Thinking about buying a gas RC truck, but you’re not sure which one is the best? With so many products on the market, this can be a difficult thing to figure out. For those who are new to gas powered RC trucks, knowing what to look for may be the first thing to figure out. Here are our top four picks for the best RC Gas Truck.
So, what exactly is a gas powered remote control truck and what makes it special? Next to their electric, or even nitro powered cousins, gas powered RC trucks tend to be bigger, louder, and more powerful machines. They can also be incredibly fast. But their durability is really what sets them apart. They generally can take a pretty good beating.
Those of us looking for a truck with versatility that can navigate through any terrain, gas RC’s are a very good choice. If it’s tearing up the terrain without having to stop at every obstacle, then a gas RC truck is definitely the best bet.
What to Look For in an RC Gas Truck
While sometimes these mammoth beasts can be geared towards more experienced users, there are still options out there for nearly all ages to enjoy. The trick is knowing what to look for. Here’s a list of some of the main things to consider when trying to narrow down the options:
Scale
Automated gas trucks are usually scaled down replicas of real trucks. The scale number tells us how much. For instance, if the truck has a ratio of 1:5, it’s a 5-times smaller replica of the original.
Size
Size can tell you a lot about how strong and sturdy it is. A wider truck with bigger wheels’ help keep those wheels on the ground. This is especially important after big jumps to keep from flipping. A longer truck is faster and can maneuver better. Doing flips and wheelies are usually easier on them and more fun.
Weight
Similarly, the weight of a truck will determine what you can do with it. Lighter trucks tend to maneuver more easily, but the heavier solid tanks barreling over rocks and rough terrain stay in control when weighted properly.
Drive system
The drive system is the drive power of the truck. This can vary, but generally, gas RC trucks have 4 Wheel Drive enabling them to stick an all-wheel landing after a jump.
Signal Radius
The remote control’s radio signal is the link to a truck when off-roading. It’s important to know the radius of the signal band. It’s no fun when a signal drops just as the truck disappears over a hill or around some trees. This might mean spending the rest of the day just trying to find it again. Sometimes truck will stop in hard-to-reach places. So even getting to it can be a problem. Knowing how far the signal can reach, and that the signal is strong enough to count on help protect trucks and owners from loss or damage.
Assembly
Some RC trucks come “Ready to Roll,” or RTR, which means they’re already put together. Some do not. It’s good to know ahead of time if the truck in the box ready to go, or in small pieces that need to be assembled. This isn’t a fun surprise if when one foots out the door ready to start racing.
Now that we have an idea what to look for, here’s a list of the 4 Best Gas RC Trucks on the market. Each lists the specs we just went over as a reference guide for the future. A more thorough review of them is below.
Our Picks for the Best RC Gas Truck:
Team Losi 5IVE-T RC Truck
Specifications
- Scale: 1:5
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Size: 41.9″ x 22.7″ x 18”
- Assembly: RTR
- Drive System: 4WD
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
The Team Losi 5IVE-T is big, heavy, fast, and loud. Just what off-road racing and bashing is all about.
Its 2-Stroke 29cc gas engine puts its considerable power to use behind its extra-large fuel tank holding 800ccs at a time. This means going longer and farther without worrying about running out of gas.
It has 5mm Chassis, large-bore shock absorbers with 7mm shafts and a ¼ scale heavy-duty throttle servo. This makes it super strong and able to brake fast.
The cooling fans attached to its sealed clutch mount keep the truck from overheating on extended treks.
The Team Losi 5IVE-T SCT is built for impact. The off-road multiple piece beadlock wheels and impact-absorbing bumpers ensure its shocks are well-protected, and all four wheels stay solidly on the ground.
Its design for realism. Built to mimic its real counterpart, this is about as accurate as a scaled-down replica can get.
This truck was also designed for maneuverability. It’s easy to steer, and its throttle kicks in with reliable force.
Even with its heftier price, the Team Losi 5IVE-T has earned its high rating. This gas RC Truck is a great investment that will last a long time. Well-suited for tougher, multi-terrain use, the Losi 5IVE-T will not disappoint.
Team Losi 5IVE-T Bind-N-Drive
Specifications
- Scale: 1:5
- Weight: 52 pounds
- Size: 42″ x 23″ x 18”
- Assembly: RTR
- Drive System: 4WD
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Another winner from Team Losi, the 5IVE-T Bind-N-Drive is massive and extremely durable. One of the biggest 4WD off-road racing trucks, it was made with winning in mind.
Its receiver was designed around the award-winning 8IGHT platform, spectrum telemetry technology. It comes with a 6V 3000 mAh receiver battery and charger, giving extra control for tight off-road racing.
Despite many beatings and strenuous use, this beast stays consistently strong. Rarely needing repairs beyond regular cleaning, it’s meant just to keep on going.
Many users claim that it could last 45 minutes to one hour nonstop before running out of gas.
One of the only negatives is that this RC Truck doesn’t come with a control. You have to buy it separately. On the plus side, this means users can choose which one they want themselves.
Another negative is that the 5IVE-T Bind-N-Drive doesn’t go in reverse. If that’s an issue, there are upgrades that can help.
At an already high price, additional modifications make the Bind-N-Drive one of the most expensive gas RC trucks around.
However, with so few part replacements over the years, it’s likely the added expense is recouped. Less expensive models sometimes end up costing much more than a higher price tag does upfront.
This long-lasting black beauty can save money in the long run, so it’s worth the investment. This truck will have you jumping for joy the second it arrives at your home.
1/5 Exceed RC Hannibal Gas Truck
Specifications
- Scale: 1:5
- Weight: 31.5 pounds
- Size: 42″ x 23″ x 18”
- Assembly: RTR
- Drive System: 4WD
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
The Exceed Hannibal 30 cc Gas Engine RC Off-Road Monster Truck comes 100% ready-to-go and failsafe. One of the fastest monsters on the shelves, this truck, holds a lot of power.
With new inner roll case protection, an extra-wide suspension arm and giant scale truck design, this truly is a behemoth monster.
The 30cc gas engine handles more extreme off-roading without even working up a sweat.
Its high-end fiberglass brakes make quick stops in high temperatures possible. And the extra-secure 24 screw wheel rim pre-assembly means tire and wheel stay connected at higher speeds.
The truck can cook! The Giant Scale Exceed Hannibal can get up to 40+ miles an hour. It’s hard to imagine at this size and weight, but it’s true.
The newly advanced “Pistol-Grip” Radio RC Set has extremely long range and tightly controlled functions. This makes it not only fast but capable of considerable maneuvering.
If you’re a monster truck lover, the Hannibal will bring on hours of jumping-off and bashing fun.
Redcat Racing Rampage MT V3
Specifications
- Scale: 1:5
- Weight: 33.4 pounds
- Size: 29.1″ x 23.6″ x 13.8″
- Assembly: RTR
- Drive System: 4WD
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
The Redcat Racing MT V3 is a solid and formidable truck.
With a 32ccHy gas engine and 700cc fuel tank hold, this fiery RC flame-thrower packs quite a significant punch.
The over-sized air filter and adjustable camber and toe-in suspension give more control over steering this colossal beast. At 70 pounds, this truck can take a beating.
The massive wheels it’s perched on will roll right on over just about anything. And its two quick-stop fiberglass brake pads are braced well for any sudden impact or unavoidable stops.
If intimidation is what someone’s seeking, we may have found the beast. The least expensive truck on our list, the Redcat Rampage is a good choice for rolling over the competition on the track.
I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed when you pull this monster out of the box.
Conclusion
There are still plenty of other gas RC trucks to discover, but these four solid racers top the list. If you are new to off-road gas RC racing, there’s still much more to learn and explore. This is a good starting place for what to consider.
In our opinion, if you have a large budget, you can’t go wrong with the Losi 5IVE-T. While the price may shock you initially, the Losi 5IVE T AVC is just about as good as it gets. Get behind the control of this truck and you’ll pee your pants with excitement.
However, if you are on a budget and still are looking for a beast, then consider getting the Redcat Racing MT V3 and bashing the heck out of it.
Happy hunting for that perfect racer. Hopefully, this leads to a lifetime of enjoyment racing gas powered RC trucks with family and friends.
I will get the LOSI 5-T some day.
I hope you will!
What is the best 1/5 monster truck to buy
It says the redcat is 70 pounds that wrong its 33.4
Fixed it, thanks!
What do you recommend the redcat rampage xt or mt? I have heard good and bad on both and this page seams to have honest opinion