Nitromethane fuel powered rc trucks make use of a single servo to provide throttle and for brake control. When the servo is rotated in one direction, it results in the throttle in the carburetor to open thus providing enough air and fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine. When the servo is rotated in other directions, it results in the torque being applied to a linkage and cam causing friction with braking material. The location of brakes is found on the spur gear or drive shaft. The brakes put stopping power to only the wheels being driven. Some rc trucks models use additional servo for control of transmission box thus the vehicle drives in reverse.

The fuel engine sizes of remote controlled trucks range from 0.12 to 0.35 cubic inches. This size set up is from restrictions bythe main sanctioning bodies involved in radio controlled trucks racing. There are other engines (outlawed) that are manufactured larger than the typical ones and they are intended for rc vehicles not to be used in sanctioned races thus no need to comply with the typical regulations. The size of engine of vehicles is related to class of rc vehicle. The 1/10 scale off and on road vehicle are normally equipped with a 0.12 to 0.18 cubic inch engine. The 1/8 scale remote controlled vehicle is normally equipped with a 0.21 to 0.32 cubic inch engines. The exceptions come with many of the Thunder and Tiger/Team Associated Rc and Schumacher models which have large engines taken as standard equipment on specific models.

Fuel powered engines for rc trucks allow them to reach moderate speeds without any modifications.  At medium to high speeds, that is when maximum power is achieved with a slightly lower throttle response compared to electrical remote controlled trucks. This can be due to clutching and the lack of torque.  Nitro engines for rc vehicles take time for the engine to spool up and the clutch to engage just like a full-sized gasoline engine, while electric motors used in electric engine rc vehicles produce instantaneous torque. Nitro powered rc  trucks are able to be refueled and returned to race immediately compared to electric cars the requires one to first remove the body shell and battery fasteners for the battery to be replaced.

The cooling of nitro rc trucks is done by air or oil mixed with nitro fuel. The engine can be run continually with no need for breaks for cooling purpose, if it is properly tuned.The remote controlled truck’s operation resemble those of full-sized vehicles by making use of a two stroke engine but not electric motor the way electric cats do operate. The main selling point for enthusiasts of nitro powered rc trucks is their generally higher stock top speeds and the sound of the engine. The drawback is they produce exhaust fumes that contain unburned oil that ends up coating the chassis. This calls for a lot of thorough cleaning most of the time compared to an electric powered rc vehicle. Cleaning is done using compressed air nozzles and solvents such as denatured alcohol.