RC crawlers for beginners: scale, kit or RTR and the first upgrades

With crawlers, top speed does not matter, control does. At walking pace they climb over rocks, roots and stairs, articulate their axles and keep going where other RC cars give up. That makes crawlers an ideal way into the hobby: they need little space and can be driven all year round: in the garden, on your own land, in the woods with the owner’s permission, or on a home-made course in the living room.

Which scale suits you?

Mini crawlers in 1:24 and 1:18 are inexpensive and quick to set up; a stack of books is enough of an obstacle for them. For getting started off-road, 1:10 is the classic choice: enough size and ground clearance for real terrain, the widest choice of tuning and spare parts, and batteries that fit many other models too. Our crawlers come in all three size classes. Whether it should be a crawler at all is covered in the guide RC car for beginners.

Ready to run or kit?

An RTR crawler (ready to run) comes fully assembled, with motor, ESC, servo and radio. Depending on the model, battery and charger are included or have to be bought separately. If both are included, you can drive off right after the first charge. For beginners, that is the easiest choice.

A kit is assembled screw by screw. That takes a few evenings, and you also need a motor, ESC, steering servo, radio with receiver, battery, charger and paint for the body. In return, you know your vehicle inside out afterwards and choose every component yourself. Many crawler fans start with an RTR model and upgrade it step by step. That is exactly what the upgrade list below is for.

The features that matter

• Portal axles: the axle tubes sit higher than the wheel centres. That gives more ground clearance under the axles, a big advantage on rocks and ledges.

• Two-speed gearbox: in first gear the crawler creeps over obstacles with lots of torque, in second it moves briskly to the next section. On many models it can be shifted from the transmitter.

• Locking differentials: when locked, both wheels on an axle turn at the same speed, so a wheel in the air no longer stops you. Some models lock by hand, such as the Yikong 41012, others from the transmitter, such as the MJX Hyper Go H8E and H8H.

• DIG function: it locks the rear from the transmitter so that the crawler can turn in the tightest space, for example on the Yikong 4107 Pro.

• Low centre of gravity (LCG): motor, gearbox and battery sit as low as possible, so the crawler tips over later on side slopes.

• Drive: brushed motors are easy to meter and inexpensive. Brushless systems with sensors or field-oriented control (FOC) add more torque and efficiency, more in the guide Brushless motor and ESC.

• Tyres: soft rubber compound with foam inserts. The size follows the rim diameter in inches, in 1:10 usually 1.9 or 2.2 inches.

First upgrades and accessories: in a sensible order

1. A strong steering servo. When crawling, you often steer at standstill and under load; the servo is the most stressed component. In 1:10, 25 to 35 kg·cm with metal gears and water resistance is a good value. Keep an eye on the ESC’s BEC output, details in the guide Choosing and setting up a steering servo.

2. A smooth drive. The Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion SE and Fusion Pro combine motor and ESC in one housing and work with FOC. That means even creeping and a vehicle that holds on a slope. If you want to stay brushed, the QuicRun WP1080 G2 is a proven crawler ESC.

3. Weight in the right place. Extra weight low and at the front, for example in the front wheels or on the front axle, lets the crawler climb steeper steps and stops it from tipping over backwards.

4. Tyres. Softer tyres with matching inserts give noticeably more grip on rock.

5. A battery with more capacity. Crawlers need little current, so a bigger pack gives very long run times. Before switching from 2S to 3S, check that ESC and motor allow it. Everything about charging and storing is in the guide Charging and storing LiPo batteries.

6. Accessories. A second battery, a LiPo safety bag, good tools with hex and nut drivers, and for the looks LED lights, a roof rack, a spare wheel or a winch. For many, scale detailing is the best part of the hobby.

Driving tips for your first trail

• Slow is fast: apply throttle gently. Momentum is the most common reason crawlers tip over.

• Straight up, straight down: take steps head-on wherever possible and avoid steep side slopes.

• Downhill in low gear: use little throttle and let the ESC’s holding brake (drag brake) do the braking.

• Pick your line: look at an obstacle first. Where do the wheels find grip, where does the chassis touch down?

• Be considerate: drive only where you are allowed to, on your own land or with the owner’s permission, never in protected areas. Give walkers and animals space.

After water, snow or mud, dry your crawler thoroughly and lubricate the bearings. How to do it is in the guide RC car in winter, which also covers cleaning and drying.