ARRMA RC Car Cost: What You Need Beyond The Box

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The price on the box is only part of what an ARRMA costs. Depending on the model, you may still need batteries, a charger, a USB-C power adapter or a charging bag. After that come wear parts, and any upgrades you choose. This guide covers those costs category by category, using Horizon Hobby product pages and ARRMA and Spektrum manuals (linked in Sources).

We do not print prices here because they change constantly. Every product mentioned has a “Check current price” link instead.

Quick answer: ARRMA RTRs fall into four cost tiers.
1. Small GROM-size models: these ship with a Smart LiPo and a USB-C charger. Some still need a USB power adapter, and the Mini Kraton also needs a charging bag.
2. 1/10 and 1/8 3S models (Granite, Vorteks, Typhon 223S): the battery and charger are sold separately.
3. 6S models (Kraton 6S, Felony 6S): these need two packs (or one 4S/6S pack on the Kraton 6S) plus a capable charger.
4. Rollers such as the Kraton 8S EXB Roller: you also buy the radio, servo, ESC, motor and pinion.

What Comes in the Box vs What You Still Need to Buy

This table uses Horizon Hobby’s “In the Box” and “Needed to Complete” lists, checked Oct 8, 2026. “Pack + charger” shows whether a battery and charger come in the box; a dash means Horizon does not list it.

Model, scale (Horizon SKU)	LiPo	Plug	Pack + charger	Horizon “needed to complete”
Typhon GROM (brushed), 1/14 (ARA2106)	2S	–	Yes	USB power adapter
Typhon GROM 223S BLX, 1/14 (ARA2306S)	2S/3S	IC2	Yes	Nothing else required
Mojave GROM (brushed), 1/16 (ARA2104)	2S	IC2	Yes	USB power adapter, QC 2.0/3.0, 18W+
Mojave GROM 223S BLX, 1/16 (ARA2304S)	2S/3S	IC2	Yes	Nothing else required
Mini Kraton 3S BLX, 1/16 (ARA2508S)	3S	IC2	Yes	USB power adapter, charging bag
Granite Boost 2WD (brushed), 1/10 (ARA4102V4)	2S	IC3	No	7-cell NiMH hump pack or 2S LiPo (EC3/IC3), charger
Granite 3S 4X4 BLX, 1/10 (ARA4302V3)	2S/3S	IC5, EC5	No	2S-3S LiPo (EC5/IC5), charger, 4 AA batteries
Granite 223S 4X4 BLX, 1/10 (ARA4302V4)	2S/3S	IC5	No	2S or 3S hardcase LiPo, charger
Vorteks 3S 4X4 BLX, 1/10 (ARA4305V3)	2S/3S	IC5	No	2S-3S LiPo (EC5/IC5, min 5000mAh 50C), charger, 4 AA batteries
Typhon 223S 4X4 BLX, 1/8 (ARA4306V4)	2S/3S	IC5	No	2S or 3S hardcase LiPo, charger, charging bag
Kraton 6S 4X4 BLX, 1/8 (ARA8608V6)	4S/6S	IC5	No	2x 2S, 2x 3S, 1x 4S or 1x 6S hardcase LiPo (min 5000mAh 50C), LiPo charger
Felony 6S BLX, 1/7 (ARA7617V2)	4S/6S	IC5, EC5	No	2x 2S or 2x 3S LiPo (EC5/IC5), charger, 4 AA batteries
Kraton 8S EXB Roller, 1/5 (ARA5208)	–	–	No	Radio (transmitter + receiver), 1/5-scale metal gear servo, ESC, motor, pinion, 2x 3S or 4S LiPo, charger

Sources: the Horizon Hobby product page for each SKU (linked in Sources). Note that Horizon lists both Typhon GROMs as 1/14 scale and both Mojave GROMs and the Mini Kraton as 1/16.

Batteries: The Biggest Ongoing Cost

Match the connector, cell count and tray size

Connector families: per Horizon’s spec tabs, the small GROM-size trucks use IC2, the Granite Boost uses IC3, and the 1/10 to 1/7 brushless models use IC5 (several also accept EC5). Spektrum sells adapters such as the IC2 Device / IC3 Battery adapter (SPMXCA532), which Horizon lists as an accessory on the brushed GROM, Mojave GROM 223S and Mini Kraton pages (Horizon Hobby). An adapter solves only the plug: the pack still has to fit the tray and match the truck’s cell count.
Two packs on 6S trucks: the Felony 6S runs on two 2S or two 3S packs (Horizon Hobby). The Kraton 6S takes two 2S, two 3S, one 4S or one 6S hardcase pack, with Horizon’s minimum spec of 5000mAh 50C (Horizon Hobby). Budget for two packs, not one.
Tray limits Horizon publishes: Mojave GROM 223S and Typhon GROM 223S 101 x 31 x 21 mm; Mini Kraton 3S 112 x 34 x 23 mm; Granite Boost 156 x 51 x 48 mm; Typhon 223S 147 x 51 x 48 mm; Kraton 6S 158 x 48 x 70 mm; Felony 6S 140 x 47 x 38 mm. Check any pack’s dimensions against these before buying.
Minimum discharge rating: Horizon sets 5000mAh 50C as the minimum for the Vorteks 3S and the Kraton 6S. Cheaper low-C packs that miss this are a false saving.

Battery care that protects your investment

Store LiPos at about half charge. Horizon’s LiPo guide puts a cell at roughly 50% at 3.8V (Horizon LiPo guide), and Spektrum’s safety sheet gives a storage temperature range of 40 to 120°F (4 to 49°C), never in a car (Spektrum battery safety).
Never run cells below 3.0V under load; for a 3S pack that is 9.0V (Horizon LiPo guide). Over-discharged packs should be removed from service, so running a pack flat can cost you the pack.
Stop charging or discharging a pack that starts to swell (Horizon LiPo guide).
Charge with a balancing charger designed for lithium batteries, in a fireproof container such as a LiPo bag. Never charge inside the model, and never leave a charging pack unattended (Spektrum battery safety).
After a run that hit low-voltage cutoff, ARRMA’s Mini Kraton manual says to charge for about 30 to 45 minutes before storing, rather than storing the pack empty (ARA2508 manual).

Chargers and Power Adapters

USB-C chargers on the small trucks: the GROMs ship with the Spektrum S10, which supports Smart G2 2S LiPo packs only (S10 manual). Adding a 3S pack to a 223S GROM therefore also means a new charger.
The adapter is usually extra: Horizon lists a USB power adapter as needed for the brushed Typhon GROM, the brushed Mojave GROM and the Mini Kraton. The GROM 223S and Mini Kraton manuals recommend a 20W+ USB-C adapter with QC 2.0/3.0 for the quickest charge, and warn against computer or laptop USB ports (ARA2304 manual).
What Horizon pairs with the bigger models (from the accessory lists on each product page):
- Spektrum S155 55W AC G2 Smart Charger (SPMXC2050): on most GROM and 3S model pages.
- S1100 G2 1x100W (SPMXC2080): on the Granite Boost page.
- S2100 G2 2x100W (SPMXC2000): on the Kraton 6S page.
- S2200 G2 2x200W (SPMXC2010): on the Felony 6S page.
A two-port charger matters on 6S trucks because you charge two packs per run. Confirm cell-count support in a charger’s manual before buying.
Charging bag: Horizon lists one as needed for the Mini Kraton and the Typhon 223S, and Spektrum’s safety sheet says to charge in a fireproof container. Treat it as a required purchase for any LiPo truck.

Wear Items and Breakages to Budget For

Neither ARRMA nor Horizon publishes breakage rates, and we do not invent them. What the manuals do spell out is routine wear and the conditions that shorten part life.

Routine checks: the Mini Kraton manual says to check and re-glue tires, tighten loose screws (thread lock on screws into metal), clear debris wrapped behind the wheel hexes, and replace shock oil and seals as needed, noting that shocks wear faster in dirty, dusty conditions (ARA2508 manual).
Wet running: the Mojave GROM 223S manual warns that bearings, hinge pins, screws, nuts and electrical contacts can corrode after wet runs, and that driving in wet conditions can reduce motor life. It calls for drying, a water-displacing light oil, and no pressure washer. It also suggests a smaller pinion or larger spur in mud and deep puddles to reduce motor load (ARA2304 manual).
Heat: the Mini Kraton manual says the ESC enters temperature protection above 110°C and suggests gearing changes to reduce load. Overheating repeatedly is a sign the setup is costing you parts.
Where ARRMA itself sells upgrades: for the brushed Mojave GROM, Horizon lists metal axles and wheel hubs (ARA311231), aluminum shocks (ARA-1567), adjustable steering links (ARA340217) and an oil-filled differential set (ARA311193). The Mojave GROM 223S ships with all four installed (Horizon Hobby, Horizon Hobby). Those are the parts ARRMA chose to strengthen for more power.

Upgrade Paths, Cheapest First

Use the power steps already built in. The 223S GROMs and the Granite and Typhon 223S run on 2S or 3S, so a 3S pack (and a charger that supports it) is the upgrade. The Mini Kraton’s included PowerKey unlocks Chaos Mode, which Horizon rates at 50+ mph. No new electronics are needed in either case.
Add packs before parts. A second pack is the simplest way to more drive time. The Mini Kraton ARA2508ST3 bundle ships with two.
Upgrade the charger when you own several packs. The GROMs’ S10 USB-C charger has a single IC2 output port (S10 manual). Horizon pairs AC Smart chargers such as the S155 with the larger trucks.
Then durability parts, matched to your SKU. Use the part numbers in your model’s manual or tech pack, not “fits most” listings.
Rollers are the most expensive route. The Kraton 8S EXB Roller needs the radio, servo, ESC, motor, pinion, two packs and a charger before it moves (Horizon Hobby). Choose it only if you want to pick every electronic part yourself.

Ownership Budget Checklist

The truck itself (RTR or roller).
Batteries: the right connector (IC2, IC3 or IC5), cell count, tray size and minimum C rating. Two packs for 6S trucks.
A charger that supports your packs’ cell count. Two ports help on 6S.
A USB-C power adapter (20W+ QC recommended) for USB-C chargers.
A LiPo charging bag or fireproof storage container.
AA batteries for the transmitter, where Horizon lists them as needed.
Wear items: tire glue, thread lock, shock oil and seals, and water-displacing oil if you run wet.
Optional: ARRMA upgrade parts by part number, and a spare pack.

Products Mentioned (Check Current Price)

Spektrum S155 55W AC G2 Smart Charger (SPMXC2050)

Listed by Horizon as an accessory on most GROM, Mini Kraton and 3S model pages
Check cell-count support in its manual for your packs

Check current price

Spektrum S2100 G2 2x100W AC Smart Charger (SPMXC2000)

Listed by Horizon on the Kraton 6S page
Two ports, for 6S trucks that run two packs

Check current price

Spektrum 11.1V 5000mAh 3S 50C Smart G2 Hardcase LiPo, IC5 (SPMX53S50H5)

Listed by Horizon on the Granite 3S, Vorteks 3S, Typhon 223S and Kraton 8S EXB pages
Matches Horizon’s 5000mAh 50C minimum where one is stated; check tray dimensions

Check current price

Spektrum 11.1V 1300mAh 3S 30C Smart G2 LiPo, IC2 SmartFit (SPMX-1089)

Horizon’s suggested 3S pack on the Mojave GROM 223S and Typhon GROM 223S pages
Needs a 3S-capable charger (the included S10 is 2S-only)

Check current price

Spektrum 7.4V 2200mAh 2S 30C Smart G2 LiPo, IC2 SmartFit (SPMX-3209)

Listed by Horizon on the brushed Typhon GROM and Mojave GROM pages
Spare 2S pack for the small trucks

Check current price

Spektrum 65W USB-C GaN Power Supply (SPMX-1027)

Listed by Horizon on the Mini Kraton page
For USB-C chargers; the manuals warn against computer USB ports

Check current price

LiPo charging bag (any fireproof LiPo bag)

Horizon lists a charging bag as needed for the Mini Kraton and Typhon 223S
Spektrum: charge in a fireproof or fire-retardant container

Check current price

Spektrum IC2 Device / IC3 Battery adapter (SPMXCA532)

Listed by Horizon on the brushed GROM, Mojave GROM 223S and Mini Kraton pages
Solves the plug only: the pack must still fit and match cell count

Check current price

Frequently Asked Questions

What else do I need to buy with an ARRMA RTR?

It depends on the model. The 223S GROMs need nothing else according to Horizon Hobby. The brushed GROMs and the Mini Kraton need a USB power adapter, and the Mini Kraton also needs a charging bag. The 1/10 and 1/8 3S models need a battery and a charger. The Kraton 6S and Felony 6S need two packs (or one 4S/6S pack on the Kraton 6S) and a charger.

Do ARRMA RC cars come with a battery and charger?

The small GROM-size models and the Mini Kraton ship with a Spektrum Smart LiPo and a USB-C charger. Horizon lists the battery and charger as sold separately for the Granite, Vorteks, Typhon 223S, Kraton 6S and Felony 6S.

What battery connector do ARRMA cars use?

Per Horizon Hobby, the GROM-size trucks and Mini Kraton use IC2, the Granite Boost uses IC3, and the larger brushless models use IC5 (several also accept EC5).

How should I store LiPo batteries to make them last?

Store them at about half charge (about 3.8V per cell, per Horizon’s LiPo guide), between 40 and 120°F, in a non-conductive fireproof container, and never in a car. Never discharge below 3.0V per cell under load.

Why does the Kraton 6S need two batteries?

Horizon lists two 2S, two 3S, one 4S or one 6S hardcase LiPo for the Kraton 6S. Running 6S from two packs means buying two, plus a charger that can handle them.