Videos of off-road monster trucks get millions of views - and for good reason: these giant SUVs with wheels up to 2 meters high and engine power starting from 500 hp. overcome swamps, rocks and snow rubble where an ordinary jeep would get stuck after 10 meters. But not all videos on the Internet show the real capabilities of such machines. For example, Sherp ATV on video it is often shown as an “unsinkable floating tractor”, although its maximum speed on water is only 6 km/h, and when the wave is higher than 0.5 m, problems with stability begin. In this article, we’ll look at what videos of monster trucks you should watch before buying, what to look for during test drives, and why 80% of YouTube videos hide the critical shortcomings of these cars.
The first thing that catches your eye when watching the video is wheel size and ground clearance. For example, at Argo Avenger the ground clearance reaches 60 cm, but the width of the car is 2.5 meters, which makes it impassable for most city roads. And in the videos about Hagglunds BV206 It's rarely mentioned that its two-piece design requires a special trailer for transportation. We analyzed hundreds of hours of video to highlight key points that will help you avoid mistakes when choosing a monster truck.
TOP 5 monster trucks that are most often filmed (and why they are not suitable for everyone)
Videos with five models of monster trucks are leading on YouTube and TikTok. Each of them has unique features, but not all are suitable for everyday use. For example, Sherp ATV With its ability to swim, it looks impressive, but in reality it is more of an “extreme toy” than a practical transport. A Arctic Cat Wildcat XX It is positioned as a sporty option, but its suspension is not designed for long trips over rocks.
Here is a list of the most popular models with their key characteristics and hidden flaws that are rarely shown in videos:
- 🚙 Sherp ATV — floating, but slow (max. 40 km/h), fuel consumption 30 l/100 km, price from 200,000 rubles. (used). What the video doesn't say is that it's not certified for public roads.
- 🏔️ Argo Avenger 8x8 — 8 wheels, load capacity 1 ton, but width 2.5 m makes it unsuitable for forest roads. Reviews often fail to mention the difficulty of handling on slopes.
- ❄️ Hagglunds BV206 - two-tier, for the Arctic, but requires a special hangar for storage. The video doesn't show how to transport it on a regular trailer (spoiler: it won't work).
- 💨 Arctic Cat Wildcat XX — sports, 180 hp, but the suspension breaks when jumping from a height of more than 1.5 m. In the videos, this is masked by installation.
- 🛻 Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 — comfortable for 4 people, but the ground clearance of 38 cm is not enough for deep snow. In tests they often drive on prepared tracks.
If you are planning a purchase, be sure to look for a video with long tests (from 1 hour), which shows not only “beautiful” moments, but also routine ones: refueling, repairs, overcoming obstacles without assembly gluing. For example, channel Off-Road Monster on YouTube publishes honest reviews with analysis of breakdowns, unlike most bloggers who film only “successful” races.
How to distinguish an honest monster truck test video from a staged one
Most off-road monster truck videos are staged. For example, videos where a car “easily” climbs a 45-degree slope are often filmed with preliminary preparation: the track is cleared of stones, and in the most difficult places a winch is used, which is then cut out of the frame. To avoid falling for tricks, pay attention to the following details:
- 🎥 Assembly gluing: If a car “magically” moves between frames, this is a sign that it was towed part of the way.
- 🔊 Engine sound: in honest tests you can hear the engine straining under extreme loads. In productions, sound is often added separately.
- 📏 Obstacle scale: If there is no person next to the car in the frame, it is difficult to estimate the real size of the holes or bumps. For example, a “deep puddle” in a video may turn out to be a 20-centimeter puddle.
- ⏱️ Route time: If in a 10-minute video a car covers 5 km of off-road terrain, this is clearly staged. The real speed of monster trucks rarely exceeds 15 km/h.
One of the most honest channels - Monster Truck Adventures. They post videos of real time (for example, 3 hours of crossing a swamp are cut down to 20 minutes of timelapse, but with all the key moments preserved). Also pay attention to the comments under the video: if there are a lot of questions like “Where is the second part?”, “Why did they cut off the moment with the stuck?”, this is a sign of dishonest editing.
⚠️ Attention: If in a video a monster truck “easily” overcomes deep snow or a swamp without slipping, this is almost always staged. Real cars will definitely slip, they just don’t cut it out in honest tests.
How much does a monster truck cost: prices from video vs reality
The videos often give prices that do not correspond to reality. For example, Sherp ATV in the videos it is positioned as “affordable” for 150,000–200,000 rubles, but this is the cost of used copies produced in 2015–2017 with a mileage of more than 10,000 km. A new car will cost 1,200,000–1,500,000 rubles, plus customs clearance if you buy from abroad. A Hagglunds BV206 in the video they show it as a “budget option for hunting,” although its real price starts from 3,000,000 rubles.
The table below compares prices from popular videos and real costs of purchase and maintenance:
| Model | Price in video (RUB) | Actual price (RUB) | Hidden costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherp ATV | 150 000–200 000 | 1 200 000–1 500 000 | Customs clearance (200,000–300,000), repairs after tests (100,000–200,000) |
| Argo Avenger 8x8 | 800 000–1 000 000 | 2 500 000–3 000 000 | Transportation (requires low loader trailer, 50,000–100,000 per haul) |
| Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 | 500 000–600 000 | 1 800 000–2 200 000 | Maintenance (replacing the CVT belt every 5,000 km - RUB 30,000) |
| Homemade products ("Polar Explorer") | 300 000–500 000 | 600 000–1 200 000 | No guarantee, problems with PTS, high risk of breakdowns |
If you see in a video an offer to buy a monster truck “for only 200,000 rubles,” most likely it is either a scam or a car in terrible condition. Check the VIN code through the service Autocode or CarVertical - in 70% of cases, such “profitable” offers are associated with theft or illegal import.
What videos help you choose a monster truck for specific tasks?
Not all monster trucks are universal. For example, Sherp ATV Suitable for shallow water fishing, but not useful for carrying cargo. A Argo Avenger The trailer hauls well, but it won’t fit into a narrow forest path. To avoid making a mistake with your choice, look for videos with tests for specific tasks:
- 🎣 Fishing/hunting: watch videos of overcoming swamps and shallow waters. Pay attention to the engine noise - if it is too loud, you will scare away the game. Channel
Hunting Monstertests cars from this point of view. - 🏗️ Construction/cargo transportation: Look for videos of towing trailers or transporting construction materials. For example, Hagglunds BV206 can carry up to 2 tons, but only on snow or sand - its tracks wear out quickly on dirt roads.
- 🏔️ Extreme tourism: Videos of overcoming rocks and steep climbs are important here. Pay attention to the departure/ascent angle (at Arctic Cat Wildcat XX it is only 30°, whereas Polaris RZR — 45°).
- ❄️ Winter riding: see tests on snow with a depth of 1 meter. Monster trucks with tracks (for example, homemade ones based on Burlaka) cope better than wheeled ones, but require frequent maintenance.
Before purchasing, make a checklist of requirements and refer to it when watching the video. For example:
☑️ Checklist for choosing a monster truck based on video
If the video does not show tests for your tasks, write to the author in the comments with a request to remove the addition. Honest bloggers usually meet you halfway.
Self-assembly of a monster truck: what is hidden in the video instructions
Video on assembling monster trucks with your own hands (for example, based on UAZ "Burlak" or T-16) are often silent about key issues. For example, the videos don’t show that:
- 🔧 After installing wheels with a diameter of 1.5 m, you will have to modify the steering rack (the cost of work is from 100,000 rubles).
- 📄 Homemade products cannot be registered with the traffic police - they are recognized as a “vehicle with a modified design,” which requires certification (from RUB 300,000).
- ⚡ Fuel consumption grows 3–4 times: if basic UAZ consumed 15 l/100 km, then after the upgrade - 40–50 l/100 km.
- 🛠️ 80% of tuning parts have to be ordered from the USA or Europe (delivery time is 2-3 months).
One of the few honest assembly videos - a series from the channel Garage 54, where all stages are shown, including failures and errors. For example, in one of the episodes they tried to install tractor wheels on Niva, but were faced with the fact that the standard gearbox could not withstand the load.
⚠️ Attention: If the video instructions for assembling a monster truck do not contain footage of a trip to the traffic police for re-registration, this means that the car is illegal and cannot be driven on public roads.
Before starting assembly, be sure to count full cost of the project, including:
- Base machine (for example, UAZ Patriot used - from RUB 500,000).
- Wheels and tires (set of 40-inch tires - from RUB 300,000).
- Strengthening the suspension and steering (from RUB 200,000).
- Certification from the traffic police (if you plan to drive legally).
Hidden costs of DIY
In addition to the obvious expenses, you will have to spend money on:
- Insurance (CASCO for home-made cars costs 2–3 times more than for serial cars).
- Storage (garage with ceiling height ≥3.5 m).
- Driving training (monster trucks are driven differently than regular jeeps; courses cost from 50,000 rubles).
Where to watch videos with monster trucks: TOP 5 channels without cheating
Most YouTube and TikTok channels post staged videos or hide the flaws of monster trucks. We have selected 5 resources that show real tests, breakdowns and operating nuances:
| Channel | Specialization | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Off-Road Monster |
Off-road tests | Show breakdowns and real time to overcome the routes | Little information on homemade products |
Monster Truck Adventures |
Long expeditions | 2-3 hour video with details | Rare updates (1 video every 2 months) |
Garage 54 |
Self-assembly | Honest bug reporting | Lots of humor, few technical details |
Hunting Monster |
Hunting and fishing | Tests in real conditions (swamps, forests) | Topic too narrow |
Extreme Wheels |
Reviews of new models | Compare prices and options | Lots of dealer advertisements |
If you are looking for a video of a specific model, use the hashtag search filters:
- #SherpATV_test - for reviews Sherp ATV.
- #ArgoAvenger_repair - for repair videos Argo Avenger.
- #Polarnik_homemade - for a video on self-assembly.
To find honest reviews from owners, look for videos with the hashtag #MonsterTruck_realexperience. There, users share problems that are not shown in commercials.
Legal nuances: what you need to know before buying a monster truck
Monster truck videos almost never talk about legal issues. And they are also serious:
- 📋 Registration with the traffic police: Most monster trucks are not certified for public roads. They can only be used in closed areas (for example, in hunting grounds).
- 🚦 Traffic rules: Even if the car is registered, its width (often >2.5 m) and speed (max. 40–60 km/h) make driving around the city impossible.
- 💰 Taxes: Monster trucks are classified as Off-Road Motor Vehicles (OMVs) and their tax rate is 1.5 to 2 times higher than regular Jeeps.
- 🛂 Customs: when imported from abroad (for example, Sherp ATV from Canada) you will have to pay a duty of 20–30% of the cost.
If you plan to drive on the roads, the only legal option is to register your car as "special equipment" (for example, for public utilities). But this requires:
- Obtaining a permit from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (processing time: 3–6 months).
- Installation of flashing beacons and application of special markings.
- Payment of increased transport tax (from 50,000 rubles/year).
In the video, such details are usually not mentioned, but they actively advertise a “problem-free” purchase through “trusted dealers.” In practice, this often leads to the fact that the car ends up in a “gray zone” and cannot be registered.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about monster trucks from the video
Is it possible to drive a monster truck around the city?
No, unless the machine is certified as "special equipment". Most monster trucks are wider than 2.5 m, which exceeds the permissible dimensions for public roads (traffic regulations, clause 23.5). The exception is homemade products based on UAZ or Niva, but they need to be re-registered with the traffic police.
How much does it cost to maintain a monster truck per year?
From 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles/year, depending on the model. Main expenses:
- Fuel: 40–60 l/100 km (at a price of 50 rubles/l – 2,000–3,000 rubles per 100 km).
- Insurance: CASCO - from 100,000 rubles/year.
- Maintenance: oil change (every 3,000 km) - 15,000 rubles, suspension repair - from 50,000 rubles.
- Storage: hangar rental - from RUB 20,000/month.
What is the most reliable monster truck model?
According to owner reviews and honest video tests, Argo Avenger 8x8 - the most reliable production model. Its advantages:
- The 8-wheel formula provides high maneuverability.
- Engine Kohler resource 10,000 hours.
- Spare parts are available in Russia (unlike Sherp ATV).
But it is not suitable for high speed driving (max. 50 km/h) and requires a lot of storage space.
Is it possible to make a monster truck from a regular UAZ?
Yes, but it will require:
- Installation of portal bridges (from RUB 200,000).
- Replacing the steering rack with a reinforced one (from RUB 50,000).
- Re-registration with the traffic police as a vehicle with a modified design (from 300,000 rubles for certification).
Ready-made homemade products based on UAZ or Niva often sold for 800,000–1,200,000 rubles, but without a guarantee of legality.
Where to buy a monster truck with a guarantee?
Official dealers in Russia:
- Sherp ATV: Sherp Russia company (website
sherp-russia.ru). - Argo: dealer "Argo-Moto" (Moscow,
argo-moto.ru). - Polaris: Polaris Motors network (branches in 20+ cities).
Buying from private owners is fraught with problems with title and warranty. Before the transaction, check the car through GIBDD.RF or Autocode.
Before buying a monster truck, be sure to watch a video with lengthy tests (from 1 hour), check the legality of the car in the traffic police and calculate the total cost of ownership, including fuel, repairs and storage.