{"id":2663,"date":"2021-09-11T23:19:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-11T22:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/?p=2663"},"modified":"2022-11-27T15:23:05","modified_gmt":"2022-11-27T14:23:05","slug":"is-it-cheaper-to-build-an-rc-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/is-it-cheaper-to-build-an-rc-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Cheaper To Build An RC Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are many instances where building something yourself will save you money. But building an RC car will usually cost you more than buying one pre-assembled. I\u2019ll explain why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not cheaper to build an RC compared to buying a ready-to-run RC because upgrade kits and spare parts are sold to improve your existing rig. These parts are usually high quality, better material, and intended to replace weaker stock parts that fail.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already have a battery, motor, chassis, radio or other RC parts, you could buy an RC upgrade kit for $200 to $400 and have a fully working car, but that will depend on what you already have to put into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a hobby grade RC, you\u2019ll need at least $300 to $500 to buy all the components required. But you can buy a fully assembled hobby grade RC car anywhere from $100 upwards. The quality of the parts in the upgrade kit will be better than a hundred dollar RTR but not cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, just because you can save money buying a ready-to-run vehicle, doesn\u2019t mean you should. Fully assembled RCs are best for people who just want to have fun. Building an RC from scratch is perfect for RC hobbyists that want to know everything there is to know about the sport of RC cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Is
RC car build<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Building An RC Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the main reasons you should buy the parts and build the RC yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gain knowledge of how the RC works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you build your own RC car, you\u2019ll learn a lot about how the car works and how to fix it if something goes wrong. If it stops working or makes unusual noises, you can take it apart to see if everything looks the way it did when you put it together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll learn how to mesh the gears properly, assemble and oil fill the suspension: See my guide to RC shock oils <\/a>, how the steering works: See my guide to how RC steering works<\/a>, and more. None of it is rocket science, but like most things, you only know how to do it once someone shows you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher quality parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Upgrade kits and RC parts that are bought individually are usually higher quality than stock standard parts in ready to run cars. RTR options usually have a lot of plastic parts to save on costs to make the overall price lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related post: Pros And Cons Of RC Cars: Every Style Included<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy and fulfilling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s very simple to put everything together thanks to the detailed assembly manual. You\u2019ll feel a sense of accomplishment after building it and you\u2019ll value it more because you invested time into building it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disadvantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The major disadvantage of building an RC from upgrade kits and spare parts is the fact that it\u2019s more expensive than an RTR RC. But here are some other disadvantages to note as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takes hours to build<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s your first time building an RC, it could take an entire day to put the car together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you give the RC to someone on their birthday, they won\u2019t be able to drive it on the same day unless they spend their time building it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complicated for children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most children under the age of 16 won\u2019t be able to assemble the RC perfectly by themselves. Of course, there are always exceptions, but even if you have confidence in your child\u2019s technical skills, you\u2019ll still need to supervise the entire process just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at my article: 9 Reasons Why RC Cars Are Good For Kids<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some RC parts aren\u2019t compatible with others, for example, you might buy a receiver that\u2019s not compatible with the transmitter you choose, or the servos might not be compatible with your receiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher chance of missing parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve noticed quite a few people having issues with manufacturers because of missing parts. Parts that are listed in the kit but not included. The chance of missing parts in an RTR vehicle is highly unlikely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a beginner, you might forget to buy a radio system because it\u2019s not listed in the \u201cparts required to complete\u201d section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to buy a charger for the batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s very easy to forget 1 or 2 parts if you\u2019re building the RC yourself. Create a checklist of everything you need and go through it methodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Components Required To Build An RC Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below, you will see all the parts that you might need to add to your kit. You will see that I’ve linked to Amazon pages in each area. This will also help whether you have an RTR that you’re thinking of upgrading or one part of an already assembled kit to give you an idea of the cost involved in that area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Di<\/strong><\/em>sclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. For any of the purchases you make from clicking one of my links, I will receive a<\/em> commission, at no extra cost to you. Any revenue made will help me keep this site going and make a bigger resource for<\/em><\/strong> everyone<\/strong> that’s<\/strong><\/em> involved in this great hobby.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The body does more than just make your RC look cool. It protects all the electronics by keeping them out of the sun. It also helps to decrease the amount of dirt that lands up all over the electronics. The body protects the rest of the RC when it crashes and rolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To give you an idea of the cost to buy a new body for your RC car or truck, click here<\/a> to see a range of bodies from Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chassis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The chassis is what you\u2019re going to mount everything onto. Some chassis can accommodate big motors and batteries while others have little space. It\u2019s important that you have a good quality chassis to avoid struggling with assembly. Make sure that it will accommodate the exact parts you plan to mount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See some chassis prices here<\/a> from Amazon <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The size of the motor depends on the size of your RC and how you would like it to drive. Brushless motors are excellent at providing loads of power with minimal wear and tear, while brushed motors are far cheaper but may need replacing sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See this range of different motors from Amazon here<\/a>, to give you an idea of the cost involved to buy a motor or upgrade to a superior one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rims and Tires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Choose light rims and knobby tires if you plan to drive in the dirt and sand. Slicks will get you the most traction if you plan to race on pavement. Most short course RCs use a combination of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheels<\/a> on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tires<\/a> on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re building a rock crawling RC, go with soft suspension. A firmer suspension will serve you better at high speeds and flat surfaces. Of course, there\u2019s always a balance that will suit your driving needs. Oil filled shocks absorb impacts better than air-filled shocks. Most budget RCs don\u2019t have oil filled shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RC car shocks<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Batteries (Radio and Car)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need to select the right type of battery for your rig, which will either be Li-Po or NiMH. Make sure that all the electronics are compatible with the type of battery you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out my article: Will A Lipo Battery Make My RC Car Faster?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The radio normally uses four to eight AA batteries that you\u2019ll have to replace every time they run flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RC Car Batteries<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just because you buy a battery, doesn\u2019t mean you get a charger with it. You\u2019ll need a charger for the type of battery you chose for the car. Depending on the battery, you could also select a fast charger to decrease down times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battery chargers<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radio \/ Transmitter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The radio control is one of the most important parts of the rig because every move the RC makes is a reaction to how you handle the controller. It sounds obvious, but if you aren\u2019t happy with how your controller feels, you won\u2019t be happy no matter what car you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RC Radio system<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The receiver goes inside the RC and takes orders from your radio to control the servos. The servos then steer the car and move it backwards and forwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiver<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steering and Throttle Servos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are the electronics that turn<\/a> your wheels left or right and control your throttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please check out my guide on how to choose a servo for your RC car<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Servos<\/a> on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The price of RC gears depends on the material it\u2019s made from. Metal gears are far better than plastic, but will cost you a lot more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RC car gears <\/a>on amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready-To-Run RC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many benefits to buying an RTR RC, especially if it\u2019s your first RC car or if you\u2019re buying it for a child. But keep in mind that some RTR options might not come with a battery and charger. That\u2019s something you\u2019ll have to confirm even if they advertise the car as ready-to-run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Is
My RTR Traxxas Slash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s cheaper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fully assembled RC is cheaper because it\u2019s sold at a bundled price and has low-cost parts included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convenience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can start driving the RC as soon as you\u2019ve charged the battery. So if it\u2019s a present for a child, they can play with it on the same day that you give it to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guaranteed compatibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The radio, servos, batteries, motor, and everything else that makes up the RC are guaranteed to be compatible with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disadvantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the details, I\u2019m not saying that all RTR cars are bad, but I\u2019m comparing them with upgrade kits and parts in terms of their quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inferior parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even some of the most expensive fully assembled RCs have some inferior, plastic parts in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less knowledge about your RC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t understand the inner workings of the car. So if it breaks down, you might need to take it to your nearest hobby shop to find out what\u2019s wrong, even if it\u2019s something very basic to fix. Putting the vehicle together gives you confidence to take it apart anytime it doesn\u2019t run properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So it\u2019s not cheaper to build an RC car compared to buying a fully assembled one. The benefits of building an RC are that you get higher quality parts while learning about how everything works together. Building an RC car means that you\u2019ll have a custom rig that will perform exactly how you want it to if you know which parts to combine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you won\u2019t be able to select all the best parts if you have no experience with RC cars, so if you\u2019re new to the hobby, I suggest you buy a ready-to-run option for a couple of hundred dollars before buying all the parts to build one yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are many instances where building something yourself will save you money. But building an RC car will usually cost you more than buying one pre-assembled. I\u2019ll explain why. It\u2019s<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2663"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2663"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4838,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2663\/revisions\/4838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodiesrc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}