FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Brushless Monster Truck RTR Red FTX5596R

Overview

The FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Brushless Monster Truck RTR in Red is a high-performance ready-to-run RC car that brings genuine excitement to small-scale off-road driving. There is no doubt that the Tracer has been a huge hit with enthusiasts new to RC cars, and this brushless edition takes that proven platform to the next level. Perfect for both beginners discovering the world of RC hobby vehicles and experienced bashers looking for a compact, powerful platform, the FTX Tracer brushless represents exceptional value in the ready to run RC market. Whether you're searching for your first brushless RC monster truck or looking for a durable, high-speed platform that won't break the bank, this UK-friendly ready to run RC car delivers genuine thrills and impressive performance straight out of the box.

With a potent 3800kv brushless motor hooked up to a 7.4v 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery, the Tracer brushless really puts to use its rear-mounted wheelie bar and engineered suspension geometry. FTX have upped the specification from the brushed version to bring genuine small-scale thrills and spills, incorporating metal rear dogbones for extra durability and new rear upper suspension links for added reliability under power. The combination of shaft-driven 4WD, geared differentials front and rear, and splashproof electronics means this little monster truck can handle rough terrain and water crossings without hesitation. A new 100-metre range 2.4GHz radio system is included, providing plenty of range for those longer speed runs across open ground.

What sets the FTX Tracer brushless apart from other small-scale RC vehicles is its serious engineering combined with user-friendly assembly and operation. The truck arrives 99% ready-to-run, meaning you'll be racing within minutes of unboxing. The detailed 4x4 off-road truck bodyshell captures authentic styling, whilst oversized wheels with block pattern tyres and the included front bumper LED lights make this a genuinely impressive sight both on and off the track. With a wide range of aftermarket options available to further upgrade and customise your truck, the Tracer brushless platform offers genuine potential for long-term enjoyment and development.

Key Features

• 3800kv Brushless Motor — This is a serious upgrade over brushed alternatives, delivering significantly more power and efficiency whilst generating considerably less heat and requiring minimal maintenance compared to traditional brushed motors. Brushless motors are the modern standard in RC car performance, offering higher top speeds, better acceleration, and extended runtime from the same battery.
• 7.4v 1000mAh 2S LiPo Battery with USB Charger — The included lithium polymer battery provides powerful, consistent performance throughout the entire charge cycle, and it arrives with a dedicated USB charger for convenient charging from any standard power source. LiPo batteries are the preferred choice for modern RC cars due to their superior power delivery and longevity.
• Splashproof Brushless ESC and Receiver — Weather resistance means this RC monster truck can handle wet grass, muddy terrain, and water crossings without electronic failure, giving you the confidence to bash in almost any condition. The integrated ESC and receiver design simplifies the electronics whilst maintaining reliability.
• 2.4GHz Radio System with 100-Metre Range — Modern frequency-hopping technology provides interference-free operation with fully proportional throttle and steering control, whilst the extended 100-metre range ensures you maintain control during high-speed runs across larger spaces.
• Splashproof 1kg Rated Servo — This robust servo provides reliable steering response and is rated for serious load capacity, meaning it can handle the demands of aggressive turning and powerful acceleration without binding or failing.
• Shaft-Driven 4WD with Geared Differentials — Four-wheel drive ensures maximum traction in all conditions, whilst geared differentials front and rear automatically distribute power intelligently between wheels, helping prevent wheel spin and improving cornering performance on varied terrain.
• Double Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs — This sophisticated suspension geometry provides superior handling and ride quality compared to simpler designs, with multiple mounting points allowing fine-tuning of suspension geometry. Coil-sprung shock absorbers deliver consistent damping across a wide range of speeds and terrains.
• Front CVA Driveshafts and Metal Rear Dogbones — The constant velocity joint front driveshafts allow smooth power delivery during suspension compression, whilst the metal rear dogbones provide exceptional durability during powerful acceleration and wheelies.
• Rear-Mounted Wheelie Bar — This isn't just for show; the engineered wheelie bar prevents the truck from flipping backward during hard acceleration, adding both safety and controllability to powerful driving. It's perfect for learners building confidence and experienced drivers pushing limits.
• Low Friction Ball Bearings Throughout — Quality ball bearings reduce friction and drag throughout the drivetrain, improving efficiency, extending battery runtime, and reducing heat generation and mechanical wear.
• Plug-In Front Bumper LED Lights — Included LED lights add visual appeal and genuine functionality for low-light driving sessions, whilst the plug-in design means they can be easily removed or upgraded.
• Oversized Wheels with Block Pattern Tyres — The substantial 78mm diameter wheels fitted with block pattern tyres provide genuine off-road capability, offering superior grip on grass, dirt, and loose surfaces compared to road-style tyres.
• Detailed 4x4 Off-Road Truck Bodyshell — The authentic monster truck bodyshell isn't just cosmetic; it's a proper 4x4 truck shape that captures the essence of full-size off-road vehicles, making this RC car visually impressive whether on display or in action.
• 99% Ready-To-Run Design — Minimal assembly means you can start driving within minutes of opening the box, making this an ideal choice for those new to the RC hobby who want immediate gratification without hours of complicated building.
• Wide Range of Aftermarket Options Available — The Tracer platform is well-supported by FTX and third-party manufacturers, meaning you can gradually upgrade everything from suspension geometry to electronics as your skills and interests develop.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer 1/16 Brushless Monster Truck is engineered for serious small-scale performance. The 3800kv brushless motor paired with a dedicated brushless ESC delivers smooth, responsive power delivery with virtually no lag or stuttering, a significant advantage over brushed alternatives. The 7.4v 2S LiPo battery provides the optimal voltage for this motor specification, delivering peak power whilst maintaining safe operating parameters. The integrated splashproof brushless ESC/receiver combination handles all electronic functions with a single unit, simplifying setup and reducing potential points of failure. The 1kg-rated servo provides steering response sharp enough for precision driving but robust enough to withstand the mechanical stresses of aggressive bashing. The splashproof rating means water ingress is prevented during typical off-road driving, though the truck should not be submerged. The shaft-driven 4WD system with a 1:10.71 gear ratio ensures strong acceleration and adequate top speed, whilst geared differentials prevent excessive wheel spin and improve cornering behaviour. The double wishbone suspension with multiple mounting points and coil-sprung shocks provides genuinely impressive ride quality for a vehicle of this scale, soaking up bumps and maintaining traction through rough terrain. Front CVA driveshafts allow suspension travel without binding, whilst metal rear dogbones resist bending under hard acceleration. The truck's 740-gram weight is optimally distributed, with the wheelbase of 175mm providing stable handling characteristics. Ground clearance of 38mm allows clearing modest obstacles and rough terrain without bottoming out. The 2.4GHz radio system operates on frequency-hopping technology, eliminating interference concerns even in crowded RC environments, and the 100-metre range provides genuine practical distance for open-field driving.

What's in the Box

• FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Brushless Monster Truck — fully assembled and ready to run
• 3800kv brushless motor — installed and ready for operation
• Brushless ESC/receiver unit — splashproof, integrated electronics
• Splashproof 1kg rated servo — steering control
• 7.4v 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery — fully charged and ready to drive
• USB battery charger — for convenient home charging
• 2.4GHz radio transmitter — 100-metre range, fully proportional control
• Front and rear geared differentials — installed
• Double wishbone suspension with coil-sprung shock absorbers — multiple mounting points
• Front CVA driveshafts — constant velocity joints for smooth suspension articulation
• Metal rear dogbone driveshafts — enhanced durability
• Rear-mounted wheelie bar — safety and handling improvement
• Low friction ball bearings — throughout chassis and drivetrain
• Oversized wheels with block pattern tyres — 78mm diameter
• Detailed 4x4 off-road truck bodyshell — authentic monster truck styling
• Plug-in front bumper LED lights — included and installed

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Tracer 1/16 brushless monster truck suitable for complete beginners to RC cars? — Yes, absolutely. The truck arrives 99% ready-to-run, meaning almost no assembly is required before you can start driving. The skill level rating confirms this is designed for newcomers, and the included 100-metre range radio system, fully proportional controls, and intuitive brushless power delivery make it very user-friendly. The rear wheelie bar prevents accidental flips during learning, building confidence as you develop throttle control. For anyone asking "what is the best ready to run RC car for a beginner", this represents genuine value.
• What battery does the FTX Tracer brushless need, and how long does it last? — The truck comes with a 7.4v 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery and dedicated USB charger, so you can start driving immediately. Whilst the manufacturer doesn't specify runtime in the available documentation, a 1000mAh battery in a small-scale truck typically provides between 15-25 minutes of driving per charge, depending on driving style and terrain. Spare batteries are available separately (FTX part FTX9777), and upgrading to higher capacity batteries from the same voltage will extend runtime further.
• How does the brushless version compare to the brushed Tracer? — The brushless edition delivers significantly more power from the 3800kv motor, providing faster acceleration and higher top speed than the standard brushed version. Brushless motors also run cooler, require no maintenance, offer better efficiency (meaning longer runtime from the same battery), and typically last longer than brushed alternatives. The brushless version also includes new rear upper suspension links for added reliability under the additional power, and metal rear dogbones for enhanced durability. If performance and longevity matter to you, the brushless version is the clear upgrade.
• What does "splashproof" mean, and can I drive through water? — Splashproof means the critical electronics (ESC, receiver, and servo) are sealed against incidental water ingress, so you can safely drive in wet grass, muddy conditions, and even cross shallow water without electronic failure. However, splashproof is not the same as waterproof or submersible; you should avoid deliberately submerging the truck or driving through deep water, and should rinse the truck with fresh water after salt water use to prevent corrosion.
• What makes the suspension setup special on this truck? — The double wishbone suspension is genuinely sophisticated engineering for a 1/16 scale truck, providing superior handling and ride quality compared to simpler designs. The coil-sprung shock absorbers with multiple mounting points mean suspension characteristics can be fine-tuned by experienced users, and the design maintains consistent geometry through suspension travel, improving both off-road capability and on-road handling. The front CVA driveshafts allow suspension movement without binding, and the rear metal dogbones resist bending under the power demands of the brushless motor.
• Is this truck suitable for off-road bashing on grass and dirt? — This is exactly what the FTX Tracer brushless is designed for. The 4WD system with geared differentials provides excellent traction on varied terrain, the oversized wheels with block pattern tyres offer genuine grip on grass and loose surfaces, and the 38mm ground clearance allows clearing modest obstacles without bottoming out. The splashproof electronics mean muddy conditions won't cause problems, and the robust construction can withstand the impacts of outdoor bashing.
• What is included in the box, and do I need to buy anything else to start driving? — The truck arrives 99% ready-to-run with everything needed: the assembled truck body, brushless motor and ESC, servo, battery, charger, and 2.4GHz radio transmitter. All you need to do is insert four AA batteries into the transmitter (not included but standard household items) and you can start driving immediately. No soldering, no complex assembly, no additional electronics purchases required.
• What is the 100-metre radio range, and will interference be a problem? — The 2.4GHz radio system uses frequency-hopping technology, which automatically switches frequencies to avoid interference from other 2.4GHz devices, WiFi routers, or other RC cars. This means you can confidently drive in areas with other RC activity without signal loss or control loss. The 100-metre range provides genuine practical distance for open-field driving; in typical suburban garden conditions you won't come close to this limit.
• What is the wheelie bar for, and why should I care? — The rear-mounted wheelie bar prevents the truck from flipping backward during hard acceleration, especially important in a brushless truck where power delivery is sudden and strong. It's crucial for safety and confidence-building in newer drivers who are still learning throttle control, and experienced bashers appreciate it for high-speed runs where sudden acceleration could otherwise cause loss of control. It also adds visual authenticity to the monster truck design.
• Can I upgrade components on the FTX Tracer brushless? — Yes, there is a wide range of FTX aftermarket options available for the Tracer platform. The manufacturer specifically mentions drivetrain upgrade components (centre driveshaft, machined metal spur gear, and differential gears), and many third-party manufacturers produce suspension upgrades, body shells, lighting kits, and other parts. This means your Tracer can evolve with your skills and interests, from a standard basher to a highly customised performance platform.

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 Brushless Monster Truck RTR Red FTX5596R 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.