FTX TRACER 1/16 4WD MONSTER TRUCK RTR - BLUE FTX5576B

Overview

Get ready for some big RC off-road action with the FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck RTR in Blue. This pocket rocket represents the perfect entry point into the exciting world of RC cars, combining genuine 4WD capability with user-friendly features that make it ideal for beginners and family fun. Whether you're discovering RC cars for the first time or looking for an affordable, ready to run RC vehicle that delivers real performance, the Tracer punches well above its weight in terms of build quality, features and value for money.

The FTX Tracer is engineered as a complete ready-to-run package, arriving 99% assembled and ready to bash straight out of the box. Powered by a reliable RC390 brushed motor paired with a micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery, this compact truck delivers nimble acceleration and lively speed that makes every outing genuinely fun. The inclusion of a speed switch means new drivers can dial down the performance to manageable levels while they learn control and confidence, making this one of the best beginner RC cars available in the UK market today.

Designed for energetic off-road play rather than competition racing, the Tracer excels at bashing, jumping and everyday fun across varied terrain. Its compact dimensions—just 270mm in length—mean it's portable enough to take anywhere, yet the engineering delivers dependable traction and smooth handling that will keep you entertained for hours. With two colour schemes available and a matching Tracer Truggy variant on the same platform, you can even bash with friends and family.

Key Features

• 99% Ready-To-Run Package — The Tracer arrives almost completely assembled with nothing more than battery charging required before you can hit the ground running, making it ideal for those new to RC hobby who want immediate enjoyment without assembly complexity.
• Shaft-Driven 4WD System — This proven drivetrain layout delivers power to all four wheels with front and rear geared differentials that provide balanced traction and confident power distribution across rough terrain, ensuring you maintain grip in all conditions.
• Coil Sprung Shock Absorbers with Multiple Mounting Points — The suspension can be fine-tuned to suit different driving styles and surfaces, allowing you to adjust response and handling to match your preferred driving technique and the terrain you're exploring.
• Double Wishbone Suspension — This suspension geometry maintains consistent handling characteristics through ruts, jumps and tight turns, providing stable steering response and predictable behaviour that builds driver confidence.
• RC390 Brushed Motor with Heatsink — The proven 390-sized brushed motor delivers reliable power with integrated thermal management via the heatsink, ensuring the motor runs cool even during extended bashing sessions.
• Speed Switch for New Drivers — A built-in speed limiter allows you to dial down acceleration and maximum speed, making the truck significantly more manageable for learning drivers whilst still delivering genuine fun and performance.
• 2.4GHz Radio System with Fully Proportional Controls — The modern 2.4GHz frequency offers interference-free operation with fully proportional throttle and steering inputs that provide smooth, precise control for intuitive driving.
• Splashproof ESC and Receiver Unit — Weather-resistant electronics protect against moisture and splashes during outdoor play, extending component lifespan and reliability in damp conditions.
• Splashproof 1kg Rated Servo — The robust servo features splash protection and sufficient torque rating to handle the demands of 4WD steering, ensuring responsive and reliable steering inputs even in wet conditions.
• Front CVA Driveshafts — Constant velocity angle driveshafts at the front allow smooth suspension movement without binding, delivering consistent traction as the suspension compresses and extends through obstacles.
• Low Friction Ball Bearings — Premium bearing construction throughout minimises rolling resistance and mechanical friction, contributing to efficient power delivery and extended runtime.
• Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion Battery — The compact lithium-ion battery pack provides ample energy for extended play sessions whilst remaining small enough to fit neatly within the chassis, and it's supplied with a USB charger for convenient recharging.
• Plug-in Front LED Bumper Lights — Included LED lights simply plug in to illuminate the front of the truck, allowing you to continue bashing as the light fades in the evening and making your truck more visible and exciting.
• Detailed 4x4 Off-Road Truck Bodyshell — The authentic sculpted bodyshell features realistic detail work and professional paint finish, giving the Tracer genuine visual appeal that makes it stand out compared to basic plastic shells.
• Oversized Wheels with Block Pattern Tyres — The 78mm diameter tyres feature aggressive block tread pattern that delivers excellent bite on soft terrain whilst improving rollover stability and off-road traction.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck represents smart engineering at an accessible price point. The shaft-driven 4WD drivetrain with 1:10.71 gear ratio has been proven across the FTX model range, offering reliable traction delivery and efficient power transfer. The RC390 brushed motor paired with the included 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery provides acceleration that feels responsive and speed that's genuinely fun without being unmanageable for new drivers. The splashproof ESC and receiver unit handle the power delivery smoothly whilst remaining resilient to the inevitable splashes and moisture associated with outdoor RC bashing.

Suspension geometry plays a crucial role in the Tracer's capability. The coil spring shock absorbers feature multiple mounting points that allow adjustments to suit different driving styles and terrain types, whilst the double wishbone front and rear suspension maintains consistent geometry through articulation. The combination of front CVA driveshafts and low friction ball bearings means suspension movement is smooth and efficient, preventing binding and maximising ground contact. The 38mm ground clearance is adequate for typical off-road play, allowing the truck to traverse grass, dirt and light obstacles without high-centering. With a wheelbase of 175mm and overall length of just 270mm, the truck maintains excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces whilst remaining stable during high-speed straight-line running.

The 2.4GHz radio system operates on interference-free frequency with fully proportional throttle and steering control, delivering the smooth, natural handling response that makes RC driving enjoyable. The included speed switch is genuinely useful for new drivers, allowing progressive learning as confidence builds. At 740g total weight, the Tracer remains nimble and responsive whilst being heavy enough to maintain planted handling through corners and obstacles. This is a ready to run RC car that's been engineered for real-world fun rather than championship competition, and that philosophy translates into a product that genuinely delivers enjoyment to its users.

What's in the Box

• FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck RTR assembled chassis and body
• RC390 brushed motor with heatsink
• Splashproof ESC/receiver unit
• Splashproof 1kg rated servo
• 2.4GHz radio control system with transmitter
• Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery pack
• USB battery charger
• Front LED bumper lights (plug-in)
• Detailed 4x4 truck bodyshell in blue with decals
• Oversized wheels fitted with block pattern tyres

What You Need to Complete

• Two AA batteries for the radio transmitter/controller

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Tracer 1/16 suitable for complete beginners and children? — Yes, absolutely. The Tracer is specifically designed as an entry-level ready to run RC car with the Skill Level rated as Level 1. The included speed switch allows you to limit performance to manageable levels whilst learning, the 2.4GHz radio provides smooth and responsive control, and the truck's compact size makes it easy to handle and transport. Many customers report it's an excellent first RC car for young people.
• What is the maximum speed of the FTX Tracer 1/16? — The manufacturer specifications do not state a specific maximum speed figure. However, with the RC390 brushed motor and 7.4V 800mAh battery powering a 740g truck, performance is described as fast and nimble whilst remaining manageable, particularly with the speed switch engaged.
• Does the FTX Tracer need a separate charger or does it include one? — The FTX Tracer includes a USB charger with the battery. This means you can recharge the 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery using any USB power source—a computer, USB wall adapter, or power bank—making charging convenient and accessible.
• What batteries does the FTX Tracer 1/16 use? — The truck is powered by a micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery that's included in the box. The radio transmitter requires two AA batteries, which are not included and must be purchased separately. Optional higher-capacity 7.4V 1500mAh batteries are available as upgrades for extended running time.
• Can I use a different battery in the FTX Tracer? — The Tracer is designed around 7.4V 2S LiPo/Li-Ion batteries. Using significantly different voltage or capacity may affect performance and could potentially damage electronics. It's recommended to use compatible 7.4V 2S batteries designed for this scale of vehicle.
• How long does the battery take to charge? — The manufacturer specifications do not provide a specific charge time. Charge time will depend on the USB power source used and the charger's output rating, but typical USB charging of this capacity would take 1-2 hours.
• How long does the battery last per charge during play? — Runtime is not specified in the manufacturer documentation. Battery runtime depends on driving style, terrain, ambient temperature and whether the speed switch is limiting performance. Typical runtime for this battery capacity would be 15-30 minutes of active play.
• Is the FTX Tracer waterproof? — The truck features splashproof ESC, receiver and servo electronics, which means it can handle water splashes and wet grass play. However, it is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged or deliberately driven through deep water. Splashproof rating provides protection against rain and damp conditions but not complete water immersion.
• What is the gear ratio and what does that mean for performance? — The FTX Tracer has a 1:10.71 gear ratio. This ratio balances speed and torque, delivering responsive acceleration suitable for off-road bashing rather than high-speed on-road racing. The gear ratio means the motor turns approximately 10.71 times for each rotation of the wheels.
• Can I upgrade parts on the FTX Tracer? — Yes, FTX provides an extensive range of optional upgrade parts for the Tracer. For drivetrain upgrades, you'll need the FTX9776 centre driveshaft and cups, FTX9777 machined metal spur gear, and two FTX9778 machined metal diff gears. Aluminium shock caps, upgraded batteries and numerous other options are also available.
• How does the speed switch work? — The speed switch allows you to electronically limit the maximum speed and acceleration of the truck, making it ideal for new drivers who are learning vehicle control. Simply switch between full speed and limited speed modes depending on your skill level and preferences.
• What makes the FTX Tracer different from other small RC trucks? — The Tracer combines genuine shaft-driven 4WD with coil spring suspension, multiple mounting points for adjustment, and proper double wishbone geometry—features usually found in more expensive vehicles. The inclusion of LED lights, speed switch, USB charger and excellent build quality at this price point makes it stand out. The ready to run package with no assembly required is also a significant advantage for beginners.
• Is there a colour choice available? — Yes, the FTX Tracer 1/16 is available in multiple colour schemes including Blue, Orange and Red, allowing you to choose your preferred finish.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX TRACER 1/16 4WD MONSTER TRUCK RTR - BLUE FTX5576B today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.