Remote Control Lowriders: Hopping RC Cars and How They Work
Remote control lowriders copy the custom cars that raise, lower, tilt and hop on hydraulic suspension. In RC, the effect is usually achieved with servos rather than fluid hydraulics. The best-known ready-to-run example is the Redcat SixtyFour, a 1/10 1964 Chevrolet Impala that uses two strong rear axle servos, a fast hopping servo and switches on the radio to lift the front, rear and each corner, hop, and drive on three wheels. You can also convert a scale chassis yourself.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
How RC lowriders work
Servos connected to the axles or suspension push and pull to change ride height. A fast, strong servo snaps the front down and up to make the car hop. Separate channels on the radio control each function, so you can lift the front, drop the rear, tilt side to side, or “three-wheel”. Redcat found servos gave the best combination of fine height control and adjustable speed and force. Servo basics are explained in what a servo does.
The Redcat SixtyFour
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 1/10 1964 Chevrolet Impala lowrider |
| Servos | Two strong rear axle servos, a fast hopping servo, steering servo |
| Controls | Switches for each height servo, momentary buttons for raise/lower and hop |
| Tricks | Hop, lift, tilt, three-wheel driving |
From Redcat and reviews; editions vary in colour and finish.
Building your own
Converting a scale chassis takes several servos, a radio with enough channels and switches, a strong BEC, and fabrication of servo mounts and linkages. Step-by-step guidance is in how to put hydraulics on an RC car.
Driving tips
- Drive on smooth floors or pavement; lowriders aren’t off-road cars.
- Practise the switches before trying combinations.
- Hop on hard, flat surfaces for the best height.
- Don’t hold servos at full load for long; they heat up.
- Check servo screws and horns after hopping sessions.
Lowrider culture
Full-size lowriders are a big part of custom car culture, known for candy paint, chrome, wire wheels and hydraulic shows. RC lowrider owners recreate the same style with detailed bodies, gold wheels and pinstriping, and some hold hopping contests where the highest hop wins.
Care
- Keep the car clean and dry; servos dislike dirt.
- Replace stripped servo gears with metal ones.
- Check battery capacity; servos use a lot of power.
- Store with the suspension in a neutral position.
Buying tips
Check how many functions the radio controls, whether the battery is included, and how easy it is to get spare servos. Lowriders work their servos hard, so metal-gear servos and a strong BEC matter. Look at the body and wheel options too: much of the fun is in customising the look with paint, chrome and wire wheels.
Getting a good hop
For the highest hops, use a full battery, a hard, flat surface and a quick press of the hop button. The rear should be set low and the front light. Watch videos of hopping contests for timing ideas, and practise rhythm: repeated hops at the right moment can build height.
Show and shine
Many owners treat RC lowriders as display pieces too, with detailed interiors and chrome parts. Car shows and RC meets sometimes include lowrider displays and hop-offs.
Keep spare servos on hand, since hopping is hard on them.
FAQ
Do RC lowriders have real hydraulics?
Most use servos to mimic hydraulics.
What’s the best-known RC lowrider?
The Redcat SixtyFour 1/10 Impala.
Can I make my RC car a lowrider?
Yes, with servos, a multi-channel radio and fabrication.
Can it drive on three wheels?
The SixtyFour can, using its corner controls.
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
