Types of RC Trucks

By Steven Harrisson, September 14, 2021

Whether you’re an experienced hobbyist or searching for a gift for your little one, there’s a broad range of robust and surprisingly fast remote control trucks on the market that will satisfy your needs. If you’re looking for a new RC truck, you might be surprised by the number of possibilities available. With a quick and monstrous RC truck that won’t leave you stranded, it’ll have you tearing up the grass in no time. Before acquiring your first RC vehicle, there are several factors to consider, the most important of which is the sort of engine it has.

Types of RC Trucks

RC vehicles have gone a long way from the cheapies seen in department stores that roll around until abruptly wheezing to a halt. Modern versions of RCs, as they are colloquially known, may exceed the legal speed limit and out-accelerate a Ferrari. All of this makes purchasing one of today’s RCs a bit of a minefield. So, here’s a primer on how to acquire a remote-control vehicle.
rc monster truck

Nitro vs Electric Engine Cars

Nitro vehicles are among the best-rated remote control trucks. They have a lot of power, which allows them to move quickly and loudly. Unlike electric motors, nitro engines run on gasoline rather than batteries. Nitro engines, like full-size gasoline-powered vehicles and trucks, feature carburettors, air filters, flywheels, clutches, pistons, glow plugs, and crankshafts. A fuel system, which comprises a gasoline tank and exhaust, is also included. The primary component of a nitro or gas engine that distributes heat from the engine block is the head heatsink. The radiator and water pump of a full-size car circulate coolant through the engine block to protect it from overheating. There are methods to regulate the temperature by adjusting the carburetor to reduce or increase the amount of gasoline that it mixes with.
Nitro vs Electric Engine Cars

This sort of remote-control vehicle, on the other hand, needs far more maintenance than the alternative. This is the sort of toy you need if you love fiddling with the truck’s inner workings and want something strong. The ability to disperse heat through regulating the fuel/air mixture, thus controlling the engine temperature, is one of the benefits that will make you purchase rally rc cars with nitro or small-scale gas engine.

The primary distinction between an electric and a nitro RC is how they move. The electric RC is propelled by a motor that runs on electricity by a battery pack, and the nitro RC’s engine is powered by a methanol-based fuel containing nitromethane. This nitro engine and nitro fuel are the RC equivalents of your full-size vehicle or truck’s gasoline engine and gasoline. Another type of hobby-grade RC uses gasoline-powered engines rather than nitro fuel. These are larger-sized RC models that are not as common as electric and nitro RC models.

The best electric RC trucks are usually aimed at newcomers to the game. This sort of remote-controlled car may be a better alternative if you are not mechanically inclined. The batteries last a long time and are easy to charge. Electric is the way to go if you want a dependable vehicle and don’t want to spend a lot of time getting it up and running.

Hobby-grade electric and nitro rc trucks require similar care and maintenance. Both types require frequent after-run care such as cleaning, testing tyres and rims, inspecting or replacing shocks and bearings, and tightening loose screws to maintain them in peak condition. The main distinction is in the parts that are changed or fixed, as well as the additional care required for the nitro RC engine before use.

Brushed vs Brushless Motors

Brushless electric motors are the most common type of motor found in toy-grade and novice hobby-grade RCs. Brushed motors are still extensively used in kits and other hobby-grade RCs, while brushless motors are becoming more widely accessible. The motor spins due to little contact brushes inside the motor. Brushed motors are available in fixed and nonfixed configurations. Electric motors with fixed brushes are non-adjustable and cannot be adjusted or changed. Nonfixed brushed motors have changeable brushes and may be changed and tuned to some extent, they can also be cleaned of dust and debris that accumulates during regular usage.
brushless rc motor

Brushless electric motors are still slightly more expensive than brushed motors, but they are gaining popularity in the RC hobby market. Some professional RC racing tracks are only recently making them legal. Brushless motors are appealing because of the tremendous power they can provide to your electric RC. Brushless motors, as the name indicates, do not have contact brushes and do not need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Because there are no brushes, there is less friction and heat, which are the two biggest killers of motor performance. Brushless motors may also operate at far greater voltages than brushed motors. Brushless motors with a high voltage supply can assist a rookie RC racer in reaching blazing speeds. Brushless RCs now hold the fastest speed records for rally rc cars, even faster than nitro.

Sub Categories of RC Trucks

The RC vehicle industry, like the actual automobile market, has a dizzying array of options, so prepare to be wowed by the variety of body shapes and what they’re meant to perform. Depending on what you want to do, you may choose a high-speed all-terrain RC car or a full-fledged rock crawler. You can also buy alternative motors, steering servos, and suspension components to truly personalise your mini-truck. With such a broad and type-specific range, and some differences that separate conventional and rock climbing rc cars, you can learn to love every terrain.

Monster Trucks

The greatest electric RC monster trucks are distinguished by their massive tyres and suspension. RC monster trucks, in particular, are capable of navigating difficult terrain and overcoming most obstacles. They can climb and traverse many sorts of surfaces, but they aren’t particularly quick.
rc monster truck jam

Rock Crawlers

Crawlers are an alternative if you like more technical off-roading. They are not quick, but as the name implies, they put an emphasis on off-road capability. They often have adequate suspension travel and improved 4WD hardware for navigating rocks, mud, logs, and other obstacles. Crawlers are also ideal for novices who do not require a high peak speed; crawlers typically top out at approximately 8km/h.

Stadium Trucks

Stadium trucks, like buggys, feature an open-wheel configuration. They feature strong suspension and a truck-style body, making them good all-around vehicles that can handle a variety of terrains. They cannot, however, traverse exceedingly difficult terrain like their monster truck counterparts.
Stadium Rc Trucks

Truggies

As with real cars, there are also crossovers, such as a “truggy”, which blends a buggie and a monster truck. A truggy is a cross between a 1/8 scale racing buggy and a stadium truck. Most basic truggies are created by just replacing the wheels, tyres, and body mounts on buggies. Truggies are four-wheel-drive vehicles with a centre differential, no transmission, a monster truck or stadium truck body, and perhaps monster truck tyres. A truggy benefits from the cutting-edge technology of purpose-built stadium vehicles. As a consequence, the look and stability of a stadium truck are combined with the quickness of a buggy.