FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB Review: Is This Mini Basher Worth It?

The FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB is worth buying if you want a licensed, trail-ready mini basher with real 4WD independent suspension and tool-free battery access — the brushless version in particular punches above its size class. Skip it only if you specifically need rock-crawling gearing or 1/10-scale bash durability, since this platform is built for speed and yard-scale fun, not technical crawling.

Quick Verdict

• Rating: 4.5/5 — strong value, licensed body, real independent suspension
• Best for: Beginners and casual bashers who want a photogenic, trail-capable mini RC that's ready to drive out of the box
• Not for: Rock crawlers wanting low-range gearing, or drivers wanting 1/10-scale durability
• Price: $99.99 (RTR Brushed, on sale from $169.99 at time of writing)
• Where to buy: Get the FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB here

What Is It

The FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB is a 1/18-scale 4WD off-road truck built on FMS's mini platform. It's an officially dual-licensed model — licensed by both Ford and RTR Vehicles — wearing the Fun-Haver Off-Road livery associated with Ultra4 racers Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy. The body is styled after the competition Bronco campaigned in Ultra4 racing, complete with Nitto Trail Grappler tire graphics and sponsor decals from Shell, Fox, and Pennzoil.

FMS sells it in three configurations:

• RTR Brushed — includes battery and charger, ready to drive
• RTR Brushless — includes battery and charger, faster top speed
• RS Brushless — no battery or charger included, for owners who already have a 2S 7.4V LiPo setup

Two liveries are available: Racing Livery A (yellow/silver) and Racing Livery B (yellow/white/red/orange).

Key Specs

What We Like

Real independent suspension, not a toy-grade solid axle. Front and rear anti-roll bars plus 4-wheel independent suspension give it noticeably more composure on rough ground than typical mini bashers in this price range.

Quick-release body actually works as advertised. The clip-free rear roll-cage latch lets you swap the battery in seconds — no fumbling with body clips mid-run, which matters more than it sounds like on paper.

Genuine speed difference between motors. FMS's own spec sheet lists 35 km/h brushed versus 45 km/h brushless, and an independent comparison from ChinaHobbyLine found the brushless version to be the more complete package overall, while noting the brushed version still makes sense as the cheaper entry point.

Dual licensing adds legitimacy. Being licensed by both Ford and RTR Vehicles means the body panels, decals, and proportions are accurate rather than a generic knockoff shell — a point independent coverage from RC Car Action also highlighted.

Worth Knowing

Splash-proof, not waterproof. FMS lists this as splash-proof only, so puddle runs are fine but it's not built for submersion or heavy rain sessions.

2WS steering limits tight maneuvering. With a 30-degree max steering angle and 2-wheel steering, tight technical crawling isn't this truck's strength — it's tuned more for open-terrain bashing than rock crawling.

Beginner-friendly transmitter has tradeoffs. The 3-channel radio is easy to learn but lacks the fine-tuning (dual rate, trim presets) that more experienced drivers may want later.

Battery/charger only comes with RTR, not RS. If you're eyeing the RS Brushless version to save money, budget separately for a 2S 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo and charger — FMS recommends an XT60 connector pack.

FMS vs EAZYRC: Same Platform, Different Box

Shoppers researching this truck on Amazon will often run into the EAZYRC-branded version of the same FSC18 chassis, listed as "EAZYRC FMS 1/18 RC Truck FSC18 Ford Bronco." It shares the same dual Ford/RTR Vehicles licensing, the same independent suspension and anti-roll bar setup, and the same quick-release body design as the FMS original. The core hardware is essentially identical since EAZYRC is FMS's own sub-brand for certain retail channels. The practical difference for buyers is ecosystem: buying direct from FMS Hobby gives you access to FMS's own parts catalog, part finder tool, and manual/support pages tied to the SKU, which matters if you plan to replace worn dogbones, differentials, or motors down the line.

Brushed vs Brushless: Which Should You Buy

Go brushed if this is a first RC truck, a gift, or you want the lower $99.99 entry price with a battery and charger already included. Go brushless if you want the extra 10 km/h of top speed and plan to eventually run higher-capacity 3S LiPo packs — independent testing found the brushless motor delivers noticeably more power without giving up the suspension geometry that makes this platform fun to drive. The RS Brushless is the choice only if you already own a compatible battery and charger, since it ships without either.

Who Should Buy It

Buy it if:

• You want a licensed, good-looking mini basher that's ready to run out of the box
• You value tool-free battery access for quick sessions
• You're a beginner who wants forgiving, intuitive controls

Skip it if:

• You need technical rock-crawling capability (low gearing, locked diffs)
• You want a fully waterproof rig for wet-weather bashing
• You're set on a 1/10-scale truck for heavier impact durability

FAQ

Is the FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR waterproof? No, it's rated splash-proof only. It can handle light moisture and puddles but isn't designed for submersion.

What's the top speed of the FMS Ford Bronco RTR? FMS lists 35 km/h for the brushed version and 45 km/h for the brushless version.

What's the difference between the RTR and RS versions? RTR includes a battery and charger and is ready to drive immediately. RS omits both, so you'll need your own 2S 7.4V LiPo battery and charger.

Is EAZYRC's version the same truck as the FMS version? Yes — EAZYRC is FMS's own retail sub-brand for this platform, and the chassis, suspension, and licensing are the same. Buying direct from FMS gives easier access to official parts and support.

Does it come fully assembled? Yes, the RTR versions arrive ready to run with the battery, USB charger, and tool kit included — no assembly required.

Final Verdict

The FMS 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB delivers more engineering than its price suggests: real independent suspension, dual Ford/RTR licensing, and a genuinely useful quick-release body design. For $99.99, the brushed RTR is an easy entry point, while the brushless version is the better long-term pick if you want more speed and room to grow into bigger batteries.

Check current price and availability on FMS Hobby

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