Best RC Trail Truck [Traxxas TRX-4 top one]

Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

If you enjoy off-roading but don’t want the expensive upkeep of a real 4×4 truck, an RC trail truck is a great alternative. RC trail trucks are radio-controlled scale models designed to traverse rocky, uneven terrain with ease. I’ve tested my fair share of trail trucks and compiled my picks for the best RC trail trucks in various categories.

Reviews of the Best RC Trail Trucks

Truck Model	Type	Price	Skill Level	Key Features
Axial SCX10 III	Kit or RTR	CHECK LATEST PRICE	Intermediate to Advanced	– Excellent articulation and handling – Realistic scale details – Tough transmission and driveline
Traxxas TRX-4	RTR	CHECK LATEST PRICE	Beginner to Intermediate	– Licensed Land Rover body – Durable aluminum chassis – Functional scale accessories
Redcat Racing Everest Gen7	Kit	CHECK LATEST PRICE	Beginner	– Composite chassis – Huge range of upgrade parts – 1990s Jeep Wrangler body
Axial Capra	Kit	CHECK LATEST PRICE	Advanced	– Race-winning rock crawler design – Optimized weight distribution – Durable drivetrain
Vaterra Ascender	Kit	CHECK LATEST PRICE	Beginner to Intermediate	– 1967 Chevrolet K10 body – Quality ladder frame – Tons of scale upgrade parts

What is an RC Trail Truck?

RC trail trucks are built for off-road adventures. They have features tailored specifically for climbing over large obstacles, traversing rocky terrain, and handling mud, dirt and water. While fast RC cars focus on speed, RC trail trucks prioritize torque, ground clearance, grip, and durability.

Many trail trucks mimic the look and performance of popular 1:1 scale trucks like Jeeps or Land Rovers. Popular scale details include complex suspension systems, replica tires with deep lugs, metal frame rails, working winches, and licensed body shells. These details make the trucks ultra realistic looking and performing.

Here are some key features that allow RC trail trucks to excel off-road:

Motor Type

Brushless motors provide more torque and better heat resistance than standard brushed motors. This allows them to power through tough terrain without losing speed.

Radio System

RC trail trucks need a radio system with precise throttle and steering control. 2.4GHz radios offer excellent range and minimal interference so your inputs translate perfectly to truck movement.

Shock Absorbers

Oil-filled shocks with adjustable damping give the best suspension articulation. This allows all four tires to maintain contact over uneven ground for maximum traction.

Tires

Deep lug tires made from sticky rubber compounds provide tremendous grip on rocks and loose dirt. Beadlock rims help lock the tire beads in place so air pressure is consistent around the whole tire.

Chassis and Body Materials

Durable materials like aluminum, steel, or composite plastics ensure the chassis and body can handle hard crashes without damage.

Scale Details

Functional scale details like front and rear winches, spare tire mounts, and complex suspension systems improve realism and play.

Benefits of RC Trail Trucks

Here are some of the best things about the trail truck hobby:

Fun Hobby for All Ages

RC trailing is an enjoyable hobby for kids and adults alike. The trucks provide a realistic off-roading experience with zero risk, so the whole family can get involved.

Teaches Mechanical Skills

Assembling, tuning, and repairing RC trucks teaches you useful mechanical skills. You also learn basic electronics by installing and updating components.

Enjoy Off-Roading Without the High Costs

Owning and maintaining real trucks or Jeeps for off-road use is very expensive. RC trucks provide a budget-friendly alternative so you can enjoy off-road driving regularly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an RC Trail Truck

With many trail truck options available, it helps to narrow your selection based on:

Intended Use

Consider when and where you plan to run the truck. Trucks designed for competition crawling need extreme articulation while trail bashers can sacrifice some mobility for durability.

Your Skill Level

Beginners do best with ready-to-run (RTR) trucks that come fully assembled. Intermediate hobbyists can stretch their skills with kit builds. Experts may opt for aftermarket parts to customize truck performance.

Budget

RC trail trucks range hugely in price from just over $100 to $1,000 or more. Set a firm budget and find the best truck you can afford. Remember to factor in batteries, chargers, and any optional upgrades.

Reviews of the Best RC Trail Trucks

After extensive testing on rugged trails, rock piles, mud holes and more, here are my top RC trail truck recommendations:

Axial SCX10 III – Best Overall Trail Truck

The Axial SCX10 III is the best all-around RC rock crawler combining performance, features, and looks.

Performance

This truck handles seriously challenging terrain better than any other RTR I’ve tested. The chassis design provides excellent articulation to keep tires planted while axle-mounted servo placements improve approach and departure angles. There’s adequate low-end torque, even with the stock brushed motor.

Features

Noteworthy features include:

• Dig function on the two-speed transmission for extra torque when needed
• Remote locks for the differentials
• Functional spare tire mount
• Standard battery tray fits full-size packs
• Optimized gear ratios maximize crawling speed/torque combo

Pros

• Incredible articulation and handling capabilities
• Ultra realistic scale details and licensed Icon Alloys 1.9 tires
• Tough transmission and driveline
• Highly durable composite chassis

Cons

• Stock electronics work well but upgrades offer more power
• Body mounts prone to breaking from hard crashes

For a ready-to-run scale crawler with superior terrain conquering abilities straight out of the box, the SCX10 III leads the pack. With a few choice upgrades, it can compete at the highest levels.

Traxxas TRX-4 – Best Ready-to-Run Trail Truck

If you want a feature-packed RTR crawler without the hassle of building a kit, the Traxxas TRX-4 is an excellent choice.

This officially licensed Land Rover Defender replica looks and performs just like the real deal. The faithfully modeled body sits atop a 3mm thick anodized aluminum chassis fitted with a portal axle suspension system.

High torque steering servos provide precise low-speed control. A waterproof XL-5 HV ESC and Titan 550 motor supply ample crawling power. The 2-speed transmission with remote shifting optimizes either torque or speed as needed.

While the TRX-4 lacks the articulation of competitive rock racers, it’s far more durable. The stiff chassis, locking differentials, and low gear ratios make it an exceptional trail truck. Even novice drivers can conquer impressive obstacles without breaking parts.

Pros

• Incredibly realistic licensed Land Rover body
• Tough aluminum chassis and Ultra Shocks
• Functional LED lights, winch, and spare tire
• Waterproof electronics
• Easy to upgrade and modify

Cons

• Lacks articulation for advanced rock crawling
• Weak plastic links prone to breaking
• Expensive

Out of all the RTR scale trucks, the TRX-4 offers the best blend of performance, realism, and durability making it well worth the investment.

Redcat Racing Everest Gen7 – Best Budget Trail Truck

Redcat proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy RC trailing with their wallet-friendly Everest Gen7.

Despite the low cost, nothing about this truck screams cheap. The signature Redcat red chassis is motor on hard plastic composite. Oil filled shocks provide over 2 inches of travel and the sealed receiver box ensures reliable radio control.

While factory electronics seem underpowered, that helps new drivers ease into the hobby without destroying drivetrain parts. And the Gen7 takes well to brushless motor, servo and radio upgrades when you’re ready.

The officially licensed 1990s Jeep Wrangler body looks fantastic perched atop the vast range of affordable hop-up parts Redcat produces. Between scale realism and terrain capability, it’s tough finding a better value truck.

Pros

• Excellent value
• Durable composite chassis
• Impressive factory electronics for the low price
• Great scale details
• Huge array of affordable upgrade parts

Cons

• Lacks high-end performance capabilities
• Frustrating to assemble from kit
• Weak stock transmission

The Redcat Racing Everest Gen7 proves you don’t need deep pockets to own a highly capable and great looking trail truck. It’s the perfect budget rig to start your RC crawling adventures.

Axial Capra – Top Performing Rock Racer

If competitive-level rock crawling is your goal, the Axial Capra belongs on your short list. This purpose-built race rig utilizes high-end components that out-perform most out-of-box offerings.

Its straight rail chassis design with optimized weight distribution lets the Capra climb over massive boulders and conquer off-camber obstacles that stop lesser trucks. Ultra4 inspired suspension geometry and quality shocks produce insane articulation.

Despite lacking any scale detailing, the raw rock racing performance is incredible. The transmission, driveline and electrics hold up to severe use too. Out of all the pre-built kits I’ve tested, the Capra dominates the most extreme terrain.

Pros

• Race-winning articulation and geometry
• Durable drivetrain equipped for brute power
• Lightweight chassis and body

Cons

• Lacks any scale realism
• Less capable as a trail truck

Vaterra Ascender – Great Value Scale Crawler

The Vaterra Ascender provides an affordable way to enter the scaling crawling hobby. Despite a sub-$400 price, it doesn’t feel entry-level.

A quality ladder frame chassis comes dressed in a detailed 1967 Chevrolet K10 body. Leaf spring suspension, locking differentials and low range gearing make it a capable novice-friendly trail truck too.

While not quite a performance upgrade, the Ascender benefits from a huge range of scale accessories. The customizable nature means you can build this into almost any realistic rig you desire through additional purchases.

Pros

• Very affordable pricing
• Quality chassis and drivetrain
• Tons of scale upgrade parts

Cons

• Weak shocks limit articulation
• Frustrating to build from kit

FAQs

Are trail trucks good on pavement or grass?

While capable on smooth surfaces, their specialized off-road features make them less ideal. The high ground clearance causes tippy handling and ultra sticky tires wear out faster on pavement. Trail trucks excel when driven in their intended bumpy, rocky conditions.

How fast can they go?

Trail trucks prioritize torque over speed, with typical top speeds of just 5-10mph. Their low gear ratios provide maximum slow speed crawling control rather than race car velocity.

Can I run them in snow?

With the right tires, most trail trucks handle snow reasonably well. Focus on deep, open lugs that don’t pack tightly with snow. Studded tires provide even better snow traction.

What motor upgrades should I consider?

Brushed motors eventually wear out from friction contacts. Replacing them with a sensored brushless system provides way more power, efficiency and durability. Popular choices are hobbywing 1080 or Castle Creations brushless combos.

Should I modify or upgrade parts?

The customizable nature of RC trucks means the options for upgrades are endless! But it’s best to run trucks stock initially as improving your driving skills will benefit you most. Only upgrade parts that directly limit current performance.

Conclusion

RC trail trucks unlock all the adventure of real world off-roading in convenient bite-sized packages. Their durability, all-terrain competency and scale realism make them a blast to drive whether tackling obstacles in your backyard or at a crawling competition.

The Axial SCX10 III brings phenomenal terrain handling abilities, the Traxxas TRX-4 offers unmatched RTR realism and durability, while the Redcat Racing Gen7 provides incredible value. With one of these trucks ready to conquer trails, your off-road adventures are just beginning.