The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Your RC Truck Hobby: Understanding the Costs

As with any hobby, getting into the world of RC trucks, there are many costs associated with this hobby, and it can be a bit daunting trying to figure out how to make it a cost-effective hobby that stays within budget.

From buying the initial truck to upgrading and repairing parts, the costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. In this ultimate guide, we'll take a closer look at the costs associated with investing in your RC truck hobby.

The initial investment

The initial investment is the first cost you'll encounter when getting into RC trucks.

This includes the cost of the truck itself, as well as any necessary accessories like batteries, controllers, chargers, and transmitters. 99% of kits will come with everything you need to get started and up and running right out of the box.

Prices for RC trucks can range from under $100 for a basic model to over $1,000 for a high-end truck. However, when you're starting out, it's a good idea to keep things simple with a mid-range unit that gives you a pleasant introduction to RC cars but also has the power and drive to make the driving experience fun.

For under $180, you can get a model like the HP161S, a car capable of reaching speeds of 72 km per hour and features a high-quality build that's designed to last for years to come, regardless of what you put it through.

And if you feel like this is a high investment, put it into perspective.

The average gym membership cost in the US is around $507 per year; buying a new bike with servicing and accessories like helmets and bags is between $800 and $3,000, and going abroad averages around $1,500.

Even getting started with the basics for painting will set you back around $50 or more, and that's nowhere near as fun as driving a remote control stunt car.

This makes RC car driving much more affordable than most other hobbies or interests!

Upgrading and repairing parts

Once you have your RC truck, you'll likely start upgrading and repairing parts to improve its performance. You may replace any parts that get worn out or broken or upgrade parts to give you a better level of performance.

The typical upgraded parts can include new tires, firmer shocks, and better motors, but there's no reason why you can't upgrade for aesthetic reasons. 

The cost of these parts can vary greatly depending on the brand and quality. Investing in high-quality parts from reputable manufacturers is important to ensure the best results.

Maintenance-wise, tasks include things like; 

• Cleaning the truck
• Replacing worn-out parts
• Fixing any damage

The cost of maintenance and repairs can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the parts that need to be replaced.

New releases

If you're a serious RC truck enthusiast, you may want to invest in the latest releases that get released year after year. Like most technologies, improvements are being made to the tech, hardware, and software of RC cars all the time, and if you want the latest models, you'll have to pay the price.

This can be an expensive investment, as new models often come with innovative features that can drive up the cost. However, you don't always need the latest model, as all RC cars are designed to last for many years, especially if you take care and maintain your RC car properly.

It's important to weigh the benefits of investing in new releases against the cost and consider whether the investment is worth it.

If you're a bit strapped for cash and don't want to pay out for a brand-new model, remember that you can sell your current model to help cover the costs unless you're building a collection!

There's always something special about a gorgeous RC car collection.

Racing and events

Participating in RC truck races and events can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. 

If you're just racing around your local area or with your local club, this will usually be free, but if you're moving up to events that are a little more reputable, you'll need to pay for registration fees, travel expenses, and any necessary equipment. 

It's important to budget for these costs ahead of time to avoid overspending. 

We might just be speaking from personal experience, but when you really start to get into the world of RC car racing, it can quickly become an obsession. The adrenaline. The community. The unity. The fun and thrills and nail-biting action.

It's all so amazing, with so many memories and fantastic people to meet; you won't want it to end. Of course, this isn't a bad thing, but it's just something to consider when trying to make the most of your savings!

That being said, if you can participate in a competition and win, you could be eligible to win some coveted prize pools. For example, the No-Prep Street Outlaw Drag Race winner of 2021 won $18,000 cash, which is not a sum of money to be ignored!

Summary

While investing in your RC truck hobby will cost some money, it's also an enriching experience and well worth the investment. There's so much fun to be had and so many memories to make; starting this hobby is a step into a new world that could capture a piece of your heart.

And by understanding the costs associated with this hobby, you can make informed decisions about where to invest your money and how to budget for your expenses properly for the best experience. 

Ready to get started?

Here at Bezgar, we live and breathe RC car racing and love nothing more than creating new cars, developing new technologies, and treating you to an RC car ride like no other.