It seems obvious that your new RC vehicle or truck has wheels and tires, right? It’s hard to roll without wheels, and hardly one checks to be sure their new Chevy will come with wheels. RC is different, as always. Many premium-performance and competitive RC car and truck kits lack wheels and tires. Why? Because some model’s buyers would rather choose their own rubber rather than spend more money on included tires that may not be appropriate for their track or arena.
This page is for you if you’re not sure what your model requires or if you have tires and wheels but want something better for your driving style and terrain. Choose the correct off-road RC tires and wheels with our comprehensive guide.
Tire and Wheel Size Measurement
The tire’s interior diameter and the wheel’s exterior diameter are measured in inches. A 2.2″ wheel and tire have 2.2″ outer and inner diameters, respectively. These specs match, thus, the tire and wheel will fit. We know a 1.55″ tire is too small for a 2.2″ wheel, and a 2.8″ is too big.
What Fits?
The first step is to find the right off-road RC car tyres & wheels for your model. The best approach to correct this is to consult your kit’s manual, which will tell you what sort of wheel you need and likely contain the manufacturer’s item numbers for your model. Your model’s manufacturer website should indicate kit requirements.
Tread Design Selection
Choose whatever looks excellent (and fits) and go berserk for fun-running. Besides the looks, there are other factors to consider for the best traction and handling.
Going Big? Must Re-Gear
Re-gearing isn’t needed if your new tires are close to your model’s diameter. If your new tires are a substantial diameter change, like a Traxxas Rustler 4X4’s one-inch leap from the base Talon EXT tire to the optional Sledgehammer tread, you’ll require a two- or three-tooth pinion gear.
Tires-Mounted and Unmounted
Many competition tires come unmounted, so racers may pick their foam inserts and rims, while other popular types come pre-mounted. Multi-terrain and “basher” tires are routinely installed and unmounted. Choose factory-built wheel and tire pairings unless your desired combination isn’t pre-mounted. You avoid attaching the tires yourself and risking mess, and factory adhesive is neater and stronger. You may also save money.
Choosing Race Tires
Any racer will tell you that choosing the appropriate tires is important to your success. Whatever your vehicle setup or driving style, you need the right rubber to stay on top. Tire makers provide treads and compounds for diverse terrains and surfaces, thankfully. It’s simplest to pick competitive tires for a circuit by looking at what the winning drivers are using. They may differ on the optimal tire, but they recommend two or three treads. Rather than visiting the track to check out tire options in the pits, phone the track shop, and they’ll tell you which tires work for the pros.
After testing various RC car wheels, it’s evident that excellent replacement components may improve performance. The marketplace has alternatives for multiple models and driving styles, from bigger wheels to specialty tires. The appropriate wheels may enhance your ride, whether you’re an experienced racer or upgrading. Consider all your alternatives and choose the best RC car fit.
