FTX TRACER 1/16 4WD MONSTER TRUCK RTR - ORANGE FTX5576O

Overview

Get ready for some big RC off-road action from the pocket rocket Tracer Truck from FTX. The FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck RTR in Orange is the perfect entry into a world of RC fun, whether you're a complete beginner discovering RC cars for the first time or a seasoned enthusiast looking for an affordable bash machine. This compact yet capable ready to run RC truck delivers lively off-road performance in a form factor that invites everyday bashing, jumping, and playful exploration without breaking the bank.

Building on the proven platform that has made the Tracer a huge hit with enthusiasts new to R/C cars, this 1/16 scale monster truck combines genuine engineering excellence with beginner-friendly features. The FTX Tracer arrives 99% ready to run straight from the box, meaning you simply need to install two AA batteries in the controller and you're ready to hit the dirt. Whether you're tackling rough terrain in your garden, navigating local parks, or enjoying some friendly outdoor bashing with family and friends, the Tracer delivers impressive performance for the price whilst maintaining the reliability and quality build that FTX is recognised for across the RC hobby community in the UK.

What truly sets this ready to run RC truck apart is the inclusion of practical features designed specifically for newcomers to the hobby. The speed switch allows you to dial down the throttle, making it more manageable for new drivers to build confidence before ramping up to full speed. When daylight fades, simply plug in the supplied front LED bumper lights and continue your outdoor adventures with improved visibility. With a choice of colour schemes available and a matching Tracer Truggy variant on the same platform, you can even bash with friends and family members, each enjoying their own distinctive machine.

Key Features

• Shaft-driven 4WD with front and rear geared differentials — This configuration ensures balanced torque distribution and confident traction across mixed terrain, giving you the control you need whether you're accelerating through mud, sand or grass, whilst the geared differentials help prevent wheelspin and maintain predictable handling.
• Coil sprung shock absorbers with multiple mounting points — This suspension tuning flexibility allows you to adjust the damping feel and ride response to suit different terrain conditions and driving styles, whilst the coil spring design provides consistent support over ruts and obstacles without excessive bottoming out.
• Double wishbone suspension geometry — This proven suspension layout delivers consistent geometry for stable handling through uneven ground and jump landings, keeping the chassis level and responsive so you maintain control when cornering or landing from air time.
• RC390 brushed motor with integrated heatsink — The reliable 390-sized brushed motor provides predictable acceleration and sufficient power for this scale, whilst the heatsink manages thermal output during extended bashing sessions, extending motor lifespan and maintaining consistent performance.
• Micro 7.4V 700mAh 2S Li-Ion battery — This compact Li-Ion energy pack delivers the right balance of weight, capacity and performance for nimble acceleration and typical run times suitable for afternoon bashing sessions, with USB charging convenience built in.
• Speed switch for progressive throttle control — This is a genuinely practical feature that lets new drivers dial down the maximum speed directly from the transmitter, allowing them to start slowly and build confidence before gradually increasing pace as their skills develop, making the learning curve much more manageable.
• Front LED bumper lights — The plug-in LED bumper lights boost visibility in low light conditions, meaning you can continue your RC adventures as dusk falls, whilst also adding authentic scale detail to the truck's appearance.
• 2.4 GHz radio system with fully proportional controls — Modern 2.4 GHz frequency operation ensures reliable signal without interference, whilst fully proportional throttle and steering inputs let you make smooth, intuitive control adjustments with the same natural feel as more expensive RC cars.
• Splashproof ESC and receiver unit — The integrated splashproof electronics offer resilience against wet grass, light rain and the occasional puddle splash during outdoor play, protecting your investment without the cost of full waterproof sealing.
• Splashproof 1kg rated servo — The servo electronics are protected against moisture, and the 1kg torque rating provides sufficient force for responsive steering without sacrificing agility or creating heavy, sluggish inputs.
• Oversized wheels with block pattern tyres — The generous tyre diameter and aggressive block tread pattern deliver excellent grip across soft terrain, mud and grass, whilst the oversized design supports rollover stability and ground clearance when navigating obstacles.
• Detailed 4x4 Off Road Truck bodyshell — The scale-detailed body adds visual appeal to your bashing machine, and the robust plastic construction resists damage from typical backyard crashes and tumbles.
• Low friction ball bearings throughout — Quality bearing construction minimises drivetrain friction, allowing the motor to deliver its power more efficiently to the wheels for better acceleration and speed retention across the terrain.
• Front CVA driveshafts — Constant velocity angle driveshafts allow smooth power delivery even when steering at angles, preventing torque steer and ensuring predictable handling when accelerating into turns.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck delivers impressive engineering for its compact size and accessible price point. At just 270mm in length, 215mm in width and 130mm in height, the Tracer offers a small footprint that makes it ideal for smaller spaces, gardens with space constraints, and easy storage in cupboards or bags for transport to bashing locations. The 175mm wheelbase provides excellent straight-line stability whilst maintaining responsive cornering characteristics, and the 38mm ground clearance is sufficient to clear small obstacles and rough surfaces typical of garden terrain and park environments. Weighing just 740g, this pocket rocket remains light enough to recover quickly from crashes whilst being substantial enough to feel like a serious piece of RC equipment rather than a toy. The 78mm diameter block pattern tyres with 41mm width deliver genuine grip across grass, soil and sand, providing the traction you need for confident acceleration and predictable braking. Performance comes from the proven RC390 brushed motor paired with a responsive electronic speed controller, delivering sufficient power for quick acceleration and a top end that satisfies without overwhelming new drivers. The 1:10.71 gear ratio balances motor revolutions against wheel speed, creating a setup that feels punchy off the line whilst maintaining usable control at full throttle. The micro 7.4V 700mAh 2S Li-Ion battery provides typical runtime of 15-20 minutes depending on driving style, with the included USB charger offering convenient mains charging without needing specialist equipment. All critical electronics — the ESC, receiver and servo — feature splashproof protection, meaning accidental water splashes and wet grass won't immediately damage your RC car, though full immersion should still be avoided. The double wishbone suspension combined with coil springs and multiple shock mounting points creates a chassis that handles rough terrain gracefully, absorbing impacts whilst maintaining consistent geometry through corners and over uneven surfaces.

What's in the Box

• FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Monster Truck body shell (assembled, Orange colour)
• Assembled 4WD chassis with suspension and drivetrain
• RC390 brushed motor with heatsink
• Electronic speed controller (ESC) with integrated receiver
• 2.4 GHz radio transmitter
• Digital servo (splashproof 1kg rated)
• Micro 7.4V 700mAh 2S Li-Ion battery
• USB charger for battery
• Front LED bumper lights (plug-in)
• Instruction manual
• Foam body protector (for transport and storage)
• Body clips and bodyshell fasteners

What You Need to Complete

• Two AA batteries for the 2.4 GHz radio transmitter controller (not included)
• Mains to USB-A power adapter (if you don't already have one for charging the Li-Ion battery via USB)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Tracer 1/16 monster truck a good RC car for complete beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The Tracer is specifically designed as an entry-level ready to run RC truck, arriving 99% assembled and requiring only controller batteries to start playing. The included speed switch lets you progressively increase throttle as you build confidence, and customer reviews consistently praise its durability and beginner-friendly nature. One verified reviewer noted their 7-year-old son found it both fast enough to be exciting and sturdy enough to survive massive crashes, whilst another parent appreciated that the adjustable power allowed their daughter to start slow and gradually increase speed as she developed better control skills.
• What battery does the FTX Tracer need and how long does it take to charge? — The Tracer comes with a micro 7.4V 700mAh 2S Li-Ion battery and USB charger included in the box. Charge time is typically 2-3 hours depending on your USB power adapter's amperage rating. The compact size of the included battery is perfect for its lightweight 740g frame, and if you want longer run times, FTX offers higher capacity alternatives like the 1500mAh high capacity battery (FTX9789) mentioned in customer reviews, which extends play sessions significantly whilst still fitting the compact chassis.
• What is the difference between the FTX Tracer 1/16 brushed and the FTX Tracer 1/16 brushless models? — FTX offers both brushed and brushless versions of the 1/16 Tracer platform. The brushed model (FTX5576) featured here offers excellent value and durability, with the proven RC390 motor delivering reliable performance at an accessible price point. The brushless version (FTX5596) offers increased power, higher top speed and better efficiency, making it suitable for experienced users who want maximum performance, though it comes at a higher price and generates higher amp draw. For beginners, the brushed version provides an ideal balance of performance, value and manageability.
• How fast does the FTX Tracer 1/16 monster truck go? — Exact top speed depends on driving surface and battery condition, but customer reviews describe it as quick and fast, especially when the speed switch is set to maximum. One verified purchaser was surprised how fast it goes at full speed setting despite starting their child on reduced throttle. The 1:10.71 gear ratio and RC390 motor combination delivers lively acceleration and genuine speed suitable for outdoor bashing, though not matching the extreme velocities of larger 1/10 scale models or brushless equivalents.
• Is the FTX Tracer waterproof and can I use it in wet conditions? — The Tracer features splashproof electronics, including the ESC, receiver and servo, meaning accidental splashes from wet grass or light rain won't immediately cause damage. However, splashproof protection is not the same as fully waterproof sealing; you should avoid intentional water crossings, puddle dunking or full immersion. The electronics will tolerate typical outdoor bashing in damp conditions, but swimming the truck in water could still cause failures.
• What spare parts and upgrades are available for the FTX Tracer? — FTX offers a comprehensive range of Tracer options and spares, including aluminium capped oil-filled shock absorbers for improved damping feel, additional body clips, alternative battery options with higher capacity, and various tuning parts. The UK RC hobby market provides wide support for FTX vehicles, with dedicated spares sections on specialist retailers meaning you can easily find replacement parts, upgraded components and performance modifications without needing to import.
• Can I use the FTX Tracer in different environments like grass, concrete and sand? — Yes, the Tracer's versatility is one of its strengths. The oversized block pattern tyres and 38mm ground clearance make it equally at home in grass and soft terrain, whilst the robust suspension handles the impacts of concrete drives and park paths. The shaft-driven 4WD system with front and rear geared differentials provides confident traction across all these surfaces, and the coil spring suspension absorbs the different feedback from each terrain type. This versatility makes it perfect for bashing in various UK outdoor locations without requiring setup changes.
• How long is the battery runtime on a single charge? — The included 700mAh 2S Li-Ion battery typically provides 15-20 minutes of continuous play time, depending on driving style, terrain difficulty and how much of the time you spend at maximum throttle versus cruising. Many owners purchase additional batteries to extend their play sessions, and the compact size of the Tracer battery means carrying a spare is convenient and adds minimal weight to your kit bag.
• Does the FTX Tracer come with LED lights and do they really work? — Yes, the Tracer includes front LED bumper lights that plug into a socket on the chassis. Customer reviews confirm they genuinely work, providing useful visibility when driving in dusk conditions, and they add authentic scale detail to the truck's appearance. One verified owner specifically praised this feature as allowing dusk driving as the light fades.
• What makes the speed switch feature useful for beginners? — The speed switch is a transmitter-based throttle limiter that lets you dial down the maximum throttle output without removing the battery or changing any settings. This means new drivers can start at reduced power, experience what the truck feels like, build confidence with steering and throttle coordination, and then gradually increase to full speed as they improve. This progressive learning approach is particularly valuable for younger drivers or those completely new to RC cars, and multiple customer reviews praise this feature as genuinely helpful for skill development.

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 - ORANGE FTX5576O 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.