RC Large Scale Vehicles

Large scale RC cars are the biggest, most powerful radio control vehicles available from Tower Hobbies®. The large scale radio control car and truck category includes 1/5 scale RC cars, 1/6 scale RC cars, and 1/7 scale RC cars. The scale ratio shows about how large the RC model is compared to a full-size vehicle of the same type. A “real” car would be five times bigger than a 1/5 scale remote control car version.

Usually measuring about three feet long, 1/5 scale RC cars and trucks easily dominate any track that you run them on. RC vehicles just don’t get any more realistic than this! Although large scale RC cars have been available for over a dozen years, they surged in popularity with the release of the 1/5 scale Losi® 5IVE-T® short course truck. From there, the large scale RC car category has grown to include many different choices in power type, body style, and completion level.

The initial cost of a large scale radio control vehicle will be higher than the price of most 1/10 or 1/8 scale models. That’s one reason why large scale is better suited for drivers with some experience than complete beginners to the hobby. But these massive machines are definitely a rewarding step up for anyone who’s ready for big-time fun!

Though having radio control experience helps, you don’t need to be an expert RC driver to run 1/5 scale RC cars and trucks. Because of their size and weight, they don’t accelerate as lightning-quick as brushless electric 1/10 scale cars do. Large scale RC car and truck models also respond a bit more slowly to radio commands and steering inputs, which gives you time to react. You can still lose control if you’re not careful. But as long as you practice in an open area with room for mistakes, you should have no problems.

Gas-powered large scale RC cars like the ready-to-run (RTR) Losi 1/5 scale DBXL 4WD Buggy are among the RC hobby’s most impressively realistic machines. The sound of the gasoline engine and the smell of its exhaust invite all of your senses enjoy the realism. Run times can stretch past 40 minutes on a full tank of fuel. Speeds can top 35 miles per hour. That may sound slow compared to lightweight, 1/10 scale brushless RTRs, but for a 3-foot-long, 30-pound gas radio control car, it’s plenty fast!

The electric powered options in 1/5 scale RC cars and trucks are just as exciting. With your choice of two 3S or two 4S LiPo batteries, the 1250Kv brushless motor in the ARRMA® OUTCAST™ 4WD powers the 1/5 scale RC stunt truck over all terrain, in all conditions. This massive vehicle can do long, tall wheelies; tight, fast donuts; standing and aerial backflips; high leaps into the air; and more.

Maintaining large scale RC cars takes no more skill and effort than keeping smaller remote control models in good running order. Just inspect your RC vehicle after each run, looking for any loose hardware or parts. If it’s gas powered, be sure to keep the air filter clean and oiled.

The selection of large scale RC cars and trucks from Tower Hobbies covers a wide range of vehicle styles, including buggies, monster trucks, short course trucks, stunt trucks, desert trucks, rock crawlers, and rock racers. These big 1/5 scale and 1/6 scale RC cars can successfully take on anything from thick grass to sandy desert terrain. Manufacturers such as Losi and Axial® also take full advantage of the large size to load the perfectly sculpted bodies with accurate scale details.

If you’re a Jeep® vehicle enthusiast, you’ll find lots to admire in the 1/6 scale Axial SCX6™ Jeep JLU Wrangler 4WD ready-to-run rock crawler. Even the most demanding Jeep fans will appreciate the accuracy molded into its officially licensed body. When the sun goes down, included LED headlights and taillights add even more realism. Its high-performance functionality is just as impressive. For example, the transmission offers high and low gears right out of the box.

Most large scale RC cars in the Tower Hobbies online catalog are available in the ready-to-run (RTR) completion level. They’re fully assembled and finished, with only a few accessory items required. Please read the product descriptions carefully to see what else you’ll need.