Selecting the best RC truck for your needs can be a daunting task. The radio controlled truck hobby can be great fun. You get the feel of driving a real truck – be it hobby-grade short course trucks, heavy-duty rock crawlers or all-terrain monster trucks – like you could never drive a real monster truck or a crawler. It’s like driving a real monster truck. Well, there’s a plethora of selections to choose from, especially online.
Here’s our picks of the best RC trucks for beginners available on the market.
Top 9 Best RC Trucks
1. Traxxas X-Maxx S8
Whether you’re new to the hobby or a competitive RC car and truck enthusiast who takes his driving seriously, the Traxxas X-Maxx Monster RTR Truck will surely beat the shit out of your buddies. The Traxxas X-Maxx is truly a force to reckon with – it’s really big, it’s insanely fast, and it’s superbly fun to drive. Inspired from its predecessor, the X-Maxx 6S, this is truly a beast with blistering speeds that goes all the way up to 50+ mph in seconds. It’s loud, but not as beastly as some might suggest. Out-of-the-box thinking and state-of-the-art engineering completed with avant-garde components have truly made the X-Maxx the best and most powerful monster trucks ever made. All muscle 8-inch tall tires, larger driveshafts, powerful 1200XL brushless motor, metal gear drivetrain, heavy-duty pinion gears, and more make the X-Maxx a powerhouse of RC trucks.
Pros
- Perfect combination of performance and durability
- Exceptionally fast and extremely powerful 1200XL brushless motor
- Ergonomic design complimented with rugged body and avant-garde components
- Heavy-duty pinion gears for quick acceleration
- Heavy-duty electronics and all metal gear drivetrain for efficiency
- Suitable for extreme terrains
- Quick and easy maintenance
Cons
- No battery included in the package
- Price is a little on the higher side
2. Traxxas Slash 4×4 Short Course Truck
Take your off-road adventures to the next level with the all new and powerful Traxxas Slash 4×4 Short Course RC Truck. This full-scale short course truck embodies the true spirit of what it means to be Traxxas-tough, thanks to the extremely powerful brushless VXL racing engine which defines a next generation of electric power. With the super-efficient drivetrain and giant suspension system, the Traxxas Slash is designed to fly over jumps and when it does, it jumps really high. At 60+ mph, the Traxxas Slash not just drives, it screams. The adjustable slip clutch compensates for varying speeds providing superior traction both on-road and off-road.
Pros
- Fully-assembled and ready-to-race RC truck with TQi 2.4GHz radio control system
- Powerful brushless VXL racing engine screams power in every run
- Superior control with the advanced Traxxas Stability Management system
- Watertight electronics for all weather protection
- Modular chassis design with efficient drivetrain guarantees durability
- Simplified brushless system for superior control
- Adjustable slip clutch compensates for varying speeds
- 3 Driving profiles for maximum fun
- Waterproof receiver box and steering servo
- Replacement parts are easily available
Cons
- Drive shafts are stock plastic
3. Hosim 9125 Dual-Motor 4WD Monster Truck
Hosim 9125 Dual-Motor Monster Truck is light years ahead of the competition and it’s truly a MONSTER. This bad-ass monster is ready to eat and spit out any tough terrain because it’s designed to perform. With all four wheels moving at the same time, it gives the RC truck better traction and keeps it stable while driving at varying speeds. It incorporates two independent motors to deliver more power, better than one motor and more power means better performance. The heavy-duty anti-skid wheels perform exceptionally well for both on-road and off-road driving experience and the gigantic tires help you let loose on the toughest terrains that would leave other RC vehicles spinning their wheels.
Pros
- Dual-motor drive for super-fast performance
- Four-wheel drive for better traction and superior control
- Heavy-duty anti-skid wheels for both on-road and off-road driving
- Full-scale monster truck with all-metal ball bearings to withstand tough conditions
- Independent suspension system for increased stability on bumpy terrains
- Oversized wheels for exceptional off-road capabilities
- Immersive driving experience with 2.4GHz 4-channel transmitter
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
- Hard to control at higher speeds
4. Team Redcat Tr-MT8E V2
Take this monster out for a spin and it will truly knock your socks off! At 1/8 scale, the Team Redcat Monster Truck is unbelievably crazy and 30+ mph speeds are easily achievable with the 2200kV brushless motor. Although there are plenty of 4WD trucks to choose from, the performance at the track is impressive, compared to its electric counterparts. Low-profile mounted tires and larger wheels allow for more off-road control with the fun of running in on-road conditions. And it’s ready-to-run straight out of the box so that you’re ready to roll at any moment.
Pros
- 2.4GHz radio control system with waterproof receiver
- Higher speeds can be achieved with the powerful 2200kV brushless motor
- Low-profile mounted tires for ultimate off-road driving
- Built for strength and durability
- Steel shock pivot ball for shock consistency
- Savox heavy-duty servo for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Not suitable for on-road driving
5. Top Race TR-130
Driving a monster truck has never been this fun and thrilling, thanks to this all-purpose Top Race RC Rock Crawler. Immerse yourself in some crazy monster truck action and create mayhem with this off-road RC vehicle which is built to perform. The super-strong body with 4-wheel drive capability and top notch crawling technology make rock crawling feel like a walk in the park. It is equipped with all the specs of a realistic monster truck including enormous anti-skid tires, lot of torque, more ground clearance, heavy-duty motors, superior shock consistency, and unmatched crawling technology. Whether riding though dirt, grass, mud, or shallow water, this purpose-built monster RC crawler makes you traverse the toughest of terrains like a cakewalk. It’s really big and surprisingly powerful for a RC truck.
Pros
- High-powered motors for powerful driving force
- Top notch crawling technology for superior off-road capabilities
- Anti-skid tires for greater grip and control
- Superior shock consistency with super-strong shocks
- Ideal for all kind of bumpy terrains
- Suitable for riding though dirt, grass, mud, or shallow water
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Not suitable for small kids
6. Redcat Racing Shredder XTE
Don’t get fooled by the low price tag! The Redcat Shredder is truly one of the classic RC bashers out there in a budget-friendly price. Although Redcat is not exactly a testament to the popularity of RC trucks, the Shredder is exceptionally huge which makes the 10th scale monster trucks look like amateurs on the track. This mammoth 1/6th scale, ready-to-run off-road machine is powered by a 1300kV brushless motor which drives enough power to pull off some spectacular moves. The big, wide tires with aluminum capped oil-filled shocks flex better and help improve traction needed on the track. The fully-functional layout with custom chassis helps with some pretty aggressive moves making it truly basher ready. And the best part, it is not so heavy on the pocket and still gives you the best off-road experience.
Pros
- Powerful 1300kV brushless motor for blistering speeds
- Big, wide tires flex better and help with traction on the track
- Aluminum capped oil-filled shocks for superior control and balance
- Silver, black and red color scheme is eye-catching
- Waterproof electronics for longevity and endurance
- Best value for money RC truck
- Capable of handling big jumps
Cons
- Replacement parts are expensive
- Doesn’t accelerate as quick as a 1:10 scale
7. Traxxas TRX-4 Scale and Trail Crawler
Go crawling the Traxxas way with the all new and improved TRX-4 Scale and Trail Crawler which is built from precision engineering that screams innovation. With state-of-the-art features and gorgeous red finish, this monster crawler truck is built to a 1:10 scale and a powerful 21T Titan 550 motor uses power to propel the 4-wheel drive vehicle. The steel frame is heavy-duty and rigid enough to take some heavy off-road beatings and a superior 45-dgree steering angle helps it move swiftly through obstacles with ease. The specially designed portal axles deliver utmost ground clearance which makes it easier to drive through rough surfaces and take sharp turns more quickly. And a wider wheel base helps with stability and control on the rough terrains. In a nutshell, the TRX-4 Scale and Trail Crawler is truly a masterpiece.
Pros
- Built to a 1:10 scale with top notch features and a gorgeous red finish
- Powerful 21T Titan 550 motor powers the 4WD crawler for optimal performance
- Made of heavy-duty steel frame to take on serious off-road beatings
- Superior 45-degree steering angle to move swiftly through obstacles
- Greater stability with a wider wheel base
- Precision engineered portal axles deliver higher ground clearance
- Sturdy hex hardware for improved strength
- GTS Aluminum shocks for smooth damping
Cons
- No cons
8. Flyglobal RC Military Truck
This heavy-duty and exceptionally well-detailed military truck kit will make an ideal birthday or Christmas present for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking to hone your trucking skills or want to have fun outdoors, this high-quality RC military truck adds more fun and excitement to your outdoor adventures. This crazy little monster packs a 1:16 scale in its realistic military truck design and adopts a 2.4GHz radio control system to deliver some serious drifting action. The high-quality anti-shock rubber tires with maximum shock absorbency ensure you traverse the toughest terrains with grace and ease. Known for its extreme climbing abilities, this RC military truck is built to perform.
Pros
- Realistic military truck design with strong anti-interference ability
- 2.4GHz radio control system for extreme off-road experience
- Anti-shock rubber tires offers maximum shock absorbency
- Four-wheel drive ensures superior stability on rough terrains
- Extreme climbing abilities
- Powerful motor delivers maximum performance
Cons
- Climbing ability is overrated
9. Redcat Racing Volcano EPX
Extremely fast and powerful, the Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Truck is a classic basher that roars like a monster. While not you ideal racing machine, the Volcano EPX at 1:10 scale takes you places and helps you explore the unchartered territories effortlessly. Shaft driven four wheel drive delivers maximum traction to move swiftly through the toughest obstacles and the electronic speed controllers aid you in navigating stiff spots. It can climb and it can smash through hurdles – it does it all with superior stability. The High-Torque Steering Servo delivers effortless steering especially while taking sharper turns at 15 mph or so.
Pros
- Powerful brushed 27T 540 motor for maximum performance and reliability
- Shaft driven 4-wheel drive delivers superior traction on the road
- Electronic speed controllers help you navigate through tight spots
- High-Torque Waterproof Steering Servo for best results and peak performance
- Electronics are waterproof for prolonged use
- Solid durability with superior handling
Cons
- Replacement parts are hard to find locally
- The stock ESC is not high end