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RC trucks or radio-controlled cars are battery/gas-powered and can be controlled from a distance using a transmitter or remote. RC trucks are not just for kids anymore and have become a hobby for adults to race or off-road with.
The 8 fasted RC trucks you can buy:
- Traxxas Revo 3.3: 1/10 Scale 4WD Nitro-Powered Monster Truck
- Redcat Racing Electronic Volcano EPX Truck With 2.4GHz Radio
- Traxxas 77076-4 X-Maxx: Brushless RTR Electric Monster Truck
- Traxxas Stampede 4X4: 1/10 Scale 4wd Monster Truck
- VCANNY Piranha Large Size 1:12 Scale Remote Control Truck
- Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High-Speed 46km/h 4 WD 2.4 GHz Remote Control Truck
- Traxxas 1/10 Slash 4×4 Brushless Short Course Truck
- Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer RC Race Truck
RC trucks are much different than the smaller remote-control cars you see on the market. They are often faster and more powerful. RC trucks are usually an upgrade from a smaller car in order to be driven on a rougher surfaces or to be raced at higher speeds.
Another purpose for a fast RC truck is to participate in races and other contests for RC trucks. Check out the fastest ones you can get your hands on.
To see the most popular RC trucks currently available just click here.
If you love RC Trucks then you will love the 2WD or 4WD Traxxas Slash!
With a top speed of over 60 mph, you will love driving this RC vehicle!
The 8 Fastest RC Trucks You Can Buy Today
There are a few companies that have made some RC trucks that can reach speeds of up to 50 mph. Each model on this list has features that make it stand out above the other RC Trucks that are currently on the market. Let’s take a look at the 8 fastest trucks you can purchase.
1.Traxxas Revo 3.3: 1/10 Scale 4WD Nitro-Powered Monster Truck
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 mph and weighing only 10 pounds, this RC monster truck includes batteries as well as a charger for the batteries to help you save money in the long run.
This RC truck is nitro powered so fuel is required, and the engine can be quickly started through the radio transmitter.
Other quick features include:
- Heavy-duty reversing transmission
- OptiDrive electronic shift module
- Dual digital waterproof ball-bearing servos with 250 oz. -in combined torque
- 6.3” Maxx-sized tires
- Powerful TRX 3.3 racing engine
- Fast charging
Unlike other remote-control trucks that either do not include batteries or that have batteries that take a long time to charge, Traxxas solved that problem by including the batteries along with a device that can give them a quick charge.
A downfall of this one is that if it is used on rough tracks, the motor has the habit of being overworked, which can cause it to die quickly. If you plan on driving this RC truck on a rough track, it would be a good idea to have a roto start-motor to replace the quick start engine if needed.
2. Redcat Racing Electronic Volcano EPX Truck With 2.4GHz Radio
Weighing only 8 pounds and being able to reach a speed of 20 mph, this RC truck is considered safer than most because of its smaller size that creates less of an impact. It is obviously much slower than the first truck on the list but 20mph is certainly nothing to sneeze at.
Other features are:
- Tunable suspension
- Adjustable ride height
- Turnable shocks
- Aluminum capped oil-filled shocks
- Low center of gravity
Unless it is rammed into a solid surface at full speed, this RC truck is able to withstand many different impacts without ending up with serious damage. The tires are tough as well and will not rip if come in contact with a rough surface.
This RC truck does come with a rechargeable battery, but it does not last long. It will probably last about 15 minutes before needing to be charged again. Not only does the battery not last very long, but the charger also takes a while to charge up the battery. There are better rechargeable batteries and chargers that can work well with this truck that can be purchased separately.
3. Traxxas 77076-4 X-Maxx: Brushless RTR Electric Monster Truck
This RC truck has a stability management system that uses tuning algorithms within the truck’s electronic components that makes for great turning and handling experience This helps make this be the perfect RC truck for racing.
Weighing 19 pounds and being able to reach a speed of 50 mph, this RC truck utilizes two batteries that allow it to get more power than other standard RC trucks.
Because of its power, this RC truck’s battery will run for around 30 minutes before they need to be charged. Batteries are also not included.
Although this RC truck can plow through just about anything, the tires are at risk for tearing when taken off-road or on rough surfaces.
Other features are:
- 8-inch tall tires
- Long-arm suspension
- Steel drivetrain gears
4. Traxxas Stampede 4X4: 1/10 Scale 4wd Monster Truck
Unlike most RC trucks, the Traxxas Stampede is waterproof, which allows it to be an all-terrain weatherproof RC truck. It can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. What also allows this truck to be all-terrain is its large, 2 and a half inch tires that can ride basically any surface.
Other features include:
- Speed control
- Modified motor
- Waterproof steering servo
- Oil-filled shocks with shock guards
- Heavy-duty axles
This RC truck does come with a battery and a charger for the battery; however, the charger does plug into the cigarette outlet of a car instead of a regular outlet so that it can become a hassle.
This RC truck allows you to adjust or change profiles, with one profile being training mode, which is perfect for young or first-time drivers.
5. NUOKE Brushless RC Truck 4WD
This is another all-terrain waterproof RC truck that can withstand water that is not higher than the chassis of the truck.
Being able to reach a speed of 35+ mph, this RC truck is a pretty versatile one that allows you to adjust how fast it goes with the remote control. The remote also has a lot of settings.
Other features include:
- A shockproof system that reduces the impact on uneven terrain
- Max control system up to 328 feet
- Strong, anti-collision structure
- All-terrain tires with foam inserts
- Full charge in 3.5 hours and will run for 20-30 minutes
Having it take 2 hours to charge for only about 20 minutes of run time may be a disadvantage of this RC truck because this one does not offer the ability to swap out for a more powerful battery.
The controls of this RC truck are made to be easy to handle, but they can be very complicated to figure out at first, which makes this one not ideal for a younger driver.
6. Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High-Speed 46km/h 4 WD 2.4 GHz Remote Control Truck
This RC truck features dual motors that allow it to hold a high-quality speed performance of 30mph. Weighing in at 6 pounds, this truck is able to drive over many terrains and around different obstacles. It is one of the heaviest trucks on the list which is why it doesn’t have as high a top speed as other trucks that have been mentioned.
The 4WD has a strong tread that gives it great gripping ability on the road while the materials of the wheels give balance in case of an unexpected stop.
The tri-channel transmitter allows you to drive your RC truck without interfering with other controllers of the same brand.
Other features include:
- Bouncing spring material to give support during drops and unstable surfaces
- Run for about 15 minutes at top speed
- Rechargeable batteries that take full charge after 2.5 hours
- Range of up to 262 ft
- Semi-waterproof
7. Traxxas 1/10 Slash 4×4 Brushless Short Course Truck
This weatherproof RC truck has a sturdy and durable frame with a brushless motor that allows it to reach a speed of over 60 mph! Yes that speed is correct, this truck can go highway speeds!
Because the brushless power and 4WD require a chassis that won’t flex under tension, it is made rigid and with a low center of gravity to allow for extra stability when making turns at high speeds. The battery and electronics are housed in the lowest position as possible, keeping the weight low in the chassis.
Underneath the chassis is smooth in order to reduce drag and prevent snags.
Other features:
- Aluminum suspension components
- Front and rear swaybars
- Clear body to allow you to paint it how you like
- Hard-anodized and PTFE-coated aluminum GTR shocks with titanium nitride-coated shafts (Source: Summit racing)
- Integrated low-voltage protection
A con of this RC truck is that the transmitter, receiver, and battery are sold separately.
8. Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer RC Race Truck
The Traxxas unlimited desert racer offers an extreme suspension with its shocks at each corner to replicate a real-life desert truck. This suspension allows for off-road ability and stability so that the operator can take large jumps and obstacles.
The great off-road ability comes from the suspension travel, allowing the suspension to do all the work while the chassis is able to remain steady.
Reaching a speed of up to 50 mph, this truck weighs 13 pounds and has a 4-link solid rear axle design that provides suspension travel with authentic driving dynamics.
Other features:
- Thick steel axles
- Sculpted tube framework
- All steel-gear drivetrain drives all wheels via heavy-duty steel ring and pinion gears front and rear
- Twin GTR shocks at each corner
Which Is The Fastest?
Now that you have a list of the fastest cars… which one is the fastest?
The fastest RC truck on this list is the Traxxas Slash with a brushless motor. It has a top speed out of the box of over 60MPH! However, if you want to get the absolute fastest RC truck then you can’t buy it from a store?
Why?
Because the fastest trucks aren’t going to be from a brand, they are going to be built or modified by you. You are going to want to modify your truck to make it faster. We will give you some tips on how to do that below.
Before we get there though let’s watch a clip of the fastest RC cars and trucks ever built!
How To Make Your RC Truck Faster
As you may be thinking that it is time to upgrade your RC truck for a faster one, keep in mind that there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your current RC truck. Whether it is for racing or for the joy of driving at higher speeds without the threat to life, making your RC truck faster is a great way to get more joy out of it.
Adjust The Gear Ratio on Your RC Truck
There are two gears on your RC truck, the spur gear, and the pinion gear. Both are able to be upgraded to give your RC truck better acceleration or a faster top speed.
The pinion gear is the gear that is directly attached to your motor and is typically made out of steel, aluminum, or titanium. This gear comes in different sizes and pitches and can be removed by a hex driver.
You can change the top speed your RC truck can go by adjusting the teeth count on the pinion gear to a higher count. But it is important to keep in mind that you do not want to adjust this gear by too many teeth because it can mess with the temperature of the RC, which can then lead to damage. So, adjusting the pinion gear by one to two teeth at a time and checking the temperature of your RC periodically is a safe way to go.
- To create a faster acceleration using this gear, choose a smaller pinion gear with fewer teeth. This will help the truck accelerate quicker off the road and won’t compromise the temperature of the RC. The disadvantage of doing this is that it will give you a slower speed; however, it will allow you to reach point B faster.
- Having a smaller pinion gear is recommended for smaller spaces where you wouldn’t have enough time to get up to full speed. This can be especially useful for tracks with many turns and jumps.
The Spur gear is the larger plastic gear in which the pinion gear turns. Just like the pinion gear, adjusting this gear will either give you a faster acceleration or a higher top speed.
- Decreasing the size of the spur gear will allow you a higher top speed but less acceleration and vice versa.
Change Your RC’s Tires
To make sure your RC truck is driving to its greatest potential, you need to make sure the tires that are being used are suitable for the surface that is being driven on. Wrong tires can slow down your RC.
- Slicks are best for driving on roads or tarmac.
- Full spikes are best for driving on slippery grass or mud.
When choosing a tire, you want to choose a higher quality one. Cheaper tires don’t have the traction of a premium tire, and they won’t be as durable. This can lead to you spending more money in the long run than if you were to start out with a higher-quality tire.
Premium tires allow you to go faster and take corners without spinning or rolling. Normally a premium tire will also last far longer than their cheaper alternatives.
Typically, a larger tire is better at creating a faster speed than a smaller one. This is because the bigger diameter is able to cover more ground which will increase the speed. The downfall is that a bigger tire also weighs more.
Reduce The Weight of Your RC Truck
Reducing the weight of your RC truck is the simplest way you can make it go faster. To reduce the weight, you should replace heavier parts with a lighter material like aluminum, carbon, or graphite.
Another way to lighten up your RC is to replace the batteries. If you are using a Ni-Mh battery pack, switching to a Li-Po battery pack will reduce the weight of the RC drastically.
The downfall is that decreasing the weight will also decrease the traction. Without much weight pressing on the tires taking corners at a lighter weight can cause the RC to flip if you aren’t being careful.
Upgrade The Motor on Your RC Truck
Brushed motors are best for beginners but wanting to get your RC truck to reach a faster speed, you should upgrade to a brushless motor.
The brushes on a brushed motor convert electricity into motion, with some of this energy lost through fiction. Brushless motors have less energy lost through friction resulting in the RC truck being able to travel faster with more power.
Brushless motors are made for more experienced drivers because they have more complicated steering, responsiveness, and suspension, so beginners should use caution.
Charge Up Your RC Truck by Upgrading The Batteries
Upgrading your batteries to the Li-Po pack will lighten up your RC truck while boasting more power.
The downfall of upgrading your battery pack is that the Li-Po pack is more expensive, more difficult to use, and you’ll also need to purchase a suitable charger for it. So, this upgrade can be a pricey one.
Brushed Vs. Brushless Motor on Your RC Truck
Brushed motors are motors that have brushes that are typically made of copper, silver, or graphite inside them. These brushes make contact with a mechanical rotary switch and deliver an electrical current.
Pros include:
- Simple and reliable
- Simple two-wire control
- Easier to maneuver through rough terrain
- Better for beginners
- More affordable
Brushed motors are typically more affordable because they lack electronic elements.
A con of having a brushed motor is that they have a lower power efficiency level of between 75% and 80% while a brushless motor has an 85% to 90% efficiency level.
Also, there is a lot of electrical and electromagnetic noise because of the constant switch of the commuter, brushes, and shafts. Because of this contact, these motors cause a higher heat loss and a lesser rotational force.
Another con of the brushed motors is that the brushes can wear out after time, which then can lead to needing repairs.
Brushless motors are constructed differently by having the windings located on the stator instead of the rotor, and the magnets are placed on the rotor.
The pros of a brushless motor are:
- Longer lifespan
- Less maintenance
- No brushes to clean or replace
- Lighter
- More power and longer run times
- Low electrical noise
- Higher torque
Because of the more complex control and the use of the electric speed controller, a brushless motor is a more expensive option, which can be a downside for some people.
Which One Is For You
When deciding which motor, you should go for, you need to consider what you are hoping to get out of your RC truck and your level of experience.
A brushed motor is best for beginners and for someone who isn’t needing fast speeds and maximum power from your motor.
However, a brushless motor is what you want to choose if you are an experienced driver looking to reach speeds over 15mph.
Conclusion
Whichever truck you choose to buy or upgrades you decide to do, always make sure you know how your vehicle handles after the changes are made. You certainly don’t want to buy a truck that goes 50-60mph and crash it into someone’s head because you didn’t realize how fast it would accelerate or how high it would jump when going that fast.
It’s also a good idea to test your new or upgraded vehicle out in a flat area where there aren’t many obstacles or people around. It’s important to learn your vehicle’s limits and the best way to do that is when you aren’t afraid of running into something or someone.