How To Choose What Remote Control Truck To Buy
If you've decided to purchase an RC truck, chances are that you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you. This may be especially true if you're a beginner into the RC truck world. Doing a little research and knowing what choices are out there are critical steps that you have to make in order to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want.
One of the first things that you need to consider when purchasing an RC truck is the scale of the truck. RC trucks come in several common scales from 1/36 size models to cars that are the size of a small table. Deciding on a scale size depends mostly on your budget and level of expertise. The smallest models are 2 wheel drive trucks that are 1/36 scale. Some models include full suspensions as well a working clutch and transmission. These trucks are small enough to be taken anywhere, yet have enough power to work indoors and off-road. Trucks that are 1/18 scale are very popular among RC truck enthusiasts. In addition to 2 wheel drive models, they are available in 4-wheel drive and are powerful enough to handle most off-road conditions. One step up from the 1/18 scale truck is the 1/10 scale. They also come in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive options and offer enough power that they can attain high speeds. They are also great for a variety of surfaces including indoors and off-road tracks. 1/10 scale RC trucks also feature 2 or 3 speed transmissions and independent suspensions and shocks. 1/10 scale vehicles can be tricky to control. Beginners and inexperienced RC truck owners may have an adjustment period where they will experience crashes. The largest and most popular scale of RC trucks is 1/8 scale models. The Truggy and Monster Truck are common varieties that come in 1/8 scale. A Truggy, a play on the words "truck" and "buggy" is a 4 wheel drive vehicle with large tires, independent suspension, and multiple speed transmissions. Truggys are primarily powered by nitro motors, although electric engines with brushless motors are becoming common. The Monster Truck is the largest variety of 1/8 scale models that is commonly available. They have the widest wheels and the most power and as such, are the best suited RC trucks for any off-road track. Because of the large wheels, Monster Trucks are difficult to flip over, even by the inexperienced driver. They are highly customizable and can be powered by electric or nitro motors.
The second consideration you must make when deciding on which RC truck you want to buy is whether to purchase a two wheel drive truck or a four wheel drive truck. On two-wheel drive models, only one pair of wheels is attached to the motor and actually spins. In four wheel drive models, both pairs of tires are connected to the motor. Two wheel drive models have the advantage of costing less and requiring less maintenance. Four wheel drive trucks cost more but are capable of racing over more obstructions in off-road situations.
The final choice you have to make is the decision between powering your truck by electric motor or nitro. Out of the box, nitro powered trucks are generally faster and more powerful than electric motors. This is especially true of introductory, brushed electric motors. In recent years, brushless electric motors have become commonplace. These motors are capable of providing as much power as nitro engines and even surpassing them. This translates into more speed and power. Electric motors have one serious drawback in that their batteries must be recharged often. Nitro powered trucks, on the other hand, are limited only by their fuel supply. A disadvantage of a nitro engine is that they require more maintenance. They are also harder to set up and produce a lot of noise and exhaust.
Whichever RC truck you choose, you're sure to make an investment that will provide hours of fun and enjoyment for years to come.
