Ever since the first radio-controlled cars emerged in the 1970s, the racing and remote control community has grown exponentially. In the past, remote control cars were purchased and used primarily by children for recreational purposes. However, as the hobby has grown and technology has improved, remote control trucks are now being used for more than just play. And for adults, RC trucks are a great way to keep in touch with your inner child.
RC trucks have long been the start of many people’s love affair with all things remote controlled. They have come a long way especially in the past couple of decades. While the first RC trucks were little more than glorified toy cars with metal chassis and plastic parts, modern RC trucks look like their real-life counterparts.
RC trucks are the ultimate off-road vehicle, as they are designed to survive the rough outdoors. The earliest RC trucks were made to look like dump trucks, but today RC trucks are available in a wide range of styles: you can buy an RC fire truck, an RC pick-up truck, or a dune buggy, just to name a few. Possibly, you can even buy a scale model of your favorite real-life truck!
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RC Trucks vs RC Cars
RC trucks are like remote-controlled cars with a few differences. The first big difference you will notice about RC trucks when compared to a remote-controlled car, is they are bigger. This means that they have much bigger tires, which makes them more stable. This makes them easier to learn to drive, but they can sometimes be also harder to control. Unlike the cars with which you’re most familiar, RC trucks (also known as RC cars, radio-controlled cars, or R/C for short) are usually designed to be used off-road. That means they have an extra bit of power that allows them to navigate grass, dirt, mud, gravel, or sand.
RC trucks are a great way to get into the hobby of radio-controlled vehicles without breaking the bank. However, there are many different kinds of trucks and many different ways to determine what kind of truck is the best one to start out with. This should give you a good idea of what to look for in a truck so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
RC or Radio-controlled trucks are used both as competition vehicles and as hobby vehicles. RC trucks can be as tiny as a 1/18 scale or as big as a 1/8 scale. A popular scale for RC trucks is 1/10.
RC Truck Buying Guide For Beginners
The best RC trucks for beginners depend on a number of factors. If you are new to the hobby, it’s important to have a truck that is easy to operate and one that won’t break the bank. However, you also want a vehicle that will provide a good learning experience and provide you with a solid platform to work from as you advance to more complicated vehicles. The vehicles listed below are what we consider to be the best RC trucks for beginners; you can’t go wrong with any of them.
As a beginner to RC Trucks, you’ll have a lot of important questions to ask yourself before you buy an RC Truck. What kind of terrain will you be using it on? Will you be running it on a smooth surface like your house or will you be running it on a bumpy dirt track? How big will it be? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the type of RC Truck that’s right for you and your budget.
If you’re looking to get into the hobby of radio-controlled trucks, there are many aspects to consider. For example, can you build one from parts or do you need to purchase an RTR (Ready-to-Run) unit that comes fully assembled? What types of tracks or surfaces can a truck handle? And which are the best brands?
Types of RC Trucks
There are several different types of RC trucks, but generally, they can be divided into two categories: short course and off-road. Short course trucks, which are also referred to as stadium trucks, are long, low, and wide. They don’t handle quite as well as an off-road truck, but they’ll squeeze through tighter spaces aimed at indoor racing. Off-road trucks are built for the outdoors, with raised chassis, solid tires designed for all-terrain, and long suspension arms that can handle almost anything you can throw at it.
RC trucks come in all shapes and sizes. There are several different types of RC trucks, each designed for a different kind of terrain. The standard RC truck is designed for asphalt and concrete surfaces. They are generally more stable but don’t handle rough terrain as well.
People of all ages enjoy playing with them. There are many different models of RC trucks that people play with. Many people like to play with 1/10 scale trucks. These trucks are very fast and have all the parts of a real truck. They feel more like a real truck than a 1/16 scale truck does.
Choosing your first RC truck can be an intimidating experience. You want one that you can learn on, but you also want to make sure it has all the functionality you need to keep you entertained for years to come. So here’s a list of the best RC trucks for beginners you can’t go wrong with. Let’s d(r)ive in!
Best RC Trucks for Beginners – Reviews
Here are a few of our recommendations for the best RC trucks for beginners, both for kids and adults, to get them started on the road to the wonderful world of remote control vehicles.
1. 1:16 Scale Large RC Cars Boys 4×4
WEIGHT: 3.5 lbs | SCALE: 1:16 | TOP SPEED: 36KMPH+ | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 14.37 x 9.6 x 5.9 inches, 4WD | BRAND: LAEGENDARY | RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+
This remote control truck is big and fast, perfect for any young driver who’s ready to explore their surroundings with a little more power. This 4×4 truck is quick and easy to control so you’ll be able to do donuts with the best of them! A great customer service team also backs the model if you need something fixed or replaced. With a body of high-quality materials and good power, this truck will keep up with the demands of any off-road adventure. A durable design and easy-to-use controls make it an excellent choice for kids or adult beginners.
Features
- 1/16 scale
- 40+ kmph max speed
- 4×4 off-road monster truck
- Brushless motor
- Hobby-grade
- IPX4 water-resistant
- 2 Li-Po 7.4V 1000mAh rechargeable batteries
- 15-20 minutes run time on a single charge
- 2 speed modes
- USB charger plus a connector
Pros
- Sturdy little truck
- Plenty of power and speed
- Easy set up and upgrade
- Decent battery life
- Excellent customer service
- Outstanding off-roader RC truck
- Fun for kids
Cons
- Shocks can be brittle
- Not completely waterproof
2. 1:20 Scale Boys Remote Control Car 4×4
WEIGHT: 1.9 lbs | SCALE: 1:20 | TOP SPEED: 30KMPH | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 7.3 x 7.2 x 4.92 inches, 4WD | BRAND: LAEGENDARY | RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+
This nifty little car has the ideal combination of speed and power, allowing your child to take on any challenge they want. Its small size and durability make it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The adjustable throttle means they can start at a slower speed and gradually get faster, while the fully-loaded features make it a joy to drive. Turn it up to full throttle and it will pop wheelies!
It comes fully assembled with all the parts you need to get started right out of the box. It is a durable, fast and super-fun car with plenty of torque to drive on different terrains. The vehicle comes with everything needed for a realistic experience including remote control, rechargeable battery and battery charger. If you’re looking for a remote control car for your child, look no further.
Features
- 1/20 scale
- 30+ kmph max speed
- Off-road Monster Truck
- 4WD all-terrain
- Waterproof electronics
- 2 Li-ion 7.4V 500 mAh rechargeable batteries
- 15-20 minutes playtime each
- Remote controller range up to 200 feet
- USB charger
Pros
- Compact but mighty
- Durable and quick
- Good run time
- Solid construction
- Cool gift for children and beginners
Cons
- Smallish in size
3. HAIBOXING Waterproof All Terrain RC Car 4WD Electric Vehicle
WEIGHT: 2.2 lbs | SCALE: 1:18 | TOP SPEED: 36KMPH | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 9 x 7 x 5.8 inches, 4WD | BRAND: HAIBOXING | RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+
This little RC truck is built to last and features a brushed electric motor system that makes it great for both on-road and off-road use. With excellent traction on many surfaces, this car will take whatever you give it and handles well at high speeds.
It’s designed to be tough and durable, so it will handle whatever you throw at it. Plus, this little truck can easily take on wet surfaces or shallow puddles with its waterproof construction. The agility and power of this RC car make it perfect for beginners who are looking to start with the RC hobby. The car is well made and durable; you won’t be disappointed with this great little truck for the price!
Features
- 1/18 scale
- Ready to run
- All-terrain RC Car
- 36 kmph top speed
- Brushed RC 380 motor
- 4WD with 2.4 GHz remote control
- Waterproof ESC
- Two 7.4V Li-Po rechargeable batteries
Pros
- Fast for its size
- Tough and highly durable
- Two speed modes – Normal and Fast
- Excellent entry-level hobby grade RC
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy for young kids
- Good value for money
Cons
- Short battery life
4. Holyton Off Road Waterproof Monster Truck for Adults and Kids
WEIGHT: 1.4 lbs | SCALE: 1:12 | TOP SPEED: 45KMPH | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 7.2 x 11.9 x 14.6 inches, 4WD | BRAND: HOLYTON | RECOMMENDED AGE: 12+
The Holyton RC model is a powerful little truck for RC enthusiasts who want a high-performance, rugged car to handle everything from pavement to rocky surfaces. It has no trouble climbing even the steepest terrains or navigating through tall grass. It is also quite durable and easy to maneuver. The battery life is quite good, and the controls are simple to master. This RC car is ready to drive right out of the box and comes with everything you need: a 2.4 GHz remote controller, a 7.4 V 1500 mA rechargeable battery, an adapter and a wall charger. All in all, it is a good choice for first-time drivers.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 48+ kmph max speed
- 4WD Off-Road Monster Truck
- All-terrain tires
- Hobby-grade RC Truck
- Metal oil filled shocks
- Two 1800mAh rechargeable batteries
- 20+ minutes run time on a charge
Pros
- Fast, with an option to trim speed
- Powerful machine
- Robust construction
- Easy to maneuver
- Adjustable suspension
- Excellent starter RC car for beginners
- Great value
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
5. DEERC RC Car 9310 Remote Control Car for Adults and Kids
WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs | SCALE: 1:18 | TOP SPEED: 48KMPH | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 9.7 x 8.7 x 7.4 inches, 4WD | BRAND: DEERC | RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+
This well-designed 4×4 car is a super, high-performance RC truck for kids and adults. It is fast and agile, and it is everything you expect from a beginner RC truck. The styling is appealing, and the four-wheel-drive makes it nimble and quick. This car can swerve and turn in an instant. You’ll have no trouble navigating turns at high speeds. The controller has three speed settings, which is nice as this RC truck has power surging through it. Its responsiveness makes it fun to drive. The price is reasonable and the customer service impeccable. We would highly recommend this Deerc RC truck for any beginner!
Features
- 1/18 scale
- 48 kmph max speed
- 4WD off-roader RC Monster Truck
- 4GHz transmitter
- 380 brushed motor
- Independent suspension
- Two 7.4V/850mAh batteries
- 20+ minutes run time for each battery
- Hobby-grade RC car
- All-terrain racing
Pros
- A very fast little car
- Long-lasting build
- Jumps well, drifts well
- Sturdy truck
- Good customer service
- Lots of fun for even for younger children
Cons
- Small in size
- Short battery life
6. Soyee RC Cars 4WD Off-Road Waterproof Monster Truck
WEIGHT: 5.7 lbs | SCALE: 1:10 | TOP SPEED: 46KMPH | DIMENSIONS LxWxH: 13.6 x 12 x 6.5 inches, 4WD | BRAND: SOYEE | RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+
If you are looking for a fast, durable, 1:10 scale RC Truck that’s ready to race right out of the box then this is the truck for you. This truck is fast and handles well on most surfaces. You can take yours through dirt, mud, rocks and gravel and it will still run with excellent speed and control! You can even do donuts and all the fun stuff with this bad boy. Designed for beginners who are looking to have fun without breaking the bank, this is definitely one of the best RC trucks on the market!
Features
- 1/10 scale
- RTR
- 46 kmph max speed
- 4WD all-terrain
- Hobby-grade
- 2 speed adjustment
- Off-road bashing and mudding
- Waterproof Monster Truck
- Two 1600 mAh batteries
Pros
- Impressive power
- Tough basher
- Large size
- Handy dual motors
- Fantastic off-roader
- Definitely worth the price
- High-quality RC vehicle
- Perfect beginner RC car
Cons
- Not for young kids
Conclusion
RC trucks are fun to play with and look great in your collection. Both beginners and those with some RC experience can use them to play in your backyard or in a field. These trucks are an investment, so it is important to know what you are buying.
We hope you found our recommendations and buying guide for the best RC trucks beginners useful. Happy driving!