Beginner’s Guide to R/C Cars & Trucks

When you’re getting into the R/C hobby, the first big choice is whether you start with an RTR (Ready-to-Run) vehicle or a kit you build from parts. Both are real hobby-grade options, but they offer very different experiences — especially for beginners.

Let’s keep it simple.

What is RTR (Ready-to-Run)?

RTR vehicles come fully assembled, with all electronics already installed, tuned, and ready for action. You usually only need a battery and charger to start driving.

Why RTR is perfect for beginners:

No assembly required

No special tools needed

Electronics are installed correctly

You can drive in minutes

Easier repairs and upgrades

Traxxas RTRs are famously durable and beginner-friendly

If this is your first hobby-grade R/C, RTR is overwhelmingly the best option — especially a Traxxas model.

What is a Kit?

A kit is a box of parts you assemble from the ground up. You build the chassis, drivetrain, suspension, and install your own electronics. Often, multiple separate purchases are needed.

Why some hobbyists choose kits:

Enjoy the building process

Want full control over component choices

Like customizing from the start

Great for learning the mechanics of R/C

Why they’re not ideal for beginners:

Kits require:

Tools

Time

Mechanical understanding

Purchase of additional separate components

Careful first time setup (gear mesh, shocks, alignment, etc.)

Kits are fantastic after you’ve learned the basics — but challenging for first-timers.

Our Recommendation at JackWagon

If your goal is fun, simplicity, and driving more than wrenching, RTR is the way to go.

If you love detailed assembly work (like model kits) and want the experience of building a vehicle from scratch, a kit can be rewarding — but it’s rarely the best first step.

For 9 out of 10 beginners, RTR delivers the best experience, the least frustration, and the fastest path to fun.

Note: if price point is a concern, please know that kits aren't less expensive than RTR to get a completed vehicle. A preassembled RTR doesn't usually cost any more than all the components and bits required for completing a kit.

Choosing your first hobby-grade R/C is a lot easier when you know what kind of driving you want to do. Traxxas makes this simple by offering durable, beginner-friendly vehicles in several styles — each with its own strengths.

Here’s a quick overview to help you pick the perfect starting point.

4×4 Trucks — The Most Popular Beginner Choice

These are the “do-everything” vehicles.

They’re fast, tough, and fun on almost any surface: dirt, grass, pavement, gravel, you name it.

Top Traxxas Picks:

Slash 4x4

– Great all-around basher

Rustler 4x4

– Lower profile, awesome speed and handling

Stampede 4x4

– Higher stance, super fun and forgiving

Best for:

Backyard bashing

Park or pavement running

New drivers who want versatility

Drivers who want durability above all

Why we recommend this category:

It’s nearly impossible to go wrong here. These trucks survive beginner mistakes and offer tons of upgrade paths.

Monster Trucks

Bigger, beefier, and built for serious bashing.

Top Traxxas Picks:

Mini-Maxx

– Robust Fun in a convenient take-it-with-you size.

Maxx

– Power + durability sweet spot

X-Maxx

– The legendary big basher (not recommended as a first RC for most beginners, but an absolute dream once you're hooked)

Best for:

Maximum fun

Jumping

Rough terrain

Drivers who want a “wow factor”

Crawlers & Trail Trucks — Slower, easier, extremely beginner-friendly

If speed isn’t your priority and you prefer precision, realism, and trail exploration, crawlers are amazing starter vehicles.

Top Traxxas Picks:

TRX-4M

– A fantastic beginner crawler (and very affordable)

TRX-4

– Full-size premium crawler

TRX-6

– Six-wheel fun machine, more niche

Best for:

Indoor/outdoor exploration

Kids, families, and new drivers

People who want less speed and more control

Hobbyists who enjoy scale details and terrain challenges

Buggies and Stadium Trucks

These sit lower, handle great, and are very fast on pavement or hard-packed surfaces. A little less off road capability but more stable at speed.

Top Traxxas Picks:

Bandit

– Classic beginner-friendly buggy

Rustler

– Fast, durable, and extremely fun

Best for:

Speed-focused driving

Smooth surfaces

Beginners who want a “sporty” feel

On-Road Cars

These are designed for pavement only — precise, fast, and less forgiving for total beginners.

Top Traxxas Picks:

4-Tec 2.0 / 3.0

Best for:

Smooth street driving

Scale builds

Speed runners

Drivers who want a more technical challenge

Our Recommendation at JackWagon

If you’re not sure where to start, we almost always recommend a Traxxas 4×4 truck like the Slash, Rustler, or Stampede.

They give new drivers:

Great control

Solid durability

Easy repairs

Wide parts availability

Tons of upgrade potential

If you want something slower, safer, and practicable, a crawler is a fantastic recommendation — especially the convenient sized TRX-4M.

Bonus Tip: What about nitro fuel powered, or 'gas' powered? Our recommendation for all beginners is to go electric. Electric vehicles are much easier and practical than fuel based. We offer a selection of Traxxas Nitro vehicles when you are ready for a different challenge, but they are not ideal as your first hobby grade R/C.

Batteries and chargers can feel confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, everything clicks into place. This section keeps it beginner-friendly so you can choose the right setup for your first R/C without overthinking it.

Two Main Battery Types: NiMH vs LiPo

NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)

Great for beginners.

Safe, simple, and affordable.

Less power than LiPo, but easier to learn with no special storage rules. More forgiving battery care.

NiMH is best for:

Anyone who wants a “plug and play” experience with no extra steps.

LiPo (Lithium Polymer)

More power.

Longer run times.

Faster acceleration.

Lighter weight.

Requires responsible charging and storage, not recommended for younger drivers.

LiPo is best for:

Drivers who want maximum performance and don’t mind following a few simple safety rules.

Understanding 2S, 3S, and Power Levels

“S” stands for the number of battery cells. More cells is more voltage, and more power.

2S LiPo

The sweet spot for beginners.

Fast, fun, and manageable.

Works with most Traxxas models.

3S+ LiPo

Much faster.

Not recommended for brand-new drivers.

The extra power can be hard to manage, leading to broken parts if you’re still learning, and be frustrating for those just starting. Faster is not always better when starting out.

Our advice:

Start with 2S. Move to 3S once you’re comfortable controlling speed and handling the vehicle.

Choosing the Right Charger

Your charger matters just as much as your battery.

Good charger features for beginners:

Auto cell detection

Balance charging (for LiPo)

Multiple charging modes

Safety shutoff

Clear display

Recommended Traxxas chargers:

Traxxas EZ-Peak series — simple, safe, and fast. These pair perfectly with Traxxas iD batteries.

Why this matters:

A good charger protects your battery, improves performance, and reduces risk. A good charger leads to less hassle and worry, and saves more time for fun.

Simple Safety Tips (Beginner-Friendly)

Charge LiPos only on a fire-safe surface

Never leave charging batteries unattended

Don’t use damaged battery packs

Store LiPos at storage voltage (your charger handles this)

If something looks swollen or odd, bring it to us, don't use it — we’ll check it for you.

JackWagon Recommendations

For your first setup, we suggest:

NiMH + EZ-Peak charger

if you want the simplest experience, and peace of mind, especially for younger drivers.

2S LiPo + EZ-Peak

if you want fun speed with some responsible care, and easily transitions to faster, higher power options.

We’ll help you choose the right combo based on your vehicle, driving style, and budget.

Bonus Tip: What about mAH? This is milli-amp hours. This rating measures how long the battery will last on a given charge. (How big the 'gas tank' is, so to speak.)

Bigger mAH equates to longer run times before having to switch out, or recharge the battery, but it has no effect on speed.

Bigger mAH batteries last longer, but cost more. The sweet spot is usually around 5000 mAH.

Getting started in R/C doesn’t take a lot of gear. In fact, most beginners only need a few essentials — plus a couple smart spare parts — to be ready for fun right away 'just in case.'

Here’s a simple, beginner-approved checklist of what you actually need.

Hobby-Grade R/C Vehicle

Traxxas is the easiest and most beginner-friendly option, with durable ready-to-run models like:

Slash

Rustler

Stampede

Maxx (bigger budget option)

TRX-4M (excellent entry-level crawler)

Choose based on your driving style from Section 3 above.

Battery

Two great options:

NiMH

— simple, safe, affordable

2S LiPo

— more speed and longer run time

Most beginners do great with either; it just depends on how fast you want to go and if they are ready for simple safety steps.

Charger

A good charger makes everything easier and safer.

Recommended:

Traxxas EZ-Peak chargers (simple, reliable, ideal for beginners)

LiPo users should choose a LiPo ready charger with balance charging.

Basic Tools

You don’t need a full kit. Just a few essentials:

2mm & 2.5mm hex drivers.

Small Phillips screwdriver.

Needle-nose pliers.

A soft brush for cleaning (a big paint brush works well.)

We can help you choose an affordable starter tool set.

Beginner-Friendly Spare Parts

These help keep you running longer and avoid downtime:

Spur gear

(common to strip when learning)

A-arms

(most frequent beginner break)

Drive Shaft

(power goes through them)

Wheel nuts

(can back off)

Extra battery

(because run time = fun time)

These inexpensive spares prevent “weekend downtime.”

Storage & Carry Options (Optional)

Not required, but helpful:

LiPo-safe storage bag

Small toolbox or gear tote

Simple cleaning kit

We can help you manage these based on space and budget.

JackWagon Starter Recommendation

For most new drivers, this combo hits the sweet spot:

Traxxas Slash 4x4

2S LiPo

or

NiMH battery

EZ-Peak charger

Basic tool set

A few beginner-friendly spare parts

(spur gear, A-arms, drive shaft)

This setup delivers a smooth, fun, and frustration-free first RC experience.

Honorable Mention: Other similar vehicles that easily fit this role are the JATO 4x4, and the Rustler 4x4. Pick your favorite color and go!

Every new R/C driver has questions — and you’re never alone.

Here are the most common beginner questions we hear at JackWagon, answered in simple, friendly language. Your question isn't here? Come in and ask us, we are glad to help!

“How fast is too fast for a beginner?”

Start with 2S LiPo or NiMH.

They’re quick but controllable.

3S LiPo speed is fun — but better once you have experience. Organized racing commonly uses 2s power levels, and is plenty fast.

“Can I drive it in water?”

Most Traxxas vehicles are very water-resistant, but not fully 100% waterproof.

Puddles = fine.

Deep water (submerged) = not recommended.

If you're unsure, ask us — we’ll point you to safe limits. Keep in mind this is a surface vehicle, not a boat or a submarine. Traxxas electronics can get wet and be fine, but bearings and other moving parts don't like constant exposure to moisture.

“What parts break first?”

The usual suspects for beginners:

A-arms

Spur gears

Body clips

Nothing major — Traxxas makes durable trucks, and the common breakables are inexpensive.

“How long does a battery last?”

Approximate run times:

NiMH:

15–20 minutes

2S LiPo:

20–30 minutes

3S LiPo:

15–25 minutes (more power + speed= faster drain)

Most customers buy at least two batteries for continuous fun. Switching out batteries is quick and easy.

“How far can it go?”

Most Traxxas 2.4GHz radios easily reach 200–300 feet. (1000 feet at line of sight in ideal conditions is technically possible.)

Plenty of distance for backyard and park bashing.

If you need more range, we can recommend upgrade options, but at such long distances it's hard to see what you are doing and stay in control.

“How much maintenance is required?”

Surprisingly little. Just:

Brush off dirt and debris.

Check wheel nuts.

Make sure nothing’s loose.

Keep electronics clean and dry.

Store and care for LiPos properly.

If anything looks or sounds odd, bring it in — we’re happy to help.

“Can I repair it myself?”

Absolutely! Traxxas is designed for real repairs, not disposal.

Most repairs only take:

A few screws.

Basic tools.

10–20 minutes.

Need help? We can guide you through any repair, and Traxxas USA based customer support is excellent.

“What upgrades should I start with?”

Keep it simple at first:

Better charger

Extra battery

Tires matched to your terrain

Maybe LED lights or a wheelie bar for fun!

Save big upgrades (motors, servos, 3S power) for later.

“What if I break something I can’t fix?”

Bring it to us!

We’ll help diagnose, repair, or suggest the right parts — no judgment, no stress. Break, fix, and repeat is part of the fun!

One of the first things new hobbyists notice is that R/C driving has two very different styles: bashing and racing. Both are fun, but they’re built for totally different experiences — and most beginners absolutely love bashing.

What Is Bashing?

“Bashing” means driving for fun — anywhere, anytime.

Think:

Backyard jumps.

Park sessions.

Dirt lots.

Gravel, grass, pavement.

Sending it off a ramp.

Exploring skate park contours.

Driving until the battery dies and you’re grinning!

It’s low-pressure, high-fun, and doesn’t require any special course or competitive mindset.

Why beginners love it:

No rules.

No setup stress.

No expensive tuning.

Just pure fun.

Traxxas makes legendary bashers

This is the style 90% of drivers fall in love with.

What Is Racing?

Racing happens on organized tracks with competitive rules, classes, and tuning requirements.

It’s fun if you enjoy:

Precise driving.

Lap times.

Technical tweaks.

Consistent setups.

Competitive pressure.

Why racing isn’t ideal for most beginners:

Requires special track access.

Vehicles need specific setups.

Breakages can be more common at racing speeds

It’s more expensive to get competitive.

It’s less about fun and more about performance.

This is why JackWagon’s focus is on fun-focused, beginner-friendly bashing, not racing culture.

Our Recommendation: Start with Bashing

For your first R/C, bashing gives you:

More places to drive

Less stress

Lower cost of entry

Faster learning curve

A much more enjoyable experience

Once you’ve got confidence and want something more technical, then consider diving into racing.

But for most people?

Bashing is the perfect way to enjoy the hobby from day one.

JackWagon’s Specialty

We specialize in:

Bashers

Trail rigs

Crawlers

Fun-focused vehicles

Simple, helpful advice

Beginner-friendly setups

Durable Traxxas models

If you want to start your R/C hobby with a smile instead of nerves, bashing is the way to go — and you’re in the right place.

One of the highlights of hobby-grade R/C is the ability to customize and upgrade your vehicle. Beginners don’t need to dive into high-end motors or expensive racing parts right away.

Instead, start with simple upgrades that improve durability, run time, reflect your personality and overall fun — without overwhelming you. Parts are often available in a variety of colors to add more fun!

Upgrade #1: A Better Charger

This is the single best upgrade you can make early on. The 'included' or entry level chargers can get you started - but the better chargers are worth it for a better hobby experience.

A quality charger gives you:

Faster charge times

Longer battery life

Safer charging

More control over battery settings

Recommended:

Traxxas EZ-Peak chargers

— the perfect beginner upgrade.

Upgrade #2: Extra Batteries

More batteries = more driving time.

It’s that simple.

Most beginners choose:

at least Two total batteries to start.

Run one battery while the other charges, or rests between cycles.

This keeps the fun going and reduces downtime. Having even more is better, but at least two is a great start. (Note: some of the larger vehicles use two batteries at a time. In such cases, you'd want to double up and have 4 batteries.)

HOT tip: get multiples of all the same battery to keep things easy. No worrying about mounting adjustments, or mismatching things or confusion.

Upgrade #3: Tires Matched to Your Terrain

Tires make a HUGE difference — sometimes more than power upgrades. Plus it is fun to tweak the look and feel just by bolting on different wheels.

Off-road tires: Dirt, grass, gravel.

Street tires: Pavement and parking lots.

Crawler tires: Available in a variety of compounds and patterns for assorted trail conditions and rock types.

Choosing the right tire can increase your control and grip.

Upgrade #4: LED Light Kit

Not required — but crazy fun!

Night driving looks awesome.

Adds visibility.

Popular on trucks and crawlers

Kids especially love this upgrade.

Upgrade #5: Wheelie Bar (for certain models)

Rustler, Stampede, Slash — these love to wheelie.

A wheelie bar adds:

Stability

Control and confidence

Fun factor

It’s affordable and easy to install.

Upgrade #6: Durable A-Arms or Driveshafts (optional)

These aren’t required immediately, but beginners who love to jump or drive rough may want:

Heavy Duty A-arms

Steel driveshafts

(for heavier, high power use)

Upgrade #7: Shock Upgrades

Again, these aren’t required immediately, but beginners who love to jump or want to change the character of their vehicle may want to upgrade the shocks, or modify them with different weight of shock oil, and/or different shocks springs.

Start with stock parts, upgrade only if needed or desired for fun.

Upgrades to Save for Later

Hold off until you’re more confident:

High Power / Brushless motor systems

High-end servos

Aluminum parts

3S LiPo power

These are great upgrades — but not necessary early on there's lots of fun available with these beginner friendly suggestions.

JackWagon’s Beginner Upgrade Path

Most new drivers love this simple, effective path:

Better charger

Extra battery

Tires for your terrain

Wheelie bar or LEDs (fun upgrades)

Durable A-arms or driveshafts (if driving hard)

Shocks and Shock parts

The exact order isn't critical, but these suggestions give you the best mix of performance, durability, and fun — without overwhelming your first R/C experience.

Taking good care of your R/C truck doesn’t mean hours of wrenching or complicated procedures. With just a few simple habits, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly, reduce wear, and make your parts last longer.

Here’s the beginner-friendly basics — no experience required.

Clean Your Vehicle After Each Run

A quick cleanup goes a long way.

Brush off dirt, dust, and grass

Pay attention to suspension arms, steering, and around the motor

Don’t directly blast into recessed areas with a hose — use a soft brush or microfiber cloth first. You don't want to force the grime in deeper.

Keeping things clean reduces wear and prevents small issues from becoming big problems.

Check for Loose Fasteners

Vibration naturally loosens hardware over time.

Give these areas a quick check:

Wheel nuts

Suspension screws

Steering links

Motor mount

Tightening a few screws prevents breakages and keeps performance smooth.

Inspect the Drivetrain

Every few runs, check:

Spur gear (look for missing teeth, listen for weird sounds)

Pinion gear alignment

Driveshaft condition (look for twisting, cracks and items wrapped around and binding.)

If anything looks worn, cracked, or out of place — but you're not sure -- bring it to us and we’ll help.

Keep Electronics Dry

Traxxas vehicles are water-resistant, but not fully waterproof.

If you drive through:

Rain Puddles - Wet Grass - Snow, or other moisture

Make sure the vehicle dries completely before storing it long-term. Remove the body shell, flip it over and shake out all the loose debris and moisture you can.

Moisture can damage bearings, gears and other parts, including electronics over time. The less exposure to moisture, the less often maintenance is needed.

Battery Care (Especially for LiPo)

Good battery habits = longer life.

Use a quality charger

Never leave batteries charging unattended

If using LiPo, store them in storage mode read the manual for your charger, or come in for a quick 'how to.'

Stop driving when the vehicle slows down or voltage cuts off

Never charge a damaged or swollen battery

If anything looks off — we’ll check it for you at the shop.

Keep Tires in Good Shape

Check for:

Peeling tire glue

Rips or worn tread

Loose wheel nuts

Cracked wheel

Tires take a beating, so a quick inspection helps avoid problems mid-run that can lead to further damage or repairs.

Bring It In When You're Unsure

You don’t have to fix everything yourself.

If something:

-Looks broken

-Sounds weird

-Isn’t driving normally

-Seems 'off'

Or you just don’t know what’s wrong,

bring your vehicle to JackWagon R/C & Hobbies.

We’ll help diagnose the issue and recommend the right fix — no pressure, no judgment.

When you’re starting out in R/C, where you buy your vehicle matters just as much as what you buy.

At JackWagon R/C & Hobbies, we focus on making your hobby fun, easy, and frustration-free — not overwhelming, expensive, or confusing.

Here’s what makes us different.

We Specialize in Fun-First R/C

We’re all about bashing, exploring, learning, and having fun — not intense racing culture or high-pressure competition.

If you want the hobby fun without the stress, you’re in the right place.

The Deepest Traxxas Inventory in the Area

We carry a massive selection of:

Traxxas vehicles

Traxxas Batteries & chargers

Traxxas Upgrade parts

Traxxas Replacement Spare parts

Traxxas Tools and Accessories

If Traxxas makes it, there’s a good chance we’ve got it onsite. No waiting for shipping. No guessing. No delays.

Beginner-Friendly, No-Judgment Help

Whether you're choosing your first vehicle, troubleshooting an issue, or figuring out an upgrade, our team walks you through it in simple, friendly language.

No elitism. No jargon.

Just real help from real enthusiasts.

We’re Local — and That Matters

Buying from a local shop gives you:

Hands-on advice, in person

Real answers in real time

Product recommendations tailored to you, an individual, not a statistic

Help if something breaks

A community that remembers your name

Direct connections to the manufacturer staff

-You don’t get that from an online cart.

Easy Repairs and Support

If you break something (and we all do), bring it in.

We help with:

Diagnosis

Repair recommendations

Finding the correct parts

Beginner guidance

We want to keep you driving — not stuck on the bench or waiting for parts.

Loyalty Rewards Program

Earn points for:

Purchases

Events

Classes

Customer Referral

Interacting with the shop

Earn and use points toward future fun!

It’s our way of saying thanks for supporting local.

Community Events & Hobby Support

We’re building a place where:

New drivers feel welcome

Model builders connect

Warhammer players meet up

Advice is free and friendly

And everyone shares the fun!

This isn’t just a store — it’s a local hobby home base.

Bottom Line: We’re a Shop That Cares

We’re here to help you enjoy the hobby, not overwhelm you with options or sales pressure.

When you buy from JackWagon, you get support, knowledge, friendliness, and community, along with quality gear that lasts, and is backed by a brand we know you can trust.

Starting your R/C journey is easier — and way more fun — when you have real help, real advice, and a shop with people that actually cares about your experience.

That’s why we built JackWagon R/C & Hobbies to be more than a store. It’s a place where beginners feel welcome, questions are encouraged, and the hobby becomes something you truly enjoy.

Whether you’re buying your very first truck, choosing the right battery, or picking out your next upgrade, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Stop In Anytime

Whether you are ready to move forward today or just checking things out, stop in, and say 'hello!'

We love helping new enthusiasts get started, wherever they are in their journey.

At our shop, you’ll find:

Friendly, knowledgeable staff

A huge selection of Traxxas vehicles & parts

Beginner-approved recommendations

Repairs, support, and real answers

A welcoming community of hobbyists

A loyalty program that rewards your activity

Bring your questions, bring your curiosity — or bring the truck you broke.

We’re here for all of it.

Let’s Get You Rolling

There’s a perfect Traxxas R/C vehicle waiting for you, and we’ll help you find it — without pressure, without confusion, and with the fun, friendly approach the hobby deserves.

Whenever you're ready, come by JackWagon R/C & Hobbies and start your R/C adventure the right way.