HobbyPlus CR18P Terranaut 8X8 — The RC 8×8 Crawler Built for Every Terrain
1/18 Scale · 8-Wheel Drive · Active All-Wheel Steering · RTR
The HobbyPlus Terranaut 8×8 is a 1/18-scale RTR RC crawler that redefines what a compact remote-controlled vehicle can do on technical terrain. The Terranaut 8×8 arrives with eight-wheel drive and Active All-Wheel Steering (Active-AWS): all four front wheels and all four rear wheels steer independently — proportionally, simultaneously, and in real time — via the included FlySky 6-channel transmitter. Crab-walk maneuvers, tight U-turns, front-only or rear-only steering — all available without stopping, without tools, and without limit.
Built on the globally proven HobbyPlus CR-18P platform, this hobbyplus terranaut 8x8 is a mission-capable utility rig with a remote-operated 2-speed gearbox (124:1 low / 31:1 high), a live recovery winch with stainless wire and metal hook, full remote-controlled LED lighting with five modes, and a built-in gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver for trailer towing.
The terranaut 8x8 is one of the most feature-loaded RTR crawlers available in 1/18 scale. It's suitable for intermediate to experienced hobbyists who want a capable utility rig for serious terrain — and for anyone searching for a genuinely unique rc 8x8 platform that stands apart from every standard 4WD crawler on the market.
Available Color Variants
The Terranaut 8×8 is available in two colors — both at with identical specifications and hardware. Choose for trail visibility, scale preference, or display appeal.
What's in the Box
The Terranaut 8×8 is an RTR (Ready to Run) package. Below is the complete box contents — everything that ships and anything to plan for 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) The defining capability of the Terranaut 8×8. All four front and all four rear wheels steer independently — fully proportional, fully remote-controlled via the thumb lever on the FlySky 6-channel transmitter. Available modes: combined tight U-turn, crab-walk (both axles steer in the same direction), front-only, or rear-only. The result: a turning radius dramatically tighter than any conventional 4WD crawler, with the ability to navigate around obstacles that would force a multi-point turn on any other platform. This is the feature that makes the rc 8x8 configuration genuinely unique. |
2-Speed Remote-Operated Transmission Both gears are engaged remotely — no stopping, no getting out, no manual adjustment. First gear (124:1) delivers the torque needed for steep ascents, heavy-load hauls, technical rock sections, and recovery pulls where precise, slow-speed control matters most. Second gear (31:1) opens up pace for open trail sections and comfortable trail driving between technical challenges. Switching gears on the fly keeps momentum going and makes the Terranaut as practical on trail as it is impressive on obstacles. |
Recovery Winch & Trailer Towing The rear recovery winch with stainless wire and metal hook is fully remote-operated — one of the very few 1/18-scale crawlers to include a live, functional winch pre-installed from the factory. The built-in gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver adds a complete second capability: trailer towing. If you've been searching for terranaut 8x8 trailer compatibility, the fifth-wheel hitch is already there, purpose-built and ready for scale recovery rigs, flat-bed trailers, and cargo configurations. The Terranaut is designed from the start to be a working utility vehicle, not just a crawler. |
Portal Axles & Full-Metal Drivetrain Portal axles elevate the differential and axle housings above the wheel centerline — providing a meaningful ground clearance advantage over standard beam axles, and allowing the chassis to pass over obstacles that would ground out a conventional 1/18 crawler. The revised full-metal-gear drivetrain — CVDs on all axles, HD telescoping driveshafts with metal yokes, steel pivot balls, Servo-on-Axle (SOA) steering geometry, and metal-geared servos at each axle — is engineered to absorb the mechanical demands of real off-road crawling and sustained tow loads without compromise. |
Scale Presence & Remote LED Lighting The injection-molded hardbody and detailed interior give the hobbyplus terranaut an authentic scale presence at any distance — dual spare tires, working LED lighting, and a full complement of exterior scale accessories. The remote-controlled LED system includes five lighting modes plus rotating amber beacons, adding operational realism for scale photography, low-light trail sessions, and display purposes. Whether on the trail or on the shelf, the Terranaut looks the part. |
Anodized Aluminum Chassis & Coil-Over Shocks The black-anodized aluminum chassis — chamfered raw edges and laser-etched HB logo — provides a rigid, durable foundation with a premium finish that's purpose-built to take punishment on technical terrain. Big-bore, oil-filled coil-over shocks with threaded bodies absorb terrain inputs and offer adjustable ride height for different loads and terrain types. The rear anti-roll bar (included, install separately) adds lateral stability under towing load. Battery access takes seconds: pinch the two tilt-cab tabs and it's open — no screws, no tools. |
From the HobbyPlus CR-18P Platform
HobbyPlus established the CR-18P as the benchmark for 1/18-scale crawling performance — one of the first platforms in this class to combine portal axles, metal-geared drivetrain components, and hobby-grade electronics at an accessible price point. The CR-18P Rushmore was the starting point; the ARKTOS 6×6 extended the platform to six wheels; and the Terranaut 8×8 represents the platform's most ambitious extension yet: eight-wheel drive with Active All-Wheel Steering, a remote-operated 2-speed gearbox, a live recovery winch, and a factory-installed fifth-wheel receiver for trailer operations.
The hobbyplus cr-18p terranaut 8x8 is designed for RC hobbyists who want the most capable, mission-complete utility rig in 1/18 scale — without a complex build process. Every major feature — AWS, winch, lights, 2-speed transmission — is functional and remote-controlled straight out of the box. It's built for trails, recovery scenarios, scale hauling, and for drivers who want a vehicle that draws a crowd at any park or trail event.
Spare parts and upgrade components — from screw sets and light kits to machined helical drivetrain gears, aluminum high-clearance links, and full bearing sets — are stocked at HeliDirect, providing genuine long-term ownership support for the complete HobbyPlus crawler lineup.
Pros & Cons
| ✓ What Works Well | ⚠ Limitations to Know |
|---|---|
| Active 8-wheel drive + 8-wheel Active-AWS steering — the tightest turning radius and most versatile terrain response available in 1/18 scale crawling | Brushed motor only — no brushless option currently. The 280-size 55T brushed motor is well-matched to the Terranaut's crawling and hauling purpose; replacement motors are in stock at HeliDirect ($7.49) |
| Remote-operated 2-speed gearbox — 124:1 low gear for steep climbs and heavy hauls; 31:1 high for trail transit. No stopping to shift; both gears fully remote-controlled | USB charging only — charge cycles run approximately 60 minutes. For extended sessions, a spare 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo at $13.89 is the practical solution and a direct fit |
| Gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver for terranaut 8x8 trailer towing — an entire category of scale recovery and hauling operations available out of the box with no modifications | Rear anti-roll bar is included but ships uninstalled — approximately 10–15 minutes to fit; straightforward installation |
| Injection-molded hardbody + remote-controlled LED lighting (5 modes + rotating amber beacons) — scale realism that matches the mechanical capability | 4 × AA transmitter batteries not included — minor to plan for, but not in the box |
| Factory-installed recovery winch — stainless wire, metal hook, remote-operated. Genuinely functional, not decorative — rare at 1/18 scale and this price point |
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 best suited to intermediate and experienced RC drivers. It arrives fully assembled with no build required, but the FlySky 6-channel transmitter — with a rear-steer lever for Active-AWS, a 2-speed gear selector, winch control, and LED light modes — offers significantly more functionality than a typical beginner crawler. New drivers should start with a simpler 4WD RTR model and step up to the Terranaut once comfortable with proportional controls. Browse all HobbyPlus RC crawlers at HeliDirect to compare by skill level.
Q: What's included in the box — is it truly Ready to Run?
Yes. The hobbyplus terranaut 8x8 ships with the fully assembled crawler, the FlySky 6-channel transmitter (with Active-AWS lever), a 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo battery, and a USB charger. The rear anti-roll bar is included but requires a brief installation (~10–15 minutes). You will need 4 × AA batteries for the transmitter — these are not included. Everything else is ready to drive out of the box.
Q: Can the Terranaut 8×8 tow a trailer?
Yes — this is one of the Terranaut's standout capabilities. The rear-mounted gooseneck/fifth-wheel receiver is purpose-built for trailer towing, making the Terranaut one of the very few 1/18-scale RC crawlers designed from the factory for scale hauling and recovery rigs. If you're searching for terranaut 8x8 trailer compatibility: the fifth-wheel receiver is already integrated and ready for a compatible scale trailer. Third-party and 3D-printed trailers in the appropriate scale can be used directly with this receiver.
Q: What battery does the Terranaut 8×8 use?
The Terranaut 8×8 uses a 2S 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo battery with an XT30 power connector and JST XH-4P balance connector. One battery is included in the RTR package; estimated runtime is approximately 60 minutes under typical crawling conditions. A spare HobbyPlus 7.4V 1100mAh LiPo at $13.89 is available at HeliDirect and is a direct fit — recommended for extended sessions.
Q: Is the Terranaut 8×8 for indoor or outdoor use?
Both. The low-speed precision of the 124:1 first gear and the dramatically tight turning radius of Active-AWS make the Terranaut effective indoors on hard floors, carpet, and scale rock gardens, as well as outdoors on dirt, gravel, loose rock, and moderate trail terrain. Electronics are water-resistant throughout, adding practical durability in wet or damp outdoor conditions. Avoid full immersion.
Q: How does the Active All-Wheel Steering system work?
The Active-AWS system uses Servo-on-Axle (SOA) mounting with metal-geared servos at all four axles to provide fully independent, proportional steering control for both the front and rear wheel pairs simultaneously. The FlySky 6-channel transmitter includes a standard steering wheel for front-wheel control and a thumb-operated pivot lever for rear-wheel control. Available modes: front-only (standard crawling), rear-only, combined tight U-turn (opposing directions), and crab-walk (both axles steer in the same direction for lateral movement). All modes are proportional and fully remote-controlled — no preset positions or switches.
Q: What spare parts and upgrades are available for the Terranaut 8×8?
HeliDirect stocks dedicated Terranaut parts including screw and hardware sets, 56-piece bearing sets, aluminum high-clearance links, machine aluminum mid axles, aluminum beadlock wheels with brass weights (1.2"), fog light kits, light lenses (clear), and optional metal drive shaft sets. Platform-wide upgrades — machined helical HD pinion and ring gears, full aluminum transmission gear boxes, and the machined helical HD transmission gear set — also fit the Terranaut 8×8. Browse the complete Terranaut 8×8 spare parts collection and HobbyPlus upgrade parts at HeliDirect.
