Hobby Plus CR18P EVO 2 1/18 RTR Crawler
Power, durability and precise control in a compact RC crawler platform — available in RockVan and Convoy bodies
The Hobby Plus CR18P EVO 2 is a 1/18-scale brushed 4WD RTR crawler platform that combines a user-controlled two-speed transmission with portal axles, an all-metal gear drivetrain, big-bore oil-filled shocks, and full-time 4WD. It crawls technical obstacles in low gear, then moves briskly along a trail when the driver selects the higher ratio.
EVO 2 strengthens several areas of the established CR18P platform. Reinforced 1.5mm stub axle pins and hexes, heavy-duty driveshafts, servo-on-axle (SOA) steering, a counter-rotating rear driveshaft, larger wheel-well openings, and big-bore threaded aluminum shocks improve durability, clearance, and serviceability. The platform is offered with two scale bodies: the RockVan and the Convoy.
Hobby Plus RockVan and Convoy Body Options
| RockVan | |
|---|---|
|
Full-length roof rack with integrated high-visibility LED light bar, painted finish with high-visibility graphics and clear windows, tilt-up body access, winch-ready |
|
 Grey
|
 Blue
|
| Convoy | |
|---|---|
|
Hinged body with hidden body clips (new for Convoy) for effortless access to the battery and entire chassis, with a clean, seamless look |
|
 Hugger Orange
|
 Matte Green
|
The core EVO 2 drivetrain and chassis features apply across both bodies. Select the listing that matches the body and color you want.
What Is Included
| Included Item | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
CR18P EVO 2 crawler |
1 |
Assembled 1/18 4WD RTR with waterproof electronics installed |
|
FlySky transmitter |
1 |
2.4GHz four-channel radio |
|
Brushed ESC/receiver |
1 |
Integrated FlySky ESC/RX combo, PPX4-grade water resistant |
|
Drive battery |
1 |
7.4V 2S LiPo 600mAh |
|
USB charger |
1 |
USB charger with charge indicator |
|
LED system |
1 |
LED lights operated from the remote |
Note: Shock oil and transmitter batteries are not included.
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
|
Two-Speed Manual Shift From the Remote Low gear for precise crawling over technical obstacles, high gear for brisk trail runs — all selected from the transmitter.
|
 Performance Portal Axles Supreme clearance over traditional straight axles, with multiple aftermarket gear ratios available.
|
 Big-Bore Threaded Oil-Filled Shocks Rebuildable shocks with threaded collars for linear preload tuning and adjustable damping (oil not included).
|
 Servo-on-Axle (SOA) Steering Places weight on the axle instead of the chassis and greatly improves steering geometry.
|
 HD & Counter-Rotating Driveshafts Larger-diameter driveshafts for greater strength, with a counter-rotating rear shaft that reduces torque twist for planted, predictable climbs.
|
 1.5mm Stub Axle Pins and Hexes Less play in the wheel and a stronger system than the previous 1.0mm pins.
|
 Full Metal Gear Drivetrain Super-strong sintered gears throughout the transmission, axles, and portal hubs, with CV axles up front.
|
 5-Degree Chassis, Scale Body & LEDs Super-clearance 5-degree chassis, low-CG design, winch-ready mounting, painted body with clear windows, and remote-operated LED lights.
|
CR18P EVO Platform Story
The CR18P EVO platform balances small-scale crawling performance with recognizable scale bodies. EVO 2 retains the portal axles, full metal gears, two-speed transmission, waterproof electronics, and worldwide parts availability that owners expect, then revises the suspension, steering, driveshafts, stub axles, and body designs with larger wheel wells for improved tire clearance and a bolder stance.
The RockVan is intentionally taller and more style-driven, while the shorter, lighter Convoy adds a hinged body with hidden clips for effortless battery and chassis access. Drivers of the taller van body should account for its higher mass on steep side hills and use smooth inputs.
Pros and Considerations
| Strength | Consideration and workaround |
|---|---|
|
Two-speed flexibility |
Do not force a shift while the drivetrain is heavily loaded |
|
Portal axles and metal gears |
Inspect and lubricate according to the manual |
|
Rebuildable oil shocks |
Shock oil not included; periodic oil and seal service is normal |
|
Two distinct scale bodies |
Taller RockVan body can feel top-heavy; use smooth throttle on side hills |
|
Strong parts ecosystem |
Verify EVO 2 compatibility before ordering older CR18P parts |
What You May Need Separately
- Shock oil for tuning the big-bore oil-filled shocks.
- Transmitter batteries and LiPo safety equipment.
- Spare wheels, tires, or low-mounted weights for drivers tuning side-hill stability.
- HeliDirect Hobby Plus spare parts for routine service and Hobby Plus upgrades for deliberate tuning.
See the CR18P EVO 2 in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CR18P EVO 2 ready to run?
Yes. Both the RockVan and Convoy versions are RTR crawlers with installed waterproof electronics, a FlySky 4-channel radio, a 2S 600mAh LiPo battery, and a USB charger. Shock oil and transmitter batteries are not included.
Is the EVO 2 brushed or brushless?
It uses a brushed 180-size 55-turn motor with an integrated FlySky ESC/receiver. Do not assume compatibility with brushless power without replacing the appropriate electronics.
What does the two-speed transmission do?
It provides a low ratio for controlled crawling and a higher ratio for trail travel, shifted manually from the remote. Use the shifting procedure in the manual and avoid changing ratios under heavy load.
What is different about the RockVan and Convoy?
They share the same EVO 2 chassis and electronics but use different bodies. The RockVan (Grey, Blue) is longer at 279mm and about 559g; the Convoy (Matte Green, Hugger Orange) is 253mm and about 475g. The RockVan adds a full-length roof rack with a high-mount LED light bar and tilt-up body access, while the Convoy introduces a hinged body with hidden clips.
Is the CR18P EVO 2 good for technical crawling?
Yes. Portal axles, 60mm super-soft competition-spec tires, SOA steering, full-time 4WD, and oil-filled shocks make it capable on technical terrain. The taller RockVan body can be more top-heavy, so careful line choice matters.
Are replacement parts available?
HeliDirect lists CR18P-family spare and upgrade parts, and Hobby Plus offers worldwide parts availability with over a dozen option parts. Check the compatibility note because some parts fit earlier EVO versions while others are EVO 2 specific.
Can it run indoors and outdoors?
Yes. The 1/18 scale suits indoor obstacles and outdoor trails, and the electronics are waterproof with a PPX4-grade water-resistant receiver. Avoid full submersion and dry the vehicle after wet running.
