There's an RC vehicle for every environment, rock crawlers for rugged, off-road terrain, drift cars for smooth surfaces and sharp turns, and high-speed racers for straightaways and tracks. But what if you get stuck on a muddy track? What suits that circumstance best? Well, the answer is very simple: the mud truck.
The mud truck is one of the most fun experiences you can have with a remote control car. There's just something to watching it skim across mud-caked terrain with ease and tackle the most filthy of obstacles. If you've never used one before, you're in for a treat the first time you get a go. However, if you've tried one before and are looking to perfect yours, you've come to the right place.
In this article we're going to go over the best mud trucks on the market, tell you about some upgrades which will help you get the most out of them, and tell you about where you can get the best accessories.
The Best RC Mud Trucks on the Market
There are a lot of RC cars and trucks out there in the RC market perfect for muddy terrain from the Axial SCX10 III Jeep Gladiator to the Losi LMT Grave Digger Monster Truck. However, for this article we've chosen to only suggest Traxxas models because they are one of the most respected RC designers out there and are readily accessible for most people looking for a new RC car.
Traxxas Stampede
The Stampede might be the most popular RC mud truck on the market, and for good reason. It's the perfect balance between durability, power, and not breaking the bank. The Traxxas Stampede comes equipped with waterproof electronics, so tackling mud-caked trails or charging through water hazards won't be a problem. It's got a high ground clearance and large tires which means it can easily skim over muddy terrain while maintaining its stability.
In terms of upgradeability, it's also a real treat. The base model is already something to behold on mud-caked areas, but with a few modifications - like upgrading to a brushless motor - you can really get this bad boy going.
Traxxas Summit
With its locking differentials and high/low transmission, the Traxxas Summit is hard to resist. Designed for a bit more extreme off-road adventures, the Summit isn't one of those RC cars that can cope with mud - it excels in it! Thanks to its tough construction and careful waterproofing, you can push this RC truck to its limits in even the most mud-caked terrain. Thanks to its unique ability to switch between a high-speed mode and a low-speed, high-torque mode, the Summit is a very versatile truck.
Just like the Stampede, it's also pretty flexible in terms of customization. So, if your main goal is picking up a base model and then fine-tuning it to get the optimum performance, there are few limits to your fun with this model.
Traxxas X-Maxx
If the Summit or the Stampede aren't quite to your liking, you might be interested in a bigger model. So why not try the X-Maxx? The Traxxas X-Maxx is a colossal RC truck that's built for extreme conditions and brutal off-roading. This model is huge, powerful and has no trouble tearing up the muddiest trails.
Its 8S power system provides incredible torque and top speeds that are unmatched by most other RC vehicles, meaning this truck not only plows through mud but does it fast. Like the other Traxxas models, the X-Maxx has waterproof electronics making it perfect for rougher terrains and outdoorsing. Similar to its sibling RC vehicles, it's also highly customizable making it a great starting point to build upon for the perfect mud truck.
Essential Upgrades for Mud Performance
There are a lot of upgrades you can make depending on whatever base model you choose. You can try adjusting the suspension, upgrading your motor or doing things that require a bit more expertise. However, below, we've covered the four most important customizations you can make for your RC vehicle to make it handle mud best.
Tires and Wheels
The logical place to start when thinking about making your RC vehicle the best in the mud is the tires. Mud-specific tires are designed with deep treads that can grip soft, slippery surfaces, giving your truck the traction to handle the messiest terrain. As such, you'll want to look for tires that are not only larger but have an aggressive tread pattern that allows them to dig into the mud and self-clean as they rotate. If you can only make one customization for your mud truck, getting the best, optimal tires for rough off-roading is the best one to do.
Suspension System
Even the best RC car will start to strain under enough brutal off-roading, and mud is no exception. Your suspension system plays a huge role in how well your truck handles uneven, unpredictable terrain, and stock suspensions often aren't up to the task when things get really rough. To tackle mud tracks effectively, you'll want to upgrade to a more robust suspension setup, one that can absorb shocks and keep your vehicle stable no matter the conditions.
Motor
If you've sorted out your tires and suspension, the next place to start is inside your RC car. A more powerful motor can make a huge difference in how your truck handles the mud. Brushless motors are a good idea for most RC drivers, but they can be especially good for mud trucks as they offer more torque and efficiency compared to their brushed counterparts, which means better acceleration and higher speeds. But it isn't just about speed; it's also about durability. Brushless motors tend to last longer and require less maintenance, meaning they are perfect for intense muddy conditions where wear and tear is a constant issue.
- One great motor available is the Castle Creations Copperhead 10 Waterproof 1/10 Scale Sensored Brushless Motor
Gears
So what else is there to change? Well, if you've tried everything else, the next stop is your gears. Changing your gearing can significantly impact your RC vehicle's performance in muddy conditions. You do this by adjusting the pinion and spur gears, which let you tweak the balance between speed and torque. But what does that mean exactly? Well, in the case of mud trucks, you'll want to have a smaller pinion gear or a larger spur gear. This means you'll have more torque at the cost of top-end speed. If you're happy to sacrifice that for some stability, then it's well worth adjusting your gears or taking it to a hobby shop that can do it for you.
Waterproofing Electronics
The Traxxas models we mentioned earlier all come with waterproof electronics, but this isn't a given for all RC models. If your truck doesn't have this feature out of the box, waterproofing your electronics is a must for mudding. Mud and water can easily ruin the insides of your vehicle, making it go from a fun hobby to a big hunk of junk. The simplest way to solve this is by protecting your electronics with waterproof cases or sealant. Doing it might feel a bit annoying in the moment but doing so could stop your favourite racer from becoming a decorative toy.
RC Mud Truck Accessories
With upgrades out of the way, we can start to look into accessories—the things that can make your car that little bit more suitable to the rough, rip-roaring world of mud trucking. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Mud Guards: Protect your truck's internal components from mud, dirt, and debris that could interfere with performance.
- LED Light Kits: Enhance visibility for night driving and add a custom, rugged look to your truck.
- Winch Systems: A must-have for pulling your truck out of deep mud or tough spots, adding both practicality and a scale look.
- Body Shells and Skid Plates: New body shells offer both aesthetic customization and protection, while skid plates shield the underside from impacts.
- Spare Parts and Tool Kits: Essential for quick repairs during your runs. Carry extra parts like suspension arms, wheel hexes, and a compact tool kit to keep your truck running smoothly in the field.
RC Visions - Finding The Perfect RC Mud Truck
Whether you're looking for RC monster trucks or a fine-tuned 2WD RC car, we have what you're looking for at RC Visions. We have just about something for everyone, from the world's most daring off-roaders to those who prefer a nice Sunday drive. We have models from Traxxas, Arrma and more available, all just waiting for you to take them out on the tracks (or the mud!) and have fun.
But we're not just about base models. We're also dedicated to enabling enthusiasts to have accessibility to all the tools they need to create the bespoke, optimal ride they want which is perfect for them. We're talking about unique tires, motors, and all those little things that add up to creating the ideal RC journey. If you're interested in taking your hobby to the next level or are prepared to start finding the right tools to make your RC car into the mud truck of dreams, check out RC Visions, the premiere RC hobby store online.
FAQs
What is the best truck for mud?
There are many great RC trucks available for mud-trucking. One of the top models available right now is the Traxxas Stampede, which is a very popular option because of its durability, high ground clearance and waterproof electronics.
What is the meaning of an RC truck?
An RC truck is a remote-controlled (RC) vehicle that is typically designed for off-road terrain and is capable of handling rugged environments.
What is mudding in a truck?
Mudding is when you drive a truck through muddy terrain. It's a very popular option for RC drivers as it's challenging, rewarding and makes for great pictures.
How fast can an RC truck go?
RC trucks don't have a uniform speed. You can find ones that can go from 20 to over 60 mph, depending on the base model you use and the modifications you make to it.