What is RTR?

By Dennis Bredlau
2 min read

What Does RTR Mean in RC Cars? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to the RC hobby, you’ve probably seen the term RTR on product boxes or online listings. But what does it actually mean? In the RC world, RTR stands for Ready-To-Run—and it’s the most popular way for beginners to get started. At The Thing Shop, we carry a wide range of RTR RC cars, trucks, and crawlers to help you hit the ground running.

What is an RTR RC Car?

An RTR (Ready-To-Run) RC vehicle comes pre-built and ready to drive right out of the box. That means you don’t need to spend hours assembling parts, wiring electronics, or programming before you can start driving.

Most RTR kits include:

  • Fully assembled vehicle (chassis, suspension, drivetrain)

  • Installed electronics (motor, ESC, radio receiver, steering servo)

  • 2.4GHz radio transmitter

  • Battery and charger (on some models — check the box for details)

👉 In short: With an RTR, all you need to do is charge the battery, add AA batteries to the transmitter, and you’re ready to hit the track or trail.

Benefits of RTR for Beginners

  • Fast & Easy Setup – No building required; start driving the same day.

  • Beginner-Friendly – Ideal for newcomers who want to try RC without worrying about assembly.

  • Affordable Entry Point – Many RTR models are priced to make the hobby accessible.

  • Upgradeable Later – RTRs can still be customized with better motors, batteries, tires, and parts.

RTR vs. Kit RC Cars

While RTRs are the most common option, there are also Kit RC cars (sometimes called “builders kits” or “rollers”):

  • RTR (Ready-To-Run): Pre-assembled, includes everything needed to drive (sometimes minus battery/charger).

  • Kit / Roller: Requires assembly, paint, and electronics. Great for advanced hobbyists who want total customization.

👉 If you’re new, RTR is the best choice. If you’re experienced and want to hand-pick every part, a kit might be the way to go.

Popular RTR Models at The Thing Shop

At The Thing Shop, we carry some of the most popular RTR RC vehicles for beginners and hobbyists alike:

  • Traxxas TRX-4M & TRX-M – Mini crawlers ready for trail fun.

  • Axial SCX24 & AX24 – Small-scale RTR crawlers with huge performance.

  • Traxxas Rustler & Slash – Stadium trucks and short-course trucks perfect for bashing.

  • ARRMA Granite GROM & Mojave GROM – Compact RTR bashers with off-road power.

  • Losi Mini-B & Mini-T – Race-inspired mini RTR buggies and trucks.

Final Thoughts: Is RTR Right for You?

If you’re new to the hobby or just want to skip the build and start driving, RTR RC cars are the best option. They’re convenient, beginner-friendly, and still leave plenty of room for upgrades as you learn and grow in the hobby.

👉 Visit The Thing Shop today to check out our full selection of RTR RC vehicles, parts, and upgrades—and find the perfect rig to start your RC journey.