How Fast Does RC Crawler Run

RC vehicle racing is an exceptional hobby and a great way to attempt numerous driving stunts without being in the car. Also, you can drive these vehicles where you wouldn’t dare attempt if you were behind the wheel. Here in this article find out how fast does RC crawler run. And just because they are tiny doesn’t mean they’re slow!

So, how fast does an RC crawler run? Most rock crawlers can achieve 40 miles per hour. Typically, RC crawlers have a rather slow speed compared to RC cars, though they are engineered to drive on more challenging tracks. 

Generally, RC cars’ speeds range from 50 to 70 mph, though some of the best and most expensive models can go up to 100 mph. The type of RC vehicle you purchase depends on a few factors, including your budget and preferences. 

Fastest RC Crawler Models On the Market

With the market being flooded with numerous RC crawlers that promise to be the best and fastest, it’s challenging to find the best one. Here are the fastest RC cars so far:

1. Traxxas XO-1 100mph
2. Rustler VXL 70 Mph 
3. 4-Tec 2.0 VXL 70Mph
4. E-Revo VXL 70 Mph
5. Bandit VXL 70 Mph

Six Ways to Make Your RC Crawler Faster 

At times, your rock crawler might need to reach the speed you need. But you don’t have to buy another one. There are a few simple ways you can make it faster, including:

Modify the Gear ratio

The first way you can boost your RC crawler’s speeds is by modifying the gear ratio. Typically, RC crawlers sport two gears; the spur and pinion gears. You can adjust them to offer your RC crawler a higher maximum speed or faster acceleration. 

Pinion gear

This gear is affixed to the motor directly and is usually made from titanium, steel, or aluminum. 

In addition to having different pitches and sizes, the pinion gear is easily movable using a hex driver. The more the number of teeth on the pinion gear, the faster your vehicle goes. 

Note: This doesn’t point to acceleration but the maximum speed your RC vehicle can attain. If you substitute your pinion gear with one that has more teeth, don’t choose one with too many teeth than your current pinion gear. This can interfere with your RC crawler engine’s temperature and possibly damage it. 

The best way is to add one tooth at a time as you inspect your RC crawler for any damage. A smaller gear is the way to go if you’re looking to boost acceleration. It will be handy in increasing acceleration and won’t affect your RC crawler’s temperature. 

Spur gear

This gear is large and made of plastic. Also, it is turned by the pinion gear. Once you adjust it, it can either deliver swifter acceleration or higher maximum speed. However, the difference is slightly lower than when you change the pinion gear. 

Reducing the spur gear size will lead to higher maximum speed but slower acceleration. On the other hand, switching it for a larger one will result in faster acceleration but reduced maximum speed.  For the best results, you should change both gears.

Switch Tires 

This one’s obvious: using the right tires is important since the wrong ones will significantly slow you down. 

If you’re going to be driving on the tarmac, then you should go for slick tires. However, if you’re driving on mud or slippery terrain, choose tires with full spikes, while for carpet racing, mini pins are best. Mini spikes are ideal for typical terrain since they offer excellent all-round grip. 

Additionally, ensure your tires are of good quality since anything less will deliver poor traction, and since they are less sturdy, they won’t serve you long. Premium tires are the most suitable option because they guarantee you drive faster and easily maneuver the sharp corners. This will reduce the risk of your RC crawler rolling or spinning if you take a corner suddenly.

Moreover, you’ll save maintenance funds which will come in handy in paying for other upgrades. 

Finally, when selecting tires, it would be best to choose bigger ones. Those with a large diameter will cover significant ground, thus increasing your maximum speed. 

Nevertheless, it would help if you understood that large tires are heavier; hence it’s a balancing challenge. 

Reduce Weight 

This is one of the easiest ways to make your rock crawler faster. Reduce weight by substituting the heavy parts for lighter ones. Also, you should consider detaching the aesthetic parts that add no real value to your racing experience. 

You’d be surprised to see how many parts it takes to achieve a lightweight; even if you substitute two or more parts, it is enough to lighten your vehicle and make a huge difference in the maximum speed. 

Alternatively, you can change batteries. For instance, if you have NiMh batteries, switch to LiPo for a significant weight reduction. That said, LiPo batteries are pricier and more difficult to utilize. 

Regardless of what part you choose to substitute, the speed will increase once you reduce the weight. Nonetheless, reducing weight will also lessen friction making it more susceptible to overturning. 

Motor Upgrade 

The brushed motor is your best option if you’re a beginner. However, you’ll need a brushless motor if you want higher speeds and have ample experience in RC crawler racing. 

Brushless motors are more efficient than their counterparts, translating to more speed and power. A marginal amount of energy is lost via friction in the case of a brushless motor; hence the RC crawler has more power and races faster. 

However, when it comes to a brushed motor, the brushes turn the electricity to motion, and some energy is lost via friction. 

Once you switch to a brushless motor, you are sure it’ll increase the power and speed of your RC crawler. Although, if you aren’t experienced in RC crawler racing, it might be difficult to maneuver with this new engine, so be careful. 

Battery Upgrade 

Upgrading to a LiPo battery from a NiMH battery will instantly speed up your RC crawler. LiPo batteries are both powerful and lightweight. Due to this surge in power, you’ll get swift acceleration and higher maximum speeds. All the same, they are more expensive than NiMH batteries. 

Moreover, LiPo batteries need a unique charger and maintenance. Again you need to take care of them, especially regarding storage, though most rock crawler racing fans don’t mind overlooking the cons to get the extra speed and power. 

Practice 

Last but not least, you’ve got to practice. Most racers spend their funds changing and upgrading their RC crawlers but not enough time practicing how to handle them.  At times the winners aren’t those with the most expensive vehicles but those who practice maneuvering the tracks without rolling over. So with the right skills and an upgraded RC crawler, no one can stop you! 

RC crawler racing, like all races, involves racing at high speeds, and if your car can’t achieve these speeds, it’ll be hard to win! 

How fast does RC Crawler run? On average, 40 Mph though some top-of-the-line RC crawlers can attain up to 100 Mph. But if yours can’t get to these speeds, here’s how to give it a boost: 

• Modifying gear ratio
• Switching tires 
• Reduce weight
• Upgrade your motor
• Battery upgrade 
• Practicing