Overview

Get ready for some big RC off-road action from the pocket rocket Tracer Truggy from FTX. This ready to run RC car UK is the perfect entry into the world of RC fun, whether you're a complete beginner or looking for an affordable basher to enjoy with family and friends. The Tracer features a sophisticated suspension setup with coil sprung shock absorbers with multiple mounting points, double wishbone suspension and front universal driveshafts that deliver smooth suspension movement while steering through rough terrain. This combination of suspension geometry and engineering makes the Tracer one of the most capable entry-level RC truggies available in the UK market today.

Shaft driven 4WD with geared differentials front and rear ensures traction in all conditions, whether you're bashing on grass, concrete or mixed terrain. Powered by a 390 sized brushed motor with integrated heatsink and a Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery, the Tracer is fast and nimble, delivering genuine performance that's perfect for bashing, jumping and high-speed runs. The fully assembled, 99% ready-to-run design means you can be driving within minutes of opening the box. For those new to RC cars, we've included a convenient speed switch to help dial in the speed of the Tracer and make it more manageable for new drivers while they learn vehicle control and handling characteristics.

Want to extend your driving sessions into dusk? Simply plug in the supplied front LED bumper lights to illuminate your path as daylight fades. With a choice of two bodyshell colour schemes (orange and green available separately) plus a Tracer Truck variant on the same platform, you can even bash with friends and family, sharing the RC experience together. This is genuine value for money in the competitive ready to run RC market.

Key Features

• 99% Ready-To-Run Configuration — The Tracer arrives almost fully assembled and ready to drive straight from the box, requiring only two AA batteries for the controller and charging of the included Li-Ion battery, making it ideal for beginners and impatient enthusiasts alike.
• 2.4GHz Radio System with Fully Proportional Control — The included 2.4GHz radio system provides fully proportional throttle and steering control, giving you smooth, precise command over your RC vehicle with the responsive feel that experienced drivers demand.
• Splashproof Electronics — Both the ESC/receiver unit and the 1kg-rated servo are splashproof, protecting your investment during wet weather driving and allowing you to bash in puddles and light rain without fear of electrical failure.
• Advanced Suspension Geometry — The double wishbone suspension combined with coil sprung shock absorbers with multiple mounting points delivers professional-grade handling characteristics that keep the chassis composed over rough terrain and during aggressive driving.
• 4WD Drivetrain with Geared Differentials — The shaft-driven 4WD system with front and rear geared differentials ensures maximum traction in all conditions, whether cornering on grass or powering over rocks and obstacles.
• Front CVA Driveshafts — Constant velocity articulated driveshafts at the front allow smooth power delivery while steering, maintaining drive even when wheels are turned at extreme angles.
• Front LED Bumper Lights Included — Plug-in LED lights are supplied as standard, allowing you to continue driving as daylight fades without needing to purchase additional lighting upgrades.
• 390 Brushed Motor with Heatsink — The RC390 brushed motor features an integrated heatsink to manage thermal buildup during extended driving sessions, maintaining consistent power delivery and extending motor lifespan.
• Low Friction Ball Bearings — Premium ball bearings throughout the drivetrain reduce friction losses, translating more battery power into vehicle movement and extending runtime on each charge.
• Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion Battery — The included lithium-ion battery delivers consistent voltage throughout the discharge cycle, providing better performance than older NiMH technology, with USB charging via the supplied charger for convenient at-home charging.
• Speed Switch for Beginner Control — A convenient speed switch allows new drivers to limit maximum throttle response, making the vehicle more manageable while developing driving skills and vehicle control.
• Oversized Wheels with Block Pattern Tyres — 78mm diameter tyres with aggressive block pattern tread provide exceptional grip on various surfaces and a scale appearance that looks authentic on this detailed 4x4 truck bodyshell.
• Multiple Colour Schemes Available — Choose from orange, green or red bodyshell colours, and with a Tracer Truck variant also available on the same platform, you can build a collection and bash with friends using different models.
• Wide Range of Hop-Up Options — A comprehensive range of FTX Tracer upgrade parts is available, allowing you to enhance performance and modify your vehicle as your skills develop and your interests evolve.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer is engineered as a genuine entry-level performance RC car that doesn't compromise on quality or capability. The double wishbone suspension geometry with multiple shock mounting points allows for fine-tuning of suspension geometry and ride height to suit different driving styles and terrain types. The coil sprung shock absorbers provide progressive damping that keeps the chassis stable during cornering whilst maintaining responsiveness over bumpy ground. The shaft-driven 4WD system with front and rear geared differentials means torque is distributed equally to all four wheels, maximising traction and allowing the Tracer to climb over obstacles that would stop lesser vehicles. The RC390 brushed motor with heatsink produces plenty of power for a 1/16 scale vehicle, delivering genuine speed and acceleration that feels quick and responsive in hand. The Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery provides sufficient runtime for recreational bashing sessions, with the advantage of consistent voltage output throughout the discharge cycle compared to older battery technologies. The fully splashproof ESC and receiver unit, combined with the splashproof servo, means your investment is protected during wet weather driving. Build quality is solid throughout, with low friction ball bearings reducing power losses and a detailed 4x4 truck bodyshell that captures the aesthetic of a proper off-road vehicle. The oversized wheels measuring 78mm in diameter with block pattern tyres provide excellent ground clearance and traction across varied terrain, from grass and dirt to concrete and gravel. With a ground clearance of 38mm and wheelbase of 175mm, the Tracer maintains excellent proportion and balance, whilst its total weight of just 740g means it's nimble and responsive through tight courses. The gear ratio of 1:10.71 provides the ideal balance between top speed and acceleration for recreational driving and bashing. This is genuine British ready to run RC quality that punches well above its price point.

What's in the Box

• 1x FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Truggy — fully assembled and almost ready to run
• 1x 2.4GHz radio control system with receiver
• 1x Splashproof ESC/receiver unit
• 1x Splashproof 1kg-rated servo
• 1x RC390 brushed motor with heatsink
• 1x Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery
• 1x USB battery charger
• 1x Detailed 4x4 off-road truck bodyshell
• 1x Set of front LED bumper lights (plug-in)
• 1x Speed switch for throttle control limiting
• 1x Oversized wheels with block pattern tyres

What You Need to Complete

• 2x AA batteries for the radio controller (not included)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Tracer 1/16 Truggy suitable for complete beginners to RC? — Yes, absolutely. The Tracer is specifically designed as an entry-level ready to run RC car for beginners. It arrives 99% assembled, includes a 2.4GHz radio system, features a convenient speed switch to limit throttle response for new drivers, and requires only two AA batteries for the controller to be ready for driving. The splashproof electronics and robust suspension make it forgiving of the mistakes that new drivers inevitably make. Many users report that even young children can learn to control and enjoy the Tracer with basic instruction.
• What battery does the FTX Tracer need and how long does it last? — The Tracer comes with a Micro 7.4V 800mAh 2S Li-Ion battery and a USB charger. The 800mAh capacity provides reasonable runtime for recreational bashing, typically 15-25 minutes depending on driving style and terrain. The Li-Ion battery technology ensures consistent voltage output throughout the discharge cycle, unlike older NiMH batteries which suffer voltage sag. Many users recommend purchasing an additional battery to extend driving sessions. The USB charger is convenient for charging at home or at the field with a portable power bank.
• Can I upgrade the motor and drivetrain in the FTX Tracer? — Yes, FTX offers a comprehensive range of hop-up parts specifically designed for the Tracer. If you plan on upgrading your Tracer's drivetrain, you will require: 1x FTX9776 Centre Driveshaft and Cups, 1x FTX9777 Machined Metal Spur Gear, and 2x FTX9778 Machined Metal Diff Gears. Many users also upgrade the shock absorbers with aluminium-capped oil-filled units for improved adjustability and durability. A full range of FTX Tracer options and spare parts is available to support long-term ownership and customisation.
• How fast does the FTX Tracer go? — With the stock RC390 brushed motor and 7.4V Li-Ion battery, the Tracer delivers genuine speed and acceleration suitable for recreational bashing and jumping. The 1:10.71 gear ratio provides an ideal balance between top speed and acceleration for a vehicle of this scale and power. Speed can be further modulated using the included speed switch, allowing beginner drivers to limit maximum throttle response whilst they develop vehicle control skills. Exact top speed will vary depending on battery charge level, terrain, and driving technique.
• What is the difference between the FTX Tracer Truggy and the FTX Tracer Truck? — Both models share the same chassis platform, electronics, and drivetrain, ensuring comparable performance and handling. The main difference is the bodyshell design: the Tracer Truggy features a more aggressive, open-design truck body with exposed suspension, whilst the Tracer Truck has a slightly different aesthetic. Both are excellent choices and the platform allows you to swap bodyshells if desired. This shared platform also means spare parts compatibility between the two variants.
• Is the FTX Tracer waterproof? — The Tracer is not fully waterproof, but it features splashproof electronics including the ESC/receiver unit and servo. This means you can drive in wet grass, through puddles, and in light rain without fear of electrical failure, but the vehicle should not be submerged in water. The splashproof rating provides genuine protection for recreational wet-weather driving and adds durability to your investment.
• Does the FTX Tracer come with LED lights? — Yes, the Tracer includes front LED bumper lights as standard. These are plug-in lights that attach to the front bumper assembly, allowing you to drive as daylight fades without purchasing additional lighting upgrades. This is a genuine value-add feature that enhances the fun of dusk driving sessions.
• What is the skill level required to operate the FTX Tracer? — The FTX Tracer is classified as Skill Level 1, indicating it is suitable for complete beginners with no prior RC experience. The ready-to-run configuration, intuitive 2.4GHz radio system with proportional control, and speed switch for throttle limiting all combine to make the Tracer accessible to new drivers. More experienced drivers will also enjoy the Tracer as a fun, affordable basher suitable for casual driving and jumping.

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. 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 Brushed 4WD Truggy with LED Lights – FTX5577O 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 contact us — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.