The Best RC Cars to Use at the Beach

Taking Your RC Car the the Beach

If you live near the coast, the beach is one of the best environments to put your RC car and driving skills to the test!

Not all models are suitable for beach use, as they need to be able to handle sand, salt water, and rough terrain, but there are some which guarantee thrills and a unique driving experience.

Some models are ruggedly designed to cope with coastal challenges. The best RC cars to use at the beach have some unique features, including the following…

Key Features

Waterproof Electronics

Very important because it goes without saying, beaches have a lot of wet sand, rock pools and even sea spray. Getting your beloved RC car wet and then finding out the electronics aren’t waterproof is a disaster! Salt water can also be highly corrosive to electronic components so you’ll need to think about after-care if your RC car does get exposed to it.

4-Wheel Drive (4WD)

4WD provides better traction and stability on loose and uneven surfaces, such as sand and light gravel. When driving over larger obstacles like stones your vehicle may get stuck if it’s only 2WD! A robust 4WD system allows you to navigate sandy areas and beach terrain effectively.

Tyre Design

In addition to 4WD, sand requires specialised tires to ensure good traction and prevent the vehicle from getting stuck. Tyres with a deep tread are designed for sand and loose surfaces. Large, wide tyres can also help distribute the car's weight more evenly - and they look great too!

Powerful Motor

Uneven surfaces that you find at the beach require more power due to the increased resistance. Brushless motors are preferred for their power and efficiency, but a strong brushed motor can also suffice. Ensure the motor can handle high torque demands.

Weight and Size

Heavier cars can sink in soft sand, while cars that are too light may struggle with stability. The best RC Cars to use at the beach balance both demands with a balanced weight that is neither too heavy nor too light, combined with a size that offers good stability without being cumbersome.

Our Recommendations

The Traxxas Rustler Ultimate VXL 4x4 1:10 ticks all of these boxes and more. It scores highly on power, stability, durability and sheer fun! As well as being one of the best RC cars to use at the beach, it’s equally fun at home and in other challenging environments.

The ultra-smooth, PTFE-coated aluminium GTR shocks and adjustable sway bars of the Rustler 4X4 VXL Ultimate give you top-tier control and enable you to carve corners like a pro.

If monster trucks are your passion, the Traxxas Sledge 1/8 4WD VXL-6S Brushless is a top contender as the best RC car to use at the beach.

Waterproofed to a high standard and built with superior chassis strength, this beast kicks sand in the face of all other RC cars at the beach!

A powerful 6-speed gearbox, massive steel drivetrain and race-inspired handling mean the Traxxas Sledge can face any challenge the beach can throw its way.