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The Best Remote Control Rock Crawler


When choosing the best remote control rock crawler, you want something prepared to tackle tough terrain. Features like rugged suspension, all-wheel drive, and weatherproofing are necessary for these tough trucks. This lets them crawl over rocks, tear through puddles, and race up hills with ease. Of course, you’ll want to consider features like range, battery life, and more. 

Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for the best RC rock crawler. You’ll also find a handy buying guide and some RC crawler FAQs if you need help making your choice. 

Best 1/10 RC Rock Crawler:
Best 4x4 RC Rock Crawler:
Best Transformer RC Rock Crawler:


Best 1/10 RC Rock Crawlers

With well over 7,000 reviews, the 4×4 Off Road Monster Truck is ranked highly on value, durability, battery life, and giftability although it does cost more than some of the other trucks on our list; however, the Traxxas Trail Crawler only has over 500 reviews, ranks well in durability and value, but is the most expensive truck on our list due to its high quality parts.  

Laegendary 4×4 Off Road Monster Truck

LAEGENDARY Remote Control Car, Hobby Grade RC Car 1:10 Scale Brushed Motor with Two Batteries, 4x4 Off-Road Waterproof RC Truck, Fast RC Cars for Adults, RC Cars, Remote Control Truck, Gifts for Kids
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The Laegendary 1:10 Scale 4×4 Off Road Monster Truck is faster than some of the others, topping out at speeds of 30 mph. It also features a durable waterproof design and easily climbs over rocks, concrete, grass, and more. 

Something to note is that the price of this RC rock crawler is significantly higher than some of the others mentioned. The high price-point is the professional features found in this vehicle that offer a better ride. Some of the features include two brushed built-in motors, heavy duty wheels, and oil-filled shocks. 

Something else to note is that this can be run at two different speeds. The slower speed is perfect for younger kids and beginners, while more experienced kids will love the speed boost that lets them easily rip across sand, gravel, and more. This comes with a remote with a 2.4GHz frequency that prevents interference and has a range of 250 feet. 

Even though this comes assembled and ready-to-run out of the box, the U.S. based customer service team can answer questions about adjustments, upgrades, and repairs. It also comes two rechargeable batteries and a double-battery connector. The connector lets the two batteries run at once, giving about 40 minutes of continuous playtime. 

Two USB chargers are also included, so you can charge both batteries at once. An indicator turns red when the battery is plugged in and green once it’s fully charged. When not in use, the batteries can be stored in the fireproof battery bag included to keep them safe. 

Even though this RC rock crawler truck is durable for the most part, pieces are likely to be damaged or break over time. The included instruction manual can help with replacing parts or you can contact the customer service team. This is to be expected and replacing the parts will familiarize your child with rock crawlers. Being familiar with the different parts is important for kids who want to become serious racers. 

Pros

  • Drives at two different speeds
  • Good amount of torque
  • Oil-filled shocks
  • Tires have good traction
  • 250-foot range
  • Dual-battery connector for longer play time
  • Battery bag included
  • Waterproof design 

Cons

  • Will likely need replacement parts and repairs with use
  • Higher price than some other options

Traxxas TRX-4 Scale Trail Crawler

Traxxas 1/10 Scale TRX-4 Scale and Trail Crawler with 2.4GHz TQi Radio, Red
Price$$$$
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The Traxxas 1/10 Scale TRX-4 Scale Trail Crawler is the most expensive option on our list. It’s a great investment if your kid is serious about their rock crawler hobby, especially if they’re old enough to respect the money spent on this toy. Additionally, it has many high-quality parts and things like waterproof electronic components that ensure a long lifetime of use. 

This has a higher profile than some other crawlers. Since it sits higher up from the ground, the wheels climb over obstacles without twisting the chassis. The rugged tires also have incredible traction. Additionally, there is high/low range torque which lets you switch to a lower gear for better torque and powering over rocks and other obstacles. 

The Traxxas comes with a 2.4GHz TQi Radio, which has individual channels to prevent interference. There is also a switch for the remote locking differential. This lets you lock the differential for maximum traction or unlock it for navigating narrow paths. 

In addition to waterproofing on the electrical components, this has sealed ball bearings. This maintains the electrical areas and ensures a long lifetime of use. 

The powerful motor uses 2- or 3-cell LiPo batteries or 6- or 7-cell NiMH batteries. Unfortunately, the batteries are not included. This is a disappointment, especially considering the higher cost of this rock crawler. 

Pros

  • Uses hex hardware throughout 
  • 1:10 scale Land Rover Defender body
  • Comes with functional accessories including a spare tire
  • User manual helps with troubleshooting
  • High ground clearance
  • 4WD and locking differential
  • Waterproof electrical parts and sealed ball bearings

Cons

  • Batteries are not included
  • Expensive

DANCHEE RidgeRock – 4WD Electric Rock Crawler

DANCHEE RidgeRock - 4WD Electric Rock Crawler - 1/10 Scale - RTR, Blue
Price$$$$
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The DANCHEE RidgeRock – 4WD Electric Rock Crawler – 1/10 scale – RTR is highly adjustable so you can get the performance you need. This makes it one of the best remote control rock crawler options for competing. Additionally, it has high-grip tires and a high profile that makes it great for navigating over obstacles. 

The dual high-torque brushed electric motors and 4WD gives this the torque it needs to climb over rocks. Some of the features you can adjust include the shocks, ride height, and toe angle. Adjusting these helps you get the most speed and performance on various terrains.

This is also a durable choice. It has a molded plastic roll cage that helps prevent damage if the truck falls. There is also multi-link suspension and oil-filled shocks to prevent the impact of driving from causing damage to the electrical parts. The weakest point of this is the chassis, which may be damaged over time with rough riding. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to replace and the company often sends the replacement part for free. 

The remote works using a 2.4GHz frequency and has three channels, which prevents interference. This requires AA batteries, which are not included. It also uses a rechargeable battery, which offers plenty of play time (some users report up to an hour of use). The charger for the battery is also included. 

Pros

  • Several adjustable parts for best performance
  • High-torque motors
  • Wheels have good grip
  • Multi-link suspension
  • Oil-filled shocks
  • Molded plastic roll cage
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Chassis may crack with rough play

Redcat Racing Volcano EPX – 4WD Monster Truck

Redcat Racing Volcano EPX - 4WD Monster Truck - 1/10 Scale - RTR - Red
Price$$$$
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The Redcat Racing Volcano EPX – 4WD Monster Truck features a 1:10 scale and is loaded with features to make your driving experience better. In addition to its low profile, this has soft wheels with deep traction for climbing over obstacles. This 4WD monster truck is recommended for ages 14 and older. 

The speed of this tops out around 10-15 mph, which is an average speed for a rock climber. This monster truck is great for climbing over obstacles, however, it does not withstand crashing well. The body is hard and can take a beating, but the screws come loose in a crash. Additionally, there are plastic pieces that may break off. While crashing is always a risk, this is safe for driving and you can buy replacement or upgrade parts as needed. 

Aside from the plastic parts, this is fairly durable. It also features waterproof electronics, which lets you tackle different terrains without worrying about damaging the RC truck. As you tackle different terrains, the adjustable suspension lets you choose the suspension that best fits your purpose. This helps reduce the risk of crashing and ensures you are performing at top speed on different terrains. 

This is powered using a 7.2V 2000mAh NiMH battery, which is rechargeable. The battery and charger are both included. Unfortunately, only one battery is included and the power this truck needs for its dual motors only allows it to run for about 20 minutes at a time. 

The controller emits a 2.4GHz radio frequency, which helps eliminate interference. That makes this great for racing or playing with friends. 

Pros

  • Uses 2.4GHz radio frequency
  • Low profile and soft wheels with deep traction 
  • Adjustable suspension 
  • Great for performing on different terrains 
  • 1:10 scale
  • Waterproof electronics 
  • Comes with rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Battery only lasts for about 20 minutes
  • Screws may loosen and plastic pieces may break off after a hard crash

Best 4×4 RC Rock Crawlers

The DOUBLE E RC Monster Truck and the SZJJX Off Road Rock Crawler both come with 2 rechargeable batteries, giving kiddos longer playing time of about an hour with both batteries, while the Cheerwing Rock Crawler only comes with 1 battery that takes 5-6 hours to charge and gives 20 minutes of play time per charge.  

DOUBLE E RC Monster Truck

DOUBLE E 1:12 Scale Large Remote Control Car Monster Trucks for Boys with Head Lights 4WD Off All Terrain RC Car Rechargeable Vehicles Xmas Gifts for Kids
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The DOUBLE E RC Monster Trucks features 4WD and great suspension, so you know it’s ready to go off-roading. It’s recommended for ages eight and older. 

Monster trucks are known for their ability to crush obstacles and this 1:12 scale model is no different. It climbs at angles of up to 45 degrees and has strong forward momentum to easily move over rocks and up hills. Additionally, the built-in suspension absorbs shock and prevents damage to the body of the vehicle. 

In addition to the cool, realistic design, this features working headlights and an ergonomically designed controller. The controller runs on a 2.4 GHz frequency, which helps prevent interference. If two cars are being played with, one car and remote must be turned on to pair and then the other. This helps prevent the frequencies from crossing. 

The truck handles well, but might lose the ability to turn over time. This happens from the hardware being rattled around. It can be fixed if you have the knowledge, but most kids do not. 

This remote control crawler comes with a large 6V800mAh battery pack, which lets you play for longer. Two rechargeable batteries are included, which gives a total play time of about an hour depending on terrain. The remote and truck have a range of 260 feet, which means your child doesn’t have to worry about it going out of range much. You will need AA batteries for the remote, which are not included. 

An added benefit of this is the 1-year warranty. You’ll need to register the warranty using the card found in the box for it to be effective. 

Pros

  • Ages 8 and up
  • Long range 
  • Goes uphill and over obstacles at up to 45 degrees
  • Handles well 
  • Two rechargeable batteries included
  • Comes with a one-year warranty
  • Remote is ergonomically designed

Cons

  • Truck may lose the ability to turn over time
  • Signals can get crossed if more than one truck is being used

SZJJX Off-Road Rock Crawler

SZJJX Remote Control Car 2.4Ghz RC Cars 4WD Powerful All Terrains RC Rock Crawler Electric Radio Control Cars Off Road RC Monster Trucks Toys with 2 Batteries for Kids Boys Blue Upgraded
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The SZJJX Off-Road Rock Crawler features a durable build and big wheels that climb over obstacles with ease. It is recommended for ages 8 and older. 

This rock crawler is set apart by its suspension system. The four wheels have individual suspension to prevent shock as it climbs. This design also makes the car more flexible, while the soft wheels allow many surfaces to be gripped. 

There is also a direction spinner on the bottom of the car that offers automatic adjustments whenever the car isn’t on a flat surface. This increases handling and makes the vehicle easier to drive. This, paired with the high level of torque, makes this fun for kids to play with. Even though it does have good torque, however, the maximum speed is only around 10 mph. 

Something to note is that even though this vehicle has shockproof to protect the electrical components, it is not weatherproof. There is no rubber seal around the battery box, which can cause corrosion, shorts, and other issues if the battery area gets wet. You’ll want to avoid puddles and wet mud to avoid damaging the vehicle. 

The controller works on a 2.4GHz frequency, which gives greater range and makes it possible for more than one car to be played with in the same area. This makes it great for social racing and playing with friends or siblings. 

Out of the box, the batteries are usually charged. They last for about 20-30 minutes each and they are easy to change, which allows for longer play time. 

Pros

  • Soft wheels with good grip for climbing
  • Good amount of torque 
  • Shock proof 
  • Wheels have individual suspension 
  • Controller has 2.4GHz  frequency
  • Comes with two batteries 
  • Batteries are easy to change

Cons

  • Maximum speed is only about 10 mph
  • Not very waterproof

DEERC Remote Control Off Road Monster Truck

DEERC DE45 RC Cars Remote Control Car 1:14 Off Road Monster Truck,Metal Shell 4WD Dual Motors LED Headlight Rock Crawler,2.4Ghz All Terrain Hobby Truck with 2 Batteries for 90 Min Play,Boy Adult Gifts
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The DEERC Remote Control Car Off Road Monster Truck comes with two batteries that run for 45 minutes each for a longer play time. It also has durable features that make it a great choice for younger monster truck enthusiasts. 

The outer shell of the DEERC rock crawler is made of metal, making it more durable. It also features an anti-collision bumper. The truck climbs angles of up to 45 degrees and has anti-slip tires for gripping all types of surfaces. Additionally, the shock absorption lets this travel down steep inclines without damaging the vehicles. 

There are two rechargeable batteries included with this, as well as a USB charging cord. Each battery lasts for 45 minutes, so together that’s 1 1/2 hours of play time. This is longer than offered by a lot of trucks. 

A 2.4GHz remote frequency lets more than one person race these vehicles without interference. It has a range of about 165 feet. LED headlights also make this more realistic to play with and make it possible to drive in low lighting. 

While this does have good torque, it is not especially fast. It does move over obstacles well though, as a rock crawler should. Something else to note is that this can be damaged with use, especially because it isn’t waterproof. If anything goes wrong or the truck breaks, however, the customer service team seems to be quick about issuing a replacement truck. 

Pros

  • Good torque for climbing over obstacles
  • Absorbs shock to prevent damage
  • Handles a wide range of terrains
  • Really long battery life
  • 165-foot range
  • Durable outer shell and bumper
  • LED headlights
  • Great customer service

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Not very fast 
  • Damage can occur with use

Cheerwing Rock Crawler Off Road Monster Truck

Cheerwing 1:18 Rock Crawler 2.4Ghz Remote Control Car 4WD Off Road RC Monster Truck 2 Battery (Blue)
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The Cheerwing Rock Crawler Off Road Monster Truck Blue features a double motor and high torque that lets it propel forward over obstacles. It also features rubber tires that grip the ground well and 4wd so this can be handled on grassland, rocks, sand, and more. 

This is a great budget RC rock crawler, especially for younger users. It has an anti-collision structure that makes it more durable and anti-shock hardware to prevent damage to the car as it climbs over rocks. 

The monster truck runs at about 15mph at its maximum speed. It has large, rubber tires that are great for climbing hills and moving over rocks. The RC truck also uses a remote with a 2.4GHz frequency, so it’s easier to race with friends without interference. 

A major downside of this is the battery life. This only comes with one battery that takes around 5-6 hours to charge completely. When charged completely, the battery only lasts about 20 minutes at maximum speed. You’ll also need 3AA batteries for the remote, however, these are included. 

Something to note is that there are two versions of this car. The older model takes 2 AA batteries, which would allow you to buy better quality rechargeable batteries. This might be a better choice when looking for the best remote control rock crawler, especially since the battery power negatively affects the torque in the updated version. 

Pros

  • Batteries for the remote included 
  • Great RC control on a budget 
  • Runs about 15 mph
  • 2.4GHz frequency on the remote
  • Durable build 
  • Anti-shock hardware to protect the car when moving over rough surfaces

Cons

  • Battery life in updated model has less torque
  • Battery life is very short with a long charge time

NQD Remote Control Off Road Monster Truck

NQD 1:14 Remote Control Big Monster Car, 4wd Off Road Rock Electric Toy Off All Terrain Radio Remote Control Vehicle Truck Crawler for Boys and Girls
Price$$$
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The NQD Remote Control Car, Off Road Monster Truck features unique wheels that offer a fun driving experience. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up. 

The unique tires are great for climbing and allow the truck to drift while you drive it off road. It also has high ground clearance, which makes climbing over different obstacles effortless. Additionally, the tires have suspension that prevents damage to the car when it falls or bumps into obstacles. 

Another added element of fun with this monster truck is that it plays music and dances. It moves forward, back, to the sides, and even has 360-degree turning so it dances in a circle. You control all these functions using the 2.4GHz remote. 

The truck is powered using a rechargeable battery that has a run time of about 45 minutes, which is longer than many of the other options. A USB charging cord is included for charging and it only takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge the battery. 

NQD products come with a warranty for a refund within the first three months and a free replacement within the first year if the monster truck arrives damaged or breaks while playing. It’s always nice when a company stands behind their product. Additionally, the customer service team makes it easy to get parts. This is nice since you can upgrade the motor and other elements of the car. 

Something to note is that this doesn’t handle large rocks or grass as well as an off-road monster truck should. The speed slows significantly (less than 10 mph) on some surfaces. 

Pros

  • Easy to upgrade parts
  • RC truck plays music and dances
  • Free replacement in the first year if the vehicle is damaged
  • Large, uniquely designed tires are great for drifting
  • Suspension prevents damage from impact
  • Battery lasts about 45 minutes

Cons

  • Doesn’t handle grass or rocks well
  • Speed slows significantly on some terrains

DOUBLE E Dual Motors Rechargeable Remote Control Truck

DOUBLE E 1:12 Scale Large Remote Control Car Monster Trucks for Boys with Head Lights 4WD Off All Terrain RC Car Rechargeable Vehicles Xmas Gifts for Kids
Price$$$
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The DOUBLE E Dual Motors Rechargeable Remote Control Truck 4WD Off Road RC Truck Rock Crawler features a colorful design and graffiti on the outer shell for a unique performance. It is recommended for ages 8 and older. 

This monster truck use twin motors and four wheel drive to tackle obstacles. It’s tall wheels give it a good amount of clearance and it has enough torque to easily move over different surfaces. Additionally, each wheel has plenty of suspension and an anti-shock spring to stop the impact of going over obstacles from damaging the remote control rock crawler. The suspension also provides a smoother ride over rough terrain. 

The tires have a good amount of tread and easily climb different surfaces. Since this is lightweight with good traction, it’s great for moving across everything from sand to rocks. Should you crash while trying out different terrains, this also features a shock-proof body and anti-collision bumper for added safety. The remote also works on a 2.4GHz frequency, which prevents interference when playing with others. 

There are two rechargeable batteries included with this. Each battery lasts for about 30 minutes, so you can get around an hour of play time if you switch them out in the middle. Something to note is that the you need to use the charger with a power bank that has a voltage output of less than 5V. Otherwise, it can cause the batteries to overheat and damage them. This could cause them to stop working or make them last for a shorter time. 

Something else to note is that the tires can come off the vehicle, especially when moving over different terrains. You’ll want to keep a close eye on this. They are easy enough to pop back on as long as you don’t lose the wheels. 

Pros

  • Twin motors and four wheel drive
  • Shock-proof body
  • Anti-collision bumper
  • Good amount of suspension and ground clearance
  • Grippy tires 
  • Comes with an extra battery for up to an hour of continuous play time
  • Colorful design and graffiti on the outer shell 

Cons

  • Battery can damage or overheat if it’s charged with too much power
  • Tires can come off

Best Transformer RC Rock Crawler

NQD RC Car Off-Road Vehicles Rock Crawler

NQD Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz Rc Stunt Car with Watch Gesture Sensor, 4wd Transform Double Sided 360°Rotating All Terrains Drift Vehicle with Lights Music Gift for Boys and Girls
Price$$$
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The NQD RC Car Off-Road Vehicles Rock Crawler is unique because it transforms for your child’s off-roading experience. Since it drives on both sides of the car, it offers a unique driving experience on and off the road. 

The dual motors found in the front and rear of this vehicle give it a good amount of torque. It also features a bionic spine that twists and provides shock absorption to preserve the life of the vehicle.

In on-road mode, this has a higher speed. It’s meant to drive over flat areas, so it doesn’t have the same torque, however, it has less wind resistance. In off-road mode, there’s greater torque for handling obstacles and different types of terrain. The benefit of this is that the one vehicle gives you two different ways to drive. This is also capable of performing stunts, which you can learn more about on the company’s website. 

This comes with a 4.8V battery and charger. It lasts for around 30 minutes. Something to note is that you’ll need to use a screwdriver to open the battery area each time it needs recharged. This can be a hassle, especially because the screws may be really tight upon arrival. Additionally, only one battery is included so there’s not as much play time.

Pros

  • On-road and off-road modes
  • On-road mode lets you drive on both sides of the car
  • Great for stunts
  • Fun to play with because of extra features
  • Good amount of torque
  • Wheels are grippy and have good traction
  • Faster in on-road mode because of lower wind resistance

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with backup battery 
  • Battery area is hard to access

Comparing RC Rock Crawlers

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


RC Rock Crawler Buyer’s Guide

Age/Skill Level

RC vehicles are something that attract even young users. If you are buying an RC rock crawler for a younger child, you’ll want something that moves slower. This gives them better control over the vehicle. If it’s too fast, they may crash a lot and get frustrated.

For older kids, something that moves faster or has extra features might be the best choice. They may also enjoy an RC rock crawler build kit, since they can upgrade features and customize their crawler. 

Generally, following manufacturer age recommendations helps you determine if a rock crawler is appropriate for your child. While there are a few RC vehicles designed for toddlers, most are recommended for ages three and up because small parts are a choking hazard. If you are shopping for a younger child, you’ll also want to pay attention to how many buttons there are and how hard/easy it will be for your child to figure out. 

Ruggedness and Durability 

RC r0ck crawlers are designed rugged so they move over tough terrain. They often have durable features like big tires and a sturdy build. Something else to consider how waterproof the rock crawler is. Rock crawlers often go through mud and puddles that get the vehicle wet. You’ll want to be sure there is some degree of waterproofness to prevent shorts and other damages. 

Something to note is that you can’t always tell how durable something is by looking at it. Reading best remote control rock crawler reviews can help you determine if a crawler is as sturdy as it looks. 

Assembly

While some RC rock crawlers come fully assembled (RTR or ready-to-run), others are part of a building kit. The major benefit of RC rock crawler kits is that your child gets to build their own vehicle. This exercises STEM skills. If your child is especially interested, they can also upgrade parts or make adjustments like making their rock crawler move faster. As an added benefit, there’s something rewarding about working hard to put something together and then getting to enjoy it. 

Of course, some kids (especially younger kids) might prefer a model that comes assembled. RC modeling kits are usually designed for older kids because they need to be able to follow instructions and work with all the small parts. 

If you choose one that does need assembled, be prepared to lend a hand when your child asks. You’ll also want to check out the instructions beforehand and be sure they are clear enough that they can be followed. Having pictures or diagrams also helps. 

Scale and Realistic Design

Monster trucks are often designed using a scale against a real model. This is indicated by the numbers 1:10 or 1:16 in the description. If you are looking for a larger monster truck, something like a 1:10 scale is best. This means that it is 1/10th the size of the actual vehicle it was modeled after. 

One of the benefits of scale models is that you can be sure the design of the car is stable. The RC vehicle has many of the same parts that the vehicle would have in real life, down to the suspension and overall design of the car. 

For some kids, having a more realistic design is important. Even with the scale model, if design is important, you may want to look for something that has real seats on the inside. Some manufacturers pay attention to these smaller details. If you aren’t sure what aspects of a rock crawler appeal to your child, ask. Find out if they are most interested in going fast, being able to drive, climbing over obstacles, or racing a realistic rock crawler. 

Range and Interference

The range of an RC rock crawler is the distance that the vehicle can travel from the remote control before losing signal. Once the vehicle is out of range, your child will lose control of it. Usually, the RC crawler stops moving, too. A shorter range is great for young kids, especially since they often chase their vehicle around while they play with it. For older kids and kids who want to race with friends and family, a longer range is best. 

You’ll also want to be sure the crawler runs on its own frequency. This is especially true if your child is going to be playing with friends or participating in races. Otherwise, the signals can cross and your child may lose control of their vehicle. 

Battery Life

Most RC vehicles require standard AA or AAA batteries for the remote and come with rechargeable batteries for the vehicle. Since RC rock crawlers take a lot of power, the rechargeable batteries stop you from going through a lot of batteries.

Something you’ll want to look for when shopping is battery life. It’s not uncommon for RC vehicles to run just 20-45 minutes on a full charge. If you want to play longer, look for an RC crawler that comes with extra rechargeable batteries that can be switched out or buy extras. 

While most of these come with at least one rechargeable battery, there are some that have the battery separately. You’ll need to factor the cost of the battery and the charger into the overall cost to be sure you’re getting the best deal. 

Customer Support

RC rock crawlers are meant to take a beating. Usually, this means that they come with durable wheels and durable suspension. Even with quality hardware, however, rock crawlers may become damaged over time. 

One of the benefits of higher end rock crawlers is that they’ll have replaceable parts. Customer service can help you find the parts and provide instructions on replacement. Often, higher-end rock crawlers also come with an instructional manual or guide to help you troubleshoot and replace these parts. 

In the case of lower-priced rock crawlers, it may not be possible to repair. Several of the rock crawlers mentioned have users reporting that the company replaced the vehicle after it was damaged from normal wear and tear. You’ll want to look for an RC crawler from a company with good customer service to protect your investment. 

FAQs About Remote Control Rock Crawlers

What is RC rock crawling? 

RC rock crawling is using a remote-controlled vehicle to move over tough terrain.

For younger kids, they may enjoy playing on their own or with a friend or two. Some people may also compete in RC rock crawling competitions. In these competitions, two or more people race over obstacles like rocks and mud to get the fastest time.

Usually, people involved in competitions have a higher-end rock crawler with benefits like waterproof features and a higher speed than the average rock crawler. Additionally, you’ll want to choose something your child can upgrade if they are interested in the sport.

What’s the difference between an RC vehicle and a remote control rock crawler?

One of the first notable differences between an RC vehicle and a rock crawler is the speed. RC vehicles are designed for use on flat terrain. They’re likely to be much faster than an RC rock crawler, which is better for tackling obstacles. It can move over grass and rocks, travel through mud, and more. 

RC rock crawlers also have different features that make them more rugged than the average vehicle. It’s all these features that allow them to move over rocks and other obstacles. Most rock crawlers features solid axles instead of individual suspension and have four-wheel drive. It’s also common for the chassis to be solid and the wheels to be made of a softer material glued to the wheels. This gives them more traction, which is important so they have the grip to climb over obstacles. 

Are remote control rock crawlers fast?

Generally, RC rock crawlers are not designed for speed. They’re meant for climbing rocks and obstacles rather than racing. Even so, some RC rock crawlers do move pretty quickly over the rocks. Their speed generally ranges from just a few miles per hour to as much as 40 mph.

One of the advantages of the lower speed is that it’s great for younger kids who are learning to handle cars. For more speed, you’ll want to invest in a higher car or upgrade the parts that your child’s car has. Something to keep in mind is that not all cars can be upgraded, depending on the overall design. 

How can I make my RC rock crawler faster?

For kids building their own RC rock crawler, it may be possible to increase speed. RC rock crawlers have a gear ratio that controls acceleration and the maximum speed. You’ll see two gears on the crawler; the spur gear and the pinion gear. These need upgraded to maximize speed and acceleration.

This is easiest to do with a build kit, especially since your child will already have the tools on hand from assembling the crawler. If you did not buy a build kit, you’ll want to contact the company you bought it from. Some have upgrade parts on hand, while others can point you in the right direction. You’ll also want to invest in some tools designed for hobby building to ensure you can get the job done. 

How can I upgrade my RC rock crawler? 

To make the best remote control rock crawler, many people upgrade different parts. Before you buy it, be sure you’ve chosen something that can be upgraded.

While it’s common to be able to upgrade on some of the more expensive models, some of the lower-end do not let you easily access the parts to upgrade. Additionally, it can be helpful to look for a rock crawler that comes with a troubleshooting guide and a manual for the different parts. This will give you the information you need to make upgrades. 

In most cases, you’ll need to be sure the parts you are buying are compatible with the design of your rock crawler. The easiest way to do this is buying directly through the company if they offer upgradable parts. Additionally, customer service may be able to help if you have specific questions about upgrading to get your best remote control rock crawler.

It may also be easier to start with an RC rock crawler build kit if you want to make upgrades. This provides insight on how all the different parts go together. Like when working on a car, practice makes it easier to understand what needs to be done to upgrade your crawler. 


Samantha Davis is a part-time writer and a full-time mommy of two boys, Apollo (age 5) and Adrien (age 7). She has been working as a writer for seven years and loves the freedom it gives her to spend time with her boys and fiance.and do things like camping, swimming, and painting. She is also a parent to three fur babies- two dogs and a cat!



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