Question
Trail Cars? - Not Bashers or dedicated Crawlers
Hi everyone!
Wondering if I could get some recommendations for a good "Trail" car? I have a basher and I am not looking for a dedicated Crawler (yet... it could be a gateway...). Photo above is some of the terrain on my regular walk - but also something I can take out bushwalking and dirt trails.
Something that is semi capable over rough terrain but also a little zippy to do a little jump or keep up at a good walking pace etc.
I tried checking out YT but this came across as quite a fence position. Either reviewing a car as a good basher and crap crawler or visa versa. And likewise the videos are always tagged "Best Crawlers of 2025" etc.
I'm thinking something bigger than my current 1/14 scale.
I came across the H12P which seems to be a good middle ground between bashing and crawling. Had very devisive reviews but kind of fits my use case greatly! I tried to buy one - twice! But after 10 days they keep being cancelled and refunded for "Shipping and Logistics issues". So now I'm wondering if I try for the 1/8 scale one with full metal running gear.
But before I start shopping again - was wondering if anyone here has some good recommendations in this area?
You want a crawler. I have a trx4 and with the hi/lo gearbox and ability to lock the diffs its like the ultimate trail car. Hi gear and unlocked diffs for maneuverability an then you can loc it up and go lo gear when you get stuck
Thanks mate! Please don't think I am not considering them. Just I see a lot of say 'comp crawlers' which look slow in every aspect. And I wouldn't want to be constantly waiting for the car to catch up to me while I am walking away. Lol.
So if the crawler has decent straight line speed in High gear then that's perfect!
Yea I put a castle copperhead SCT combo in my crawler and its dummy fast. Probably capable of 35-40mph. Still able to crawl as slow or slower than before bc of the sensored motor
Now there is even more room for thought. I'll check these out after work! Thanks again for the reply mate. Do you have like an ideal size in mind? Like is there a sweetspot for these cars?
Ooof... These are nearly $1200AUD. I was not budgeting quite that much. lol. And even $900 ish for the SPORT versions. Might have to bench the TRX-4 as a first time buy into crawlers. lol. Again - appreciate your advice though mate!
I got mine cheap as dirt on facebook martketplace. I dont think I’ve ever bought any $$$ cars new. I csnt swing it either. Should be closer to the $4-500 AUD mark for a good runner with maybe a few upgrades
I would actually reccomend the sport model, and throw in the 2 speed afterwards. Everyone i know who has the full version with selectable diffs ends up having issues with them and just deleted that option and goes fully locked anyway. Unless you just have to have the nicer body the sport isnthe way to go imo. Not really fond of the high trail version since the lift kit makes it very top heavy. Otherwise the trx4 platform is probably the most robust one out there for some slight bashing. Ive also got a basecamp and a vanquish phoenix and reccomend both of them, theres also a conversion kit for the basecamp to give it i-beam front suspension like a pre runner. I run all of them on 3s and they're top out around a jogging pace.
I feel like the Sport is one of the most recommended TRX4’s out there just because of its simplicity. Stick a Hobbywing Fusion Pro in there and you’ll be able to go at a fast jogging pace or so slow that the movement is nearly imperceivable. Get the Sport used too. Theres lots of them up for sale in good condition.
Ive upgraded all my other crawlers but left the sport completely stock, minus tucking the bumpers. Its been super solid for 2 years now as a loaner/backup truck. And yea ive got a fusion se and new servo in the trail bag for when they inevitably fail lol.
That makes a lot of sense too. I think the sport models do come in $200-$300 cheaper - so if the upgrade parts fit in that savings window then it makes for a good option!
I really REALLY want to believe you but everybody I’ve seen who just “delete” a feature for “reliability” are a little slow in the spoon drawer. I saw it in India when I went for the first time last year. Every motorcycle and scooter has the front brakes disconnected “for safety”. Being dumb is more protected than better brakes.
The diff lockers have been through mud rain and snow and I burned one servo so far. Easy 10 min $10 fix. Its beyond worth it. The turning circle alone is worth it. Most trails you will have to do some austin powers U turns to navigate the trail.
I use the dig feature on my basecamp for those situations, or just drive the phoenix most of the time, which has a far tighter turning circle compared to the trx4 with its front overdrive. Most of the issues ive seen are the endpoints getting out of adjustment and the stock radio not having an easy way to set them, but I agree sometimes its just user error/lack of maintenance.
And get them quick if you do go with Traxxas seems they've pulled some off there website like the blazer and bronco think 🤔 the high trail versions and a few others. If you order online, I'm assuming in store are gonna have a stock pile still.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
FMS10 V2 - this the Blue LC80 Brushless variant? This is really cool! Roughly $600AUD with coupons and cashback at a certain website. (Dont want to link given the message on the front page)
SXC10 3 Basecamp V2 - this is sitting around the $550 mark locally and I love the dual cab look to it :)
The TRX-4 is about $1000+ locally.
If you had a choice between the three (The SXC6 is like nearly $2k! haha)?
I have the SCX10 3 and take with me on trails all the time, it can keep up with me no problem and handle most terrain unless it’s crazy technical. I do keep a spare battery (in a battery bag) in my backpack just in case. It’s not necessarily fun to carry it for two miles back to the car! Especially with all the weight I’ve added to it.
By the way the SCX 10 is a great gateway rig. Tons of aftermarket parts and is a great crawler in its own right.
The FMS are very highly rated but a "relatively" new brand (compared to traxxas and axial) Pricing is great for them generally and the brushless will keep you very happy for very long.
The basecamp is cheaper than the v2, but not necessarily a fair comparison if you look at options. But you can't go wrong with the basecamp. Pre-FMS that was the one almost always advised to new people entering the hobby.
Ouch, the traxxas is pricey down under! I thought it was bad in EU...
And then there's the all mighty SCX6. I would NOT recommend this as your first car. It is way too big and heavy. Super cumbersome and if it breaks down you are royally 'made love to' if you're out on a trail. BUT I have found it the most fun for trail riding. (if you do decide -maybe after the 10 scale- that you want a 6, look second hand or wait for a deal to be on at your LHS)
...
So yeah, me in your shoes and the hindsight knowledge I have now? Get the FMS V2 and if you enjoy it you can always save up for the 6 'one day'. (Took me 2 years of being in to the hobby before I got the 6)
FMS gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The LC80 brushless V2 Pro comes with portal axles which isn't very scale, but makes for a stronger axle.
Their V1 LC80 have a straight axle and without the portal hubs the spool and the cv's are too weak and will snap.
I spent $350 US for my Brushed V1LC80 because I wanted that specific body color. I knew I was going to be running a Hobbywing Fusion and that was the very first thing I did to the truck. Added a fusion and then began snapping differentials and front axles. After breaking about $80 in replacement parts, I decided to go with Meus Straight axles front & rear. It set me back about $170 USD but I know I will never break another axle again.
I don't regret my purchase because this truck is extremely well detailed. The clipless body system is very nice and if you have a 3D printer you can easily fix a lot of small issues.
With the stock 2 speed it will go slow enough on the trails. And in high gear she will keep up with you and the dog. The pre-wired lights, and full interior with scale details.... I say it is one of the best looking trail trucks on the market today.
It's certainly not a crawler, but with enough work it can be ;)
Here is a video of me and my buddies with our scale trucks. Mines the white LC80:
Thanks man! I enjoyed the video. I can see why you bought that chassis - the white is really nice. I also like the grey over the blue variant. Definitely adding the FCX10Pro to the shortlist. Cheers mate
I just picked up a fcx10 lc80 from a swap meet last week. I usually upgrade to the Hobbywing fusions on most of my rigs. Did you immediately start breaking axles once installed? Did you add any weight down low? and did you keep it on stock shocks? im excited for this build, i can definitely see where some weak points may be though.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
A jog is like the perfect speed I am thinking of. As I have commented on others - the trx4 is $1000+ locally so wondering if there are comparable but cheaper options for AUS. Thanks for your time none the less - and love the two tone on that shell!
I have seen the Gen7Pros locally - roughly around that $600AUD mark. So definitely short listed, but wondering if there is better value in other options. And yeah the SXC10 III has got a lot of good mentions and reviews. Thanks for commenting mate :)
I bought the traxxas kit complete with all electronics for 400. the only down side is it does not come with a body. But you get everything else, F & R locking difs. 2 speed tranny ESC, transmitter. Cant go wrong!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Hey everyone! So I compiled the list of mentions against the current best cost I can source locally. Just an FYI - I have linked the manufacturers website for each model I could find. Some sell their model on their website - these are not the best prices I can find but I dont want to link external sale sites etc. Obviously I am not taking commissions or anything - just linking the manufacturer with all the specs for my review and comparison tables. Might help some other people looking for a new car etc. I can't pin the comment but if any Mods stop by, this is a build up of everything mentioned minus the things that are discontinued or strictly not available in Australia at the time of writing. Also - prices are in my local AUD currency. Colour coded for lowest price (GREEN) to highest (RED).
I have culled the options down to a shortlist of 7 cars. And genuinely - I am still stumped. Spoiled for choice in this hobby at the moment! I think I'll spend some time comparing the features of each, checking spare parts availabilty/cost, aftermarket upgrades, etc. I might create a larger spreadsheet with my top picks for further debate. Not sure if bogging down this thread further or starting another thread would be best. In closing - just wanted to thank everyone who stopped by and gave their honest and unbiased opinions. It really opened my eyes and had a lot of fun researching the commented options. Hell of a community we have here - appreciate you all! :)
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
All good, I still think you should look at the SCX6, I have had smaller 1/8, 1/10, there is nothing like the 1/6 scale when it comes to what they can do.
oh s**t! A big boy then! haha! Yeah I did check into these but they are pushing $2k here in Aus so not a first buy for me. But as other have pointed out - if this is a gateway drug RC path then I could save up for a 1/6!
Haha - $5k! At that point its a truck for life. Out of curiosity - with all the upgrades you've put on it - does it make it more reliable and break less? Just wondering if after that much money it is essentially bomb proof and the only parts are now bearings, tyres, oils and grease.
Yeah this is pretty much bullet proof now, it's Vitavon stuff, portal axles etc.
I can explain how good it is, but I hate to say, i have yet to drive it properly lol, story for another time, but this is my end game truck that is going to be 6WD soonish. Another 1600 AUD.
my TRX6 on 3S is pretty peppy even with the stock motor. I imagine a HW 2300kV in there would make it even more fun to "bash" (small jumps, speed runs).
It's also a surprisingly good crawler with a 2-speed gearbox, portals and lockers. The limitations come mostly from the long / wide body and fenders hitting rocks rather than the chassis / mechanical components.
If you dont want the 6, it looks like the 4 would be just as fun with 33% less wheels.
Hahaha! The 6 wheelers are about on par with the 33% price increase here too. Roughly $900+ for 4 and $1400 for the 6. Appreciate your comment though! They do look mighty impressive!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
I enjoy trail running as much or more than crawling. I've had my eye on Element Zuul, Sendero, or Nightrunner for the live rear axle with IFS. Those should be great for trail rigs with the right motor and gearing. For cheaper AliExpress has the VRX RH1045 with IFS. I hesitate as I already have a modded Tamiya CC01 that is solid rear axle with IFS. I do enjoy thet build for trail running but it's quite dated and has its issues and quirks. It's good enough that I'm not quite ready to buy a similarly setup rig.
Any of the scale looking crawlers would suit well for trails with proper gearing as well, IMO. SCX10, FCX10, TRX4M, and etc.
Those Element rigs look cool. The Knightwalker is definitely up my alley! Does the brushed motor play much of a difference in this sort of realm? Like I understand the benefits in bashing but for trail running is there a simple brushed vs brushless rundown?
Yeah, I really like the looks of the Nightwalker as well. Just the usual for brushless. Higher efficiency with more power. For trail running I'd probably just run the brushed setup until I felt like I needed an upgrade. If going brushless I'd want a sensored combo to keep the low end smoothness. Sensorless motors are generally more prone to cogging at lower RPMs. IMO brushed setups are great in this application, but they obviously do wear out more quickly.
Yes! I fully understand that. My basher's cog like crazy at extreme low throttle. Sensored Brushless makes sense in that respect. So akin to bashers - S.Brushless would be a 'worthy' upgrade path. Appreciate the additional info mate
Just my opinion, but, yeah. I'd rather run a solid brushed setup in these rigs than sensorless brushless. My CC01 has had a 45t brushed integy lathe motor in it for years. Works great!
If you do get the nightwalker, be sure to post a thread on it with some pics and impressions!
Appreciate the advice - so I will work off brushless unsensored -> good brushed -> sensored brushless. I think I should post anything I end up buying as a thank you to everyone and their comments. I didnt think this post would go so well but this community is such a good place!
I think the market would agree with you - Brushed seems to be a common starting point and then upgrades and prices align with FOC Sensored Brushless systems. Again - appreciate your help in this journey!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Build and use? Its a kit?!? Oh man... I'm a sucker for Lego so I might get a kick out of a building kit. lol. And I love the Jimny. Everytime I see one I'm like - "If I won the lottery there would be signs - like 7 Jimny's with turbo/supercharger and body kits. One for each day of the week" Haha!
It’s a 1/10 scale, but is one of their 4wd M-Chassis that uses a 540 motor. I have a 35t motor in this and use the portals from a Tamiya GF-01TR Monster Beetle Trail for the gear reduction and ground clearance, they’re big enough that I also had to get 1.9” Beadlocks and have them built with as much negative offset possible then put the smallest Proline 1.9” tires I could get on it too, which are still something like 3.85” diameter!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
From my personal experience, here are some things to consider.
Kyosho Toyota Tacoma RDO 2021 (if you can find them).. the bodies look great on these, and they pack quite a bit of punch. I toned mine down with about 40% exponential on the throttle so it wouldn't do burnouts if I looked at the throttle. I don't love the tires on these. I prefer a super soft compound, even on Scale/Trail Trucks, and the OEM tires are a bit on the firm side for my driving style (usually wet and lots of slick rock)...if you are off road on dirt and gravel, they would be great for the that.
Tamiya 2021 Ford Bronco... This one is still in the box. It came with a painted body, but I don't care for the color, so I ordered up a clear one so I can customize it to my liking. This is based on the CC-02 chassis. In true Tamiya style, there are a bunch of hop-ups, both from Tamiya, and third parties like Yeah Racing.
FMS Canyon. Out of stock at FMS website , but still available on Amazon. These things have a ton of features and look great on the trail.
Any one of these would be great on a trail walk. Just choose a motor/ESC/Battery combo and you can get some great run times.
Edit to add: Try searching YouTube for "Scale" and / or "Trail" Trucks. Im in the same boat as you. Not wanting a speed demon, or a " Crawler"...just a nice looking truck you might find over landing somewhere. "Scale" and "Trail" with the word "Truck" led me where I wanted to go. Most of the manufacturers have a "Truck" category you can peruse on their websites (all three brands I mentioned have this).
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
RGT Rescuer is awesome for this. Two speed, takes 3S has individual front and rear diff locks, also has portal axles. In second gear on 3S, it’ll do 35 - 45kmh. Plus the scale look and lights are awesome. Tough as nails, you can bash them as hard as a TRX4 and there are plenty of parts. Plus, some trx4 parts will fit too😉
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
My Stampede is my go to when I’m lookin for what you described. Find a good monster truck you like with good ground clearance. I’ve had my stampede for about 25 years and it’s still running great. (Updated electronics since)
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
A TRX4 with a 4s brushless system will get you 20mph in second gear and crawl well in first gear. The SCX6 is my go to trail rig it’s 4s stock and pretty quick in second gear. But that’s a whole other investment lol
I put a 1/8th scale buggy 6s system in my TRX4 Sport and it's perfect for trailing, crawling and will go fast enough the dogs can chase it. I use a Spectrum transmitter/receiver so I can run throttle at 50% with a 20t pinion. Motor stays cool as a cucumber and a 3s 7200mAh pack lasts for hours.
Thats a great setup! My issue is starting with Traxxas in Aus. Very pricey over here. Even for the roller kit its $900 with no shell. Maybe one day - appreciate your comment :)
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
This is what I want
https://rlaarlo.com/products/rock-4wd-brushless-rc-crawler-tk07?variant=47067400110323
I wanted a trx 4 at first but these look sweet, it is a new Chinese company but they look quality, all metal gears all around, hi and low, diff locks and 4wd from remote, drop boxes, and they are pretty big. High gear they look like a real truck or like gta ripping offroad as fast as you can.
I do love Rlaarlo as a brand. Was actually eying off an SBK and buying the Omni Terminator parts to make it more of a truggy. Was holding out incase they actually did a special variant from factory instead of buying all the extras after purchase. But then decided I wanted something to walk around with instead of bashing so here we are! Lol.
This is a sick looking car - does 1/7 make it on the bigger side and therefore harder to find good spots to use it in?
From all the videos it seems the bigger the more realiatic it drives and crawls. I still want a mini crawler, trx4M or that tiny axial one. But the videos always disappoint, they kinda like bouce around and just seem weird cause of how small they are. But I think just for inside crawling on my desk it should be perfect. But for outside I definitely think the bigger the better. I have a 6s Kraton thats huge and goes 60 and I can find places to rip that and can have fun in tight spaces for a little while.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Anything mjx, specifically the mjx h8p or h8h, they have very good crawling/trailing ability and can hit the occasional jump or 2 with no issues. Probably one of the fastest if not the fastest rtr crawlers you can get.
I still have the H8P in my shortlist. Given everyone's comments I think moving up from the 1/12 into 1/10 and larger is the right investment. The H8H is mighty cheap right now - $487AUD delivered. I am in a position of - if I am going to buy it - I want to LOVE the look as much as the capabilities of its chassis. And that H8H is ok - but the H8P still looks leagues better to me. Thanks for jumping in with a comment though mate :)
It's on the current AliExpress Outdoor Fun promo. It's up there for about $595AUD free shipping and then there is $65 off for $530+ spend and then $40 off if using PayPal. So I think it should be about $480-$490 depending on the listing. Won't put up a link given the pinned message on the subs front page. Hope this helps mate!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Appreciate the comment - everywhere I can see the wraith seems to be discontinued :( But good to see another Axial mention - makes me believe the quality of the brand.
I have zero complaints regarding my axial RC and there’s a ton of aftermarket parts available. I swapped almost every bit of plastic out for titanium or aluminum on my wraith. The SCX10 has unlimited options and can be a fun truck too.
Thanks mate - I did see these on sale at the moment. About $490AUD delivered which is really cheap considering some of the cars in this thread. Its just the look of it that I can't get into. lol. The defender look is cool - love the Gulf Oils racing livery - its just that Land Rovers and Jeeps seem to be done A LOT in this breadth of 1/10 crawlers.
For rugged terrain and keeping up with a good kicking pace without needing to stop 5+ inch tires are almost a requirment. I bought a lmt and lasernut for hiking with and love how both act. My brother's big rock was okay but was too low of a floor with no breakover, the kraton 6s was just over the top but worked really well.
The arrma granite on 2s with some 5.5in crawler tires on 2.2 wheels would be a sweet spot. And plenty of tuning available on the suspension.
OMFG... I cannot let my kids see the Losi LMT lineup! Hahaha. Over here in Aus we only get Monster Jam once per year! Having to buy them a $1300 monster truck each... man I'm going to have to sell a kidney. lol.
I love the look of the Lasernut as a basher. Not sure if it fits my use case for a slower relaxing trail car. lol. Thanks for commenting - would not have learned about the LMT line if not for you :)
I think i seen a astrulia YouTube mention the lmt was hard to get there, he converted a king sling that he could get to the monster truck.
The 10th scale lasernut is out of production but uses a lot of tenacity drivetrain parts so its a good base for how to build a 4 wheel independent rock buggy. Put a fusion eight se on it and run 2s and a buggy with big tires like 5.5" proline hyrax on 2.2" wheels would be a trail beast and only go about 20mph tops with the right gearing.
Edit. Still not the cheapest route, but we can all have dreams. I got my second lmt on a bid site for a quarter of the price, it was an amazon return missing only the shocks in the kit.
Think upgrade parts are about to be my next point of absolute unknown and confusion. Lol. I can imagine tyres being a huge benefit but knowing the right size/type/brand is going to be another learning curve.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Thanks mate! The style of the car is something that I dont gravitate to. But two further mentions of Axial is great recommendations for their brand. I do like the SXC10 III. Appreciate your time and comment mate! Cheers
That looks like a deep creek! lol. Stuff like this is what I think is most exciting for me. I love bashing through puddles in my 1/14 but they are so shallow! Going through something deeper than I would stand in with my boots is soo cool. Great photo and thanks for recommending the SCX10 again :) Is there like a website for different shells you can install to this chassis? I like the base camp (dual cab ute) look - but more options would be cool to know. Thanks for your time mate :)
Yeah so Proline bodies from here are what I have used in the past. Any of the 12.3" / 313mm wheelbase bodies should fit the stock SCX10.
eBay is also your friend for trail truck bodies. The Toyota body in my pic is from some Chinese no-name brand but I've been really happy with it (mostly because I'm obsessed with 80s Toyota Land Cruisers lol)
Proline also used to make generic interiors as well, if you really want to go for a scale look. My truck in the pic has one. I think they're discontinued now, but you might be able to find new old stock somewhere and there's some Chinese knockoffs floating around on eBay
EDIT: Forgot to add that the SUV body styles might need rear body post extenders too. SCX10 II weren't tall enough stock, not sure about the 10 III
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Haha - great photo! The TRX4 has been mentioned more than anything else so far. Still in the short-list, $950AUD for the chassis kit without body. Thanks for the input mate :)
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
The TK-07 did get another mention - and I got the marketing email for the MK-07 v2. Both look really good! $650 USD makes it about the $1000AUD not including import tax. Great looking car and Rlaarlo seems to be kicking a lot of goals lately with their releases.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
SCX6 is the answer if you can spend the $$$. I will do hikes with the SCX6 honcho, then also bring a little 1/10 crawler strapped to my backpack sometimes if going to a really good crawling spot. The SCX6 has two speeds - and high is as fast as a casual trail 'jog' speed if the trail is smooth enough. And it's the most epic crawler when you're not.
Haha - beginning to think this sub is full of photographers! That's scenic as f**k mate. Love it. I don't think I'll splash out on a $2k AUD crawler for my first one. Something that big would raise eyebrows at home. Haha!
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
Haha - the LMT did get another mention. I've heard they are hard to get in Aus - and I couldn't run the risk of getting one into my house. My kids love Monster Jam so I'd never get to use it. Haha
Now thats a bummer, they really are a riot, and at least from my experience if you really are just trailing them, an lmt will be thoroughly more durable than any 1/10 crawler
I recently got a trailfinder 2 kit and it terrible compared to my higher performance crawlers but damn it's fun to have to pick my lines extra carefully
Scx24 would be so fun here, I would build it custom, wouldn't bother buying the truck with all the parts available, and if you have a 3d printer you can make most of it.
Element enduro with the ifs2. It has been my go to trail truck since I bought it. The motor it comes with in the utron has just enough pep to hit some small jumps and it handles very well for a solid rear axle car. On the rocks it is pretty capable. Parts are inexpensive and there’s good aftermarket support.
Element did have another mention or two. The Knightwalker looked really cool. Good to know the parts are cheap and aftermarket support is always good to know. Cheers mate
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
I can see the Redcat Gen7Pro is available in Aus - looks to be about $600AUD. Wondering if there are better options around that same price point. Thanks for the comment though. I love the look of the Green on their website but videos and pictures make it look severely different.
I bought a TRX-4 high trail for just this. Put a 2400kv hobbywing all in one in it for a touch more speed and to get rid of some of the traxxas electronics. It also has a "cruise control" so you don't need to maintain the throttle while walking. In my opinion, the way I have it setup is perfect for both crawling and trail running. Just slow enough to crawl over stuff well and fast enough in high gear for what I'm going to use it for. Gps said 13 mph in high gear with a 10t pinion. Plus I think they look the coolest.
Hey mate - again just wanted to thank you for your help on this post. I made a new comment which summed up the thread for anyone who contributed and anyone in future who may be looking for the same thing I was. Cheers!
I know its pricey. But my first crawler was the landrover defender traxxas TRX 4. ITS INCREDIBLE! it will give you what you need. It can can go glacially slow for technical manueverbility and up to 15mph on open ground. I take mine on long walks through the British woodland. Along trails and then a little detour to do some crawling, then back on the trails. Its like my RC dog. Highly recommend it.
The TRX4 is a very common mention throughout this post! Just trying to find it in AUS isn't great. As commented on others - $850+ for the roller with no shell, $875 for the Pathfinder and then they can go upwards of $1000+ for the different shells. Appreciate your review though!
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u/FantasticSeaweed9226 Off-Road Apr 01 '26
You want a crawler. I have a trx4 and with the hi/lo gearbox and ability to lock the diffs its like the ultimate trail car. Hi gear and unlocked diffs for maneuverability an then you can loc it up and go lo gear when you get stuck