5 Tips for Buying RC Ready-To-Run Cars and Trucks – 2024 Guide

Remote control car races are quite popular around the globe and contain quite a lot of race categories. The main division, however, is to the “concrete” competitions (on-road) and those on tougher terrain (off-road). Now, you must wonder how different are they from the normal car races in such categories?

“On-road” races are held on specialized tracks which, if held in the open, are mostly asphalt, while for races held indoors the surface is asphalt or made of artificial materials such as rugs or rubber surfaces.

“Off-road” races are held in open spaces, on tracks whose base must be 50% natural soil, in accordance with the rules, while in indoor races, various artificial surfaces are used, including natural land.

It’s interesting to know that these remote-control car races are quite an old hobby. The first world championship was organized in 1977. It even has an umbrella organization, called IFMAR (International Federation of Model Auto Racing).

Some may say it’s a typical boy hobby, however, grown men have been occupied with car modeling as well. Not to extend the story further, since you’ve already obviously interested and a hobby owner yourself, since you’re reading this article. Here some tips to follow when buying RC Ready-To-Run Cars and Trucks.

1. Type of engine

Car modeling is a branched sport with many different disciplines. In addition to electric, there are also cars with gasoline and nitro engines. Propulsion can also be a battery, therefore when buying one it’s wise to make sure the supplier gives you the option to buy additional batteries. For example, if you choose Traxxas Slash model of truck, purchase it on traxxas slash 2wd because the additional or spare equipment can be found with the same supplier.

Nitro engines are popular, but a bit noisier than the others. For that reason, some areas prohibit the exercise of this sport, due to the noise they make. Electric is obviously a less noisy option, that’s why maybe a safer option as well. In terms of the place, you can use them. In addition, electric can be faster than nitro, which may come as a surprise.

2. Choose based on the type of race you plan to compete in

Based on the type of race you feel most passionate about competing in, you can choose between drift and race type. These are the two disciplines of competitions are organized for electric cars.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of what they are, and what kind of electric cars and trucks are competing in each. Similar to drifting competitions in the real car races, electric cars follow the same trend (driving in lateral style, around the corners). The drift evaluates the appearance of the car’s body and, of course, the skill of passing through corners. The artistic, and aesthetic impression of the whole is more important than the speed itself because this is the art of the beauty of movement, after all. ABS plastic is used for the tires as it has the ability to slip and a slight grip, which is why the car can slip through corners.

In race disciplines, the goal is to pass the track as quickly as possible, so the tires must be especially able to grip better through corners. Certain categories follow specific rules. For example, in some, the model must not be lighter than 1523 grams, the engine must be LRP-HPI challenge 17T type and the default gear ratio must also be respected.
So, if you have attended a particular race and wanted to compete, research the type and the category for deciding what kind of car you’ll buy.

3. Two-wheel or four-wheel drive

The choice you make based on the drive depends on what makes your adrenaline pump up. Some claim that a two-wheeler is a safer option because you have less risk of breaking something like a drivetrain. Plus, they do not limit you when it comes to the fun stuff like wheel spinning. However, if you’re a beginner and need a bit more experience in controlling the car while it picks up the speed, then maybe go with the stability option of a four-wheeler.

4. Spare parts

Just like buying a real car, the availability of spare parts is what you want to choose your model based on. So, don’t buy a model for which you have no chances of purchasing parts in a timely manner.

Even though they appear as toys, buying one does not mean the story is over. Additionally, you can develop a passion for personalizing your machine. Maybe you’ll want to add something to it, to increase the performance, or to change the body by painting in. Who knows where creativity might lead you.

Another thing about these cars and their spare parts is that they are quite fast. This means there’s a possibility they can crash pretty well and might need repairs and maintenance. Going 30 to 50 miles per hour is not slow.

5. Battery life

As it was mentioned in the beginning, electric RC’s use the battery as propulsion. And you already know there are tons of batteries available at the market. So, how do you know which one would be the best for your hobby? Here, the question of affordability is raised. You can always choose between the cheaper versions and the expensive ones. The cheaper ones are made of nickel-metal hydride and in terms of durability, they are a decent choice. Lithium-based batteries are being promoted all over, but cost more as well.

In any case, what you want to look for is a battery with higher voltage power. This will determine how fast the engine will spin. Pay close attention to whether the engine can take the voltage of the battery, not to make a wrong purchase.

This is a unique hobby that all car lovers adore, regardless of age. Especially those who always dreamt about becoming a professional car racer, but for certain reasons could not do so. Hopefully, these tips will lead you to a satisfactory purchase of your first RC car or truck.