They Built the First Full-Size RC Tesla Cybertruck in 3 Days – Then Crashed It into a Ford F-150

Turning a Tesla Cybertruck into the World’s First Full-Size RC Truck in Just 3 Days

Imagine a massive Tesla Cybertruck zipping around a track with no driver behind the wheel. That’s exactly what a team of innovators at Prop Department pulled off, converting a real Cybertruck into a fully remote-controlled beast for popular YouTuber WhistlinDiesel. This wild project served as the grand finale in an intense showdown series against a Ford F-150, pushing both trucks to their absolute limits.

WhistlinDiesel, real name Cody Detwiler, is famous for his extreme vehicle destruction tests on YouTube. His three-part Cybertruck vs. F-150 series racked up millions of views, featuring towing fails, brutal off-road runs in Moab, and even explosives. With a total spend exceeding $300,000, the finale demanded something epic: a driverless Cybertruck slam.

From Toy RC Cars to Full-Size Mayhem

RC cars have evolved from kids’ toys to high-end hobbies. Pros like Lewis Hamilton started with scale models, and enthusiasts drop thousands on powered replicas—like a $15,000 Lamborghini with a real engine or a $7,000 Audi mini. But nothing compares to controlling a 6,000+ pound Cybertruck at highway speeds.

Prop Department accepted the three-day challenge to make it happen. ‘We’re building the first fully remote-controlled Tesla Cybertruck,’ their video host announced. Knowing it was for WhistlinDiesel, they embraced the chaos ahead.

The Ingenious Build Process

To hack the Cybertruck’s advanced systems:

• Steering: Mounted a high-torque stepper motor directly to the steering column for precise remote control.
• Throttle and Gears: Installed powerful servos on the accelerator pedal and gear selector buttons.
• Safety Bypass: Disconnected the interior radar that detects no driver and forces ‘Park’ mode, allowing unmanned operation.

This setup lets operators control the truck from outside the cabin, maintaining its full 112 mph top speed and quick 0-60 mph acceleration (around 4.3 seconds in AWD).

Practical tip for DIY tinkerers: Always prioritize safety overrides in modern EVs, as they’re packed with driver aids. Test incrementally on private property to avoid real-world risks.

High-Speed Remote Tests

Initial runs verified smooth steering response, throttle control, and gear shifts. The Cybertruck handled like a giant RC model, switching between Comfort, Sport, and Custom modes effortlessly. No low-speed demos here—this was full-throttle proof that cutting-edge EVs can be repurposed for remote fun (with caveats).

The Fiery Crash Showdown

The climax: A head-on remote-controlled charge at a stationary Ford F-150 on a private track. WhistlinDiesel triggered the impact from afar, resulting in a massive collision, fireball, and total wreckage. The F-150 was obliterated; the Cybertruck heavily damaged but somewhat intact visually.

This capped a grueling series where the Cybertruck needed garage visits multiple times, unlike the rugged F-150.

WhistlinDiesel’s Honest Take

After all the abuse, Detwiler shared his view: ‘The Cybertruck feels like a beefed-up Model 3, not a true truck. The F-150 proved tougher—no repairs needed.’ Starting at about $61,000 for base models up to $100,000 for Cyberbeast variants, it highlighted real-world durability gaps.

This stunt showcases RC tech’s potential in full-scale vehicles, hinting at future drone-like applications—but with extreme caution. Watch the videos for the full spectacle!