TEAM ASSOCIATED MT12 MONSTER VAN RTR COMBO AS40008C

Overview

The Team Associated MT12 Monster Van RTR Combo (AS40008C) is a compact yet feature-rich ready to run RC car that brings big-truck attitude to a 1:12 scale platform. This fully assembled monster truck combines retro styling with serious off-road performance, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a ready to run RC vehicle that requires no building or preparation. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or discovering the world of RC for the first time, this brushed electric monster truck delivers immediate gratification straight out of the box.

Coming to a stadium near you, the MT12 Monster Series 4x4 Monster Van may be small in size, but it's jam-packed full of incredible features. Equipped with Reedy Power electronics and a complete 2.4GHz radio system, this rig comes ready-to-run with everything you need. No need to prep or build your rig; just charge the included 2S 7.4V Li-Ion 850mAh battery and you're ready for some pedal-to-the-metal, car-crushing action. The MT12 is perfect for weekend bashers, garden playing, and off-road fun on dirt, grass, or tarmac.

Designed not only for scale looks with realistic chrome wheels, chevron-style tyres, and a retro-styled van body, the MT12 is built for genuine car-stomping action as well. The steel ladder frame chassis provides the perfect backbone for this rugged little monster, whilst the 4-link suspension, threaded oil-filled shocks, and soft rubber tyres give the grip and performance needed to smash over obstacles or through dirt and mud. This is a proper ready to run RC car that punches well above its weight in terms of engineering quality and build specification.

Key Features

• Steel Ladder Frame Chassis — The robust steel C-channel frame rails provide structural rigidity and durability, forming the foundation of a tough platform capable of handling rough terrain and impacts. This solid construction ensures longevity and reliable performance even during aggressive off-road bashing sessions.
• 4-Link Suspension with Oil-Filled Shocks — The 4-link suspension geometry combined with oil-filled threaded shock bodies and adjustable shock holes on the towers delivers excellent articulation and control over uneven ground. This advanced suspension setup absorbs impacts effectively and allows you to tune the ride height and stiffness to match different terrain conditions.
• Steel 4-Link Bars and Steel Pivot Balls — Heavy-duty steel components throughout the suspension linkage ensure durability and precision, resisting bending and deformation during intense off-road driving. These quality materials mean your MT12 will maintain consistent handling even after countless bashings.
• Front Steel CVA Axles with Metal Front Drive Shafts — The constant velocity axles at the front paired with metal drive shafts transfer power smoothly to all four wheels with minimal vibration. This drivetrain configuration ensures reliable 4WD performance and efficient power delivery to the ground.
• Compact 3-Gear Transmission — The lightweight 3-speed gearbox with a 13.98:1 internal gear ratio balances acceleration and top speed, providing adequate performance across various surfaces whilst maintaining manageable speed for control and fun.
• Plastic Low-Friction Slider-Type Drive Shafts — These specialised drive shafts reduce friction losses and are engineered to absorb shock loads, improving efficiency and reliability during aggressive driving. The slider design allows for suspension articulation without binding.
• 16-Piece Metal-Shield Ball Bearing Set — Precision ball bearings throughout the drivetrain and suspension reduce friction and wear, extending the lifespan of internal components. Metal shields protect bearings from dirt and moisture ingress, essential for reliable off-road performance.
• Open Front and Rear Differentials — Open differentials allow independent wheel speed and provide predictable handling characteristics suitable for general off-road bashings and obstacle courses. This configuration is easier to maintain than locked differentials.
• Servo-On-Chassis Steering with Servo Saver — The servo is mounted directly to the chassis for compact packaging, whilst the servo saver mechanism protects the steering servo from impact damage when the front end hits obstacles. This thoughtful design extends servo lifespan significantly.
• Adjustable Front and Rear Body Posts — Tool-free body post adjustment allows you to fine-tune the body ride height and fit different optional bodies if desired. This feature provides customisation flexibility without requiring complex modifications.
• Aluminium Wheel Hexes — Anodised aluminium hex adapters provide a lightweight yet rigid connection between wheels and axles. These quality hubs contribute to improved handling and reduce rotating mass for better acceleration.
• Black Anodised Aluminium Battery and Radio Tray — The dedicated electronics tray protects your battery and receiver whilst keeping weight low and centered in the chassis. The hook-and-loop hold-down strap secures components reliably during intense driving.
• 2.4GHz XP Transmitter and Receiver Radio System — The modern 2.4GHz spread-spectrum radio system ensures secure, interference-free control with superior range compared to older 27MHz systems. The frequency-hopping technology provides reliability even in crowded radio environments.
• Reedy Power Speed Control with High-Current T-Plug Connector — The integrated speed controller handles the Reedy brushed motor efficiently whilst the T-plug connector provides secure, reliable power delivery. This ESC is specifically calibrated for optimal performance with the included motor and battery.
• Reedy Brushed 380 Motor — The proven brushed motor delivers consistent torque and is known for durability and low maintenance. The 380-size motor is powerful enough for entertaining performance whilst remaining efficient and reliable.
• 850mAh Li-Ion 7.4V 2-Cell Battery and Charger Included — The lithium-ion battery provides lightweight, responsive power with excellent runtime in this platform. Inclusion of both battery and charger means you're completely ready to run immediately out of the box — no additional purchases required to get started with this ready to run RC car.
• 12mm Hex Adapters — Metal front CVA and rear solid axle shafts feature 12mm hex adapters for compatibility with a wide range of optional wheels and tyres, giving you customisation options if you wish to modify your MT12's appearance or tyre characteristics.
• Chevron-Style Realistic Chrome Wheels — The retro-style chrome wheels combined with chevron-pattern tyres deliver both authentic scale appearance and genuine off-road grip. The tread pattern is optimised for traction on soft terrain including dirt, mud, and grass.

Technical Performance

The Team Associated MT12 Monster Van delivers impressive performance from a compact 1:12 scale platform measuring just 380mm in length, 278mm in width, and 236mm in wheelbase. Weighing a manageable 1110g, the vehicle uses a proven combination of a Reedy brushed 380-size motor paired with a Reedy Power speed controller, delivering responsive acceleration and reliable performance. The motor is powered by a 2S 7.4V 850mAh lithium-ion battery, providing adequate runtime for extended bashing sessions whilst maintaining good power output. The 3-gear transmission with a 13.98:1 internal gear ratio balances acceleration and top speed appropriately for the platform's size and motor power.

The engineering quality is evident throughout the MT12's construction. The steel C-channel frame rails provide excellent structural rigidity whilst keeping weight manageable. The 4-link suspension geometry with oil-filled threaded shock bodies represents genuine suspension sophistication at this scale — many cheaper alternatives use fixed shocks without any damping. The adjustable shock holes on the suspension towers allow you to fine-tune ride height and stiffness to suit different terrain types. At the front, steel constant-velocity axles transfer power smoothly to the wheels, whilst the rear features solid axle shafts. All drive shafts feature 12mm hex adapters for versatility.

Drivetrain efficiency is maximised through the plastic low-friction slider-type drive shafts, which reduce parasitic losses and allow for suspension articulation without binding. The 16-piece metal-shield ball bearing set minimises friction throughout all rotating assemblies, extending component lifespan and improving overall performance. The open front and rear differentials provide predictable handling characteristics suitable for off-road bashings across varied terrain including dirt, grass, and tarmac. Build quality throughout is notably superior to budget alternatives, with metal shields on bearings protecting them from dirt ingress — a critical feature for outdoor off-road use where mud and dust are inevitable.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated MT12 Monster Van RTR body and chassis (fully assembled)
• 2.4GHz XP radio transmitter and receiver
• Reedy Power brushed 380 motor (pre-installed)
• Reedy Power speed controller with T-plug connector (pre-installed)
• 850mAh 7.4V 2-cell lithium-ion battery
• Battery charger
• Complete suspension assembly with 4-link bars, steel pivot balls, and oil-filled shocks
• Steel ladder frame chassis with C-channel frame rails
• Front steel CVA axles and rear solid axles with metal drive shafts
• Compact 3-gear transmission
• 16-piece metal-shield ball bearing set (pre-installed)
• Realistic chrome wheels with chevron-style tyres
• Aluminium wheel hexes with 12mm hex adapters
• Black anodised aluminium battery and radio tray with hold-down strap
• Adjustable front and rear body posts
• Servo saver mechanism

What You Need to Complete

• AA batteries for the 2.4GHz XP radio transmitter (quantity and type depend on transmitter specification)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Team Associated MT12 Monster Van RTR Combo suitable for beginners? — Yes, absolutely. This is an ideal ready to run RC car for beginners because it arrives fully assembled and requires no building or preparation. Simply charge the included battery and you're ready to drive. The manageable 1:12 scale makes it easy to control, and the robust construction means it can withstand the inevitable crashes that come with learning. The included 2.4GHz radio system provides modern, reliable control, and the steel frame chassis can handle rough treatment from inexperienced drivers. This is genuinely a ready to run RC vehicle perfect for someone new to the hobby.
• What battery does the MT12 Monster Van RTR Combo use and how long does it run? — The MT12 comes with an 850mAh lithium-ion 2-cell battery providing 7.4V output. This battery specification is optimised for the Reedy Power brushed 380 motor and provides adequate runtime for entertaining bashing sessions, though exact runtime depends on driving intensity and terrain. The included charger allows you to recharge the battery in a matter of hours. The 2S LiPo-compatible design means you can upgrade to higher-capacity 2S batteries (such as the optional Reedy 1500mAh or Wolfpack 1600mAh batteries sold separately) if you want extended runtime, though the standard battery is perfectly adequate for recreational use.
• What is the difference between the MT12 Monster Van and other small-scale ready to run RC cars? — The MT12 Monster Van stands out in the compact ready to run market through genuine suspension sophistication that many competitors lack. Whilst other budget alternatives use simple fixed shocks, the MT12 features oil-filled threaded shock bodies with adjustable shock holes, true 4-link suspension geometry, and steel pivot balls — this is real suspension engineering. The steel ladder frame chassis and metal-shield ball bearing set represent quality construction that justifies the price premium. The realistic chrome wheels and retro van body styling appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate scale authenticity alongside off-road performance.
• Does this come with everything I need to start driving? — Yes, the MT12 Monster Van RTR Combo is genuinely ready to run. You get the fully assembled vehicle, 2.4GHz radio system, motor, speed controller, battery, and charger all included. The only items you need to provide are AA batteries for the radio transmitter. Once charged, you can start driving immediately — no building required, no additional electronics purchases necessary. This represents outstanding value for a ready to run RC car with this level of engineering quality.
• What surfaces can the MT12 Monster Van be driven on? — The MT12 is designed for off-road use on dirt, grass, mud, and similar soft terrain where the chevron-pattern tyres provide genuine traction. The robust construction and suspension articulation make it excellent for garden play and weekend bashings in outdoor spaces. Whilst it can technically be driven on tarmac or hard surfaces, this is not the primary design intent — the tyres will wear faster on concrete and asphalt. Soft terrain where you can smash through obstacles and over rough ground is where this monster truck excels.
• Can I upgrade the battery on the MT12? — Yes, the MT12 is compatible with 2S lithium-ion and LiPo batteries with 7.4V output. Upgrading to a higher-capacity 2S battery (such as the optional Reedy 1500mAh or Reedy Wolfpack 1600mAh batteries available separately) will provide extended runtime whilst maintaining the same voltage. Any 2S 7.4V battery with a T-plug connector will work with the included Reedy Power speed controller. Always ensure your charger is compatible with whichever battery type you choose.
• Is the MT12 waterproof? — The MT12 is not fully waterproof, though it can handle damp conditions and light rain reasonably well due to the sealed bearings and protected electronics tray. Heavy water crossings or submersion should be avoided. If you do get the vehicle wet, allow it to dry completely before charging the battery to prevent damage to the charger. The metal-shield ball bearings provide some protection against water ingress, but this is not a dedicated waterproof platform like some more expensive models.
• What is the top speed of the MT12 Monster Van? — Specific top speed figures are not provided in the official specifications, as speed varies significantly based on battery condition, surface type, driving technique, and environmental factors. With the included 850mAh 2S battery, you can expect entertaining performance suitable for recreational driving and obstacle bashing. The 13.98:1 gear ratio is tuned for balanced acceleration and top speed rather than extreme velocity, prioritising controllability and fun factor.
• Does the MT12 come with a charger? — Yes, the MT12 Monster Van RTR Combo includes both the 850mAh lithium-ion battery and a compatible charger. You don't need to purchase any additional charging equipment to get started — everything required is provided in the box.

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 TEAM ASSOCIATED MT12 MONSTER VAN RTR COMBO AS40008C 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.