WLtoys 12428 Review Guide: Specs, Real-World Use and Upgrades
The WLtoys 12428 is a budget 1/12 scale four-wheel-drive off-road truck with a 540 brushed motor, a 25 g steering servo, a 7.4 V 1500 mAh battery and a 2.4 GHz radio (the transmitter takes 4 AA batteries). WLtoys and sellers list it at about 50 km/h, with roughly 10 minutes of driving per battery and around 3 hours of charging with the stock charger. It’s one of the most popular cheap 4WD trucks, with lots of upgrade parts available, including brushless kits.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Motor | 540 brushed |
| Battery | 7.4 V 1500 mAh |
| Claimed speed | About 50 km/h |
| Run time | About 10 minutes |
| Charge time | About 3 hours (stock charger) |
| Servo | 25 g |
| Radio | 2.4 GHz, transmitter on 4×AA |
From seller listings, checked October 2026. Versions (12428-A/B/C) differ in body and details.
What it does well
For the price, the 12428 is a capable all-terrain truck: 4WD, oil-filled shocks and big tyres let it run on grass, gravel and dirt. It’s fast enough to be exciting without being hard to handle, and it survives the knocks of learning. A huge community and parts supply mean it can be repaired and upgraded rather than thrown away.
Weak spots
- Battery: small capacity means short runs; many owners buy larger packs.
- Servo: the stock servo is weak; a metal-gear upgrade improves steering.
- Plastic parts: front arms and drive cups can break on hard landings.
- Waterproofing: limited; avoid deep puddles.
- Stock charger: slow; a proper balance charger is a worthwhile upgrade if using LiPo.
Popular upgrades
- Larger battery that fits the tray (check connector and dimensions).
- Metal-gear steering servo.
- Metal drive cups and driveshafts.
- Bearings throughout if not already fitted.
- Brushless motor and ESC kit for much more speed, with stronger drivetrain parts.
Choosing a motor is covered in how to choose a brushless motor for an RC car.
Compared with other budget trucks
Budget brands such as Laegendary offer similar trucks, some with brushless motors out of the box; see Laegendary RC. The 12428’s advantage is its long history and parts supply. Hobby-grade brands cost more but are tougher and have parts in local shops.
Driving tips
- Let the motor cool between batteries.
- Check screws after the first runs.
- Avoid long wet grass; it bogs the brushed motor.
- Clean dirt from the gears after dusty runs.
- Keep spare front arms and drive cups.
Choosing batteries
The stock 1500 mAh pack is the main limit on fun. Owners commonly fit larger 2S LiPo packs that fit the battery tray, which roughly doubles run time. Check the connector type, the pack’s dimensions and that the ESC can handle LiPo safely; adding a low-voltage alarm protects the battery if the stock ESC has no cutoff. Charge LiPos only with a balance charger and store them at storage voltage.
Before the first run
Charge the battery, put fresh AA batteries in the transmitter, check that the wheel nuts and screws are tight, and test the steering and throttle with the wheels off the ground. Start on short grass or dirt at part throttle to learn how it handles, then try faster runs and small jumps. Many breakages happen in the first sessions, when drivers land jumps nose-first; keeping speed moderate saves parts.
FAQ
How fast is the WLtoys 12428?
Listed at about 50 km/h.
How long does the battery last?
About 10 minutes per pack.
Can I make it brushless?
Yes, brushless kits are popular upgrades.
Is it waterproof?
Only splash-resistant at best.
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
