Hobby Plus CR18P EVO 2 1/18 RTR Crawler
Trail-ready capability, rugged hardware, and precise low-speed control in your choice of RockVan or Convoy body
The Hobby Plus CR18P EVO 2 packs serious crawling equipment into a compact 1/18-scale brushed 4WD RTR. Select low range for measured wheel control on rocks, then shift from the transmitter into high range when the route opens into a faster trail section.
This second-generation CR18P builds on the original platform with reinforced 1.5mm stub axle pins and hexes, heavy-duty driveshafts, servo-on-axle (SOA) steering, and a counter-rotating rear driveshaft. Larger wheel openings and big-bore threaded aluminum shocks add useful clearance and make the chassis easier to tune, while the RockVan and Convoy bodies give drivers two distinct scale styles.
Hobby Plus RockVan and Convoy Body Options
| RockVan | |
|---|---|
|
A full-length roof rack, integrated high-visibility LED light bar, bold graphics, clear windows, tilt-up body access, and a winch-ready setup give the RockVan a purpose-built expedition look. |
|
 Grey
|
 Blue
|
| Convoy | |
|---|---|
|
The Convoy uses a hinged body and concealed clips for quick battery and chassis access while preserving a clean exterior profile. |
|
 Hugger Orange
|
 Matte Green
|
Both body choices share the same EVO 2 chassis and drivetrain package. Choose your preferred silhouette and color without giving up the crawler's core mechanical features.
What Is Included
| Included Item | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
CR18P EVO 2 crawler |
1 |
Factory-assembled 1/18 4WD RTR with installed waterproof electronics |
|
FlySky transmitter |
1 |
Four-channel 2.4GHz control system |
|
Brushed ESC/receiver |
1 |
Integrated FlySky ESC/RX unit with PPX4-grade water resistance |
|
Drive battery |
1 |
7.4V 2S LiPo 600mAh |
|
USB charger |
1 |
USB charging unit with status indicator |
|
LED system |
1 |
Remote-controlled lighting system |
Before your first run: Add the required transmitter batteries and shock oil; neither is supplied in the box.
CR18P EVO 2 Specifications
| Specification | RockVan | Convoy |
|---|---|---|
|
Length |
279mm |
253mm |
|
Width |
138mm |
138mm |
|
Height |
130mm |
130mm |
|
Wheelbase |
160mm |
160mm |
|
Weight |
Approx. 559 grams |
Approx. 475 grams |
|
Drivetrain |
Full Lock 4WD (full-time 4WD) |
|
|
Transmission |
Two-speed, manual shift from the remote |
|
|
Shocks |
Oil-filled coil spring, big-bore threaded, rebuildable (oil not included) |
|
|
Wheels |
Deep Star internal beadlock |
|
|
Tires |
60mm super-soft Mudder competition-spec rubber |
|
|
Transmitter |
FlySky 2.4GHz 4-channel |
|
|
Receiver |
4-channel, PPX4-grade water resistant |
|
|
Motor |
Brushed 180-size, 55-turn |
|
|
ESC |
FlySky ESC/RX combo |
|
|
Battery |
7.4V 2S LiPo 600mAh |
|
|
Charger |
USB with indicator |
|
|
Part numbers |
1810503GY, 1810503BL |
1810504GN, 1810504OR |
Key Features of the CR18P EVO 2
|
Transmitter-Controlled Two-Speed Transmission Pick low range for careful tire placement or high range for a quicker pace between obstacles, directly from the radio.
|
 High-Clearance Portal Axles Portal housings raise the axle centerline above trail hazards and support multiple aftermarket gear-ratio choices.
|
 Threaded Big-Bore Oil Shocks Rebuildable dampers and threaded preload collars let you refine suspension response for your terrain; shock oil is sold separately.
|
 Servo-on-Axle (SOA) Steering Mounting the servo on the axle moves weight lower and creates a more direct steering layout.
|
 Heavy-Duty Counter-Rotating Driveline Larger-diameter shafts add strength, while the counter-rotating rear design helps manage torque twist during steep climbs.
|
 Reinforced 1.5mm Stub Axle Hardware Upgraded pins and hexes reduce wheel play and provide a sturdier connection than the earlier 1.0mm design.
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 Metal Gears Throughout the Drivetrain Sintered gears are used in the transmission, axles, and portal hubs, complemented by front CV axles.
|
 5-Degree Chassis, Scale Body & LEDs A clearance-focused chassis, low-CG layout, winch-ready mount, painted shell, clear windows, and radio-operated LEDs complete the package.
|
CR18P EVO Platform Story
The CR18P EVO formula combines authentic small-scale styling with hardware intended for real trail use. EVO 2 keeps the portal axles, metal gears, two-speed transmission, waterproof electronics, and broad parts support, then updates the suspension, steering, driveshafts, stub axles, and wheel openings for a more capable overall package.
RockVan prioritizes a tall adventure-van profile, while the shorter and lighter Convoy uses a hinged shell with hidden clips for cleaner, faster access to the chassis. On steep side slopes, RockVan drivers should compensate for the taller body's extra mass with smooth throttle and steering inputs.
Pros and Considerations
| Strength | Consideration and workaround |
|---|---|
|
Two-speed flexibility |
Ease off the throttle before changing ranges; shifting under heavy drivetrain load should be avoided |
|
Portal axles and metal gears |
Follow the manual's inspection and lubrication schedule to keep the driveline moving freely |
|
Rebuildable oil shocks |
Shock oil is not included, and normal ownership includes occasional oil and seal maintenance |
|
Two distinct scale bodies |
The taller RockVan carries more mass up high, so gentle inputs help maintain balance on side hills |
|
Strong parts ecosystem |
Confirm EVO 2 fitment before purchasing components designed for an earlier CR18P version |
What You May Need Separately
- Shock oil to fill and tune the big-bore oil-filled shocks.
- Transmitter batteries plus suitable LiPo charging and storage safety equipment.
- Optional wheels, tires, or low-mounted weights when tuning for additional side-hill stability.
- DirectRC HobbyPlus replacement parts for maintenance and HobbyPlus upgrades for focused performance tuning.
See the CR18P EVO 2 in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CR18P EVO 2 ready to run?
Yes. RockVan and Convoy arrive as RTR crawlers with waterproof electronics installed, plus a FlySky four-channel radio, 2S 600mAh LiPo battery, and USB charger. You will still need shock oil and transmitter batteries.
Is the EVO 2 brushed or brushless?
The stock power system pairs a brushed 180-size 55-turn motor with an integrated FlySky ESC/receiver. A brushless conversion requires compatible replacement electronics rather than a motor-only swap.
What does the two-speed transmission do?
Low range supports controlled crawling, while high range provides a quicker pace for trail travel. The driver selects the ratio from the transmitter and should unload the drivetrain before shifting.
What is different about the RockVan and Convoy?
Both versions use the same EVO 2 chassis and electronics, but their dimensions, weight, and body-access designs differ. RockVan comes in Grey or Blue, measures 279mm, and weighs about 559g; Convoy comes in Matte Green or Hugger Orange, measures 253mm, and weighs about 475g. RockVan features a roof rack, high-mounted LED bar, and tilt-up access, while Convoy uses a hinged shell with hidden clips.
Is the CR18P EVO 2 good for technical crawling?
Yes. Its portal axles, 60mm super-soft competition-spec tires, SOA steering, full-time 4WD, and oil-filled shocks provide a useful setup for technical terrain. RockVan's taller body makes careful line choice and smooth input especially important.
Are replacement parts available?
Yes. DirectRC carries HobbyPlus replacement parts and HobbyPlus upgrade parts. Always read the fitment note because some CR18P components support earlier EVO models, while others are EVO 2 specific.
Can it run indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Its 1/18 size works on indoor obstacle courses and outdoor trails, and the electronics are waterproof with a PPX4-grade water-resistant receiver. Do not fully submerge the crawler, and clean and dry it after wet conditions.
