HobbyPlus Terranaut 8X8 — Eight-Wheel Utility Control for Demanding Terrain
1/18 Scale · 8-Wheel Drive · Active All-Wheel Steering · RTR
The HobbyPlus Terranaut 8×8 brings full-size utility-truck ideas to a compact 1/18-scale RTR RC crawler. Eight-wheel drive works with Active All-Wheel Steering (Active-AWS), allowing the four front wheels and four rear wheels to steer independently, proportionally, and in real time from the included FlySky 6-channel transmitter. Switch naturally between front steering, rear steering, tight opposing-angle turns, and crab-walk movement without pausing for tools or manual adjustments.
Based on the proven HobbyPlus CR-18P architecture, this hobbyplus terranaut 8x8 is equipped for crawling, recovery, and scale hauling. A transmitter-controlled 2-speed gearbox provides 124:1 low gearing and 31:1 high gearing, while the operational winch uses stainless wire and a metal hook. Five remotely selected LED modes and an integrated gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver complete the utility-focused setup.
Among 1/18-scale RTR crawlers, the terranaut 8x8 offers an unusually broad mix of drivetrain control and working accessories. It is a strong fit for intermediate and experienced hobbyists who want a compact recovery or tow rig, as well as drivers looking for an uncommon rc 8x8 platform instead of a conventional 4WD crawler.
Available Color Variants
The Terranaut 8×8 comes in Electric Green and Gray, with the same hardware and specifications in either finish. Select the color that best suits trail visibility, scale styling, or display preference.
What's in the Box
The Terranaut 8×8 is supplied as an RTR (Ready to Run) package. Review the list below to see what arrives in the box and the few items you may want to prepare separately.
| Item | Qty | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HobbyPlus CR-18P Terranaut 8×8 AWS RC Crawler (fully assembled) | 1 | ✓ Included |
| FlySky 6-Channel Transmitter with Active-AWS thumb lever | 1 | ✓ Included |
| 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo Battery (XT30 connector) | 1 | ✓ Included |
| USB Charger | 1 | ✓ Included |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar Set | 1 set | ✓ Included — install separately (~10–15 min) |
| AA Batteries for transmitter (4 × 1.5V AA) | 4 | ✗ Not included — standard AA batteries |
| Spare battery for extended sessions | — | ✗ Optional — HobbyPlus 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo · $13.89 |
Technical Specifications
| Brand | HobbyPlus |
| Model | CR-18P Terranaut 8×8 AWS |
| Scale | 1/18 |
| Product Type | RTR — Ready to Run (fully assembled, drive out of box) |
| Drive Configuration | 8-Wheel Drive |
| Steering System | Active All-Wheel Steering (Active-AWS) — all 8 wheels steerable; modes: front-only, rear-only, crab-walk, combined |
| Motor | 280-Size 55T Brushed Big-Block High-Torque |
| ESC / Receiver | FlySky ESC/RX Combo (water-resistant) |
| Transmitter | FlySky 6-Channel with proportional Active-AWS thumb lever (included) |
| Transmission | 2-Speed remote-operated — 1st gear 124:1 (crawl/haul) · 2nd gear 31:1 (trail) |
| Axles | Portal axles — all four axles; increases ground clearance vs standard beam axles |
| Steering Geometry | Servo-on-Axle (SOA) — one metal-geared servo per axle (4 servos total) |
| Driveshafts | HD telescoping driveshafts with metal yokes |
| CVDs | CVDs on all axles — strength and generous steering angle |
| Suspension / Shocks | Big-bore oil-filled coil-over shocks, threaded bodies (adjustable ride height) |
| Anti-Roll Bar | Rear anti-roll bar included — adds stability under tow load |
| Tires / Wheels | Aggressive MT tires on beadlock wheels |
| Pivot Balls | Steel pivot balls — smooth articulation, low wear |
| Chassis | Black-anodized aluminum — chamfered raw edges, laser-etched HB logo |
| Cab / Battery Access | Tilt cab — pinch two tabs, no tools required |
| Recovery Winch | Remote-controlled — stainless wire, metal hook |
| Trailer Towing | Gooseneck / fifth-wheel receiver — trailer-ready from factory |
| Lighting System | Remote-controlled LED — 5 modes including rotating amber beacons |
| Battery (included) | 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo — XT30 power · JST XH-4P balance |
| Estimated Runtime | ~60 minutes (terrain and load dependent) |
| Charger (included) | USB charger |
| Electronics | Water-resistant throughout |
| Body / Interior | Injection-molded hardbody with detailed scale interior |
| Accessories | Dual spare tires, abundant exterior scale accessories |
| Product Weight | 1180g |
| Colors | Electric Green · Gray |
Key Features of the Terranaut 8×8
Active All-Wheel Steering (Active-AWS) Terranaut 8×8 handling begins with independent, proportional steering for all four front and all four rear wheels. The FlySky 6-channel transmitter uses its thumb lever to manage rear steering while the steering wheel controls the front. Choose front-only or rear-only control, steer the axles in opposite directions for a compact turn, or align them for crab-walk movement. This steering flexibility lets the rc 8x8 negotiate confined lines that would require repeated repositioning from a typical 4WD crawler. |
2-Speed Remote-Operated Transmission Shift between both ratios directly from the transmitter, so the truck can adapt without interrupting a run. First gear (124:1) prioritizes measured throttle control and torque for steep climbs, recovery pulls, loaded towing, and technical rock work. Second gear (31:1) provides a faster trail pace for linking obstacles and covering open sections. On-the-fly shifting gives the Terranaut useful range across crawling and general trail driving. |
Recovery Winch & Trailer Towing A factory-installed winch with stainless wire and a metal hook gives the truck a working recovery tool that is operated from the transmitter. The integrated gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver also supports scale towing without requiring a custom hitch installation. For hobbyists researching terranaut 8x8 trailer setups, the receiver is already positioned for compatible recovery trailers, flatbeds, and cargo builds. These functional systems make the Terranaut a purpose-built utility crawler rather than a standard trail truck with decorative accessories. |
Portal Axles & Full-Metal Drivetrain Four portal axles raise key drivetrain components relative to the wheel centerline, improving clearance where conventional beam axles can drag. The metal-focused drivetrain combines axle CVDs, HD telescoping driveshafts with metal yokes, steel pivot balls, Servo-on-Axle (SOA) geometry, and a metal-geared steering servo at each axle. Together, these components support controlled articulation and help manage the added demands of eight driven wheels and scale towing. |
Scale Presence & Remote LED Lighting An injection-molded hardbody, detailed interior, dual spare tires, and exterior accessories give the hobbyplus terranaut a convincing utility-truck profile. Its remote LED system offers five lighting modes, including rotating amber beacons, for added visibility and scale detail during evening drives, photography, or display. The result is a model with visual detail that complements its working drivetrain and recovery equipment. |
Anodized Aluminum Chassis & Coil-Over Shocks The black-anodized aluminum chassis uses chamfered raw edges and a laser-etched HB logo for a rigid, cleanly finished foundation. Threaded, big-bore oil-filled coil-over shocks allow ride-height adjustment and help settle the truck across uneven terrain. An included rear anti-roll bar can be installed to add lateral stability while towing. To reach the battery, pinch the two cab tabs and tilt the cab forward—no screws or tools are required. |
From the HobbyPlus CR-18P Platform
The CR-18P platform helped establish HobbyPlus in 1/18-scale crawling by combining portal axles, metal drivetrain elements, and hobby-grade electronics in a compact format. After the CR-18P Rushmore and the six-wheel ARKTOS 6×6, the Terranaut 8×8 takes the platform into a more specialized utility role. Its eight-wheel drive, Active All-Wheel Steering, remotely shifted 2-speed transmission, working winch, and factory fifth-wheel receiver form a distinctly different package.
The hobbyplus cr-18p terranaut 8x8 is intended for hobbyists who want a highly functional 1/18-scale utility rig without starting from a kit. Steering modes, gearbox selection, lighting, and winch operation are controlled remotely from the supplied radio system. That makes the truck ready for technical trails, staged recovery work, scale hauling, and tow-focused builds straight from the box.
DirectRC supports the platform with replacement and upgrade options that include hardware, lighting components, bearings, drivetrain gears, and aluminum links. Explore the complete HobbyPlus crawler lineup to compare compatible vehicles and parts on the same store.
Pros & Cons
| ✓ What Works Well | ⚠ Limitations to Know |
|---|---|
| Eight driven wheels and Active-AWS steering deliver unusually flexible positioning, with multiple steering combinations for confined 1/18-scale crawling lines | Brushed power only—there is no current brushless version. The 280-size 55T motor suits the truck’s crawl-and-haul role, and replacement motors are available from DirectRC ($7.49) |
| The remote 2-speed gearbox combines a 124:1 low ratio for climbing and hauling with a 31:1 high ratio for trail travel, with no manual shifting between sections | The included USB charger requires approximately 60 minutes per charge. For longer outings, a direct-fit 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo at $13.89 can reduce downtime |
| The built-in gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver gives terranaut 8x8 trailer builders a ready starting point for scale hauling and recovery use | The rear anti-roll bar is supplied but not installed; allow roughly 10–15 minutes for straightforward fitting before use |
| The molded hardbody, detailed accessories, and five-mode remote LED system—including rotating amber beacons—pair scale presentation with functional lighting | Four AA batteries for the transmitter are required and must be purchased separately |
| The remote-operated recovery winch uses stainless wire and a metal hook, providing real utility rather than a display-only detail |
See the Terranaut 8×8 in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the HobbyPlus Terranaut 8×8 suitable for beginners?
The Terranaut 8×8 is generally better for intermediate or experienced RC drivers. It is fully assembled, but its FlySky 6-channel transmitter manages rear steering, two transmission ratios, the winch, and multiple lighting functions, so there is more to coordinate than on a basic crawler. A new driver can use it, but learning proportional control on a simpler 4WD RTR crawler first will make the extra functions easier to manage. Compare the HobbyPlus RC crawler range at DirectRC.
Q: What's included in the box — is it truly Ready to Run?
Yes. The hobbyplus terranaut 8x8 includes the assembled crawler, FlySky 6-channel transmitter with Active-AWS control, one 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo battery, and a USB charger. The rear anti-roll bar is also supplied, although it needs about 10–15 minutes of installation. Add four AA transmitter batteries, which are not included, and the truck is ready to drive.
Q: Can the Terranaut 8×8 tow a trailer?
Yes. A rear gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver is integrated into the truck for compatible scale trailers. Anyone planning a terranaut 8x8 trailer setup can begin without fabricating a receiver, making the model well suited to scale hauling and recovery scenes. Appropriately sized third-party or 3D-printed trailers may be used when their hitch geometry matches the installed receiver.
Q: What battery does the Terranaut 8×8 use?
The Terranaut 8×8 runs on a 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo with an XT30 power plug and JST XH-4P balance connector. The RTR package includes one battery, with an estimated runtime of about 60 minutes depending on terrain, steering use, and load. A direct-fit HobbyPlus 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo at $13.89 is available from DirectRC for longer sessions.
Q: Is the Terranaut 8×8 for indoor or outdoor use?
It can be driven indoors or outdoors. The 124:1 low gear and compact turning options provided by Active-AWS suit hard floors, carpet, and scale rock courses, while the drivetrain and suspension are prepared for dirt, gravel, loose rock, and moderate trails. The electronics are water-resistant, but the vehicle should not be submerged.
Q: How does the Active All-Wheel Steering system work?
Active-AWS uses four metal-geared, Servo-on-Axle (SOA) steering servos—one at each axle—to control the front and rear wheel groups proportionally. The FlySky 6-channel transmitter uses its steering wheel for the front and a thumb lever for the rear. Drivers can use front-only, rear-only, opposing-angle tight-turn, or same-direction crab-walk steering. Because the controls are proportional, steering angle can be adjusted continuously instead of choosing only preset positions.
Q: What spare parts and upgrades are available for the Terranaut 8×8?
DirectRC carries Terranaut service and upgrade parts such as hardware sets, a 56-piece bearing set, aluminum high-clearance links, machined aluminum mid axles, 1.2-inch aluminum beadlock wheels with brass weights, fog-light kits, clear lenses, and optional metal driveshafts. Compatible CR-18P upgrades also include machined helical HD pinion and ring gears, aluminum transmission housings, and machined helical transmission gears. Browse the Terranaut 8×8 spare parts collection and HobbyPlus upgrades at DirectRC.
