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When you think about remote controlled vehicles, your mind probably does not go straight to semi-trucks, but that is a vehicle which is becoming more and more popular. RC semi-trucks are built to look exactly like the real thing, and many of them are modeled after actual semi-trucks. They can generate decent top speeds, but that is not what they are built for.
These RC semi trucks are more for show than anything else, and you would not be expected to do much more with them that drive them on roads, but that does not mean that they are not exciting and satisfying to drive. Let’s take a look at your options.
Electric vs. Nitro
As with all RC vehicles, you need to make a choice with the fuel source. Electric semi-trucks are more readily available, and this makes them cheaper to run in the long term. They are cheaper to buy, but they are also cheaper to run and re-fuel. With a nitro RC truck, you get more speed and power but at the cost of a higher price.
Kits vs. RTR
If you are starting out, you should opt for a semi-truck which is ready to run as soon as it comes out of the box (after charging, of course). This will give you a chance to be immediately satisfied and get some experience driving your truck around. If you have experience with RC semi-trucks already or have experience building other RC vehicles, then a kit can give you more than an RTR vehicle.
A kit allows you to customize everything in your truck. You can choose your engine, wheels, body, and much more. By building your own truck, you will generally get more speed and power from your truck, as well as ensuring that it runs exactly how you want it to. It is also fun to build something and then be able to drive it around after doing so. You will get a lot of satisfaction and happiness form creating something instead of buying it.
What Else do I Need to Know?
You may be surprised to hear that an RC semi-truck can get up to speeds of 60 mph. At the lower end, electric models start out at 10 mph and go up to 50 mph, while nitro models start at around 20 mph and reach top speeds of 60 mph.
The other thing to think about is your cargo. Your truck will come with its own trailer, and you may even be able to load up the trailer with cargo if you wish (and then deliver it somewhere within range), but you will also be able to switch out your trailer if you want to (or need to, when a trailer gets damaged).
Here are some of our favorite RC semi-trucks.
Best RC Semi-truck Reviews
1. Tamiya RC Freightliner Cascadia Kit
This vehicle is not ready to use when you take it out of the box. This is a kit, and you will get the satisfaction of being able to piece the truck together and modify it before you get it on the road. The box does not include the radio gear, ESC, battery, charger, or paint. What does this mean for you? Well, the point of having a kit is to be able to customize your vehicle. The semi-truck has been modeled after a full-size truck, and the body is crafted to be tough, durable, and aerodynamic. Where you come in (and part of the fun) is choosing the other parts. You can piece together the model to be whatever you want underneath the classic exterior.
The chassis comes with some great attention to detail. Everything has been created to be as life-like as possible, and you can really see that in the wheels, grill, and interior. When you buy this model, you have an opportunity to create something great – something which you will be proud of when you get it out on the road.
2. Tamiya King Hauler Semi Truck
Another kit to bring you added satisfaction. The kit is not hard to put together but to get the most out of your truck, and have it looking as good as in the pictures, you should take your time over this. This truck will be a labor of love, and you should make sure to follow the instructions. Part of the satisfaction is the time you put into creating the truck.
When it comes time to choose the other parts of your model, you will find that you are inundated with options. We find that part of the fun is making the choices for your toy. We love agonizing over what to add, and with the parts available, you will be spoilt for choice.
3. Double E RC Tow Truck
This semi is licensed and looks exactly like the real thing. You can use the controller to connect and disconnect the trailer, which we love. You can also load up the trailer and haul a lot of cargo. Great for adding a second RC vehicle on the trailer and towing it somewhere.
As this is modeled after a Mercedes-Benz truck, you know that you are getting a quality vehicle. When you are using this RC truck, you will feel as if you are using the real thing, and you will notice how precise and responsive the controls are.
4. eBigValue Mega Big Rig RC Truck
This is a high-quality and vibrant truck. We love the added color on the cab, and the blue body and trailer give the entire thing a retro look to it. The paint job on this truck is amazing, and you will love driving it up and down your street.
The lights on the top of the cab are LED lights, and you will love when they light up (especially at night). We love that you can fine-tune the front wheels; over time, the wheels will come out of alignment, so that is a welcome addition and you will be able to adjust them.
Last update on 2020-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
