How Fast Can a Monster RC Truck Go?

Last Updated on December 3, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

Radio-controlled (RC) trucks have become incredibly popular over the last few decades, providing an exciting hobby for enthusiasts around the world. From small backyard bashers to massive, high-speed racing beasts, the RC truck market has something for everyone. But just how fast can these trucks get? 

When you start talking about the largest scale models and purpose-built speed machines, the speeds they can achieve are truly mind-blowing.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the upper limits of what’s currently possible with today’s monster RC trucks. We’ll cover the different truck sizes and classes, the speeds they can reach, and some of the custom builds and world records that push the boundaries of RC performance.

Whether you’re just getting into the hobby or are a seasoned RC veteran, you’re sure to be impressed by just how outrageously quick the fastest trucks can be. So let’s get started!

Truck Sizes and Speed Classes

To understand how fast monster trucks can go, we first need to understand the different truck sizes and speed classes.

RC trucks come in many different scales, with 1/10 scale being the most common for hobby-grade models. But for maximum speed, enthusiasts turn to the largest truck sizes, typically 1/5 scale and bigger.

Some key truck size classes include:

• 1/5 scale – Around 12-15 inches long, powered by gas engines up to 26cc
• 1/4 scale – Around 20 inches long, powered by up to 45cc gas engines
• 1/3 scale – Over 20 inches long, running 60cc+ gas engines
• 1/2 scale – Almost 3 feet long, with massive 150cc+ gas engines

Within each size class, there are various speed divisions as well. Some sanctioned racing 

bodies like ROAR (Remotely Operated Auto Racers) have specific speed classes:

• Stock (Class 1) – Up to 30 mph
• Super Stock (Class 2) – 30-50 mph
• Modified (Class 3) – 50-70 mph
• Pro Modified (Class 4) – 70+ mph

So right off the bat, we can see properly geared and powered RC trucks are capable of hitting 70+ mph on the high end of stock racing classes. But as you move into unlimited custom builds and open-speed runs, things get even more extreme.

Real-World Maximum Speeds

When you remove restrictions on truck size, gearing, and engine power, the top speeds achievable by RC trucks are staggering. Using professional GPS speed measurement equipment, here are some current records and maximum verified speeds for different truck 

sizes and classes:

• 1/5 scale – Over 85 mph
• 1/4 scale – Over 110 mph
• 1/3 scale – Over 140 mph
• 1/2 scale – Over 175 mph!

To put that in perspective, a 1/2 scale truck reaching 175+ mph is moving faster than many production sports cars! These trucks are absolute monsters, built from the ground up for sheer speed using custom chassis, high-end racing parts, and the most powerful gas engines available.

Let’s take a closer look at some specific examples that show just how outrageous RC trucks can get.

World Records and Notable Builds

MCD Racing Monster Truck

One of the current world speed record holders for RC cars of any type is a custom monster truck built by MCD Racing. Powered by a 26cc gasoline engine, their 1/5 scale truck hit an average of 98.2 mph across two timed speed trap runs.

To optimize it for speed, the truck runs a center spine chassis with four huge tires custom suspension components, and drivetrain parts from the ground up. This build shows that even 1/5 scale trucks can break 100 mph with the right setup.

Traxxas XO-1

While not setting any records, the Traxxas XO-1 was one of the first ready-to-run RC trucks capable of hitting 100+ mph out of the box. The XO-1 launched in 2011 and could reach speeds over 100 mph using a castle creation brushless motor and 2-speed transmission.

While tame by today’s standards, it brought big speed to the masses and kickstarted an “out of control” speed-chasing trend in RC.

MCD Racing 1/4 Scale

Moving up to 1/4 scale, the MCD team used a Monster Truck-sized 3W-40cc gas engine to push their truck to an average of 116 mph, claiming the 1/4 scale world record. Their custom tube chassis, racing suspension, and high-performance engine combo allowed their truck to top out over an insane 130 mph.

Hot Rod Hobbies Raminator

The current record-holder for the fastest 1/4 scale RC truck is Hot Rod Hobbies with their Raminator truck. It uses a 45cc gasoline engine to deliver an average speed of 119.59 mph across two consecutive runs.

Built on a racing truck platform, the Raminator has high-end parts and careful gearing optimization to reach its record top speeds.

SRC 1/3 Scale Nero

Things get even more outrageous when you move up to 1/3 scale and beyond. The current certified Guinness World Record for the fastest RC truck is held by SRC and their Nero truck. At 1/3 scale and running a 91cc gas engine, this custom speed demon hit an average of 159.27 mph, with a top speed exceeding 175 mph!

TTC 1/2 Scale

Last but not least, the current overall world record for any RC vehicle is held by TTC and their massive 1/2 scale truck.

Hardly a typical RC at over 4 feet long and 60 lbs, this truck used twin 32cc gas engines to blast across the speed traps at an average of 183.582 mph in 2016, showing the potential of these extreme trucks.

Factors Affecting Speed

Now that we’ve seen the potential maximum speeds, let’s discuss some of the key factors that contribute to how fast an RC monster truck can ultimately go. The speed that a truck is capable of depends on several interrelated components and design choices.

Chassis Design

A truck’s chassis provides the foundation for all the other speed-enabling components. Racing-focused chassis are designed for stiffness and stability at high speeds.

They also position key parts like the engine, drivetrain, and suspension for optimal performance. Common features include composite materials, wide front ends, four-link rear suspension, and reinforced bulkheads.

Tires & Wheels

The grip is essential for maximizing speed, so high-speed trucks run extra wide, soft racing tires designed for pavement or hardpack dirt. Large-diameter wheels help provide more ground clearance for rough terrain. Proper tire size, tread pattern, and compression all affect traction off the line and stability at speed.

Suspension Travel

Long suspension travel and properly tuned shocks allow trucks to better handle impacts and roughness at speed. This keeps the tires planted and chassis stable over irregular terrain. Racing-oriented suspension arms, shock towers, anti-roll bars, and shocks are engineered for smooth high-speed operation.

Drivetrain

Drivetrain components like motors, gearing, differentials, drive shafts, and transmissions must be robust and optimized for extreme speeds.

Large motors (gas or electric) with proper gearing deliver tremendous torque and RPMs to push trucks past 100+ mph. Multi-speed transmissions and limited-slip differentials further enhance acceleration and grip.

Vehicle Weight

While counterintuitive, more weight and momentum actually improves high speed stability up to a point. Heavier trucks resist changes in direction better and hold lines at maximum speed.

Excess weight limits agility however, so an optimal balance must be found through testing. Secondary battery packs are often mounted low to lower center of gravity.

Aerodynamics

At 100+ mph even minor aerodynamic inefficiencies can sap power and speed. Smoothing airflow over the chassis, around the wheels, and especially on the truck body helps optimize speed.

Strategies like enclosed wheel wells, venturi underbodies, chin spoilers, and rear wings provide valuable aero benefits.

Gearing

One of the key determining factors in a truck’s top speed is its final drive gear ratio. Higher numerical gears allow engines to reach higher RPMs and thus higher speeds, at the expense of some acceleration.

Precision gearing calculations and testing ensures trucks stay in their engine’s power band at maximum speed.

Design Strategies for Speed

To translate all these complex factors into a fast RC truck, experienced builders use varying design strategies depending on their goals. Here are some of the most common approaches.

Scale Realism vs Performance

Many RC trucks aim for accurate scale looks above absolute speed. But for max speed, performance parts take priority over scale realism and appearance. Chassis, tires, suspension, and other parts are chosen solely for speed benefits rather than looks.

On-Road vs Off-Road Design

Trucks built for paved surfaces optimize for traction and minimize ground clearance with low ride heights. Off-road designs incorporate longer suspension, higher clearances and a wider stance at the expense of peak speed. Some hybrid setups aim for the best of both worlds.

Racing Lineage

Proven race truck platforms make ideal starting points to create speed-focused trucks. Race-bred chassis, suspension geometries, and configurations translate well to high speed stability and handling. Aftermarket parts can further optimize the design.

Gas vs Electric Power

Electric speeds top out around 60 mph for most hobbyists, but gas engines have essentially unlimited speed potential given enough horsepower. They require more maintenance however. Some trucks use small gas engines mainly as a power source for big electric motors.

Custom Designs

For all-out speed, custom chassis, suspension, drivetrain, and engine components built from scratch offer the ultimate optimization. Entire vehicles can be CAD designed and CNC manufactured to precisely target speed goals. But this costs serious money and expertise.

Speed Testing Procedures

Verifying a truck’s actual maximum speed requires careful measurement procedures. Simply claiming an RC truck can go 150+ mph doesn’t make it true – the speed must be objectively measured under controlled conditions.

GPS Speed Traps

The most common speed testing method relies on GPS data for accuracy. Two markers are placed exactly 402 feet apart, with truck speed measured at each point. The average speed across two consecutive runs in opposite directions verifies peak speed.

Radar Guns

Police-grade radar guns are another popular speed measurement tool. The radar gun is pointed along the truck’s path and confirms the top speeds achieved. Multiple runs in both directions improve accuracy.

Speed Traps

Low-tech options like break-beam sensors at the start and end of a marked track length can also calculate speed. Timing electronics measure elapsed time between the sensors and calculate speed. But GPS and radar methods are preferable.

Conditions

Speed runs are usually done on flat, smooth paved surfaces with plenty of run-off room. Runs in both directions account for wind, slope, or surface variations. Strictly controlling weather, battery charge, tire condition, and other factors improves consistency.

Validation

For official speed records, runs must be witnessed and verified by others. Having an experienced third party confirm track dimensions, setup, timing systems, and measured speed adds credibility and can satisfy Guinness World Record requirements.

Power Sources for Maximum Speed

The power plant is arguably the most important component dictating a truck’s top speed. Let’s compare the pros and cons of different engine options when aiming for maximum speed.

Electric Motors

Efficient brushless electric motors are simple to use and quick, but limited in top speed potential for RC use – perhaps 60 mph maximum for most hobbyists. That said, some custom electric trucks have exceeded 100 mph using very specialized components.

Nitro Engines

Specially tuned nitromethane racing engines can propel trucks past 110 mph and are a popular high-performance option. But they require careful tuning and maintenance and  emit harsh exhaust. Fuel also contains oil, which can make a mess.

Gasoline Engines

For all-out speed, high-power gas engines are hard to beat. Hobby-grade gasoline engines in the 15cc to 60cc range can reasonably power trucks past 150 mph when properly geared. Larger displacement gas engines have essentially unlimited speed potential if matched with the right drivetrain and chassis.

Safety Considerations

When running trucks at such outrageous speeds, safety has to be the top priority. Just one mishap at 150+ mph could easily cause severe injuries or worse. 

Here are some key considerations:

• Always wear eye protection and closed-toe shoes when speed running
• Ensure adequate runoff room in case of loss of control
• Verify trucks have proper shock absorbers, ride height, and gearing for the intended speed
• Check for loose components and damaged parts before each run
• Carefully extend the radio antenna to maintain a solid signal at a distance
• Use spotters to watch for safety and track obstructions
• Shut down the engine immediately if anything seems amiss
• Avoid running near spectators until speeds are verified

The speeds achievable by today’s RC monster trucks are hard to believe until you see them with your own eyes. But with diligent design, precise construction, and safe operation, these extreme trucks can safely reach velocities of over 175 mph!

It takes immense expertise, patience, and precision to push RC trucks to their absolute limits. But the reward is experiencing insanely high speeds in miniaturized form.

FAQs

What’s the biggest factor affecting an RC truck’s top speed?

The engine/motor and final drive gearing are the biggest determining factors. More powerful gas engines paired with higher numerical gears enable higher maximum speeds.

What speeds can a typical hobby-grade RC truck reach?

Most ready-to-run hobby trucks top out around 30-60 mph depending on their scale and power system. With modifications, 60-100 mph is possible for advanced hobbyists.

What’s the best power source for max speed trucks?

Large-displacement gasoline engines from 15cc up to 150cc have the most speed potential for RC use. Electric motors top out around 60 mph realistically.

What design strategies are used on super-fast trucks?

Purpose-built chassis, four-link suspension, wide tires, low ride height, smooth aerodynamics, and precision gearing optimized specifically for speed.

How is speed officially measured and verified?

Using GPS speed traps and professional radar guns over a timed 402 foot track, verified across two consecutive passes in opposite directions under controlled conditions.

Conclusion

Today’s fastest RC monster trucks represent the cutting edge of performance and speed. With the right combination of chassis design, specialized parts, and immense power from gas engines, these trucks are capable of exceeding 175 mph!

While not something the average hobbyist will replicate, it’s an impressive demonstration of RC technology pushed to the absolute limit.

For those who live for speed, monster trucks offer an unparalleled thrill that no other RC vehicle can match. Just be sure to prioritize proper safety practices when operating trucks at such outrageous velocities.