With so many different RC trucks, it might be difficult to know which ones are priced with so many different RC trucks, it might be difficult to know which ones are priced fairly and which are not. No matter what kind of RC truck you are looking to buy, one of the essential factors in regards to choosing an RC truck is its price.
This is why you want to do your due diligence beforehand. And one of the steps is to familiarize yourself with how much RC trucks cost.
RC trucks cost between $30 and $3,000 depending on the style and features. A standard electric RC truck might cost $300, while a gas-powered RC truck may be $1,300. The price of most beginner RC trucks usually starts at $100.
Keeping those numbers in mind, you can get a good ballpark of the different price ranges RC trucks can fall into. If you are new to the RC world, you will quickly discover that high-quality RC trucks are not cheap. Quite the opposite, in fact.
But there are also some caveats. Continue reading below. I will be sharing more in-depth information, and that way, you will have a better understanding of what stands behind these numbers.
RC Trucks Example Prices
In order to give you some practical idea of what prices to expect, I have researched and compiled a detailed list with the prices of the 25 most popular RC trucks.
Before you continue, let me point out that those prices are for new RC trucks from 2023. The chances are these prices will change and fluctuate somewhat. I will do my best to keep them updated; however, there will be some fluctuations.
- ARRMA 1/8 KRATON 6S BLX Monster Truck: $550+
- ARRMA 1/10 Granite RC Monster Truck: $199.99
- Losi 1/10 Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Desert Truck: $429.99+
- ARRMA 1/8 OUTCAST 6S BLX: $550+
- Traxxas Slash 1/10 Short Course Racing Truck: $289.99
- BEZGAR RC 1/14 Monster Vehicle Hobby Truck: $44.99+
- ECX 1/10 Amp Crush 2WD Monster Truck: $149.99+
- Axial 1/24 SCX24 1967 Chevrolet C10 Truck: $119.99
- ARRMA 1/7 MOJAVE 6S BLX: $699
- Traxxas 1/10 Rustler Stadium Truck: $279.99
- Losi 1/18 Mini-T 2.0 Stadium Truck: $139.99+
- ARRMA 1/8 TYPHON 3S BLX: $299+
- SZJJX Off-Road Remote Control Truck: $33.89+
- BEZGAR 1/12 RC Hobby Grade Truck: $99.99+
- Axial 1/24 SCX24 Deadbolt Rock Crawler: $109.99
- ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 3S BLX Short Course Truck: $299+
- ECX 1/10 Circuit Stadium Truck: $139.99+
- Losi 1/6 Super Baja Rey Desert Truck: $699.99+
- Monster Jam 1/6 Remote Control Monster Truck: $199
- Axial 1/10 SCX10 II Trail Honcho Rock Crawler: $329+
- Axial 1/18 Yeti Jr. Can-Am Maverick: $149.99
- ECX 1/18 Ruckus Monster Truck: $99.99+
- Losi 1/5 5IVE-T 2.0 Short Course Truck: $1,399.99+
- Double E 1/16 Volvo RC Construction Truck: $66.99
- Vaterra 1/10 1972 Chevy C10 Pickup Truck: $199.99+
Note: If you’re into RC racing and wondering whether or not this is an expensive hobby, check out this guide on complete cost breakdown of RC racing.
How Much Do the Different RC Trucks Cost?
Now let’s get a little more in-depth. The cost of an RC truck will be highly dependent on its type, scale, and features.
Monster Trucks
RC monster trucks (MT) cost between $30 and $700 depending on their capabilities, built quality, scale, and features. On average, you can expect to spend between $200 and $300 on a good quality RC monster truck.
Short Course Trucks
Short course RC trucks (SCT) cost between $150 and $1,500. The price will depend on their type, quality, scale, and capabilities. On average, you can expect to spend about $300 for a high-quality short course RC truck.
Truggies
RC truggies cost between $170 and $1,150. The price will vary according to the model’s features, capabilities, scale, and quality. On average, you can expect to be spending about $400 on a good, quality RC truggy.
Rock Crawlers and Scalers
RC Rock crawlers and scalers cost between $40 and $2,900. The cost will vary depending on the RC vehicle’s quality, features, capabilities, and scale. On average, you can expect to spend $350 on a quality RC rock crawler and scaler.
Ready-To-Run RC Trucks
The large majority of RC trucks will be ready-to-run. This means that you simply take the RC truck out of the box, charge it, and you are good to go.
Ready-to-run RC trucks cost between $30 and $3,000 depending on the model, its parts, electronics, and features. A high-quality ready-to-run RC truck will usually cost between $250 to $800.
Almost Ready-To-Run RC Trucks
Almost ready-to-run RC trucks cost between $400 and $1,800. The price will vary somewhat depending on the brand, quality, and capabilities of the almost ready-to-run RC truck.
Kit RC Trucks
Kit RC trucks cost between $80 and $1,500. The price fluctuations are caused by the overall built quality, parts, and electronics used and the capabilities of the RC truck. For a good, quality kit RC truck, you will be spending, on average, about $500.
Electric RC Trucks
Electric RC trucks cost between $30 to $2,900 depending on the parts, electronics, and battery used as well as the features and capabilities of the electric RC trucks. A quality electric RC truck costs about $800.
Nitro RC Trucks
Nitro RC trucks cost between $250 and $800. Nitro RC trucks prices will depend on their built quality and the quality of the parts and electronics used. On average, the cost of a quality nitro RC truck is around $400.
Gas RC Trucks
Gas RC trucks cost between $800 and $1,600. Gas RC trucks cost more because they are more complicated and challenging to manufacture. For a good, quality gas RC truck, you will be spending on average around $1,200
How Much Do Small RC Trucks Cost?
It really depends on what you consider small. The most often purchased RC trucks are usually 1/10, which is regarded as the most commonly used size. So I would consider small anything smaller than a 1/10 scale RC truck.
Related post: How to Make RC Trucks Faster: A Step By Step Guide
Small RC trucks (scaled 1/12 to 1/24) cost between $30 and $180. The total cost of a small RC truck will depend on its built quality, parts, battery, features, and more. On average, you can expect to spend about $120 for a good high-quality small RC truck.
How Much Do Big RC Trucks Cost?
If you are looking for something a little larger in scale, then you will, perhaps, be looking for something between 1/8 to 1/5. These RC trucks are significantly bigger and more expensive.
Big RC trucks (scaled 1/8 to 1/5) cost between $300 and $3,000. The cost of a big RC truck depends on the power source, the quality of the parts and electronics, features, and more. On average, you can expect a good high-quality big RC truck to cost around $800.
Why Are There Price Fluctuations?
Now that you have taken a closer look, you may have noticed that there are a lot of price fluctuations.
One of the factors that will inevitably affect the price is the RC truck’s scale. The bigger the RC truck, the higher the price will go—1/18 to 1/10 scale RC trucks usually cost around $40 to $300, while the most commonly purchased, 1/8 to 1/5 RC trucks will cost between $500 and well above $1,500.
Whether or not the RC truck is 2WD or 4WD will also affect the total cost—a 4WD will usually be more expensive than a comparable 2WD model.
The built quality, features, and capabilities of the RC truck will play a huge role in determining its price. (For example, a 2WD may be costing $99 while a comparable 4WD may cost slightly more than $200.)
Please read my related article: 2WD vs 4wd RC car: My Guide To Help You Choose
How the RC truck is powered is another aspect that will affect the price by a huge margin. Electric or battery-powered RC trucks will usually be cheaper compared to gas and nitro RC trucks. Electric RC trucks can cost between $30 and $1,000, while gas-powered RC trucks will usually cost well-above $800.
In addition to the points mentioned above, brushless motor RC trucks are usually the way to go as they are a lot better, but they are also a little more expensive than brushed motor models.
The battery and other internal components will also affect the price of the RC truck.
Furthermore, the brand and manufacturer’s reputation will also play a significant role in the total price. If you choose to go with a well-known manufacturer that makes quality RC trucks, you will undoubtedly be paying a certain kind of premium, so to speak.
Overall, with RC vehicles, you get what you pay for. A higher-priced RC truck will usually pack better parts, electronics, features, durability, and longevity.
Are There Additional Costs of Buying an RC Truck?
It may come as a surprise to many people how expensive of a hobby this can get. (It can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be.) The main, and by a huge margin the biggest, cost is, of course, the RC vehicle itself.
However, there are also other additional costs, so to speak, that should be considered and accounted for before making the final decision as to what RC truck you will be using.
The main additional costs will be about maintenance and replacement parts and any entry fees if you will be racing or competing.
The replacement parts and maintenance will usually be the second biggest expense you will be having, which will vary a lot depending on how you drive your RC truck. The replacement parts and maintenance can cost between $40 and even more than $400 per month, per RC truck.
What Are the Best RC Truck Models for the Money?
So far, we have covered what the standard costs of the different types of RC trucks are. But just because something costs a lot does not automatically make it the better choice. This is why, in this section, I will go over the best RC truck models for the money.
For your first RC truck, you want to hit that sweet spot where price and quality meet. You don’t really want to take the cheapest option and end up with an RC truck that constantly breaks on you. Cheaper gadgets often end up being more expensive in the long run.
You want something that is rock solid, fun to use, easy to control, adjustable and upgradable, and easy to maintain.
ARRMA GRANITE 3S BLX
If you are looking for the real deal, look no further. If you know, you will be going hard on your RC truck and want something good for bashing, ARRMA is often the route to go.
The Arrma 3S Granite is a 1/10 RC monster truck that will put a smile on your face.
Granted, it is a little on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but this RC truck remains one of the best value models you can get.
It is extremely durable, designed to withstand all kinds of terrain and antics you can put it through. It is very fast as well—it does not disappoint speed-wise as it is capable of reaching 50 mph.
The maneuverability and control are also on point. The tires, in combination with the 4WD and the shocks, give this RC truck amazing control on all terrains. (Interested in driving it on snow, mud, dirt? Don’t worry, it can handle it all.)
This RC truck is designed to be very user friendly, and a lot of the essential electric modules are easy to access and adjust. This makes the future maintenance of the RC truck a breeze.
(Links to Amazon)
ARRMA TYPHON 3S
The Typhon 3S is another superb model by ARRMA. If the ARRMA Granite 3S does not quite fit your budget, the Typhoon 3S may be a more suitable alternative. It still rocks a good price, but it is cheaper than the Granite 3S.
The built quality of the Typhon 3S is as good as they come; it is designed to meet the high requirements of RC racers.
The electronic modules are designed in a special way, which makes them extremely easy to access for easier maintenance.
As expected, the Typhon 3S works in the 2.4 GHz range, which means there is no risk of signal interference with other RC vehicles.
The Typhon 3S is incredibly fast and easy to control and maneuver. It is a 1/8 scale model, and it can reach up to 50 mph.
The handling is on point, too. The low center of gravity and the uniquely designed tires improve the stability even in tight turns and corners. This allows it to be used on different terrains; trails, dirt or muddy tracks, race tracks, skate parks—you name it.
(Links to Amazon)
Traxxas Bigfoot Ready-to-Race Monster Truck
Traxxas is one of the well-known manufacturers of RC trucks.
The Traxxas Bigfoot is a sight to behold. It is a 1/10 scale model and a pure joy to use. It can reach up to 30 mph thanks to its powerful electric motor and battery.
The electronics you will find in this RC truck are waterproof so that you can use it on different terrains and in different weather conditions.
One of the strongest advantages of Traxxas is its part support. (You will find that a lot of the replacement parts can be found even at local shops.) This means that even if you happen to have some part of the RC truck break on you, you will not have any problems finding a replacement. Traxxas RC trucks are very durable and long-lasting; however, they may not be on par durability-wise with brands like ARRMA.
Traxxas radio controllers are also, arguably, better than many other comparable RC vehicles, which provides for a lot smoother and satisfying control of the RC truck.
(Links to Amazon)
Traxxas Slash Short Course Racing Truck
Do you need a great, value RC truck that can take anything you throw at it? The Traxxas Slash SCT is built precisely for that purpose. If you want to go hard on it, bash it or crash it, this RC truck is the one for you.
This RC truck is designed with one thing in mind—to provide the best and most satisfying racing experience. From the impressive engine roars provided by the onboard audio speakers to the 3-channel 2.4 GHz remote control, this RC truck will provide you with one of a kind racing experience.
This RC truck can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, and since the internal parts and electronics are waterproof, you can use it on different terrains. Talk about the best bang for the buck; it really doesn’t get any better than this.
This is just one excellent RC truck that makes you excited thinking about going to the race tracks.
(Links to Amazon)
ECX Crush Monster Truck
The Crush monster truck by ECX is an excellent entry RC truck model that is great for people looking for quality at a lower price tag.
This RC truck is capable of handling all types of terrains and will hold its own against anything you throw at it. It can be used for crashing, bashing, and smashing.
It is a 2WD 1/10 scale model that comes with a 2.4 GHz remote controller.
The good news is that this RC truck is very durable and impact resistant.
Another great advantage of this model is that you can upgrade it and adjust it as your experience accumulates to meet your needs.
(Links to Amazon)
