 20 minutes. In addition, you can control this up to 25 meters.
The Babrit High Speed Truck has overall dimensions of 8 in x 10 in x 4 in. It weighs 1.3 lbs and has a shipping weight of 3.5 lbs. It is applicable for 12 years and up. You get 1 year or 12 months of warranty for this product.
Best 2WD or 2-Wheel Drive RC Truck
AMOSTING 2.4GHz 2WD Monster RC Truck
It is manufactured and distributed by AMOSTING. This 2-wheel drive 2WD monster truck is an RC truck which has a 1/12 scale, coated in colored blue finish.
it has a large brush motor at GP 390 and it is very powerful and is equipped with a radio system at 2.4 GHz and has a 100-meter control distance. The foam inserts are lined up on the tires that are fit for all sorts of terrain and look realistic. In addition, the top speed of the RC truck is 35 miles per hour or 45 km per hour.
This RC truck uses a lithium ion battery at 9.6 volts and 800 mAh in which the suspension technology is an S-Truck that keeps it under control and good to handle. The rear wheel drive has a super sport design and you get a no-interference RC driving experience.
The controller requires two AA batteries at 1.5 volts which needs to be provided separately and when you order the AMOSTING 2WD Truck, the package comes with a steering wheel, charger, lithium ion battery, the RC truck itself, the transmitter and a user’s manual.
Having a reverse function, you can look for the ASIN B019R97ABQ if you want to buy another set of battery. It is recommended for ages 14 and above and weighs 3.6 lbs with a shipping weight of 3.6 lbs. It has overall dimensions of 10 in x 5 in x 12 in.
RC Truck with Brushless Motor
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Brushless Pro 4WD Truck
With this RC truck, the aluminum body is hard, anodized and coated with PTFE and the GTR shocks also include shafts made from titanium nitride. Additionally, the C-hubs are made from blue-anodized aluminum 6061-T6 and its engineering and design gives off an innovative feel and solid performance.
It is a highly-recommended RTR or ready to race RC truck that is built only with high quality components that are used for this RC truck for racing. Furthermore, the gravity chassis has a low center that is rigid and what’s more, the rear sway bars and front sway bars are both adjustable.
In addition, the center differential is filled with silicone and sealed. As this is a 1:10 scale RC short course truck that is in its platinum edition and a 4WD or 4-wheel drive 4 x 4, it runs on a brushless motor. The diameter of the wheel is 2.2 in or 56 mm for the outer part and 76 mm for the inner and it uses BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires with S1 compound that is pre-glued and comes with foam inserts
With the max speed being 60 miles per hour, this is an electric fuel type RC truck and the wheel type is a 2.2 inch split-spoke that is topped off with red bead lock chrome. The skill level of this RC truck is 3 and the drive system is shaft driven and 4WD direct drive. The material for the frame is nylon tub that is molded composite and the suspension type is fully independent.
Overall, it weighs 5.5 lbs , has a shipping weight of 7.5 lbs and total dimensions of 7 in x 11 in x 22 in. It is made for 15 years and above and requires a non-standard battery. The ready to run design RTR makes it hassle-free, equipped with a low CG chassis design.
RC Truck with Waterproof Electronics
GPTOYS RC Cars S912 LUCTAN 1/12 Scale
Being a 1/12 scale model RC truck, it runs up to 33 miles per hour.
This electric fuel monster RC hobby truck comes with electronics that are waterproof and is perfect for off-road driving. In addition, it comes with an L/R trim as well as a new transmitter to make it less complicated and furthermore, the handling and control are enhanced with its S-truck suspension technology.
Being coated in dazzling yellow color motif, the GPTOYS RC truck has a control distance of 100 meters and it is playable up to 10 minutes on full charge. The large motor at 390 GP brush is powerful and largest among similar RC trucks. It also has a 2.4 GHz 4 channel RC truck controller and the battery used is a lithium ion 9.6 volts 800 mAh battery.
As for the radio system, required but not included are 2 AA batteries and also, the charge time is about 180 minutes. When you order, package includes a tail, 4 pins, charger, transmitter, battery, steering wheel, Phillips screwdriver, user’s manual, hex wrench and the RC truck itself.
The GPTOYS S912 LUCTAN truck has dimensions overall of 13 in x 10 in x 5 in. It weighs 2.3 lbs and has a shipping weight of 3.9 lbs. It is suitable for 8 years old.
Best Ford Scale Model RC Truck
Traxxas 1/10-Scale Ford Raptor TQ 2.4GHz
It is available in blue, red, white and black as well as other varying colors.
This RC truck includes a radio with 2.4 GHz frequency TQ and additionally, the battery used is a 7-cell Ni MH that includes an iD technology. The speed at maximum is about 30 miles per hour and a good thing about this RC truck is that the electronics are made to be waterproof to accommodate all sorts of driving even in snow, water or mud.
In addition, the receiver box is not just sealed but also watertight and it uses an electronic speed. You can easily control with the XL-5 as it also uses a 550 modified motor which is a Titan 12 turn. In addition, the steering servo has high torque, digital and is waterproof. With ultra shocks that are filled with oil, the truck’s ball bearings are rubber-sealed. It also comes with a 19 tooth pinion gear.
The pre-glued tires are BFGoodrich mud-terrain T/A 2.2 inches and also, the wheels are 2.2 inches with a center split-spoke bead lock Satin finish. Its transmitter requires 4 AA batteries and in addition. The fast charger is a 4 amps and DC peak-detecting 12 volts charger. Additionally, the radio system has a very ergonomic design.
Additionally, this model is the blue color design and it mimics the Ford Raptor very well. Furthermore, the differential has hardened steel gears and the slipper clutch is equipped with a torque control revo-spec and what’s more, the transmission is a magnum 272 metal gear build.
Overall, the Traxxas Ford Raptor 2.4GHz is an RC truck that is great for driving all day or for long hours. It weighs 10 lbs and has a shipping weight of 10 lbs. It is suitable for ages 14 years old and above. The dimensions of the product are 8 in x 11 in x 22 in.
Best RC Truck for Stability
Traxxas 36076-3 1/10 Stampede VXL RTR
The Traxxas 36076-3 1/10 Stampede VXL RTR has stability management and is a 1/10 scale RC truck which uses TSM or Traxxas stability management to keep it steady during steering, spinning and other actions even at high speed for its electrical components.
It also features VXL Veilneon 3s electronic speed control and it also has a 3500 brushless motor. Its shocks are filled with oil as it also comes with high quality tires and painted body. The only requirement is the battery set for the radio which is 4 AA batteries as colors may vary for this RC truck, which has 2 channels.
This RC truck weighs 4.1 lbs overall and has a shipping weight of 8.7 lbs. The dimensions of the product are 11 in x 14 in x 20 in and it is suited for 15 years old and above. Being made and distributed by Traxxas, it has a waterproof design and also comes with a max cable 12 gauge wire. All in all, this RC truck is able to do forward, reverse and brake controls with its electronic components.
The Competition
The other RC trucks that did not make it to our list are those that do not have a lot of off-road capabilities and which the parts are reported to be not as sturdy as the ones that we have reviewed here. Durability, tough wheels and a great suspension system make a great monster RC truck overall.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of using RC trucks?
A: According to the website Selling Healthcare Blog, children learn how to properly follow instructions with RC trucks and they boost the imagination of children at a young age. It is a great exercise and bonding activity with the family or with friends as it can help children learn coordination as well as identifying shapes, colors and many other learning factors and they learn how to be a good sport when it comes to racing.
Q: How do you perform maintenance on your RC truck?
A: According to the website About Home , repair time is 30 to 60 minutes and start with wiping down the RC truck’s body. Visual inspection is needed to ensure that there is no damage or cracks and broken parts. Nitro fuel RC trucks might need some cleaning and refilling such as draining the tank, cleaning the air filter, oil and adding after-burn oil. Do check if the tires have some damage or gashes or some pieces that are missing and make replacements if possible. Battery packs should be charged regularly and batteries should also be checked for corrosion. You should make sure the suspension system and shocks are working and the screws needed to be checked for anything loose.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car is our best RC truck because it is definitely built for the toughest roads out there with a high quality build and great features.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.