7 Tips for Getting Started in RC Crawling in 2023

RC crawling is VERY popular part of the RC hobby - so I created this video to help folks who want to get started in it.
Video timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Scale
2:29 RTR vs kit
3:50 Best RTR 10th scale
9:13 10th Scale Kits
10:36 Best Small Scale
11:15 Upgrades
12:48 Groups
14:19 Bonus
Vehicles and Items I talk about in the video:
1/10 RTR Recommendations
- Redcat Gen8: amzn.to/3OZMCtS
- Element Enduro SE: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Element ECTO: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- TRX4 Sport: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Smaller Scale Recommendations
- Axial SCX24: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- TRX-4M: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
1/10 Kit Recommendations
- Vanquish Phoenix Kit: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- TRX4 Sport Kit: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Element Enduro Builders Kit: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
BIG Crawler Recommendation:
- Axial SCX6: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Upgrades and parts:
- My favorite 1/10 tire: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- My favorite servo: amzn.to/3OZmork
- Favorite ESC: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Favorite motor: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Scale Accessories: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
*Note: The provided links to the items recommended in this may be associate links. The great news about this: you pay the same price for the item, but I get a small kickback that helps me fund this channel!
AMain Hobbies Affiliate link: alnk.to/cHIb5Xc
Amazon Affiliate link: amzn.to/3DT66e3
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Music provided by T2NATE and the KZbin library.
Go check out T2NATE's other work: / @t2nate137

[@watch-box]

I just took the plunge on a Traxxas TRX4 Bronco (2021). I love the fact that it can crawl, trail, and bash with its two gears and difflocks, plus if I want to more seriously crawl I can easily strip it down by removing parts - making a pseudo TRX sport, and add them again as required. Also, with the number of aftermarket parts and mods for a Traxxas, if you want to tinker with rather than just run a vehicle, it seems to be the obvious choice to me. Great video and advice. Thank you.

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense to me. Hope you enjoy it!

[@EricsRC]

My 1st was the Trx4 K10 High Trail Edition. Fantastic rig and i love it. Seems more capable than people originally expected. Great video brother thank you!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@rippinlipzfl1430]

Definitely one of the better videos I’ve watched. Great job on the video man!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@Sparroh]

Thanks this is great! I’m new to crawling and local! 😊

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Glad it was helpful. Hope to see you at an event soon!

[@Daniyoyo]

I just started into crawling scx24 .. loving it thus far plus indoor courses

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@WoodsUnknown]

Awesome video as always, thanks for sharing.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for watching!

[@RC4all]

7 great tips 👍🏼 nothing like a good crawl with a quality rig

[@RoadsideRC]

You got that right!

[@user-dz6gq9db9x]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful! Do you have any questions?

[@doubledome2076]

Great informative video!! Thanks‼️👍👍🦾🦾

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doubledome2076]

@@RoadsideRC ALL of yours are👍👍

[@landob20]

Thank you for the information. I picked up some trx4m’s but felt like I wanted more. My kids love them so I’ll let them enjoy and learn with those and I’ll take a look at the sport or even the gen8.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I think you may really like the jump to the 1/10 scale.

[@n22pdf]

Excellent vid.. many thanks dude.. great help. 👍👍🤩🏅 you deserve many more subs

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@robertojauregui8489]

Awesome video !! Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you liked it! Hope it was helpful!

[@pwrofgrayskull]

I am not new to crawlers by any means and I found your information to be useful and accurate. Well done! I’ll be sure to check out your other videos. 👍✌️

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@hotburner4859]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, man! Definitely something I'm wanting to get into, love seeing the passion you have for it! Keep up the great work!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@epicrc2084]

really love it

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Great episode brother, love that the Gen 7 made an honorable mention! Lol Let's just say Santa may have already brought me one to start as a new build!! Thanks Troy, love the content.

[@RoadsideRC]

I hope you enjoy the truck!

[@NTX_RC]

Great video

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@kellykuretich6366]

Nice Troy!😁😁👍👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@kellykuretich6366]

@Roadside RC any time you want to work on my bomber is cool. I hate taking it apart. 😁😁

[@yenbladegaming1184]

Thank you for the video I’m new to the hobby and just moved to cedar grove tn would love to go out on some trails with you some time

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Stay tuned to both RC Field Days and Big Buddha's RC Ranch. Both great places for crawling. Hope to see you out there!

[@TrokaRC]

Scx24 got me into rc, I like 1/6 due to the weight and driving is more challenging. Good video for someone getting started.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the input!

[@yrusonoz5574]

Awesome video...I have the Redcat Shredder and the Everest 10 and absolutely love them both however I'm looking to really build on the Everest and order a second Everest as well as I've witnessed these things after making a few little mods out do a lot of these other trucks you mentioned in the video as I can see their capabilities in stock form however I'm not sure on what mods I wanna do first

[@RoadsideRC]

I have multiple videos on the Everest 10 also - feel free to check them out. Honestly speaking, even after A LOT of mods, the Everest 10 still leaves a lot to be desired in performance compared to the vehicles I mentioned - at least in the terrain in my area. Perhaps your terrain is different.

[@jonenglish6617]

A guy who I crawl with has an scx6. Very cool truck. He crawls with 10th scale crawlers. Pretty fun.

[@RoadsideRC]

It really is a cool truck!

[@Elisplushies360woodierc]

So many out there to choose from and everyone has their opinion on what to get as their first rc.If not scale and want something more capable with loads of features at a low price point you really can’t beat a Redcat Danchee as a first crawler to see if you like the crawling scene or not. $140 gets you front wheel steer,rear wheel steer,all wheel steer and even crab walk feature.Good out of the box but with some metal beadlock wheels and a set of good aftermarket tires it’s great.

[@RoadsideRC]

It is literally a truck I show in the video. I believe most people will be better off going with one of the trucks I recommend instead.

[@pappyjames9228]

I just got me a brand new first one ever 1:10 danchee rockridge crawler for Christmas. I am already started building a backyard course. I am very excited. I am also fairly new to the hobby but I am familiar with them. I actually working on a youtube channel and a hotwheels/diecast tracks because I just love RC and Diecast motorsports. My question is if you decided to do a publuc access crawling park what would you do first? Thank you and merry Christmas.

[@RoadsideRC]

First: get approval from the city!

[@christopherenoch4230]

Thanks for an informative video... I had RC cars in the past, very distant past... I was hoping since this was a getting started, you would let me know what type of radio I need? Do I have to stick with Traxxas or can I go with another brand radio?? I realize this is a getting started and crawling, however that's what I want to get into. Maybe I need to find a crawling video 101?

[@RoadsideRC]

All of the vehicles I recommended come with a radio. Most are rather good and don't need to be replaced. That is why I did not address it.

[@christopherenoch4230]

@@RoadsideRC I apologize, I was watching an unboxing of a 1/10 Bronco, and the Bronco was the only thing he pulled out... I thought I had to buy a radio separately. I looked at the Traxxas website and indeed it was included. Thank you.

[@urmum6678]

I want to get into crawling but deciding on what id rather get into i noticed some plastic wheels in vid and im guess you have some rc drift cars do you recomend either crawling or drifting becuase i want to do both one day but also if i do go crawling is the trx4 sport the same as trx4 defender with just defferant bodies or completely different becasue whenever i see sport i think of a more sportier car i forgot to say i want to get into both but want to start with only one then move onto having both like a year later because then i have some experience in one then i can experiance the other properly also the tr4 bronco the newest one out the 3 defender, sport and bronco are the all different insides and uf they whats the best one also when asking about drift or crawl i mean as a starter hobby whats better and more affordable in ur opinion

[@RoadsideRC]

There is a lot there - so let me try to break it down. Crawling vs drifting: depends on what is more popular in your area. RC is more fun with other folks! TRX4 Sport vs others. The Sport does not have the unlocking diffs and 2-speed transmission. These are good things. Those things don't add performance, just complication. 100% recommend the Sport. Good luck!

[@petejones6827]

1/18th scale is the best outdoor crawlers once upgraded you can find tough lines and course ANYWHERE as they are small enough that obstacles are easy to find and they are easily just as capable as 1/10th scale

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you like them - I have found the 1:18 to be too small in my area.

[@nunjabiz9456]

Redcat danchee ridgerock is an awesome rtr crawler for $120 and 4 wheel steering.

[@RoadsideRC]

I have one of those! Fully tested, modded, etc. For most folks, I don't believe that is money well spent as the upgrade potential is limited.

[@maximumrpm1868]

One point that I would really like to bring up is the point that you made about the Gen. 7. It is a great handling and fun truck but even on my very basic course in the backyard the TRX4 was leaps and bounds ahead of it. My personal goal was to have one of the hottest Gen. Settings out there and I've got a lot more left to do it . Do not get a Vaterra Ascender It is very good stock however I have found that it's difficult to work on and hard to get parts for. And it seems a lot of its parts are specific to itself And its performance lacks .

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree 100%. The Gen7 seems like a good deal on paper, but at the end of the day has some real limitations vs the competition.

[@maximumrpm1868]

@@RoadsideRC I'd say the number one limiter is actually the body I got the pro and the big problem with that is it is an incredibly heavy body. Which gives it fantastic realism in its movements but it makes it so incredibly tipsy. I've got 4 pounds and pretty much tires due to wheelwaits and brass. And it still wobbles a little bit

[@rickharrison6969]

Would you recommend elements 1/10 4Runner rc crawler? I was planning on making a replica of my actual 4Runner haha

[@RoadsideRC]

It is a good vehicle - but doesn't have quite the performance of the ones I suggested. Depending on your goals, it is a great choice!

[@rickharrison6969]

@@RoadsideRC awesome to hear. This would be my first off-road rc car so pretty pumped!

[@jeffreydijkstra287]

So i have a axial deadbolt and i like really much

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! They are fun!

[@NutjobGTO]

Absolutely have to ask. Is there a '59 Cadillac Miller-Meteor endloader shell for the ECTO?

[@RoadsideRC]

I'm not sure, sorry.

[@tommyc.tommyslandscaping2244]

We do rock crawling in real jeeps. But I'm love the whole rc thing. I have Soo many questions. I wanta do the 10 scale. But can I change the body style on any rc to the style of your choice?

[@RoadsideRC]

Ask away! I am happy to help. Body style: roughly yes. There are A LOT of different bodies out there - and really the only limitation is wheelbase and your imagination.

[@nissman1753]

Are there any 18v kits that you could run Milwaukee batteries on?

[@RoadsideRC]

18V is an odd voltage for RC. 3S lipo = 4.2v/cell x3 cells = 12.6 when fully charged. 4s lipo = 16.8v/cell x4 cells = 16.8 when fully charged. You would be looking for something like a 5S lipo compatible system....and it just doesn't really exist. Also - those batteries are HEAVY. And it would put that HEAVY all in the wrong place from a performance standpoint. Good news - crawlers are pretty easy on batteries. You can get some $20 batteries to power a crawler...and it will run on them for 1hr+, so no real reason to jump through hoops to get a different battery type to work.

[@ROSIESDAD]

Hi i have a 1/6 scale rochobby jeep, very scale and want to start crawling should i just stick to outdoors, and what about a course, thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

Just depends on how you want to use it. Hope you have fun!

[@TrokaRC]

Same here, found driving trails outside was best for that platform.

[@mikethefz07guy79]

To me the SCX 24 Deadbolt is one of the most capable mini crawlers. The trx4m is more of a trail truck out of the box, until you get a lower gears. I have both and love running both. But I love customizing the Scx24 more.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you like it!!

[@Loomis_Fishin]

I started out with the gen7 pro needless to say I caught hell in group's for having a redcat. I quickly upgraded everything went out crawling with a group and the couldn't believe it was a gen7 as I was keeping up with high end builds. I still have that rig but now I also have a scx10iii jeep wrangler a gspeed c2 build and two more builds in the works. My kids have the everest 10 and the ridgerock. The e10's perform great with some mods the ridgerock is okay but not much you can do on that. The kids will be getting a gspeed build for Christmas.

[@RoadsideRC]

We are all tempted by the cheaper crawlers at first. I did the same thing. However, if I am giving advice to other folks, I tell them to skip them and go straight for one of the better ones.

[@Loomis_Fishin]

Roadside RC I 100% agree. When it was all said and done I have roughly $750-$800 in the gen7 witch is why I won't get rid of it lol. I also didn't know anything about the hobby like I do now. If I had it to do over I would have went with a better brand to start with for just a little more than what I paid for the gen7.

[@johngisbourne7197]

Would you now place the VS4 10 RTR as No 1 RTR ?

[@RoadsideRC]

Good truck, but from my experience it is not #1.

[@TrokaRC]

2023 redcat ascend is best bang for buck.

[@joeblow5700]

love the bmw in the pic, e30? i have a e30 m3 myself that i need to restore

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Thanks for noticing.

[@thefirst2000]

why do you have a strap and fish hook attached to the body of the Element ECTO?

[@RoadsideRC]

Best crawler upgrade you can get! :) Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInCY5awbcetabs

[@operationspino4704]

Is the 1/12 rc crawlers almost the same size as the 1/10 rc crawlers.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - very close to the same size.

[@farmoboy83]

what about the ftx ravine?impossible to beat on price vs performance

[@RoadsideRC]

That is actually just a rebrand of the same vehicle I show in the video - the Danchee Ridgerock. Fun trucks, but certainly leave some performance on the table, limits how you can crawl with others, and the ability to modify/upgrade is limited.

[@farmoboy83]

@@RoadsideRC agree on the possibilities for upgrades since its a moa but many free or really cheap modes available for the chassis and swingarms, shocks and tires. For the use i give mine its unbeatable. Crawls anything at the park, small tires for indoor crawl, extremely low maintnance and till now totally reliable. Sure you cant change motors, there is no metal gears and the moa limits upgrades concerning to the main axles. also its not very scale realistic but for a beginner that jus5 wants something low maintnance to crawl i think its the best you can buy and for the price of a 1/24 scale

[@420_3RC]

Hey bud I know this vid is a few months old. Hopefully you will still get notifications...I have a BigRock 3s. Hobbywing 3050kv brushless with 1 5000mah 3s spectrum battery. Is there a kit or crawler roller it could drop into?

[@RoadsideRC]

Unfortunately, no. That motor is not meant for crawling. The battery will be fine to use!

[@420_3RC]

@@RoadsideRC would u recommend a crawler/trail truck 300ish range and I'm ok with up grading or starting as a build kit. I'm a rookie. But not a dumby lol.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@420_3RC The trucks I show in this video are the ones I recommend. There are links in the video description to all of them.

[@Tsinepanos]

What about Absima CR 2.4 . I found it at a local shop at 230

[@RoadsideRC]

I do not recommend it. The performance is not great. Spend the extra $70 and get one of the ones I list here.

[@Tsinepanos]

@@RoadsideRC I am actually thinking of getting the Element Rc Trailrunner with battery and charger RTR. Is it comparable to Ecto element Rc ?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@Tsinepanos Yes! A great truck!

[@mikeashbaugh7773]

What about the base camp?

[@RoadsideRC]

I own one, modded it, and have driven it a lot. For the price, it just doesn't compare to the other vehicles I showed.

[@slamboy66]

Doesn't matter what hobby you are in, Groups are a great way to hand-me-down deals.🤔🤔🤔

[@RoadsideRC]

That can be true - assuming you have a helpful group to guide you!

[@allyoucando8486]

Trx 4m and the Scx24 Gladiator I prefer the Gladiator, they have some upgrade the Trx 4m need are expensive like the bearing, Trx 4m is not a bad platform need to much compare to Scx24 Gladiator that have the same wheels base

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! So far, the bushings have not been a problem for me. The performance of the TRX-4M has been much better than my SCX24 ever was!

[@JRMOBILE]

What about RGT 18100?

[@RoadsideRC]

I have not had much experience with that brand, or seen overly positive results from people using it.

[@JRMOBILE]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks for taking the time to answer 🙂👍, I might get it, if so I am going to tell how it handles everything etc

[@ron486]

First tip. To understand you will end up with a dozen trucks or so. Seriously they all have pros and cons. But Traxxas seems to dominate my collection.

[@RoadsideRC]

The trucks do have a way of multiplying mysteriously!

[@patrickjoslin3719]

Danchee Ridgerock 1/10 Rtr 120.00

[@RoadsideRC]

I had one. Modded it and everything. After my experience with it, I typically don't recommend it can only go so far with mods + has limited use in the scale world.

[@dawideq9393]

1:25 what car it is ?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is the SCX24. There is a link in the description.

[@dawideq9393]

Thanks

[@robchesley4591]

Ive managed to avoid the expense of the hobby for years. Unfortunately that new Axial 1/10 CJ7 did me in...my son and i have taken the plunge

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! Welcome to the dark side! Hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you have questions!

[@03stage2]

What would you buy today sub $500?

[@RoadsideRC]

#1 Redcat Ascent Fusion. Link: alnk.to/cSHr2fd #2 Vanquish Stance - just don't count taxes. Link: alnk.to/60ZSMqR #3 Element Ecto. Link: alnk.to/fHlyJjD

[@03stage2]

@@RoadsideRC Awesome, ty! How about a RTR if money were no object?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@03stage2 Those are all RTR that I listed for you.

[@kennethlindahl9206]

I got a K10 Chevy Vaterra ascender I like it but I is over your price point by $150 so I see why It didn't make your list I have upgraded the servo and that is it I did install a light kit but I think that is a mod not an upgrade everything else is fine and dandy

[@RoadsideRC]

I'm glad you like it! Have fun!

[@KAarnagemAmolgada]

dishing at the very least 350 euros for a 1/10 is not the best way to enter the crawler world...1/24 or 1/18 is the best entry gate ... these trucks are more than capable for those initial adventures upgrades and parts are cheap... if you have a problem on the truck while your out on trail , they are light to carry unlike the 1/10 that can reach 5kg or 11 pounds! for the 1/24 1/18 you can built a backyard track an indoor track or build individual obstacles and group them what ever the way you want or even buy them, these things are awsome! with the 1/10 you really have to have the space for maintenance , spaces (trails or rocks) to really enjoy them...if you live in the city that implies beside the truck parts and upgrades aditional fees in gas and or tolls to go hit those traills or rocks ...don´t get me wrong i love any kind of rc crawler but in my modest opinion diving head first in to a 1/10 is not the best way to get started!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@MoonlightRc]

The Panda hobby 1/18 is very very comparable to the Trx-4m!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Maybe I need to check that one out.

[@MoonlightRc]

@@RoadsideRC have you checked it out yet?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@MoonlightRc I haven't got my hands on one yet, unfortunately.

[@davidzimmerman2478]

Go Anywhere Go Axial

[@same1eka]

I actually went straight to 1/24 scale. Wrong video for me

[@RoadsideRC]

I hope you like the smaller scale!

[@mattyofpv]

Gen 7 is like 250

[@mattyofpv]

I didn't see it was in the video

[@RoadsideRC]

Correct - based on my experience, I do not recommend people get the Gen7. The performance gap between it and the Gen8 is much larger than the price gap.

[@jocodashcam295]

It’s a shame what Traxxas has done to 3rd party parts makers. I won’t be buying any Traxxas products now.

[@RoadsideRC]

I get the sentiment for sure. Have you heard the final explanation that came out around that?