There are a number of different types of RC cars, but one of the most popular is the RC short course truck. They can perform well on dirt and gravel surfaces, have a low center of gravity for better stability and control and come in a variety of sizes that will suit any skill level or budget. Most short course trucks for racing run fast enough on 2s LiPo battery but are ready to fly on 3s. They come in a wide variety – either with 4WD drivetrain or 2WD options, with brushed motors (which are better for kids in our opinion) or with powerful brushless motors that can take on any terrain.
Let’s now dive into our selection of the best RC short course trucks on the market.
1. BEZGAR HS181 Hobby Grade 1:18 Scale 4WD Short Course RC Truck
Do you want a hobby-grade short course RC truck that is easy to control, durable, and tons of fun? The Bezgar HS181 RC Truck has all those qualities and more. This awesome RC truck comes with two batteries so you can use for long enough, whether it’s indoors or outside. The speed limiter in the remote control makes it easy for anyone to drive at the speed you want. It’s better than you might expect. This car is perfect for beginners to intermediate-level RC enthusiasts.
Features
- 1/18 scale
- 4WD, RTR
- 380 brushed motor
- Waterproof electronics
- Two 4V 850 mAh rechargeable batteries
Pros
- Solid build
- Value for money
- Hobby-grade for toy price
- Good battery life
- Easy fun for young drivers
Cons
- Small scale
- Not the fastest
2. Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 Scale Electric Short Course Truck
Never run out of powerful performance with the Redcat Blackout SC truck. Possibly the best of the Blackout series, this truck is designed with a low-maintenance brushed motor and efficient ESC for maximum performance and extended runtimes. The powerful 4WD drivetrain gives you plenty of grip in any terrain, while the independent suspension system ensures you’ll have a smooth ride over any bumps. This truck is fully equipped with everything you need to get started, including a 2.4GHz transmitter, rechargeable battery pack and a charger.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Waterproof electronics
- Oil-filled shocks
- Independent suspension
- Brushed motor
Pros
- Fast and responsive
- Well built
- An entry-level hobby grade truck
- Responsive handling
- Top class starter RC car
- Can be upgraded
Cons
- Short battery life
3. Traxxas Slash 2Wd Short Course Racing Truck, Red
Power and durability combine in the Traxxas Slash 2WD short course racing truck. The Slash is an RC truck that is perfect for beginners and has a durable construction to handle even the roughest conditions. It runs great right out of the box and delivers powerful performance. Get ready to get your feet wet with this great RC truck that will provide hours of entertainment right out of the box. It should be a no-brainer for any driver, from backyard bashers to weekend racers.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 12-Turn 550 motor
- Max speed of 48 kmph
- Waterproof electronics
- TQ 2.4GHz radio system
Pros
- Very fast
- Tough build
- Handles well
- Great for any racer
- Great toy for kids and adults
- A bargain for the performance
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
4. ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 3S BLX Brushless Short Course Truck RTR
Get ready for the ultimate RC short course truck, the Arrma Senton BLX! The Senton BLX is among the most extreme and high-performance short course trucks on the market. With the Arrma RC truck, you can take on any terrain and come out unscathed. The BLX comes out of the box fast and strong and is great for bashing as well as racing. This RC truck has everything you need to start having fun right away. This little short course truck is a complete package that is a blast to drive. With its extreme speed and toughness, this truck is perfect for both intermediate and experienced drivers.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4WD, Ready to run
- Adjustable ride height
- Includes the Spektrum SLT3 transmitter and SLR300 receiver
Pros
- Very fast and fun
- Tough build
- Easy to maneuver
- Totally worth the money
Cons
- Not for beginners
- Requires batteries and a charger
5. Team Associated 70019 Trophy Rat Short Course Truck, Brushless RTR
With the Team Associated 70019 Short Course Truck, you can have a blast with your friends or family. This truck has a distinct look and is quick enough to keep up with all of your friends. It is tough and waterproof so it will keep running no matter what you do to it – flip it, run it into the puddles or bump cars in the neighborhood. The Brushless RTR setup makes this really easy to control and more of an advanced car for those who are ready for something more.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 2WD, RTR
- 4GHz 2-channel radio
- 3300Kv Brushless motor
- Innovative design
- Water-resistant
- T-plug connector
- LiPo low voltage cutoff
Pros
- Unique look
- Speedy truck
- Solid construction
- Good waterproofing
- Super RTR for the price
Cons
- Not for young beginners
6. Losi RC Truck SCT Brushed RTR LOS03022T2
The Losi RC Truck SCT Brushed RTR is an incredibly rugged and durable truck that can take a beating. A perfect 2WD RC truck, it is unstoppable on dirt and pavement. And with a 3s battery in its belly, it’s ready to fly with incredible power. This is a great truck for racing and bashing, and it has been designed to be tough and strong. Overall, this is a good buy with a solid performance on the track. Rugged and durable, this truck will suit most kids with its performance and control.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 2WD, RTR
- 12T 550 brushed motor
- Metal gear transmission
- Spektrum waterproof servo
- Spektrum radio system
- Oil-filled shocks
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Tough like a boss
- Good racer and basher
- Good bang for the buck
- Good for kids
Cons
- Requires batteries and charger
7. Redcat Racing Blackout SC PRO 1/10 Scale Brushless Short Course Truck
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled experience with the Redcat Racing Blackout SC PRO brushless short course truck. Made to race, this vehicle is capable of speeds up to 60 mph. The throttle has three settings (low, medium and high) for added versatility. The truck has a heavy-duty chassis that can handle all types of terrain. The Redcat Racing Blackout SC PRO Brushless Short Course Truck is a very fast RC car that handles great and is just solid. With a 1/10 scale size that feels big in your hands but is small enough to take with you anywhere, the Blackout SC PRO offers high performance at a decent price.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Shaft driven 4WD
- Ready to run
- Oil-filled shocks
- Soft compound tires
- 4GHz radio system
- Waterproof electronics
Pros
- Pro performance out of the box
- Sturdy and really fast
- Quick on 2S LiPo batteries
- Best short course RC truck for the money
- Great hobby grade truck for the money
- Very durable and a lot of torque
Cons
- Too fast for young kids
8. ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 Brushed Short Course RC Truck RTR
Fill your need for speed with the ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 Brushed Short Course RC Truck RTR. This is a great little basher, perfect for getting started in short course racing. The short course truck is durable and built to tackle any terrain. It’s easy to drive and can be used indoors or outdoors. This truck is 100% durable and will take a beating with no problem. Get the brushless version if you want even more fun! But the brushed version is a good option for young kids who do not need a 100 kmph truck.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4×4, RTR
- Brushed motor
- Adjustable ride height
- Spektrum SLT3 transmitter and SLR300 receiver
- NiMH battery and charger included
Pros
- Fast and super tough
- Good for first-timers
- Decent battery life
- Worth the money
- Ideal for kids and beginners
- Plenty of upgrade options
Cons
- The charger is not impressive
9. Traxxas 4×4 Ultimate Short Course Remote Control RC Race Truck, 1/10
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate is a beast of a remote control truck that can go 100 kmph right out of the box. This truck is designed to dominate tough terrain. It’s got a long-lasting, powerful Velineion 3500 brushless motor that reaches high speeds with ease – listen to the roar of its engine! The TQi 2.4GHz radio system is easy to use and includes training mode plus stability control for rough terrain driving. This RC truck is built to take on any terrain and will perform for years without fail. There are 5 or 6 versions of the Traxxas Slash but the Ultimate reigns supreme.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4×4, RTR
- Velineion 3500 brushless motor
- Velineion VXL-3s ESC
- Three modes – sport, race, and training
- LiPo and NiMH compatible
- TQ 2.4GHz radio system
- Waterproof servo
- All-metal gears
Pros
- Fast and reliable
- Performance for hobbyists
- Training mode to control the speed
- A complete package for the hobbyists
Cons
- Not a beginners truck
- Battery and charger sold separately