Types of Axial RC Rock Crawlers

From the palm sized Axial SCX24 to the oversized SCX6, RC rock crawlers come in all shapes and sizes. There’s more than one type of rock crawler, so to go along with the variety of rigs in the segment there are a variety of terms defining and differentiating those rigs. To the uninitiated, or even the experienced crawler, it can get confusing. It’s important to realize that “RC rock crawler” is a blanket term. Some rock crawlers are strictly built to dominate the rocks, while some are crafted to be more show than go. Below are some of the unofficial definitions of the different types of rigs found in the RC rock crawling segment.

Trail Buggies

Trail buggies are purpose-built and highly capable radio control vehicles designed specifically for use on off-road trails. While used all over the United States and beyond, RC trail buggies are extremely popular in western states such as Utah, home of the famous Moab off-road destination. They’re called buggies because they have full tube chassis with body panels for the sides, hood, and roof. You aren’t likely to see too many full-scale trail buggies driving down the road. Trailered to trail heads, trail buggies are not typically street legal and are custom DIY creations or made by small fabrication shops. They most often have two or four seat layouts. The Axial UTB10 and UTB18 Capras are modeled after these trail buggies. The AXP8 Gilamon 2.2, released in 2025, is a 1/8-scale RC trail buggy. In RC and full-size, trail buggies can use standard or portal axles and have 2WS or 4WS.

Rock Racers

Rock racers are designed specifically for competition and get used on both natural and manmade rock courses. As the name implies, the focus is on speed, not finesse. How fast the rig can get through the course is the main goal compared to precision. The rock racer term is also used for vehicles that combine desert racing with rock crawling at events such as the wildly popular and famous annual King of the Hammers. The top class in this hybrid form of competition is the U4 class, which can have solid axles or independent suspension or a combination of both. Rock racing isn’t just a contest of speed over desert and maneuverability up and over rocks, it is a battle of attrition. The old saying “that to finish first, you must first finish” is definitely the hallmark of rock racing. The Axial Yeti and RR10 Bomber were past releases dedicated to the RC rock racing segment.

Rock Bouncers

Also known as southern rock bouncers, these tube-framed rigs feature large tires and a lot of horsepower. They are used on hill climbs where power and aggressive driving are used to bounce over obstacles. Rock bouncers have long wheelbases, typically seat one or two people, and are used for recreation and competition. Often powered by large V8 engines, rock bouncers are built for abuse and frequently roll down hills hitting trees and rocks along the way. As a result, they feature a lot of cage work and usually have some of the most unique tube framework designs. The Axial RBX10 Ryft is purpose built for RC rock bouncing, but it is a favorite for general bashing too.

Scale Trucks

Strictly an RC term, from mild to fairly wild, scale RC trucks are rigs that are made to look like full-size vehicles. They are scale representations that sometimes get placed in one of two different buckets – trail trucks and dollhouse trucks.

Trail Trucks

Again, more of an RC term, trail trucks combine scale realism and performance. That said, these rigs must be capable enough to navigate obstacles. These RC trucks get used on trail rides and often run in groups. Trail trucks are functional models that mimic real full-size rigs. The Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 is a perfect example of a trail truck – it combines scale realism without compromising performance.

Dollhouse Trucks

Made to be exact RC replicas that make you do a doubletake, dollhouse trucks are all about deep scale realism. Attention detail and authenticity are favored over peak performance. While plenty see trail use, many dollhouse trucks are strictly showpieces. Dollhouse trucks often have details such as sparkplug wires, seat belts, illuminated dashboards, and articulated drivers. It’s all about the details.

Even More RC Crawlers Mean More Fun

Rock crawler types doesn’t end there, however. There are Comp Rigs, which are RC crawlers built specifically for competition. The Axial SCX10 Pro is one of the most popular kits used for RC crawling competition. You’ll also likely hear the term Cheater Rigs, which are like Comp Rigs but forgo strict adherence to a rule set. Cheater Rigs can be used in unsanctioned competition, but most are built just to conquer impossible lines. Many Cheater Rigs have been built using the Axial UTB10 Capra as a base. Bottom line - no matter what you call your rig, the goal is to have fun.