RC Monster Trucks

Remote control monster trucks are available from Horizon Hobby® in a variety of sizes, with different power systems and performance levels. What all of our monster trucks with remote control share are realistic looks based on the full-scale trucks that draw enthusiastic crowds to arena monster truck events. Like those trucks, remote control monster trucks (also called radio control monster trucks or RC monster trucks) roll on big tires that seem out of proportion with the rest of the vehicle. They also often have wild body paint schemes. And like the real monster trucks, many RC monster truck models can do stunts such as backflips and wheelies.

In full-scale, an ordinary truck becomes a monster truck when custom upgrades such as large displacement engines, extra-tough suspensions, four-wheel steering, and massive tires are added. Outfitted for shows and competition with these changes, the real monster trucks can leap, endo (somersault), and perform long-lasting wheelies. These high-horsepower machines drive audiences absolutely wild.

Remote control monster trucks likewise have a huge fan base that includes modelers of all ages. If you have a fondness for monster trucks and RC vehicles that are large and loud, RC monster trucks are for you!

To reproduce full-size monster trucks as accurately as possible in remote control monster truck model form, the designers of some Horizon Hobby brands work together with such well-known figures in the real monster truck world as Monster Jam® and Dennis Anderson (who is sometimes referred to as “the godfather of monster trucks”). Anderson got his start selling T-shirts while demoing his Grave Digger monster truck at fairs across the country. The Grave Digger is now a legend in monster truck circles.

Of course, there’s more to reproducing a legendary real monster truck than capturing its profile and paint scheme. Remote control monster truck manufacturers also work hard to develop RC trucks that can perform stunts like those seen at full-scale monster truck competitions, which serve as the model for RC monster truck events. The RC versions also compete on identical courses, like a drag race but with turns and jumps. At the end of the race, the drivers show off their best freestyle maneuvers.

You can find several scale RC monster truck versions of the Grave Digger at Horizon Hobby. It’s available in the Losi® brand as the 1/10 scale brushless LMT 4WD Solid Axle Grave Digger. There’s also a lower-cost brushed Grave Digger model from Axial® Both of these come ready-to-run, and both are officially licensed by Monster Jam.

On the outside, remote control monster truck models include such eye-catching scale details as headers, driver figures, and working LED light systems. Inside on the chassis, the manufacturers use rugged engineering that’s not so different from what you’d see in a real monster truck. Horizon Hobby brands offer monster trucks with remote control in many different sizes, with a wide range of speed and other performance capabilities. No matter what your experience level, you can find an RC monster truck that’s perfectly suited for however you plan to use it.

If size is your top concern, check out our large-scale RC monster trucks like the Redcat Racing Rampage MT. At 1/5 scale, it measures over two feet long and carries a 32cc engine for authentic gasoline power. It’s large, loud, and fast!

Brushless electric powered options are also available that are nearly as big and practically as powerful. The 1/8 scale, all-terrain KRATON® 6S from ARRMA® can reach speeds of up to 60 mph using a 6S LiPo battery and the included optional speed pinion gear. Eager for some stunt action in addition to ballistic speed? The tough chassis design of the 1/8 scale ARRMA NOTORIOUS™ lets you defy gravity with high leaps, aerial backflips, long wheelies, and lots more freestyle fun.

There are also times when size isn’t everything. Maybe you’d like to bring your remote control monster truck action indoors. In that case, the mini electric Associated MT28 may be the RC monster truck for you. At 1/28 scale, it measures less than six inches long — making it at home almost anywhere, even on an indoor course, and very affordable, too.

Like other RC vehicle categories, remote control monster trucks give you the option of buying ready-to-run (RTR) packages or building your model from a kit.

If you want to get started driving ASAP or are brand new to the hobby, we recommend choosing a ready-to-run RC monster truck. Almost all of the assembly and finishing work has been done for you at the factory. Nearly everything you’ll need to run your monster truck model is included. Read the Horizon Hobby product description closely before ordering in case a few small items, such a battery and charger, are required. Ready-to-run RC monster trucks are available for experienced drivers as well as beginners. Measuring more than two feet long, the 1/6 scale brushless electric Redcat Racing Shredder can charge across terrain that stops some 1/10 scale vehicles cold.

Kit versions of remote control monster trucks require varying amounts of assembly, letting you choose how much custom building you want to do. For example, the Axial 1/10 SMT10™ Raw Builders Kit is basically a tube frame chassis, similar to those found in real monster trucks. It does not come with a body, electronics, tires, and radio, but these are items experienced modelers often prefer to select for themselves. Here again, you’ll want to pay close attention to the kit product description to make sure you understand the challenges involved and additional purchases needed.

Once you get started driving remote control monster trucks, you may catch the itch that eventually hits almost all RC hobbyists: You’ll want to make your RC model perform even better than it did out of the box. Horizon Hobby carries replacement and upgrade parts for our RC monster trucks. See what you can do to make your monster truck run faster and jump farther!