7 Best RC Trucks of 2019
These no-nonsense reviews look at the 7 best RC truck choices around this year. There are so many options out there right now that it’s overwhelming. There’s also a lot of poor quality coming onto the market though it’s not always easy to spot. Well, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Jump to the reviews if you know what you want and only need to explore the current models. Keep reading if you’d like a little help to make a better buying decision. This short introduction looks at what to look for when shopping for a new radio controlled vehicle. Makers often refer to their RC jeeps, buggies, and rock crawlers as trucks, but they’re not technically correct.
This guide focuses on the monsters out there. These are tough replicas that can navigate multiple terrains. They’re faster than the fastest sports car off-road, but much slower at racing on-road.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Top Race Kid’s Monster Truck |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Scale: 1:18 |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Uses AA batteries, dual motors, working shocks, deep tread tires, waterproof. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Hosim RC Monster Truck |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Easy to operate, dual motors, fast, two speeds, excellent customer service. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| LEGEND RC 4×4 All-Terrain |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Rubber tires, oil-filled shocks, metal-enforced frame, bonus battery. |
| Check Amazon |
Buying Considerations
Break your list down into two simple parts, i.e., personal, and practical.
- Consider the manufacturers age recommendation
- Base the model on skill level, i.e. raw beginner/intermediate/advanced
- Set a maximum budget
The second part of the list is helpful to anyone at any level irrespective of the model:
- Scale size (see below)
- Features & functions that meet your wants, needs, and expectations
- Maximum battery life or running time on a single charge
- Battery charging times
- Cost of extra batteries
- Availability and cost of spare parts
OK, let’s now look at a model’s scale size, what the numbers mean, and why you should care.
The Importance of Scale
Inexperienced buyers often overlook the model’s scale. They may complain later in user reviews that it’s too big or too small. This is an easily avoidable error. The scale size denotes the model’s reduced measurements based on those of the actual truck. The higher the scale ratio, the smaller the vehicle. Thus, a model with a scale size of 1:16 is going to be much smaller than a model scale size of 1:10.
In the first scale number above, 1:16, tells us that 1” of the model equates to 16” of the real-world truck. In the second example, 1” represents 10” of the original vehicle. RC enthusiasts who know what they want often search for models based on their scale size. All sales pages include the dimensions too. So, there’s no reason the size of these trucks should surprise new buyers.
Novice-Friendly Choices
Experienced users tend to know what they want and how to research. It’s at the entry-level where things get most overwhelming. My advice is to stick with brand name trucks that are easy to drive and cheap to maintain. Consider popular models that sell well and have stood the test of time. Look for products that offer decent running times and the fastest charging.
These fun reviews highlight monster trucks that offer beginner-friendly features. You can also find details like battery life, range, and charging times, etc., in the specs tables.
About this Electric RC Truck Guide
This RC Monster Truck guide reviews 7 excellent models for all ages, budgets, and skill levels. My shortlist is the result of extensive research. I also looked at real user feedback and the opinions of industry experts during the selection process. The first three reviews show our Best Budget, Best Value, and Top Pick. The remaining Monster trucks are by price order, lowest to high.
The table below gives you a snapshot of the reviewed products.
RC Trucks Comparison Table
1. Top Race RC Kid’s Monster Truck | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Best Budget Monster Truck goes to a brilliant beginner RC model for younger enthusiasts. It’s the Top Race Remote Control Monster Truck RC/Rock Crawler, and there’s a lot on offer.
- Best feature 1: Super-strong, anti-collision build
- Best feature 2: Multi-terrain capable
- Plus points: Uses AA batteries, dual motors, working shocks, deep tread tires, waterproof
- Minus points: Batteries not included
Top Race Kid’s Monster Truck Highlights
This kid’s monster struck is toy-grade, but it’s as tough as they come. Youngsters can play safely outdoors as well as inside and survive those inevitable knocks. Its super-strong, anti-collision build and dual motors see this puppy punch well above its price category. The model uses regular AA batteries, not the costlier battery packs. Rechargeables also work well (recommended).
The vehicle has robust shocks and the huge wheel appeal of a monster truck. The deep-tread tires help it to navigate through and over water, dirt, mud, grass, pebbles, and small rocks. It’s waterproof too, though I wouldn’t deliberately submerge it to see how waterproof. Even so, Kids get to transform just about any space into an adventure playground without worrying about rain, puddles, or splashes.
The Not So Good
The model uses regular AA batteries though it doesn’t include them. Remember to buy them in advance, especially if it’s a surprise gift. The setup needs 7 AAs in total for the car and its controller.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Model Scale: 1:18 |
| Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.2 x 7.2” |
| Shipping Weight: 2.38 lbs. |
| Max Range: 98 ft. (30 meters) |
| Battery: AAs |
| Running time: 1+ hour |
| Charging time: depends on batteries |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Super-strong, anti-collision build |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Uses AA batteries |
| Dual motors |
| Working shocks |
| Deep thread tires |
| Waterproof design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Batteries not included |
2. Hosim Fast Hobby Grade Monster Truck | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Hosim 9125 Hobby Grade 4WD RC monster truck is big, fast, and powerful. Hosim built the vehicle for outdoor driving adventures, and it has an impressive all-terrain capability.
- Best feature 1: All-terrain capable
- Best feature 2: Independent suspension springs
- Plus points: Easy to operate, dual motors, fast, two speeds, excellent customer service
- Minus points: Short playing time, long charging time
Hosim RC Monster Truck Highlights
Hosim’s large 1:10 scale high-speed monster truck is about as good as they get in this price range. The model consists of four independent suspension springs. These bouncing springs help RC drivers keep the monster upright across the most challenging terrains.
It’s an easy-to-operate RC truck, but you still need skills to beat opponents around challenging tracks. It’s fast too, for a monster in its class. Top speeds can reach up to 28.5 mph (46km/h).
The Not So Good
The battery life for Hosim 4WD only lasts around 10 minutes when pushed hard. The charging time is painfully long at 2.5 hours. Most hobbyists factor extra batteries into the cost to compensate.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 17.8 x 12.8 x 6.8” |
| Shipping Weight: 5.47 lbs. |
| Max Range: 262 ft. (80 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 1600mAh LiPo |
| Running time: 10 minutes |
| Charging time: 2.5 hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| All-terrain Capable |
| Independent suspension spring |
| Easy to operate |
| Powerful dual motors |
| Fast top speeds |
| Two speed modes |
| Low Voltage Protection |
| Exceptional customer service |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Short playing time |
| Long charging time |
3. LEGEND RC 4×4 All-Terrain Monster Truck | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
Our Best Value monster truck goes to the large-scale LEGEND. There’s much to like with this imposing RC electric vehicle. The makers aim it at enthusiasts who know a thing or two about 4WD monsters.
- Best feature 1: Two powerful brushed DC motors
- Best feature 2: Waterproofed
- Plus points: Rubber tires, oil-filled shocks, metal-enforced frame, bonus battery
- Minus points: Not ideal for indoor use, short playing time
LEGEND RC 4×4 Monster Truck Highlights
The LEGEND is a formidable beast with two powerful brushed DC motors. It’s also waterproof, and that means you can take it across puddles and wet areas other vehicles can’t go. The tires have an advanced tread design and use leading-edge rubber compounds with excellent grip. And the truck’s oil-filled shocks readily absorb the thumps and bumps of challenging terrains.
Tires and shocks are only as good as the frame that supports them, though. Well, the LEGEND excels in this area too. The metal-enforced body chassis has massive ground clearance. If it does hit something, the truck keeps going over whatever ruts, rocks, and hurdles it encounters. The LEGEND—despite its off-road appeal—also rides well over asphalt, concrete, and other smooth surfaces.
LAEGENDARY’s LEGEND has a 250 ft. (76 M) control range which is fine for a monster. Running time is average for a truck in its class. And the half-speed mode is a welcome feature for novice drivers.
The Not So Good
The LEGEND Monster Truck is not suitable for indoor use. It’s too big and powerful for that unless you happen to live in a mansion. The running time is only around 15 minutes. That’s quite typical for a powerful truck, but it’s still disappointing. However, it does come with a bonus 7.4V 1600mAh battery.
Having two batteries effectively doubles the playing time. There’s even a double battery connector, and so you don’t have to swap them over when one dies. The only problem with using two batteries is that you can’t use the regular battery cover, so the truck’s no longer waterproof.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: 4×4 |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 15 x 12.8 x 8” |
| Product Weight: 2.2 lbs. |
| Max Range: 250 ft. (76 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 1600mAh LiPo |
| Running time: 30 minutes |
| Charging time: 90+ minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Two powerful brushed motors |
| Waterproof truck |
| Rubber grip tires |
| Metal-enforced frame |
| Metal transmission shaft |
| Sealed ball bearings |
| Oil-filled shocks |
| Bonus battery |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not ideal for indoor use |
| Short playing time |
4. NQD RC Off Road Stunt Dancing Monster Truck
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The NQD RC fun truck has a cartoon design that appeals to younger users. It has plenty of functions as well as cute looks. This ready to run (RTR) monster is a perfect entry-level model for the over 8s.
- Best feature 1: Unique cartoon modeling appeals to young hobbyists
- Best feature 2: Uses non-toxic premium ABS
- Plus points: Easy to operate, dancing stunts, decent playing time, long range, multi-terrain
- Minus points: Not suitable for toddlers, long charging time
NQD RC Stunt Monster Truck Highlights
This RC monster uses environmentally-friendly, non-toxic ABS plastic for its build. That’s a significant point for parents. The model is straightforward for youngsters to operate and it’s entertaining too. Kids love the truck’s 360° rotating stunts and fancy dance moves. The playing time is decent at 30 minutes with a fully-charged battery.
NQD’s uncomplicated transmitter is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The steering and throttle respond well to commands and give users full control up to 260 feet. NQD’s toy truck has working shock absorbers, huge wheels, and hollow rubber tires. That’s why it can run across sand and grass as well as smoother surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
The Not So Good
This cartoon-style monster appeals to kid’s, but it’s not suitable for toddlers. The under 5’s may like the truck, but the truck doesn’t like them. That’s because they’re heavier handed with toys. The car stands up well to driving challenges but easily breaks if thrown to the ground. The final gripe is with the charging time. It can take 3+ hours, so it’s wise to invest in an extra battery.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Model Scale: N/A (fantasy truck) |
| Dimensions: 9.45 x 8.67 x 5.91” |
| Product Weight: 2.45 lbs. |
| Max Range: 260 ft. (79 meters) |
| Battery: 6V 800 mAh LiPo |
| Running time: 30 minutes |
| Charging time: 3+ hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Unique cartoon modeling |
| Appeals to younger hobbyists |
| Uses non-toxic ABS material |
| Easy for kids to operate |
| Hilarious dancing stunts |
| Decent playing time |
| Long range for a toy |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Too fragile for toddlers |
| Long charging time |
5. TOZO High-Speed 2WD RC Monster Truck/Buggy
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The TOZO C2035 is an electric powered monster truck come rock crawler. It drives well across multiple surfaces. The 4-wheel independent suspension makes light work of heavy-going terrains.
- Best feature 1: Powerful performance
- Best feature 2: 4-wheel independent suspension system
- Plus points: Highly responsive controls, long range, fast, removable numbered parts
- Minus points: Short playing time, fiddly battery swaps
TOZO Fast 2WD Monster Truck Highlights
The 2WD TOZO appeals to fans of desert buggies and monster trucks. Consider this car if you want an ultra-tough, reliable model. Its 4-wheel independent suspension uses a helical spring to give each wheel high resilience. The result is a steady drive even over rough terrain and challenging obstacles.
Drivers can manipulate the truck with its highly responsive controller up to 328 ft. That gives users plenty of opportunities to set up challenging tracks. The model is fast as well as powerful, reaching speeds up to 30 mph. Rivals won’t be able to see the beast for dust. Another welcome feature is the easy-to-remove numbered parts. They make replacements simple to order and easy to swap.
The Not So Good
Playing time for the TOZO averages at around 10 minutes when hammered. That’s on the low side of average for a model in its class. The battery is swappable, but it’s not easy to unplug from the vehicle due to the awkward access. Even so, those who spend this kind of money on an RC model want to enjoy their time. Therefore, it’s wise to factor one or two extra batteries into the cost.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Drive System: 2WD |
| Model Scale: 1:12 |
| Dimensions: 9.7 x 3.7 x 6.9” |
| Product Weight: 3.31 lbs. |
| Max Range: 328 ft. (100 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 800mAh Li-ion |
| Running time: 10 minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Powerful performer |
| Independent suspension system |
| Fast speeds |
| Highly responsive controls |
| Long range |
| Removable numbered parts |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Short playing time |
| Awkward battery swaps |
6. Traxxas Stampede 4X4 Mean Monster Truck
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Next on the list is the Traxxas Stampede 4X4. It’s a 1/10 scale 4WD Monster Truck and comes with a hobby-grade TQ 2.4GHz radio system
- Best feature 1: Modular design
- Best feature 2: Hobby-Grade 2.4GHz control
- Plus points: Robust, crash-resistant, waterproof electronics, oil-filled shocks, cooling motors
- Minus points: Low average running time, car charger, not indestructible
Traxxas Stampede 4X4 Monster Truck Highlights
The Stampede 4X4 is a favorite monster truck among Traxxas fans. It has a modular design that makes removal and assembly of parts easy. Users can remove the whole front section and rear assembly with just a few screws. That makes the Stampede a dream model for those who love to tweak, upgrade, and service their trucks.
This RC Monster is quite robust and crash-resistant out of the box. Some enthusiasts like to beef the Stampede up further with upgradable parts. The stock model is a good choice as-is for medium-level enthusiasts. Some of its standout features are the waterproof electronics, oil-filled shocks, and smart cooling motors. It’s an excellent stepping stone to trucks like the Arrma Notorious BLX (see next).
The Not So Good
Expect to only get around 15 minutes max with the 7-cell NiMH battery. You can get at least double the playing time if you invest in 5000mah, though. One of the shared gripes users have is with the included car charger. It’s possible to get a wall adapter plug or a rapid wall charger. All the same, most users agree that a decent charger should be a standard accessory at this level.
Lastly, the sales hype would have you believe the Traxxas Stampede 4X4 is indestructible. It’s not—no RC monster truck is. But this one is quite crash-resistant for a model in its class.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model Type: 4WD |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 15.6 x 13.4 x 8.9” |
| Product Weight: 5.65 lbs. |
| Battery: 7-cell NiMH |
| Running time: 15 minutes |
| Charging time: 60+ minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Modular design |
| Hobby-grade 2.4GHz radio system |
| Robust, crash-resistant design |
| Waterproof electronics |
| Innovative chassis |
| Heavy-duty 32-pitch gears |
| High-torque steering servo |
| Oil-filled shocks |
| Cooling motors |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Low average running time |
| Car charger |
| Not as indestructible as hyped |
7. Arrma AR106034 Notorious BLX Monster Truck
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Arrma AR106034 Notorious 4×4 RC Monster Truck is a formidable model for serious hobbyists. It comes with a powerful brushless 2050Kv motor and a plethora of high-end features.
- Best feature 1: Highly durable build
- Best feature 2: Waterproof electronics
- Plus points: Super-fast speeds, adjustable shocks, tough 5-spoke wheels, wheelie bar
- Minus points: Batteries and charger not included
Arrma Notorious 4×4 Monster Truck Highlights
Monster trucks like this appeal to advanced users who know what performance they want. The model has a highly durable build with fully waterproof electronics. Extra electronics and center transmission protection come from the high-wall composite dirt guards. The truck also boasts a robust center body support, super-strong, anodized aluminum components, and 4mm heavy-duty steel shock shafts.
Huge chunky-tread dBoots backflip tires surround the truck’s sturdy 5-spoke wheels. There’s also a wheelie bar for performing well-controlled super-long wheelies. This model’s function as a crash-resistant radio-controlled monster truck is unrivaled. The amount of abuse the ARRMA Notorious takes even amazes experienced RC’ers. Fans say that this beast beats Traxxas equivalents on most levels.
The Not So Good
The Arrma Notorious BLX Monster Truck is expensive but excellent value for those who appreciate quality. It would have been nice to see batteries and a charger in the box, but they’re extras. The model is compatible with 6S LiPo battery packs. At least there’s a TTX300 Radio System included.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Drive System: 4Wd |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 21.4 x 18.1 x 9.1” |
| Shipping Weight: 7.79 lbs. |
| Battery: 6S LiPo battery pack (not included) |
| Running time: Depends on battery |
| Charging time: Depends on the charger (not included) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Highly durable build |
| Waterproof electronics |
| Super-fast speeds |
| adjustable shocks |
| Incredible torque |
| tough 5 spoke wheels |
| Wheelie bar |
| Chunky tread dBoots back flip tires |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Batteries and charger not included |
Contents
- Buying Considerations
- The Importance of Scale
- Novice-Friendly Choices
- About this Electric RC Truck Guide
- RC Trucks Comparison Table
- 1. Top Race RC Kid’s Monster Truck | Best Budget
- Top Race Kid’s Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Hosim Fast Hobby Grade Monster Truck | Best Value
- Hosim RC Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. LEGEND RC 4×4 All-Terrain Monster Truck | Top Pick
- LEGEND RC 4×4 Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. NQD RC Off Road Stunt Dancing Monster Truck
- NQD RC Stunt Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. TOZO High-Speed 2WD RC Monster Truck/Buggy
- TOZO Fast 2WD Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. Traxxas Stampede 4X4 Mean Monster Truck
- Traxxas Stampede 4X4 Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Arrma AR106034 Notorious BLX Monster Truck
- Arrma Notorious 4×4 Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good