Every kid dreams of climbing into their own truck and getting behind the wheel. RC trucks let them hit the road for real! Great for developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as well as promoting an interest in STEM subjects, RC trucks are a firm family favorite across the world.
With trucks of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and styles, it can be tough to pick up the right one. To help you choose, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite RC trucks for kids of all ages and abilities. So, start your engines and let’s get rolling!
What Makes The Best RC Trucks + Why
For the best driving experience on off-road trails, buyers should consider a few things. These features and characteristics make the best RC truck action for kids and adults alike.
7 Best RC Trucks Compared
 | Redcat Racing Volcano EPX – 4WD Monster Truck | Check price at |
 | Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL RC Truck | Check price at |
 | Redcat Racing Blackout XTE 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck | Check price at |
 | Altair Aerial 1:10 Scale RC Truck 4×4 | Check price at |
 | Jurassic World RC Truck Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Top Race TR-112G RC Dump Truck | Check price at |
Best Remote Control Trucks Reviewed
Best RC Truck Overall: Redcat Racing Volcano EPX – 4WD Monster Truck
Are you prepared for explosive fun! The Redcat Racing Volcano EPX 4WD Monster Truck is ready to run out of the box, the perfect gift for beginners and kids who enjoy customizing RC trucks with upgradeable parts. This RC monster truck will blaze off-roading terrain, handling gravel, dirt tracks, leafy landscapes, and muddy waters.
The remote-controlled vehicle comes with an electric brushed 550 19 turn motor, a Hexfly high-torque steering servo, light molded lower plastic chassis plate with aluminum upper plate, tunable suspension, and front and rear gear differentials.
Oversized tires with low center gravity, dual shocks, and the fully adjustable suspension promote high-speed performance and an off-road vehicle that handles uneven surfaces. Reinforced bumpers, adjustable suspension for maximum traction, and multiple shocks mounting positions ensure controlled handling over obstacles in the monster truck’s path. Don’t worry about the motor overheating on rugged terrain; the mother heat sink keeps the motor cool.
A two-channel AM radio and a forward/reverse transmission easily controls the RC monster truck. Included in the package is the 7.2 2000mAh NiMH battery, charger, and 2.4 GHz radio system. The reliable Hobbywing 40a brushed ESC works efficiently and supports the battery options of interchanging the NiMh to LiPo rechargeable batteries.
Navigate wet and dry off-road conditions safely with the waterproof case that protects precision gears and electronics from getting wet. The RC monster truck runs at a decent speed of 15-20 miles per hour, fast enough for beginners and considering its price range. Cheaper models tend to max at 15 miles per hour.
The Redcat Racing Volcano EPX four-wheel drive monster truck is fully upgradeable and adjustable for more off-road power.
Without spending a lot of money, your child has a mini mount St. Helens erupting on wheels. The remote control truck transmitter uses four AA batteries (not included)
Size: 15.75 x 12.25 x 7.5 inches
Age: 14+
Best RC Stadium Truck: Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL RC Truck
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL RC Truck is the best RC stadium truck for intermediate RC truck enthusiasts. It’s one of the top remote control cars for running in short or tall grass. The all-new 1/10 scale truck is a four-wheel drive with speed, durability, extra stability, and performance. If you were looking for a powerful wheelie machine, bury the throttle, and see how the front wheels launch skywards, riding on the wheelie bar.
This Traxxas RC truck is ready for dynamic handling with a lengthened wheelbase providing stability and balance for a quick response and lower weight positioning with the new low-CG chassis. The Velineon 35 brushless motor power exerts a top speed of over 65 mph speed. The Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) and the Traxxas Ultra Shock suspension keep the truck straight. With the touch of a button, the Traxxas Self Righting puts the RC truck back on its wheels when flipped.
The RC truck features rollover protection, a sturdy internal structure for durability, a Traxxas TQi 2.4 Hx radio remote control system for precision control, and a clipless body latching system for fast installation and removal. The Traxxas Rustler VXL is the best value for money RC car specifically designed for off-road speed and power fun; it’s a great remote control truck with good steering, easy to control, and the classic basher design is not just for the looks.
The Traxxas RC truck battery and charger are not included in the package. The manufacture recommends a single NiMH or LiPo battery and the Traxxas EX-Peak Live Charger.
Size: 13.5 x 22.7 x 7.7 inches
Age: 14+
Best RC Truck For Bashers: Redcat Racing Blackout XTE 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck
With the ” bashable” chassis design, the Redcat Racing Blackout XTE Electric Monster Truck comes with swappable interchangeable components, perfect for bashers who enjoy pushing their RC truck to its limits.
It is one of the best RC trucks for beginners to familiarize themselves with their RC vehicle without worrying about racing rules. Drive on any surface – in your backyard, pavements, the field, or schoolyard.
With 40% fewer parts, the RC truck is easy to take apart, and hobbyists don’t have to stock many parts. Most RC vehicles have 100+ part numbers; the Redcat Racing Blackout XTE RC truck has only 58. The RC truck features a 16T brushed RC550 electric motor, waterproof, high torque steering servo, waterproof 40A brushed ESC and a 2.4 GHz radio system. The truck also comes with an inner roll cage, chassis protective cover, a hinged body, fully adjustable suspension, adjustable oil-filled shocks, and reinforced bumpers.
Assembled and ready to run, the RC truck package includes a 7.2V 3000mAh NiMH battery and charger. The AA batteries for the transmitter are not included in the box. The motor heat sink prevents electronics and motor from overheating.
The Redcat Racing Blackout XTE 4-wheel drive is an excellent gift for hobbyists; it’s built for smooth surfaces or rough terrain with its waterproof electronics, simple controls, bashing characteristics, momentum, and top speed between 30-35 mph.
Size: 17.5 x11 x5.5 inches
Age: 14+
Best RC Truck For Beginner/Advanced: Altair Aerial 1:10 Scale RC Truck 4×4
With double motors, the Altair Aerial RC Truck powers through all types of terrain at full speed. Built for rough handling, it’s one of the best remote RC trucks that can take a beating through muddy puddles, dirt race tracks, over rocks, and even some street racing. The lime green and black body with oversized tires will entice any rock crawler enthusiast.
The metal sealed bearings, steel-structured chassis and drive train, rubber all-terrain wheels with six metal springs, and the 4-wheel drive independent suspension system are some of the features that contribute to the RC truck’s performance and durability over rough terrain.
This ready-to-run out-of-the-box monster truck speeds up to 30 mph. The two-speed settings feature makes it one of the best RC trucks for beginners to control at a lower speed and advanced RC operators to have fun at top speed. At an excellent price range, this is the type of toy you want to take over rugged terrain – testing its IPX4 water resistance system when splashing through puddles, its top speed as it races across the sand, and its rock crawler abilities.
With up to 15 minutes of battery life, the off-road RC truck’s durable metal body will engage boys and girls. In addition, the Altair Power Pro XL Drive supports additional RC truck batteries; with two 7.4V 1600 mAh batteries, you have up to 30 minutes of drive time when pairing the two rechargeable batteries with the included battery adapter.
Size: 17.9 x 12.6 x 6.6inches
Age: 14+
Best RC Truck Rock Crawler: Redcat Racing Everest 10 Rock Crawler
Hit new heights with the Redcat Racing Everest 10 Rock Crawler!
This fully assembled 4×4 rock crawler can tackle all kinds of terrain with ease. Puddles, mud, hills, logs, stones, and boulders can all eat dust under its monstrous wheels.
This fantastic RC offers a range of top-level features at an intro-level price, including rechargeable batteries, robust bead-lock tires, aluminum-coated oil-filled shock absorbers, axle housing, and long-travel coil-over shocks to prevent leaks. Removable Beadlock wheels give that extra grip, so tires stay firmly and secure on the rim when rock crawling. It’s the perfect gift for any budding trucker. Rock on!
Size: 18.2 x 10.2 x 6.5 inches
Ages: 14+
Best RC Truck Themes: Jurassic World RC Truck
Get ready for a trucking adventure 60 million years in the making! Outrun ferocious raptors and T-Rexes with the Jurassic World RC Truck.
This little roller is packed with prehistoric fun, a faithful representation of the famous jeep from the blockbuster movie series. A speedy and sturdy option, this RC jeep is a surefire smash hit for lovers of driving and dinosaurs alike. A roaring good time, it’s guaranteed!
The RC truck responds well to the controller, with a control range a few rooms away in the house. You need 6 AA batteries, two for the controller and four for the wheels (excluded in the package). The average battery life is about three hours.
Size: 11 x 5.2 x 5 inches
Ages: 6+
Best RC Trucks For Fun: Top Race TR-112G RC Dump Truck
Put on your hard hat—it’s time to get to work! The Top Race TR-112G RC Dump Truck lets you shift dirt and debris like a pro.
Using the intuitive controls, it’s easy to drive the truck around the construction site and raise and lower the dump bed. A solid build with flashing lights, realistic sound effects, and a rechargeable battery, it looks and feels just like the real thing. And most importantly, it’s loads of fun!
The fully functional dump truck has a control range of up to 100 feet. This 1:18 scale RC truck comes with a 4.8V rechargeable battery, ready to run. The two AA batteries for the transmitter are purchased separately.
Size: 14 x 6 x 6 inches
Ages: 5+
FAQ Radio Controlled Trucks
What Types of Motors Come In RC Vehicles?
The two types of motors are electric brushed motors and electric brushless motors. A brushed motor cools down easier because it is open to the environment. However, the downside when using it for off-roading is that debris and dirt can get stuck in the components.
The brushless motor gives the RC truck that extra boost of power it needs for rock crawling and bashing. A brushless motor is more expensive than a brushed motor but has more power and is more durable.
What Styles Of Remote Control Vehicles Are There?
Monster RC Trucks
The monster truck design provides the characteristics needed for rock crawling, bashing, and handling rugged terrain. Monster trucks are known for their gigantic tires and suspension. These types of RC trucks aren’t very fast, but they have the power to climb and crawl over almost anything.
Stadium RC Trucks
Stadium trucks have a truck-style body and decent suspension for different types of terrain. The open-wheeled layout is more like remote control buggies than RC monster trucks. Stadium trucks are all-rounders that can handle most terrains.
Short Course RC Trucks
Short course trucks are designed for speed with smaller wheels and slimmer bodies than monster trucks or stadium trucks. The trucks are excellent on flat surfaces and pavements; these trucks don’t need an independent suspension on each tire or the ground clearance for rock crawling. Short course RC trucks have higher top speeds than RC trucks designed for rocky terrain.
What Is The Difference Between Bashing And Racing?
When racing an RC car, you need to follow the rules and regulations. Bashing your RC car means testing the RC vehicle’s power and performance to its limits without needing to comply with rules and regulations like racing RC cars.
In racing, you want to avoid accidents, but you don’t mind how the vehicle lands or wrecking it in bashing. So most bashing and rock crawling RC trucks come with features to turn themselves upright when purposefully (or accidentally) flipped.
An RC car designed for racing makes an excellent gift for speed fanatics, whereas RC cars or tracks made for off-road bashing will appeal more to adventurous kids who like a challenge. In the end, it’s about having fun.
You’ve read our picks for the most incredible RC trucks for kids of all ages. But what do you think? Have you used any of these options before? Or have you got a suggestion of your own? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!
Feature image courtesy of Flickr,