RC4WD Gelande II Scale Crawler Truck Kit with Cruiser Body – Z-K0051

Overview

The RC4WD Gelande II Scale Crawler Truck Kit with Cruiser Body (Z-K0051) represents the pinnacle of scale RC crawling excellence, combining meticulous engineering with authentic Toyota Land Cruiser styling. This is one of RC4WD's most popular trucks, and for good reason—it delivers an extremely detailed and durable platform that forms the perfect foundation for building a truly impressive scale rig. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast looking to create a show-stopping crawler or someone searching for the best 1/10 scale RC crawler available in the UK, the Gelande II offers unmatched versatility and customisation potential.

Built for the true off-road enthusiast, this 1/10 scale electric RC truck is engineered to tackle extreme terrain with ease. The Gelande II features a realistic aluminium ladder frame chassis that provides authentic scale appearance alongside genuine structural strength. The truck comes unassembled as a kit, allowing builders to enjoy the satisfaction of constructing their own machine while gaining intimate knowledge of how their RC vehicle works. From emergency and expedition vehicles to daily drivers and serious off-road rigs, the Gelande II with Cruiser body can be configured to suit virtually any aesthetic and functional requirement.

What makes this electric RC crawler truly special is its advanced suspension geometry, realistic transfer case design, and the scope for virtually unlimited customisation. RC car enthusiasts in the UK and beyond have embraced the Gelande II platform for its combination of scale authenticity and genuine off-road capability. The kit comes ready for you to add your own motor, ESC, servo, radio system and battery—giving you complete control over performance characteristics and build specification.

Key Features

• All New Hammer Transfer Case with 1.47:1 Ratio — The centre-mounted realistic 4x4 transfer case features wide 32-pitch hardened steel gears with eight bearings and cast casing, providing authentic scale appearance whilst delivering the mechanical reliability needed for serious crawling. This component alone gives the Gelande II a level of scale fidelity that competitors simply cannot match.
• All New R3 Single Speed Transmission — The integrated transmission system uses wide 32-pitch steel gears with a Delrin spur and slipper clutch, offering 14/64 pinion-to-spur ratio and 1.78:1 internal ratio for optimised power delivery and smooth operation across varied terrain.
• All New Cast Yota II Axles with Locked Differentials — Featuring a 15/40 ratio providing 2.67:1 final drive, these cast metal axles deliver equal power to all wheels for maximum traction in technical terrain. The locked differentials ensure both wheels turn together without slippage, essential for true scale crawling performance.
• Realistic Aluminium Ladder Frame Chassis — The custom-designed aluminium chassis provides authentic scale looks whilst maintaining the structural rigidity required for demanding off-road conditions. This is not merely decorative—it's a properly engineered platform built to handle extreme descents and climbs with ease.
• Advanced Suspension Geometry — The truck features a double triangulated four-link rear suspension and three-link front suspension with panhard bar as standard. This geometry allows natural articulation and prevents axle-wrap, enabling maximum ground contact and traction in extreme terrain.
• Dual Spring Oil-Filled Shock Absorbers — Factory-fitted 80mm dual spring shock absorbers can be oil-filled for enhanced damping characteristics. These provide responsive suspension action whilst maintaining the scale appearance of a real expedition vehicle.
• Chassis-Mounted Steering Servo — The servo is mounted on the chassis out of view for more authentic scale appearance, eliminating the visibility of electronics and maintaining the clean, realistic look that scale enthusiasts demand.
• Toyota Land Cruiser Cruiser Body Set — The comprehensive plastic body set includes main body, roof, interior, windows, grille, and numerous detail parts that combine to create one of the most recognisable and beloved shapes in the world. The Cruiser body can be customised with multiple paint options and aftermarket detail parts.
• 1.9 Stamped Steel Beadlock Wheels — Factory wheels feature authentic five-lug beadlock styling with lug nuts for authentic appearance. The 25mm width and 11mm back spacing provides proper stance and clearance for scale tyre options.
• Super Grip Dirt Grabber Tyres — The included tyres deliver excellent traction on various surfaces whilst maintaining realistic scale proportions when paired with 1.9-inch wheels.
• Plastic Fuel Cell Receiver Box — This detail component adds authenticity and provides practical mounting options for your receiver and electronic components within the chassis.
• Unassembled Kit Format — Supplied as a complete kit requiring assembly, allowing you full control over component selection, build quality, and customisation opportunities. This format enables experienced builders to upgrade components as desired.

Technical Performance

The RC4WD Gelande II represents a sophisticated approach to 1/10 scale RC crawling that prioritises both scale authenticity and genuine off-road performance. The transmission system uses wide 32-pitch steel gears—a choice that reflects professional-grade engineering rather than cost-cutting. The 4.57:1 overall ratio from the 14/64 pinion-to-spur combination paired with the 1.78:1 internal ratio creates a low-speed, high-torque gearset ideal for crawling. When combined with the all-new cast Yota II axles featuring 2.67:1 ratio, the truck achieves phenomenal mechanical advantage—perfect for scaling vertical obstacles and maintaining control on steep descents.

The double-triangulated four-link rear suspension represents the cutting edge of RC suspension design, preventing axle-wrap and maintaining consistent suspension geometry throughout the vehicle's travel. The three-link front suspension with panhard bar similarly ensures optimal tyre contact regardless of terrain. These are not simplified designs—they are genuine engineering solutions borrowed from full-size expedition vehicles and adapted for 1/10 scale, proving that RC4WD understands both scale authenticity and mechanical function.

The aluminium ladder frame chassis provides the structural foundation that makes everything else possible. Aluminium offers the perfect balance of lightweight construction with sufficient rigidity for the stresses of off-road crawling. The realistic design means your finished truck will look correct when displayed or photographed, but the engineering ensures it will also perform correctly when thrown at serious terrain. The 80mm dual spring oil-filled shocks work in harmony with the suspension geometry to absorb impacts whilst maintaining ride height and control.

As an unassembled kit, the Gelande II requires the builder to source their own motor, ESC, servo, radio system and battery. This flexibility allows you to tailor performance to your preferences. Whether you opt for a brushless motor offering speed and efficiency, or a brushed crawler motor for traditional feel and control, the Gelande II chassis and drivetrain remain constant. The 1.9-inch wheel and tyre combination ensures proper scaling with realistic proportions, whilst the beadlock design provides authentic appearance.

What's in the Box

• Complete plastic body set including main Cruiser body, roof, interior, windows and grille
• Realistic aluminium ladder frame chassis
• All new Hammer transfer case with 1.47:1 ratio
• All new R3 single speed transmission with slipper clutch
• All new cast Yota II axles with locked differentials
• Double triangulated four-link rear suspension assembly
• Three-link front suspension with panhard bar
• Four dual spring 80mm oil-fillable shock absorbers
• 1.9-inch five-lug stamped steel beadlock wheels (set of four)
• Super grip dirt grabber tyres
• Plastic fuel cell receiver box
• Various plastic and metal hardware, fasteners, and detail parts
• Comprehensive instruction manual

What You Need to Complete

• Electric motor (brushless or brushed, depending on preferred performance characteristics)
• Speed controller (ESC with appropriate current rating for your motor choice)
• Servo (steering servo with suitable torque for scale weight and terrain)
• Radio system (2.4GHz transmitter and receiver, 4+ channels recommended)
• Battery pack (NiMH or LiPo, capacity and voltage dependent on motor choice)
• Battery charger (compatible with your chosen battery type)
• RC car paint and primer (Tamiya paints are recommended for best results)
• CA adhesive and glues for body assembly
• Optional: numerous RC4WD upgrade and detail parts including fender flares, snorkels, armour, LED lighting, winch systems, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the RC4WD Gelande II Cruiser Body kit suitable for beginners? — This is an unassembled kit requiring significant building experience, mechanical knowledge, and access to tools. The assembly process involves painting the body, soldering electronics, and understanding suspension geometry. Whilst not impossible for beginners with patience and research, this kit is better suited to hobbyists with prior RC building experience. Beginners might prefer starting with a ready-to-run option before progressing to kit building.
• What scale is the Gelande II and why does scale matter? — The Gelande II is 1/10 scale, meaning all dimensions are one-tenth of a real-size vehicle. This is the most popular scale for RC crawlers in the UK because it offers a good balance between size, detail, and cost. 1/10 scale vehicles are large enough to display impressive detail and genuine off-road capability, yet small enough to transport and operate in typical UK gardens, car parks, and trail systems.
• What motor should I choose for the Gelande II? — The kit does not include a motor, allowing you to select based on your preferences. For genuine crawling, many builders choose lower-KV brushed motors (typically 27-40 turn) that provide high torque and smooth, controllable power delivery. Brushless options offer greater efficiency and speed capability, though they require compatible ESCs. The transmission ratio of 4.57:1 combined with the 2.67:1 axle ratio creates enormous mechanical advantage, making even modest motors effective for crawling.
• What battery does the Gelande II need? — The kit is battery-agnostic, accommodating both NiMH and LiPo options depending on your motor and ESC choice. Most builders opt for 2S or 3S LiPo packs offering good power density, or NiMH packs for traditional operation and easier charging. Your specific battery choice should match your selected motor's specifications and your radio system requirements.
• Can I upgrade the stock components? — Yes, extensive upgrading is encouraged and supported by RC4WD's comprehensive spare parts range. Builders commonly upgrade the shocks (Old Man Emu 80mm shocks are popular), replace stock driveshafts with heavy-duty scale steel versions, install armour packages, add winches, incorporate LED lighting, and upgrade to metal axles and numerous other components. This flexibility makes the Gelande II ideal for progressive builds.
• How does the Gelande II perform on different terrains? — The suspension geometry, transmission ratio, and locked differentials are specifically engineered for extreme terrain. The truck excels at technical rock crawling, steep climbs and descents, loose sand and gravel, and challenging natural obstacles. The super grip dirt grabber tyres deliver traction across varied surfaces, though many serious crawlers upgrade to more aggressive specialist tyres depending on their primary terrain.
• What makes the Gelande II different from other 1/10 RC crawlers? — The Gelande II's combination of scale authenticity (realistic Cruiser styling, detailed interior, proportionate beadlock wheels), advanced engineering (double-triangulated suspension, locked differentials, realistic transfer case), and upgrade potential sets it apart. Many competitors offer crawling capability or scale looks, but the Gelande II delivers both equally. The aluminium ladder frame chassis is particularly notable for combining structural authenticity with genuine engineering strength.
• How long does assembly take? — Assembly time varies significantly based on your experience and ambition level. A basic build with standard components might take 10-15 hours. More detailed builds incorporating multiple upgrades, custom paint, LED lighting, winch systems, and detail parts can easily consume 40+ hours. This extended building time is part of the appeal for many enthusiasts who enjoy the creative and technical aspects of scale RC builds.
• Does the Gelande II come waterproof? — The Gelande II chassis and body are not inherently sealed for water operation. However, the plastic body set can be sealed and detailed, and many builders incorporate waterproof electronics to enable stream and water crossing adventures. The unassembled kit nature means you control which electronic components you install, allowing waterproof servo, ESC, and lighting selection if desired.

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 RC4WD Gelande II Scale Crawler Truck Kit with Cruiser Body – Z-K0051 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.