Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best RC Truck Kits for Every Driver
Build it your way! But first, use this guide to find the right RC truck kit for your next off-road adventure.
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Excited to take your radio control (RC) car hobby to the next level? Maybe it’s time to get a brand-new electric RC truck kit.
Building your own remote control car is not just fun—it’s the ultimate way to learn how your truck works, fine-tune its performance, and make it uniquely yours.
But with a gazillion different RC cars and trucks out there, how do you pick the right one? No worries—we’re here to help.
In this ultimate RC truck kit shopping guide, we’ll help you find your perfect model by looking at some of the best ones in each group.
Want to fly through the air? Get a buggy. Want to drive over anything? A monster truck is for you. Want to race wheel-to-wheel with your buddies? A short-course truck is the way to go!
No matter what you’re into, there’s an RC car kit that suits your style perfectly. Let’s find the best kit for you.
Buggies
Buggies are all about speed, agility, and sending it sky-high. These off-road beasts are built to handle jumps, bumps, and whatever else you throw at them.
Team LOSI 22X-4 Elite
The Team LOSI 22X-4 Elite is a 4×4 buggy built for serious racers. It features a lightweight chassis optimized with carbon fiber, sleek body, and an enormous 6.5″ rear wing.
Want to dominate the track? You’ve got options!
Adjust the motor and battery position to get the perfect balance. Dial in your suspension with the super-smooth G3 V2 shocks. They’re easy to use – no more fiddling with e-clips!
Plus, with new shock caps and bodies, you can achieve even lower ride heights.
You can also fine-tune the front and rear with adjustable inner pivots. This lets you change things like anti-squat, kick-up, and toe.
Since it’s the Elite kit, this racing buggy also comes with many option parts, such as:
- Aluminum drag link
- Aluminum locknuts
- Carbon wing washer
- Carbon fiber electronic mounting plates
- Titanium turnbuckles
The 22X-4 Elite’s center differential is another popular upgrade included in this kit. It sends power to the wheels with the best grip to help you accelerate out of corners and stay in control even on slippery tracks. To keep things running smoothly, it even comes with a built-in fan mount to prevent overheating.
Schumacher ProCat Classic
Want to experience a piece of RC history? The Schumacher ProCat Classic 4WD buggy is a re-release of the iconic Schumacher ProCat from the early ’90s.
With its original Schumacher tires and rad polycarbonate shell, it’s got that classic buggy look. And its simple kit design is perfect for beginners.
But don’t be fooled by its vintage vibe—this 1/10-scale buggy can still rip around the track!
The ProCat Classic has the classic 14-ball differential designed way back in 1978 by Cecil Schumacher himself.
Plus, it’s updated with double wishbone suspension, a front sway bar, and fiber-reinforced drive belts. You can even run modern shorty 2S or 3S LiPo batteries and electronics.
If you get the transmission upgrade (#U7236), you can equip it with a high-power brushless motor. Keep in mind that upgrading will remove the integrator—the torque limiter to the front wheels, a key part of the original ProCat.
Mugen MSB1
Mugen Seiki just dropped a sweet new 1/10 scale electric buggy, the Mugen MSB1, and it’s making some serious waves! This 2WD machine is built for racers who want to dominate the track.
The MSB1’s chassis is designed to give you perfect control, and you can tweak almost everything on this buggy to get it dialed in just the way you like it. No matter the track conditions, you can find the perfect setup.
Mugen didn’t hold back on the good stuff, either.
The MSB1 has a lightweight aluminum chassis and strong carbon fiber shock towers, making it tough but nimble. For even more strength, it also has adjustable heavy-duty front and rear turnbuckles.
And those big bore shocks? They soak up bumps and jumps like a boss, keeping your buggy glued to the track.
Monster Trucks
Monster trucks are the undisputed kings of off-road domination. They’re big, bad, and ready to roll over anything in their way.
Tamiya Lunch Box
The classic Tamiya Lunch Box is an absolute icon! It’s a 1/12-scale RC van that’s been putting smiles on faces since the 1980s. It’s shaped like, well, a lunch box, and it has huge monster truck tires that make it look incredibly cool.
But it’s not just about looks—this 2WD RC truck kit is built for fun!
The Lunch Box is a rear-wheel-drive wheelie machine that loves to show off. It can handle all kinds of terrain, from grass and dirt to pavement and even jumps (if you’re brave enough).
And because it’s a Tamiya, you know it’s easy to work on, making it a great choice for beginners or anyone who loves tinkering with their RCs.
Want to make it even cooler? Check out the Black Edition! It’s got the same fun-loving personality as the original, but with a sleek black body and cool metal-plated parts.
Tekno RC MT410 2.0
Buckle up, buttercup, because the Tekno RC MT410 2.0 is one seriously wild 4×4 monster truck! This 1/10 scale electric beast is built for those who like to send it, crash it, and bash it like there’s no tomorrow.
Tekno RC took their legendary MT410, shrunk it down, and then somehow made it even tougher.
We’re talking 4mm thick anodized chassis, 13mm big bore shocks, and robust shock towers that can handle some serious abuse. And with its hardened steel drivetrain, it’s also ready for a 1/8-scale power system (if you dare).
But the MT410 2.0 isn’t just a tank. It’s also surprisingly agile, thanks to its dialed suspension geometry. You can rip through corners, fly over jumps, and even pull off epic wheelies with a little help from its built-in wheelie bar.
ARRMA Gorgon 4×2 Mega 550
Want a monster truck that’s all about fun and won’t break the bank? The ARRMA Gorgon 4×2 Mega 550 is your ticket to awesome!
This 1/10 scale truck is built to bash, with a powerful 550-size brushed motor that’ll send you flying over jumps and ripping through any terrain.
With its aggressive dBoots Chevron MT tires, oil-filled coil-over shocks, and a factory-trimmed body, the Gorgon looks like it can handle anything.
But here’s the best part: it’s not just for show! This truck is built to bash.
In true ARRMA style, the bulletproof drivetrain and all-metal gears can handle anything. And when you’re ready for even more speed, those gears are already prepped for a brushless motor upgrade.
But here’s the best part: This ready-to-assemble (RTA) truck could be on the move in as soon as one hour. It gives you a taste of the kit-building life without having to wait forever to get in on the action.
Unlike other kits, the Gorgon 4×2 Mega 550 has all the Spektrum electronics needed to complete the build. And you get a smart 7-cell NiMH battery, charger, and 2.4GHz transmitter (radio system). It’s LiPo ready though, so upgrade your batteries and charger if you have the need for speed.
Short Course Trucks
Short-course trucks bring the excitement of real-world off-road racing to your backyard. These scaled-down replicas of popular trucks are built for speed and intense action.
Team Associated RC10SC6.4
The Team Associated RC10SC6.4 is a 1/10 scale 2WD short course truck built to win. But this isn’t just any truck. It’s the latest version of the legendary RC10SC, a name known for racing excellence.
Team Associated seriously stepped up their game with this one. It has massive 13mm big bore threaded aluminum shocks with machined pistons to soak up even the biggest jumps and bumps.
The steering system is incredibly precise, thanks to a new ball stud mount and top plate with an angled steering design. Plus, they’ve beefed up the rear end with wider mounts and longer driveshafts for even more grip. So, you’ll be carving corners like a pro!
But it’s not just about handling. The RC10SC6.4 is also built to last, with an aluminum chassis and heavy-duty ball cups and turnbuckles. And with adjustable bulkheads, you can fine-tune the caster and kick-up angles to match your driving style and the track.
XRAY SCX’23
The SCX’23 2WD short course truck is pure XRAY magic. XRAY is known for sweating the small stuff, and the SCX’23 is no exception. This thing is dialed in!
This 1/10-scale truck has a narrow gearbox that keeps the weight down low, giving you insane cornering speed and making it feel super glued to the track.
And speaking of that gearbox, accessing the differential is a breeze—just six screws, and you’re in! You can even adjust the diff height to fine-tune the handling for any track condition, from loose dirt to high-grip clay.
But XRAY didn’t stop there. The SCX’23 is loaded with premium components that scream performance.
Big bore shocks that soak up bumps like a champ. Super-strong HUDY spring steel driveshafts that can handle insane power. And a three-pad slipper clutch that’ll make your acceleration buttery smooth. This truck truly has it all.
Tekno RC SCT410SL
The Tekno RC SCT410SL is a lean, mean, racing machine! This 1/10 scale 4×4 short course truck is all about speed and agility.
Tekno RC didn’t just slap this truck together overnight. They spent over two years perfecting it and testing it on tracks across the US to ensure it’s worthy of the Tekno RC name.
And when it comes to features, this truck is loaded.
It has a 4mm thick, black anodized aluminum chassis, hardened steel axles, and spindles with adjustable Ackermann plates to fine-tune your setup.
The SCT410SL rocks fully adjustable 13mm big bore shocks that soak up bumps like a sponge and a drivetrain that can handle insane power.
Tekno RC even threw in a sweet one-piece motor mount that keeps your gears meshing perfectly, and lightweight SCT bumpers that won’t slow you down.
Stadium Trucks
Stadium trucks are an amazing mashup of buggies and monster trucks. They’re quick and agile like buggies but tough and ready to tackle anything like monster trucks. Basically, they’re the best of both worlds!
Schumacher K200 Storm ST2
Schumacher’s back with the 2WD K200 Storm ST2, and it’s bringing the heat. They took their already awesome Storm ST and made it even more insane with a bunch of killer upgrades.
This 1/10-scale truck is built to fly, with a lightweight design and a low center of gravity that’ll have you hitting those corners like a pro and soaring over jumps without breaking a sweat.
But hold on to your hats because the Storm ST2 is also very adjustable.
You can tweak the front end, the chassis length, the camber links, the rear hub carrier… the list goes on and on! You can dial this truck in perfectly for how you drive and whatever track you’re on.
And because Schumacher knows you’re gonna send it, they made this thing tougher than a tank. It has a 2.5 mm aluminum chassis, suspension pivot inserts, and many other parts built with durability in mind.
XRAY XT2C 2024
Prepare to be amazed! The XRAY XT2C 2024 2WD electric stadium truck has been completely redesigned from the ground up.
XRAY started by creating an all-new one-piece chassis design with the kick-up molded right in. This not only gives it a sleek, modern look, but it also improves the suspension geometry and gives you more space for larger batteries.
Then, they added a special milled pocket under the servo to allow more flexibility in tuning and adjusting the weight balance. Talk about attention to detail!
XRAY also revamped the front end of this 1/10-scale truck with a unique bridge-style upper deck and moved the shock tower forward for added strength and performance.
And those shocks? They’re not your average dampers. We’re talking 13.2mm big bores with X-ring seals and those sweet conical springs for ultra-smooth landings.
The drivetrain is equally impressive, with top-quality driveshafts and a gear differential perfect for tearing it up on high-grip carpet.
Team Associated RC10T6.4
The Team Associated RC10T6.4 2WD electric stadium truck is a racer’s dream!
Team Associated injected their legendary RC10T platform with a dose of pure performance to create the RC10T6.4. This 1/10-scale truck is all about speed, agility, and winning races.
The chassis is based on their championship-winning RC10B6.4 buggy, giving you an exceptionally stable and responsive platform.
It has 13mm big bore threaded aluminum shocks with specially designed truck springs, so you can soak up landings and keep putting the power down.
But that’s not all. The RC10T6.4 is also packed with tuning options. You can tweak the steering, adjust the caster, and even fine-tune the rear end with optional C and D mounts.
It also comes with beefy 3.5mm turnbuckles and rod ends for extra durability.
And the best part? It shares a lot of parts with other Team Associated kits, so you can easily run multiple classes without breaking the bank.
Truggys
Truggies exist in a class of their own. They take the raw speed and agility of a buggy and supercharge it with the rugged durability and stability of a monster truck. It’s a recipe for off-road mayhem!
XRAY XT4 ‘23
The XRAY XT4 ‘23 4WD electric truggy is a masterpiece of engineering that’ll have you rethinking what’s possible on the track.
XRAY took their already impressive XT4 platform and cranked it up to eleven with the XT4’23. This truggy is designed to be faster, easier to drive, and more adjustable than ever before.
They didn’t just make a few minor tweaks, either. XRAY completely reworked the layout, moving the motor, battery, and differentials forward to give it a more balanced feel and improve handling.
They also redesigned the chassis with strategic cutouts and milled pockets for improved flex and weight distribution so you can fine-tune it to perfection.
And because it’s an XRAY, you know it’s built with the highest quality materials and precise attention to detail.
Team Associated RC8T4e
Get ready to unleash some serious 1/8 scale fury with the Team Associated RC8T4e! This 4WD electric truggy is a monster built to conquer the most brutal off-road tracks.
The engineers at Area 51 really pushed the limits with this one. It’s packed with cutting-edge features and has an innovative design that can handle anything you throw its way.
And check this out: You can customize the power setup with four different battery configurations:
- Two 2S shorties
- Two 2S full-size packs
- One 4S shorty
- One 4S full-size
But don’t think this truggy is just a brute. The RC8T4e is also incredibly nimble and responsive, thanks to its redesigned front-end geometry and suspension.
It also has a perfectly positioned center differential and in-line center drive shafts. The drivetrain is silky smooth, with larger bearings and a unique inclined pinion gear angle that reduces vibration and boosts efficiency.
For tuning enthusiasts, the RC8T4e is a dream come true. You can tweak everything from wing angles and chassis flex to shock rod ends, letting you dial it in perfectly for any track.
Losi 8IGHT-XT/XTE
The Losi 8IGHT-XT/XTE 1/8-scale truggy is a game-changer! Team Losi Racing has taken its championship-winning 8IGHT platform, making it faster, more agile, and easier to drive than ever before.
And here’s the kicker: this 4×4 truck has nitro and electric conversion parts in the box so that you can choose your power!
On top of that, Losi has wholly revamped the suspension geometry, changing this truggy’s front and rear pivots, hub offsets, and more. This all adds up to a truck that’s more stable, more responsive, and just plain fun to drive.
They’ve even widened the chassis for extra stability and thinned it down to 3mm for weight savings. And check out that cab-forward body! It not only looks awesome, but it also helps with downforce and steering.
The 8IGHT-XT/XTE also has other nifty features, like adjustable caster blocks, bleeder shock caps, a redesigned steering rack, and an updated radio tray.
Crawlers
Crawlers are built for one thing: tackling the most extreme terrain imaginable. With insane ground clearance, low gearing, and locked differentials, these machines can climb over anything.
Axial SCX10 III Base Camp Builders Kit
The 1/10-scale Axial SCX10 III Base Camp Builders Kit provides the foundation to create your ultimate 4WD off-road machine. And it’s built on the rock-solid SCX10 platform, so you know it’s sturdy enough to handle any terrain.
And check this out: This RC rock crawler not just a disassembled version of the Ready-to-Run (RTR) model.
Axial actually made some sweet upgrades, like adding a neat optional dig feature to the LCXU transmission and throwing in some seriously beefy 6mm stainless steel links.
It comes with standard AR45 straight axles, but you can easily swap them out for portal axles if that’s your jam.
With its steel C-channel chassis, optimized suspension, and heavy-duty upgrades, the SCX10 III Base Camp Builder’s Kit is ready for any challenge you throw at it.
RC4WD Trail Finder 2
The RC4WD Trail Finder 2 crawler kit is a scale enthusiast’s dream! This 1/10-scale truck kit captures the realism and detail of a true off-road machine.
It’s built on a sweet machined aluminum ladder frame chassis. And it has leaf spring suspension and cast metal Yota II axles that give it an authentic scale look.
Plus, it comes with a highly detailed Mojave II (Toyota pickup) body that’s just begging to be painted and customized to your liking.
But don’t think for a second that this is just a shelf queen. The Trail Finder 2 is packed with performance features that’ll let you tackle the most challenging trails.
It has a two-speed R3 transmission with a slipper clutch for smooth power delivery, a Hammer transfer case with hardened steel gears for ultimate durability, and oil-filled, billet aluminum shocks that soak up bumps like a champ.
And with its realistic tube bumpers and a winch-ready front bumper, you’ll be looking the part while you’re conquering those obstacles.
Tamiya Rock Socker
The Tamiya Rock Socker 1/10 scale crawler kit is ready to rock! This truck is a seriously capable machine inspired by IRL rock crawling competitions.
The Rock Socker is built on the CR-01 chassis, with a ladder frame design that features aluminum side channels and resin cross members for superb durability.
It also has a 4-link rigid suspension with oil dampers and progressive springs that can handle just about any obstacle.
But here’s what makes it really cool: The motor is mounted in the center, and it uses planetary gears to give you ultra-low gearing for incredible torque.
And you can even lock the front and rear differentials for maximum traction when the going gets tough. With its large-diameter tires and beadlock wheels, the Rock Socker is ready to climb over anything.
From the Online Store to the Track: Let the Fun Begin
Congrats on picking your awesome new RC truck! Now, it’s time to turn that box of parts into a high-speed machine. Remember, building RC kits is half the fun. So, grab your tools, go through each step in the instructions, and get ready to experience the thrill of RC.
FAQs
What is a good RC car brand?
That depends on what you’re looking for! Here are a few top brands known for RC car kits and ready-to-run models:
- Team Associated: Known for their racing heritage and high-performance kits.
- Tekno RC: Focuses on durable, high-quality racing and bashing trucks.
- Kyosho: Known for innovative designs and high-quality vehicles, great for racing and realism.
- XRAY: A premium brand with precision engineering and top-quality parts.
- Redcat: Offers affordable, beginner-friendly RC vehicles with a focus on fun and durability.
- Traxxas: Popular for easy-to-use, durable RTR trucks.
- ARRMA: Offers tough RTR trucks built for speed and bashing (and blasting, of course).
- RC4WD: Specializes in highly detailed, realistic rock crawlers with excellent off-road capabilities.
- Yokomo: Known for high-performance RC car kits, especially in drift and on-road racing.
Do Traxxas and ARRMA make RC truck kits or just RTR?
Generally, no. Traxxas and ARRMA primarily focus on Ready-to-Run (RTR) trucks, which come fully assembled and ready to use. They offer a few kits here and there, like the ARRMA RTA Gorgon and Traxxas Slash 2WD BL-2s, but their main focus is on the RTR market.
What parts do I need for my RC car kit?
This varies depending on the specific kit you choose. However, most kits will require you to purchase these completion items separately:
- Electronics: Motor, electronic speed control (ESC), servo, receiver, and transmitter
- Battery and charger: Choose basic NiMH or powerful LiPo batteries and get the correct charger
- Tires and Wheels: Some kits include these, but many don’t
- Body: You’ll often need to trim and paint the body yourself
- Pinion Gear: This small gear meshes with the spur gear on the motor
What tools will I need to build a 2WD or 4WD remote control car?
You’ll need a few essential tools to build your RC truck kit:
- Hex Drivers: A set of metric hex drivers is a must-have
- Nut Drivers: For tightening wheel nuts and other fasteners
- Screwdrivers: Both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers will come in handy
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers help reach tight spots
- Scissors: For trimming body shells and decals
- Hobby Knife: For cutting and trimming various parts
Is it difficult for beginners to build an RC car or truck kit?
It depends on the complexity of the kit and your prior experience with building things. However, most RC truck kits come with detailed instructions, and there are plenty of online resources and videos to help you along the way. Many find the building process enjoyable and rewarding, even as a beginner.
