RC Track Width Explained
What Is Track Width?
Track Width refers to the distance between the left and right wheels on the same axle. This can be measured at the front or rear of the car and is typically adjusted independently at each end.
A wider Track Width means the wheels are spaced farther apart, while a narrower Track Width brings them closer together. Small changes – often just a few millimeters – can noticeably affect how your RC car behaves on the track.
Track Width is usually adjusted using hex spacers, offset wheels, longer axles or suspension components that change the wheel position relative to the chassis.
How Does Track Width Affect Your Car?
Track Width plays a major role in how your car handles, especially in corners.
Wider Track Width
• Increases stability, especially in high-speed corners
• Reduces chassis roll
• Makes the car feel more planted and forgiving
• Slows down steering response slightly
• Improves consistency on high-grip surfaces
Narrower Track Width
• Increases steering response and agility
• Helps the car rotate faster in tight corners
• Can make the car feel more aggressive
• Reduces stability, especially at speed
• Increases the chance of traction rolling on high grip
Front-vs-Rear Adjustments
Front Track Width
• Wider: smoother steering, less aggressive turn-in
• Narrower: quicker steering, more initial bite
Rear Track Width
• Wider: more rear stability and forward traction
• Narrower: more rotation but less rear grip
Track Width works closely with other settings like Camber, Ride Height and Roll Center, so changes should always be made with the full setup in mind.
How Do You Change Track Width?
There are several common ways to adjust Track Width:
1. Wheel Hex Spacers
The most common method. Adding or removing spacers behind the wheel changes how far the wheel sits from the hub.
2. Different Offset Wheels
Some wheels are designed with different offsets, which naturally widen or narrow the Track Width.
3. Longer or Shorter Axles
Used more often in racing platforms, different axle lengths can change the overall width.
4. Suspension Arm Options
Some vehicles offer wider or narrower arms, though this is a more significant change.
5. Hub Carriers and Steering Blocks
Optional parts can slightly adjust Track Width while also affecting geometry.
When making changes, adjust in small increments (1-2mm per side) and test frequently.
When To Change Track Width
Knowing when to adjust Track Width can make a big difference in lap times and consistency.
Increase Track Width (Go Wider) When:
• The car feels unstable at high speed
• You’re experiencing traction roll
• The track has high grip (carpet, sealed asphalt)
• You want smoother, more predictable handling
Decrease Track Width (Go Narrower) When:
• The car feels sluggish or slow to turn
• You need more steering in tight sections
• The track has low grip (loose dirt, dusty surfaces)
• You want quicker direction changes
Track Condition Tips
• High Grip Tracks: Wider Track Width helps prevent flipping and keeps the car stable
• Low Grip Tracks: Narrower Track Width can help generate steering and rotation
Always test front and rear changes separately to understand how each adjustment affects handling.
What to Check After Changing Track Width
After adjusting Track Width, it’s important to double-check related settings to ensure your car remains balanced.
1. Camber
Changing Track Width can slightly alter Camber angles. Re-check and reset if needed.
2. Toe In / Toe Out
Wheel position changes can influence Toe settings. Verify alignment after adjustments.
3. Ride Height
Wider setups may slightly change how the suspension sits. Confirm your Ride Height is still correct.
4. Steering Endpoints
If you narrow the front too much, tires may rub at full lock. Check steering throw and clearance.
5. Body Clearance
Wider Track Width can cause tires to rub the body, especially during suspension compression.
6. Suspension Binding
Make sure nothing is binding when the suspension cycles.
Taking a few minutes to re-check these items will save you from inconsistent handling on the track.
FAQ
Q: Does Track Width affect speed?
A: Not directly. However, a wider Track Width can improve stability, allowing you to carry more speed through corners.
Q: Should front and rear Track Width be the same?
A: Not necessarily. Many setups use different front and rear widths to balance steering and rear grip.
Q: How much Track Width change is noticeable?
A: Even 1-2mm per side can make a difference, especially on high-grip tracks.
Q: Is wider always better on high grip?
A: Not always. While wider helps prevent traction roll, too much can reduce steering response.
Q: Can Track Width fix traction roll?
A: Yes, widening the Track Width is one of the most effective ways to reduce traction rolling.
Q: What’s the easiest way to adjust Track Width?
A: Wheel hex spacers are the fastest and most common method.
Q: Does Track Width affect jumping?
A: Yes. A wider Track Width can make the car more stable in the air and on landing.
Related Tuning Adjustments
To get the most out of this setup change, review these related guides:
• Camber
• Roll Center
• Weight Distribution
Back to the RC Suspension Tuning Guide.
