Small rock crawler RC vehicles are made to drive indoors, outside in the backyard, or in the garage. Small RC crawlers can fit in your backpack (or briefcase maybe), so you can crawl around on your lunch break. Honestly, there is nothing better than crawling around outside of your office.
Smaller RC crawlers are going to be cheaper than the larger 1:10 scale crawlers, but the new micro RC crawlers on the market still have high quality suspension and electrical components that the larger crawlers have. The major difference is they are cheaper to operate and easier to transport.
In this post, we will take a look at the best small rock crawler RCs on the market to help pick which crawler you should add to your collection! Let’s get crawlin’!
What Are Small Rock Crawler RC Vehicles?
Small (or micro) crawlers are on a scale of 1:24. That means the crawler will be about 24 times smaller than the real-life vehicle. Small RC rock crawlers are usually about 9 or 10 inches long, sit about 5 inches off the ground, and are about 4 inches wide.
Many people build small indoor RC courses for 1/24 scale RC crawlers and drive their RCs indoors when the weather is bad. Or, in my case, drive in the basement all winter long because it’s too snowy and cold to go outside.
Let’s take a look at the new Ford Bronco’s dimensions and compare it to the Axial 1/24 scale Ford Bronco RC crawler. If you divide the dimensions of the real world Bronco by 24, you will the size of the 1/24 scale version. The numbers aren’t going to be exact, but they are pretty close.
| Actual Length | RC Length | Actual Height | RC Height | Actual Width | RC Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 199" (5054 mm) | 8.75" (222 mm) | 79" (2006 mm) | 4.625" (117 mm) | 86" (2184.4 mm) | 3.875" (98 mm) |
What Brands Make Small Rock Crawler RC Vehicles?
The most popular brands making small and micro RC crawlers are:
- Axial
- Team Associated
- GoolRC
- PandaHobby
- Traxxas
If you are looking for a larger crawler, check out our post about the best Traxxas crawlers.
Our Pick For The Best 1/24 Scale RC Crawler : The Axial SCX24 Chassis
I think the Axial SCX24 is the most popular chassis on our list. Axial specializes in RC rock crawlers and has several different body styles in the 1/24 scale size. My favorite body styles are the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Gladiator. Each body design looks like the real life vehicle and Axial made sure to include every tiny detail.
Each of the Axial SCX24 RC crawlers comes pre-assembled and ready to roll. They come with a 2-channel radio (double A batteries are included! Thanks, Axial), an 88T brushed motor, a steering servo, an electronic speed controller, and a receiver.
Have you taken a look at the officially licensed Nitto Trail Grappler tires that wrap so elegantly around the KMC Machete wheels? They look Amazing. When I said earlier that Axial nailed all the little details, this is what I’m talking about! Axial makes sure your small RC rock crawler looks like a mean crawlin’ machine.
All of these crawlers have a “true” full-time four-wheel drive and are powered by worm gears in both the front and rear differential. Worm gears work great in small RC rock crawlers because they have a small form factor that gives you a higher ground clearance.
These vehicles also have coil over shock absorbers with an insane amount of travel. I was surprised at how well my Axial Wrangler would stick to the ground while crawling over a small rock course I built in my backyard.
The front and rear axles are made of a two-piece molded plastic that provides rigidity for precise handling. This is important when you are slowly trying to drive up a steep incline that has a fairly uneven surface. Having a sturdy front and rear axle will help the suspension do its job and keep the tires on the terrain.
Check Out This Video Of The Best 1/24 Scale RC Crawler
Small RC Rock Crawler Runner Ups
This list of small RC rock crawlers has more affordable options for those of you looking for a good RC crawler on a budget. The next few picks are also in the same 1/24 scale class and are great for beginners.
GoolRC 1/24 Scale Jeep Rubicon
This crawler from GoolRC is a four-wheel drive jeep that comes ready to roll and is fully assembled. It has a 2.4GHz radio with throttle, breaking, and reverse functions. What surprised me most about this vehicle was the amount of customization on the radio transmitter. You can adjust the steering dual rate to your liking. That is an impressive feature for a budget RC crawler.
Team Associated 1/24 Enduro24 Drive Sendero Trail Truck
Team Associated is a popular RC car brand, and they have come out with their own small Rock crawler RC truck. This vehicle is great for crawling around your living room or in the backyard. I suggest using some hot glue and a few medium size rocks to build a course on an old cardboard box.
This truck comes with a batter, charger, and transmitter. It has everything you need to get crawling. You will need to purchase some double A batteries for the remote control.
The truck is a 4×4 with soft rubber tires and coil-over shocks. One of the strong points about this truck is it’s adjustable body posts. The body posts allow you to install the body up higher for better clearance from the tires.
The specifications for this truck are:
- 64 tooth spur gear and 12 tooth pinion gear
- 5.33:1 Transmission
- 2.5:1 Transfer Case
- 2.35:1 Axle Ring and Pinion
- 2:1 Final Drive Ratio
FAQs for Small RC Rock Crawlers
What is the best 1/24 scale RC crawler?
The Axial 1/24 scale RC crawler is one of the most popular and best small RC rock crawlers on the market. There is a large community on Facebook, many upgrade parts, and an avid Axial crawler community in most cities. You won’t go wrong buying an Axial 1/24 scale crawler.
How Long Does The Battery Last On A Small RC Rock Crawler?
The battery life will differ from vehicle to vehicle, but you should expect to get between 10 and 20 minutes of runtime out of your micro crawler. If you are taking it slow and crawling over rocks and sticks, you should get plenty of run time. However, if you’re running full-throttle, don’t expect the battery to last quite as long.
Can I drive a small RC rock crawler inside and outside?
Yes, you can drive your micro RC rock crawler inside or outside. I would not recommend fully submerging the vehicle underwater. Most smaller RC rock crawlers may not have water receivers, motors, and electronic speed controllers.
Are 1/24 Small RC Rock Crawlers Good For Kids?
Yes, smaller RC crawlers are great for kids because they drive slowly, are easy to control, and don’t cost as much as larger vehicles.
Conclusion for Small Rock Crawler RC Trucks and Jeeps
I have a bunch of RC trucks, cars, and jeeps. Most of my rigs are large 1/10 scale vehicles. But, when I got my first 1/24 scale RC crawler, I was really surprised at how much fun it was to drive. It was just like my big trucks, but I could drive it around in my living room and try to escape from the dog.
I definitely recommend picking up a micro RC crawler because they are portable, affordable, and a ton of fun. I actually do take my Axial Jeep to work on Fridays and drive it around in the rock bed in front of the office. I could never do that with my 1/10 scale rigs.
So if you are looking for your first RC crawler or want to play around with a smaller rig in your house, go for it. I promise you won’t be disappointed in a small RC rock crawler! Happy crawling!
