If you live in a cold, snowy climate, then you know that winter can be a challenging time to keep your car on the road. But what about your RC car? Just because you can’t go out and drive it doesn’t mean you have to put it away until the snow melts. In fact, there are some great RC cars designed specifically for driving in winter weather.
This article will review three of the best RC cars for winter conditions. We’ll consider things like how well they handle snow and ice, how waterproof their electronics are, and what kind of tires they have. So whether you’re looking for your first winter-weather RC car or just want to see what’s available, read on for our recommendations.
5 Considerations for Buying an RC Car for Winter
When you’re shopping for an RC car that can handle winter weather, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are five of the most important considerations:
Snow and Ice Tires
Tires are the number one difference maker when driving in the snow and ice. You must have a set of paddle tires, or you won’t get very far. Paddle tires have large scooped treads that can really throw a big snow rooster tail.
I run my Traxxas Slash VXL 4X4 with a set of paddle tires, and it screams through the snow! When driving through thick snow, you must stay hard on the throttle to get the truck on top of the snow surface.
Some Traxxas and ARRMA RC cars have special features (Like Traxxas TSM or Spektrum’s Active Vehicle Control) that help them keep the vehicle under control in slick conditions.
TSM stands for Traxxas stability management and is a technology that automatically corrects the steering if the vehicle’s back-end begins to slip out of control. With TSM you can drive fast on slick surfaces without losing control of your RC vehicle.
The key takeaway here is traction. traction is key when you’re driving in winter weather, so make sure to buy a vehicle that has good ground clearance and enough room to install a good set of paddle tires.
Waterproof Electronics
Waterproof electronics are an absolute must-have feature if you are going to drive in the snow. When you get done driving, there will be snow absolutely everywhere. Double-check to make sure the following components are waterproof:
- Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
- Electric Motor
- Steering Servo
- Receiver Box
If any of the parts in this list are not waterproof, you are not going to last long in the snow.
To make the electronics waterproof, manufacturers will often use special materials or sealants. This is something to keep an eye out for when you’re reading product descriptions.
IP rating is another way of determining how waterproof an RC car’s electronics are. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant the car will be to water and other liquids.
Tires
I mentioned it once, but it’s worth mentioning again. Get some Paddle Tires!
The type of tires your RC car has will affect how well it handles in the snow. Some tires are designed specifically for driving on snow and ice, while others are better suited for dry conditions. Don’t run your summer dirt tires in the snow unless it is hard packed. Even then, you will be slipping and sliding all over the place!
Paddle tires are specifically designed for surfaces like snow (and beach sand) and can make a huge difference when driving through soft snow. Paddle tires can dig into the snow and help propel your car forward.
Battery Life
When you’re driving in winter weather, you’ll want to make sure your lipo batteries are in good working condition. Cold temperatures can shorten the run time of lipo batteries, so it’s important to choose a model with a high milliamp capacity.
Many professional RC cars have batteries that hold between 5000 and 7000 milliamps. My Traxxas Slash uses 5000 milliamp batteries and can run for about 30 minutes on a full charge in the summer. The run time will shorten a bit as the temperature drops. In freezing temperatures, I can run my Slash for about 15 minutes. So, you can expect about h
The key takeaway is to make sure you have a large capacity battery when you get ready to drive in cold temperatures.
Build Quality
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the RC car or truck you choose is well-built and durable. Winter weather can be tough on even the most well-made RC cars, so it’s important to choose a model that can withstand a few bumps and bruises.
Look for an RC truck with a sturdy chassis and body, as well as strong suspension components. These will help to ensure that your car can handle whatever winter throws its way.
Price
Of course, price is also a consideration when shopping for an RC car for winter. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available at different price points.
So, if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are still some great RC cars out there that will be perfect for driving in winter weather.
Now that you know what to look for in an RC car for winter, it’s time to start shopping! Here are three of our favorite models:
3 Best RC Cars for Winter
To select the best RC car for winter, there are a few key features to look for, including snow and ice handling, waterproof electronics, and tires. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the RC car has a good battery life and is well-built. With these things in mind, here are five of the best RC cars for winter:
1. Traxxas Summit RTR 4WD Monster Truck
The Traxxas Summit 1/10 Scale RTR Monster Truck is one of the best RC cars for winter. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants an all-wheel drive car that can handle any type of terrain. The Summit is also equipped with a water resistant electronics system, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the snow.
With features like water resistant electronics, all-wheel drive, and a powerful motor, the Traxxas Summit is one of the best RC cars for winter. If you’re looking for an RC car that can handle any type of terrain and conditions, the Traxxas Summit is a great choice.
The chassis is made of fiber-composite with a composite center skid plate shield. The radio box is water resistant, and the battery compartments can hold either 6 or 7 cell sport packs or LiPo packs. The lighting system has 10 LEDs, 4 white in the front and 6 red in the rear. The drivetrain is a four wheel drive to help power through snowy conditions.
Features of the Titan 775 motor and the EVX-2 electronic speed control
The Titan 775 is equipped with a fan-cooled armature and an extra wrap of steel around the can for maximum magnetic field strength. This provides Summit with extreme trail-conquering torque. Additionally, the EVX-2 electronic speed control can handle up to 16.8 volts and has thermal shutdown protection and low-voltage detection for compatibility with LiPo battery packs.
Ready-To-Race Radio System
The Traxxas Summit comes equipped with the world’s most advanced Ready-To-Race radio system. The Traxxas TQi comes with a full set of tuning technology, enabling you to accessorize your model car with a transmitter for the unbeatable convenience of “no channels, no crystals” 2.4GHz technology. The transmitter is fully adjustable and can be programmed to control various aspects of the car, such as steering sensitivity and throttle sensitivity. The transmitter also has an ergonomic case design for all-day driving comfort.
Overall, the Traxxas Summit is a great choice for anyone looking for an RC car that can handle any type of terrain and conditions. With its waterproof electronics, all-wheel drive, and powerful motor, the Traxxas Summit is one of the best RC cars for winter.
2. Best for Beginners: LAEGENDARY 1:10 Brushless 4×4 Off Road Monster Truck
This LAEGENDARY 1:10 Scale 4X4 truck is perfect for beginners. It has a brushless motor and four-wheel drive, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
This truck is ready to run right out of the box and can reach speeds up to 40 mph. It is also equipped with a HobbyWing programmable ESC, allowing for custom settings. The truck is made to be durable and can handle different terrains with ease. Additionally, it is easy to control with a 4CH 2.4GHz remote controller.
These trucks have been tried and tested by many, and they have proven to be reliable and fun. Their all-terrain capability makes them perfect for any terrain, whether it be sand, dirt, snow, or anything in between. Waterproof electronics make them resistant to any weather conditions. So, if you’re looking for a truck that can handle anything you throw at it, the LAEGENDARY is the perfect choice.
3. ARRMA 1/10 Granite 4X4 V3
The ARRMA 1/10 Granite 4X4 V3 4WD Truck is a ready-to-run vehicle that comes equipped with a Spektrum SLT3 3-channel radio, SLT/DSMR dual protocol receiver, Smart ESC, stronger servo and more. This truck is capable of reaching incredible speeds for all-terrain bashing.
The Truck is a durable and reliable truck that is perfect for anyone looking for a truck that is both waterproof and dustproof. The truck is also capable of handling up to 150A of current, making it perfect for running 6S LiPo batteries. It also features Spektrum’s SMART technology, which allows you to program the truck with various settings, including punch, brake, BEC reverse speed and motor timing. The truck also features high quality 10awg wires and low voltage cutoff and thermal overload protection.
Thus, the ARRMA RC Truck is perfect for anyone looking for a durable and reliable truck that can handle any terrain. With its waterproof electronics, all-wheel drive, and powerful motor, the ARRMA RC Truck is one of the best RC trucks for winter.
FAQs For The 3 Best RC Cars for Winter
Can RC Cars Drive In The Snow?
Do I need Paddle Tires To Drive My RC truck In The Snow?
Are two wheel or four wheel drive RC trucks better for snow?
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
There are many different types of RC cars and trucks on the market, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing an RC car or truck for winter, it is important to consider things like waterproof electronics, all-wheel drive, and powerful motors. The three trucks listed above are some of the best RC trucks for winter and can handle any type of terrain or condition. So, if you’re looking for a tough and durable RC truck that can take on anything winter throws at it, one of these trucks is sure to be a perfect choice.
