Hobby Plus CR18P Arktos 6x6 CR18P V1.5 RTR Crawler
The Arktos 6x6 RC car is built for RC drivers who want more than a conventional trail crawler. Its six-wheel-drive recovery-truck layout combines scale detail, load-carrying features and low-speed trail capability in one compact platform.
A 6x6 RC Crawler Built to Climb, Haul and Recover
The Hobby Plus CR18P Arktos 6x6 V1.5 is a 1/18-scale brushed RTR crawler designed for trail driving, technical obstacles and scale recovery scenarios. It uses a shaft-driven, fully locked 6WD drivetrain, high-clearance portal axles, and a remote-controlled two-speed transmission with low and high ranges.
What separates this Hobby Plus Arktos from a standard crawler is its functional flatbed. The bed includes adjustable wheel chocks, hinged side rails and ramps that can be deployed for loading another small RC vehicle. A transmitter-operated rear winch adds another useful recovery function for pulling a stuck vehicle or creating realistic trail scenes.
Version 1.5 retains the original truck's scale-focused design while updating the electronics and drivetrain. The revised FlySky ESC/receiver supports a plug-and-play brushless conversion, the battery uses an XT30 connector, the transmission receives updated metal gears, and the truck rides on soft 60 mm tires mounted to black beadlock-style wheels.
Available Arktos 6x6 V1.5 Versions
The vehicle is offered in two body colors. Performance, electronics and included equipment are the same, so the choice is mainly visual.
Green |
Orange |
What's in the Box?
The Hobby Plus Arktos at HeliDirect is sold as an RTR package. The vehicle, transmitter, battery and USB charger are included, so no separate radio system is required before the first drive.
| Included Item | Details |
|---|---|
CR18P Arktos 6x6 V1.5 |
Assembled 1/18-scale recovery crawler |
FlySky transmitter |
Full-size 2.4 GHz 6-channel radio |
Vehicle battery |
7.4 V 2S 600 mAh LiPo with XT30 connector |
USB charger |
USB charger with indicator |
Recovery equipment |
Rear winch, steel cable, metal hook and loading ramps installed |
Anti-roll bar |
Included for optional user installation |
Hobby Plus CR18P Arktos 6x6 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Brand |
Hobby Plus |
Scale |
1/18 |
Build Type |
RTR — Ready to Run |
Dimensions |
372 × 135.6 × 146 mm (L × W × H) |
Wheelbase |
165 mm / 284 mm |
Weight |
880 g |
Drivetrain |
Full-lock, shaft-driven 6WD |
Axle Type |
Metal-geared, high-clearance portal axles |
Motor |
Big-block 280-size brushed motor |
Transmission |
Remote-controlled two-speed with metal gears |
Final Drive Ratio |
Low: 124.6:1 / High: 31.15:1 |
Suspension |
Oil-filled, threaded big-bore shocks |
Tires |
60 mm super-soft rubber |
Wheels |
Internal beadlock-style wheels |
Approach / Departure Angle |
54.2° / 52.5° |
ESC / Receiver |
FlySky 6-channel ESC/RX combo with full light control; PPX4-grade water resistant |
Battery |
7.4 V 2S 600 mAh LiPo with XT30 connector |
Estimated Run Time |
Approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions |
Steering Servo |
1.5 kg metal-gear servo |
Shift Servo |
1 kg plastic-gear servo |
Winch Servo |
1 kg plastic-gear servo |
Lighting |
Complete LED system with five transmitter-controlled modes |
Skill Level |
Beginner to intermediate trail driver |
Use |
Indoor or outdoor trail use; avoid submersion and conditions beyond the electronics’ stated water-resistance rating. |
Key Features of the Arktos 6x6
Full-Time 6WD Drivetrain Shaft-driven 6WD delivers reliable traction across rough terrain. |
Remote Two-Speed Transmission Switch between low-range crawling and high-range trail driving from the transmitter. |
Metal-Geared High-Clearance Portal Axles Metal gearing and portal axle design provide added clearance over rough terrain. |
Functional Recovery Flatbed Includes wheel chocks, folding side rails, and loading ramps for vehicle transport. |
Remote-Controlled Rear Winch Transmitter-operated winch supports recovery, towing, and securing cargo. |
Brushless-Ready FlySky Electronics Updated FlySky electronics support a compatible plug-and-play brushless conversion. |
Five-Mode LED Lighting Integrated multi-function lights improve visibility and scale realism. |
Oil-Filled Suspension and Aluminum Chassis Threaded oil shocks and aluminum rails provide smoother control and greater durability. |
Chassis, Suspension and Trail Control
The aluminum anodized chassis frame provides a rigid foundation for the long 6x6 layout. Oil-filled, threaded big-bore shocks help control axle movement, while the servo-on-axle steering arrangement keeps the steering linkage direct and compact.
Hobby Plus includes an anti-roll bar that the owner can install when greater load stability or more controlled high-speed handling is preferred. Leaving it off allows more independent axle articulation; installing it can reduce body roll when carrying another vehicle on the flatbed.
Power System and Upgrade Potential
In standard form, the CR18P Arktos uses a high-torque 280-size brushed motor. The setup favors predictable low-speed driving rather than outright top speed, which better suits a six-wheel recovery crawler with a detailed hard body and working accessories.
Arktos 6x6 Pros and Cons
| ✓ What Works Well | ⚠ Limitations to Know |
|---|---|
|
Six-wheel-drive layout provides strong traction and a distinctive recovery-truck experience. |
The longer wheelbase needs more space to turn than a conventional 1/18 4x4 crawler. |
|
Remote two-speed transmission, winch and lighting add genuine functions instead of static scale details. |
The extra servos and accessories make the vehicle more mechanically complex than a basic RTR crawler. |
|
Portal axles, soft tires and low gearing support technical trail driving. |
It is designed as a fun trail and recovery platform, not a lightweight competition crawler. |
|
The RTR package includes the radio, 2S battery and USB charger. |
A spare battery is useful for longer sessions, and the USB cable may require a separate wall adapter. |
|
Brushless-ready electronics make future power-system upgrades easier. |
Compatibility should be confirmed before installing a different motor or ESC combination. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hobby Plus Arktos 6x6 suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is fully assembled and includes a transmitter, battery and USB charger. Beginners should start in low gear on open terrain and become familiar with the steering, transmission, winch and lighting controls before attempting difficult obstacles.
Is the Arktos 6x6 brushed or brushless?
The standard V1.5 truck uses a 280-size brushed motor. Its updated FlySky ESC/receiver is designed to support a compatible plug-and-play brushless conversion while retaining the truck's radio-operated accessories.
What battery does the CR18P Arktos use?
It includes a 7.4 V 2S 600 mAh LiPo battery with an XT30 connector. Use a compatible replacement with suitable dimensions, voltage, connector and discharge capability, and follow the charging instructions in the manual.
How long does the Hobby Plus 6x6 run?
Hobby Plus lists approximately 30 minutes of run time on the included battery. Actual duration varies with terrain, gear selection, payload, winch use, lighting use, temperature and driving style.
Does the Arktos RC truck include a working winch?
Yes. The rear recovery winch is operated from the transmitter and includes a steel cable and metal hook. It is intended for scale recovery use and should not be overloaded.
Is the Hobby Plus Arktos waterproof?
The FlySky 6-channel ESC/RX combo is listed as PPX4-grade water resistant. The product is not described as fully waterproof, so avoid submersion, deep water and high-pressure cleaning. Dry the vehicle thoroughly after use in damp conditions.
