Radio-controlled cars are great fun, and they are designed to be used on a wide variety of terrain. There are different RC models for various purposes, but every RC car is built to be enjoyed. Many RC car owners wonder if their RC car can be used on sand and if sand will ruin their vehicle in some way?
RC cars can go on the sand, but they must be prepped for sandy conditions and possess the features necessary to perform well on this terrain. RC cars made for off-roading, at least 1/10 scale, with paddle tires and a lot of power, will do very well on sand. While it’s essential to always keep your RC car clean and maintained, that’s especially critical after running it on the sand.
RC cars are versatile and competent vehicles, depending on the model. Some RC car models are tougher than others and more capable of driving on rugged terrain, but every RC car has its limits.
Let’s discuss driving RC cars on sandy terrain to discover the dangers, determine whether or not your vehicle can go on the sand, and what’s involved.
Can RC Cars Perform Well On Sand?
RC cars come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one is built with specific purposes and driving conditions in mind. Every RC car has its own strengths and weaknesses, but is running on the sand a significant limitation in the RC world? Can RC cars go on sand?
The truth is that most modern RC cars built for off-road driving are capable of driving on sand. Obviously, RC cars built for drifting on drag racing will struggle, but most other models can go on the sand to some extent.
The type of vehicle and its specifications determines how well it will perform on the sand. Still, almost every model of modern RC car can handle sand to some degree.
For a radio-controlled car to perform well on sand, it must have specific features to tackle this terrain. The vehicle must also be properly treated and sealed to prevent potential damage caused by the terrain.
It is also important to remember that there are various types of sand and sandy terrains that RC cars respond to differently. Dessert dunes are not the same as beach sand, and beach sand is not equal to river rand. The type of sand must also be considered when determining the effectiveness of an RC car on sand.
If your RC car is designed for off-road driving, it will likely be able to drive on sand, but some factors determine how well it will handle this type of driving.
Let’s explore a little deeper and examine the ins and outs of driving RC cars on sand.
Does Driving On Sand Cause Damage To RC Cars?
RC cars designed for off-roading are tough and durable. So that means they should be able to tackle the occasional sand dune without much trouble or taking damage, right?
Off-road RC cars are rugged, but sand will quickly destroy your car if you don’t protect them before your runs and properly maintain them afterward.
Because the particles are so small, sand will find its way into most of your RC car’s components. This includes electric motors, bearing, pushrods, gears, transmission components, screws, suspension components, electronics, shafts, and wheel assemblies.
Any sand entering your electronics, shocks, or fans acts as an abrasive, wearing down parts quickly. Any plastic or rubber components will also get chewed up by sand pretty quickly.
This means that driving an RC car on sand can be hazardous to the vehicle.
Remember, though, that severe damage only occurs over time. One trip to a sandy track will not ruin your RC car, but extended use on the beach will shorten its lifespan.
For this reason, RC car owners who frequent sandy terrains perform certain modifications and preparations on their RC cars to help mitigate any damage caused by sand. These vehicles are also stripped down and thoroughly cleaned after every sandy excursion.
If you own an off-road RC car and want to take it into the sand, be sure to make the necessary modifications and take all of the precautions you can. Most importantly, tear down the vehicle when you get home and clean off every component thoroughly.
This will drastically reduce the damage caused by the sand to any radio-controlled car, and taking these steps will significantly increase the effective lifespan of your RC vehicle.
How To Prep For Driving On Sand
Taking an RC car out on sandy terrain can cause damage to the vehicle. However, proper preparations and modifications can help reduce the harm caused and protect the vehicle from the sand.
To prepare an RC car for sand driving, waterproof the vehicle as much as possible.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out.
Waterproofing supplies for your RC car are easier to find than “sand-proofing.” The theory behind both is similar.
If water cannot penetrate the components, sand will not find a way in either.
All electronics, transmission components, and motors must be waterproofed as much as possible before taking an RC vehicle into the sand.
Plastic does not do well in sandy conditions. This means all moving components such as gears, shafts, and plastic bearings should be replaced with aluminum components that hold up better against abrasion.
Grease and silicone should be used on all gaps to prevent sand and dust from entering the vehicle, and the air filter on the RC car should be clean and well-mounted. If the air filter breaks off in a sandy environment, dust will enter the motor and break it. If the filter is clogged, the motor will overheat very quickly.
If you have a nitro RC car, bring a few extra air filters to change out as you go. This will prevent the sand and dust from entering the engine.
If you’re running exclusively on sand (like on dunes or at the beach), I highly recommend a set of paddle tires, at least for the rear wheels.
Paddle tires work well on sand and provide extra traction by pushing sand and dust away from the vehicle as it moves through the terrain.
Raising your suspension height can also help by giving it additional ground clearance, reducing the amount of sand it scoops up as it moves.
Conclusion
The best RC cars to take into the sand are 4×4 vehicles with metal engine and transmission components, oversized tires, good torque, and traction, and are at least 1/10 in scale.
If you want to take your RC car to the sand, be sure to make the necessary mods and clean your vehicle thoroughly afterward. Sand can be an RC car killer, but with the right mods and enough effort, you will be enjoying the dunes with your RC car for years to come!
