Hobby Plus CR18P V3 Brushless 1/18 RTR Rock Crawler
Compact brushless performance built for technical lines, trail obstacles, and precise low-speed control
Built for drivers who want serious trail capability in a small footprint, the CR18P V3 combines brushless 4WD performance with portal-axle clearance and a metal-geared drivetrain. The updated Hobbywing power system accepts 2S–3S LiPo input, while 27% rear underdrive lets the front axle lead through steep climbs and tight technical turns.
This third-generation setup retains the CR18P platform’s practical beadlock wheels, oil-filled shocks, servo-on-axle steering, and detailed scale appearance. Choose either the T-Hunter or Rushmore body and get the same capable chassis, electronics, and drivetrain underneath.
CR18P V3 Body and Color Options
Yellow
Matte Green
Trail-inspired body with a hinged magnetic tilt lid that opens quickly for electronics access
Metallic Cyan
Red
Distinct scale styling fitted to the same V3 chassis, drivetrain, and electronics package
Pick the body profile and color that suit your build. T-Hunter and Rushmore versions share identical chassis and powertrain specifications.
What Is Included
| Included Item | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
CR18P V3 crawler |
1 |
Factory-assembled 1/18-scale 4WD RTR crawler |
|
FlySky transmitter |
1 |
Four-channel 2.4 GHz radio system |
|
Hobbywing ESC + Motor |
1 system |
Mini24 FOC brushless ESC and 3500kv 1621SL Outrunner motor, compatible with 2S–3S power |
|
LiPo battery |
1 |
7.4v 2S 600mAh Li-Po |
|
USB charger |
1 |
USB charger with LED charging-status display |
|
LED lighting |
1 system |
Integrated front and rear lights |
CR18P V3 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
|
Scale |
1/18 |
|
Build type |
RTR (Ready to Run) |
|
Drivetrain |
Full-time locked 4WD |
|
Total length |
237 mm |
|
Height |
120 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
160 mm |
|
Weight |
444 g / 15.7 oz (T-Hunter) · 430 g / 15.17 oz (Rushmore) |
|
Axles |
Portal axles (V2 Axle with HD revised driveshafts) |
|
Rear gearing |
27% underdrive via ring and pinion |
|
Transmission |
Single-speed EVO transmission |
|
Drivetrain gears |
Full sintered metal gears — transmission, axles, and portal hubs |
|
ESC |
Hobbywing Mini24 FOC Brushless (2S–3S capable) |
|
Motor |
Hobbywing 3500kv 1621SL Outrunner brushless |
|
Transmitter |
FlySky 2.4 GHz 4-channel |
|
Receiver |
4-channel PPX4, water-resistant |
|
Battery (included) |
7.4v 2S LiPo 600mAh |
|
Charger (included) |
USB with LED status indicator |
|
Shocks |
Threaded, rebuildable, oil-filled big-bore (oil not included) |
|
Steering |
Servo on axle (SOA) |
|
Skid |
5-degree rear-clearance design |
|
Wheels |
1.2-inch beadlock |
|
Tires |
60mm super-soft competition spec Mudder compound |
|
Electronics |
Waterproof |
Key CR18P V3 Features
Hobbywing 2S–3S Brushless System
A Mini24 FOC ESC and 3500kv 1621SL Outrunner deliver smooth brushless response with the flexibility to run 2S or 3S power
Portal Axle Clearance
Portal housings raise the driveline above trail hazards, while available gear-ratio options leave room for future tuning
27% Rear Underdrive
The slower rear ring-and-pinion ratio adds front-axle pull, helping the crawler stay composed on climbs and sharp turns
Oil-Filled Threaded Big Bore Shocks
Rebuildable big-bore dampers use threaded preload collars for straightforward ride-height and suspension tuning
Full Metal Sintered Gear Drivetrain
Sintered metal gearing runs through the EVO transmission, axles, and portal hubs for a durable factory drivetrain
5-Degree Clearance Skid Plate
A five-degree rear kick-up improves breakover room, complemented by purposeful link geometry and a low center of gravity
SOA Steering + Counter-Rotating Driveshaft
Axle-mounted steering keeps the linkage direct, while the counter-rotating rear driveshaft helps reduce torque twist
1.2" Beadlock Wheels & 60mm Mudder Tires
Soft competition-compound Mudder tires mount to reusable beadlock wheels, so tire changes require no glue
How the CR18P Platform Has Evolved
As 1/18 crawlers have become more performance-oriented, the CR18P has continued to develop with each generation. Version 3 packages multi-voltage brushless power and factory rear underdrive into the platform’s familiar compact dimensions.
Those factory upgrades reduce the need to immediately replace gears, install a brushless system, or convert the rear axle after purchase. Owners still retain access to the broader CR18P parts ecosystem when they are ready to tune the truck further.
Pros and Considerations
| Strength | Consideration |
|---|---|
|
Factory portal axles and 27% rear underdrive support technical crawling |
The front-biased drivetrain feels different from a crawler with matching front and rear ratios |
|
Hobbywing brushless system supports both 2S and 3S LiPo power |
Running 3S adds heat and drivetrain load, so use conservative settings and check operating temperatures |
|
Threaded, oil-filled shocks can be rebuilt and adjusted |
Dampers need periodic leak checks, cleaning, and oil maintenance |
|
RTR package supplies a battery and basic USB charger |
The supplied 600mAh 2S pack is sized for getting started; compatible higher-capacity packs can provide longer sessions |
|
Reusable beadlock wheels pair with a well-supported parts platform |
Change one component at a time so you can identify how each upgrade affects handling |
What You May Need Separately
- A compatible higher-capacity 2S or 3S LiPo battery for longer sessions; verify connector type, dimensions, and polarity first.
- A dedicated LiPo balance charger and a LiPo-safe charging bag for routine battery care.
- AA batteries for the transmitter.
- Replacement tires, wheels, links, or gearing from DirectRC’s HobbyPlus parts collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CR18P V3 ready to run?
Yes. The package includes the installed electronics and radio system, plus a 7.4V 2S 600mAh LiPo battery and USB charger. Check the selected body and color option before placing your order.
What is special about the CR18P V3 rear underdrive?
Its rear ring-and-pinion gearing turns 27% slower than the front ratio. That difference gives the front axle more authority, which can help the truck track more tightly across ledges, climbs, and technical sections.
Can the CR18P V3 use 3S?
Yes. The Hobbywing Mini24 system is compatible with 2S–3S input. Use a pack that fits the battery area and matches the connector and polarity, start with conservative ESC settings, and monitor motor and ESC temperatures during initial 3S use.
What is the difference between T-Hunter and Rushmore?
The two names identify different body designs and color selections built on the same V3 hardware. T-Hunter adds a tilting magnetic lid for convenient access, while Rushmore uses its own conventional scale body. Chassis, drivetrain, and electronics specifications remain the same.
Are the wheels glued?
No. Its 1.2-inch beadlock wheels mechanically secure the tires, allowing you to remove or replace them without bonding them permanently to the rims.
Is it suitable for a beginner?
It can be, especially when a new driver begins on 2S and follows proper LiPo charging practices. The adjustable suspension and rear-underdrive behavior also give experienced hobbyists useful tuning potential as their skills progress.
Can it run indoors?
Yes. The 1/18-scale footprint works well on compact indoor obstacle courses, while the portal axles provide useful clearance for outdoor rocks and trails. Confirm the limits of the water-resistant electronics before operating in wet conditions, and do not assume the vehicle is suitable for submersion.
