Hobby Plus CR18P Arktos 6x6 CR18P V1.5 RTR Crawler
The Arktos 6x6 brings working recovery-truck functions to a compact trail rig. It pairs a six-wheel-drive chassis with a usable flatbed, selectable gearing, and scale equipment for drivers who want their crawler to carry, pull, and explore.
A 6x6 RC Crawler Built to Climb, Haul and Recover
The Hobby Plus CR18P Arktos 6x6 V1.5 is a brushed, ready-to-run 1/18 crawler made for technical trails, obstacle courses, and scale recovery play. Its shaft-driven 6WD system stays fully locked, while portal axles increase clearance and a radio-controlled two-speed transmission lets you select low or high range as the terrain changes.
Unlike a typical compact crawler, the Hobby Plus Arktos can transport another small RC vehicle on its functional flatbed. Adjustable wheel chocks help position the load, the side rails hinge open, and the ramps deploy for loading. A rear winch controlled from the transmitter expands the truck's role on trail-recovery runs.
The V1.5 update keeps the original scale recovery-truck concept and refines the hardware beneath it. Changes include a FlySky ESC/receiver designed for a plug-and-play brushless upgrade, an XT30 battery connection, revised metal transmission gears, and soft 60 mm tires on black beadlock-style wheels. Browse more rock crawlers at DirectRC to compare trail platforms and sizes.
Available Arktos 6x6 V1.5 Versions
Choose between green and orange body finishes. Both versions share the same drivetrain, electronics, accessories, and included equipment, so color is the deciding difference.
Green |
Orange |
What's in the Box?
This Hobby Plus Arktos arrives as a complete RTR package. The assembled crawler, FlySky radio, 2S battery, and USB charger are supplied, giving you the core equipment needed to prepare for the first trail session.
| Included Item | Details |
|---|---|
CR18P Arktos 6x6 V1.5 |
Preassembled 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 status indicator |
Recovery equipment |
Installed rear winch, steel cable, metal hook, and loading ramps |
Anti-roll bar |
Supplied for optional owner 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 exposure beyond the stated water-resistance rating of the electronics. |
Key Features of the Arktos 6x6
 Full-Time 6WD Drivetrain Power reaches all six wheels through a shaft-driven layout, helping the truck maintain grip on uneven trail surfaces. |
 Remote Two-Speed Transmission Select low range for deliberate obstacle work or shift to high range for faster progress between trail sections. |
 Metal-Geared High-Clearance Portal Axles Portal housings add clearance at the wheels, while metal internal gearing supports the demands of a heavier 6x6 platform. |
 Functional Recovery Flatbed Deployable ramps, hinged rails, and adjustable chocks turn the rear deck into a practical carrier for a small RC vehicle. |
 Remote-Controlled Rear Winch Operate the rear winch by radio for scale recoveries, light towing tasks, or securing a vehicle on the bed. |
 Brushless-Ready FlySky Electronics The revised FlySky system provides a supported route to a compatible plug-and-play brushless setup later. |
 Five-Mode LED Lighting Five radio-controlled lighting modes add visibility and bring the recovery-truck body to life on the trail. |
 Oil-Filled Suspension and Aluminum Chassis Threaded oil-filled shocks manage axle movement, and aluminum frame rails give the long chassis a solid base. |
Chassis, Suspension and Trail Control
An anodized aluminum frame supports the extended three-axle chassis without taking away the scale truck appearance. Threaded big-bore oil shocks damp axle movement, and the servo-on-axle layout provides a short, direct steering connection.
An optional anti-roll bar is included for owners who want the truck to feel more settled with a vehicle on the flatbed or at higher trail speeds. Run without it for freer axle articulation, or install it to limit body lean under a load.
Power System and Upgrade Potential
Out of the box, the CR18P Arktos relies on a torque-focused 280-size brushed motor. Its smooth, manageable delivery complements the low gearing, working accessories, and substantial hard body rather than chasing maximum speed. Drivers planning future changes can explore rock crawler upgrade parts at DirectRC and should verify fitment before ordering.
Arktos 6x6 Pros and Cons
| ✓ What Works Well | ⚠ Limitations to Know |
|---|---|
The six driven wheels deliver useful trail grip and create a recovery-truck experience that stands apart from a conventional crawler. |
Its extended wheelbase requires a wider turning area than a typical 1/18 4x4. |
A shiftable two-speed gearbox, working winch, and controllable LEDs make the scale equipment genuinely interactive. |
Those additional servos and functions introduce more moving parts than a simple entry-level RTR. |
Portal axles, soft rubber tires, and deep low-range gearing suit slow, technical trail sections. |
The design prioritizes scale trail and recovery fun over lightweight competition-crawler performance. |
The box includes the FlySky radio, 2S LiPo, and USB charger required for operation. |
Longer outings benefit from a spare pack, and the USB charger may still need a compatible wall adapter. |
Brushless-ready electronics leave a straightforward upgrade path for experienced owners. |
Confirm motor, ESC, connector, and installation compatibility before modifying the power system. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hobby Plus Arktos 6x6 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The truck is assembled and comes with a transmitter, battery, and USB charger. New drivers should practice in low range on clear ground before using the shifter, winch, lights, and recovery equipment around obstacles.
Is the Arktos 6x6 brushed or brushless?
The V1.5 model is supplied with a 280-size brushed motor. Its revised FlySky ESC/receiver can support a compatible plug-and-play brushless conversion while continuing to operate the radio-controlled accessories.
What battery does the CR18P Arktos use?
The included pack is a 7.4 V 2S 600 mAh LiPo with an XT30 connector. Any replacement must match the required voltage, plug, physical dimensions, and discharge needs; see batteries and chargers at DirectRC and confirm compatibility before purchase.
How long does the Hobby Plus 6x6 run?
The listed estimate is about 30 minutes with the included battery under suitable conditions. Terrain, payload, temperature, gear choice, driving input, winch operation, and lighting use can all change the actual run time.
Does the Arktos RC truck include a working winch?
Yes. A transmitter-controlled rear winch with steel cable and a metal hook is installed. Treat it as scale recovery equipment and avoid loads that could strain the winch, cable, or truck.
Is the Hobby Plus Arktos waterproof?
No claim of full waterproofing is made. The FlySky 6-channel ESC/RX unit is described as PPX4-grade water resistant, so keep the vehicle out of deep water, do not submerge it, and avoid pressure washing. Dry and inspect the truck after damp use.
