Remote Control Monster Trucks: Types, Scales and How to Choose
Remote control monster trucks are off-road RC vehicles with big tyres, long-travel suspension and high ground clearance, built to jump, bash and drive over grass, gravel and rough ground. They range from cheap toy-grade trucks to hobby-grade models like the Traxxas Stampede, Arrma Granite and Kraton or Traxxas X-Maxx, in scales from about 1/18 to 1/5. The main choices are scale, toy or hobby grade, brushed or brushless power and battery voltage, which together decide speed, toughness and cost.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Scales and sizes
| Scale | Typical length | Typical battery | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/18–1/16 | About 25–35 cm | 2S or small packs | Gardens, kids, indoor |
| 1/10 | About 45–55 cm | 2S–3S | The most popular all-rounder |
| 1/8 | About 55–65 cm | 3S–6S | Big jumps, rough ground |
| 1/5 and large | About 75 cm and up | 6S–8S or gas | Huge bashers |
Typical ranges; individual models vary.
Toy grade vs hobby grade
Toy-grade trucks are cheap and fun for young children, but parts usually can’t be replaced and speed is low. Hobby-grade trucks cost more, but every part is replaceable or upgradeable, they’re faster, and they last for years with repairs. For older kids and adults who’ll drive regularly, hobby grade is better value over time. Getting started is covered in first remote control car.
Brushed or brushless
Brushed motors are simpler and cheaper and give gentler speed, which is good for beginners. Brushless motors are more powerful and efficient and need little maintenance, giving much higher speeds. Many trucks are sold in both versions; brushed models can often be upgraded later. Motor basics are in how to choose a brushless motor.
How to choose
- Where you’ll drive: garden, park, skate park or track.
- Who’s driving: kids need lower speed and a simple remote.
- Budget, including batteries and charger if not included.
- Parts available from local shops.
- Waterproof electronics for wet grass and puddles.
- Room to transport and store bigger trucks.
Durability
Monster trucks take hard landings. Durable trucks have strong suspension arms, metal drivetrain parts in key places and protective bodies. Even so, bashing breaks parts; plan for spare arms, drive shafts and tyres. Land jumps on the wheels, not the nose, and avoid kerbs at full speed.
Speed
Toy trucks run around 10–25 km/h. Brushless 1/10 trucks often reach 50–60 km/h or more, and big 6S and 8S trucks are faster still. Speed claims often need optional gearing and smooth surfaces. Big, fast trucks can hurt people and damage property, so drive them in open spaces. The largest models are covered in how big is the Traxxas Maxx.
Care
- Clean off mud and grass after each session.
- Dry the truck after water, especially bearings and motor.
- Check screws, especially wheel nuts and motor mount.
- Check shock oil and refill if leaking.
- Store batteries at storage charge.
Build your own?
Some hobbyists build their own monster trucks from kits or parts, and even make their own tyres. Building one is described in how to make an RC monster truck, and homemade tyres in how to make RC car tyres.
Batteries
Most hobby trucks run on LiPo packs. Higher voltage (more cells) means more speed and more stress on parts, so start with the lowest voltage the truck supports and step up later.
FAQ
What’s the best scale for a first monster truck?
1/10 for most people; 1/16–1/18 for young kids or small spaces.
Are RC monster trucks waterproof?
Many hobby-grade trucks have waterproof electronics; check each model.
How fast are they?
From about 10 km/h for toys to well over 60 km/h for big brushless trucks.
Brushed or brushless?
Brushed for beginners, brushless for speed.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
