Overview
The Killerbody Mercury Chassis Kit (KB48760) is a professional-grade 1/10 scale ready-to-assemble RC chassis designed specifically to complement the KB48765 1/10 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon hard body. This is an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts in the UK who are building detailed scale models and want a solid, pre-engineered platform that takes the guesswork out of chassis selection. Whether you're a seasoned RC car builder looking to create an authentic rock crawler or someone new to the hobby seeking a reliable foundation for a show-stopping build, the Mercury chassis kit delivers the engineering quality and component integration that serious hobbyists expect.
What sets the Killerbody Mercury Chassis Kit apart is its thoughtful engineering and comprehensive component assembly. Rather than forcing you to assemble every single element from scratch, Killerbody has pre-assembled the front and rear axles and gearbox, significantly streamlining the build process whilst maintaining full control over personalisation. The kit arrives in professional black finish and features a practical 313mm wheelbase that balances manoeuvrability with stability, making it suitable for varied terrain and driving styles. This chassis provides the perfect foundation for builders who want to focus their efforts on detailed body work, custom electronics installations, and fine-tuning their setup rather than wrestling with basic drivetrain assembly.
The Mercury chassis kit is specifically engineered as a 4WD rock crawler platform, making it ideal for off-road enthusiasts who want to create realistic, scale-accurate vehicles. The inclusion of pre-assembled core drivetrain elements combined with a comprehensive parts list means you can progress confidently through assembly without requiring advanced mechanical expertise, though experienced builders will appreciate the quality of engineering throughout. This is a skill level 3 project, making it suitable for intermediate builders who have some RC assembly experience and are ready to tackle a more involved project.
Key Features
- Pre-Assembled Core Components — The front and rear axles and gearbox arrive factory-assembled, saving you significant build time and ensuring these critical drivetrain elements are properly engineered from the outset. This is a major advantage because these components are complex to assemble correctly, and having them pre-done means you can focus on chassis setup and customisation.
- Complete Ready-to-Assemble Kit Format — This is not a bare chassis; it's a comprehensive kit that includes everything needed to build a functioning 4WD platform, reducing the need for separate part hunting and ensuring all components are engineered to work together seamlessly.
- 313mm Wheelbase — The carefully calculated wheelbase provides excellent balance between agility and stability, making the chassis equally at home on rocky terrain, gravel, or grass whilst maintaining predictable handling characteristics that suit both crawling and casual driving.
- Professional Black Finish — The chassis arrives in a clean black powdercoat or paint finish that looks professional and provides a neutral backdrop for any colour scheme you choose for your custom hard body, whether you're going for factory-accurate detail or creative customisation.
- Variable Width Capability — The chassis features adjustable width geometry, allowing you to fine-tune the track width to match specific body styles, improve cornering characteristics, or accommodate different tyre widths as your setup evolves.
- 4WD Drivetrain Layout — The four-wheel-drive configuration provides superior traction and control across challenging terrain, making this ideal for rock crawling, off-road bashing, and scale-authentic off-road vehicles that demand all-terrain capability.
- Comprehensive Suspension System — The included suspension system package provides a complete damping and articulation solution, meaning you're not starting from bare components and can begin driving and tuning relatively quickly after assembly.
- Integrated Battery and Fuel Tank Compartments — Dedicated mounting points for battery and fuel tank systems ensure proper weight distribution and clean installation, critical factors for balanced handling and realistic appearance in scale builds.
- Quality Steering Servo Support Package — The steering servo mounting system is fully designed and included, ensuring reliable steering response without the need to fabricate custom servo brackets or hunting for compatible components.
- Complete Fastener Set Included — All screws and hardware needed for assembly are provided, along with essential tools, eliminating the frustration of discovering you're missing crucial fasteners mid-build and ensuring you have everything required to complete the project.
- Detailed Instruction Sheet — Professional assembly documentation guides you through each step, making the build process clear and achievable even for intermediate builders tackling a complex chassis kit for the first time.
Technical Performance
The Killerbody Mercury Chassis Kit represents thoughtful engineering designed specifically for 1/10 scale off-road applications. The chassis features a 313mm wheelbase that's optimised for rock crawling and general off-road driving, providing stable platform dynamics across rough terrain whilst maintaining the manoeuvrability needed for tight technical sections. The 4WD drivetrain system ensures power is delivered to all four wheels, critical for maintaining traction when navigating rocky obstacles, loose surfaces, or challenging climbing sections that demand maximum grip. The kit's construction incorporates quality materials throughout, with pre-assembled axle and gearbox systems that have undergone manufacturer quality control. The variable width capability allows fine-tuning to suit different body styles and driving preferences, making this chassis adaptable to various setups. The suspension system package provides coordinated damping and articulation, essential for absorbing impacts and maintaining control across uneven terrain. All major drivetrain elements arrive pre-assembled and tested, meaning the core mechanical systems are ready to function immediately upon installation, allowing you to focus assembly efforts on integration and setup rather than fundamental component construction. The inclusion of proper battery and fuel tank compartments with integrated mounting means weight distribution is engineered correctly from the start, improving handling balance and realistic weight positioning that matches actual off-road vehicles. The black finish provides professional appearance and protects components from minor scuffs during the building process.
What's in the Box
- Chassis frame kit
- Fuel tank and chassis beam kit
- Battery compartment kit
- Engine and transmission housing set
- Exhaust pipe kit
- Axle set (pre-assembled)
- Gearbox (pre-assembled)
- Suspension system package
- Steering servo support package
- Liners, fender flares and carriage installation fixing points
- Wheel kit
- Screw and tool set
- Instruction sheet
What You Need to Complete
- Electric motor (brushless recommended for 1/10 scale rock crawler applications)
- Electronic speed controller (ESC) suitable for 1/10 scale 4WD vehicles
- Rechargeable battery pack (LiPo recommended; compatibility depends on chosen motor and ESC specifications)
- Battery charger and balancer
- Radio control system with receiver (2.4GHz recommended for UK use)
- Servo for steering (compatible with your chosen radio system)
- Hard body shell (KB48765 1/10 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon recommended)
- Body shell paint and decals (if desired)
- Tyres (matched to your chosen wheel kit or upgrades)
- Fuel (if using nitro motor) or additional batteries (if electric)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Killerbody Mercury Chassis Kit suitable for beginners? — This is classified as a skill level 3 project, making it ideal for intermediate builders who have assembled RC cars before and have basic mechanical experience. If you're completely new to RC cars, you might want to start with a simpler ready-to-run model first. However, if you have some building experience and are willing to follow the detailed instruction sheet carefully, this kit is very achievable. The fact that critical components like the axles and gearbox are pre-assembled significantly reduces complexity compared to building from scratch.
- What is the wheelbase measurement and why does it matter? — The Mercury chassis features a 313mm wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles. This measurement is crucial because it affects handling characteristics, stability, and how the chassis responds to terrain. A 313mm wheelbase provides excellent balance for a 1/10 scale off-road vehicle, offering stable platform dynamics whilst maintaining adequate manoeuvrability for technical rock crawling sections. The variable width capability allows you to fine-tune the overall track width to further customise handling to your preferences.
- What hard body is this chassis designed to fit? — The Killerbody Mercury Chassis Kit is specifically engineered to pair with the KB48765, which is a 1/10 scale Jeep Gladiator Rubicon hard body shell. This is a detailed, scale-accurate body designed to match the chassis proportions and mounting points. Whilst the manufacturer lists this as suggested compatibility, the kit is engineered with this body in mind, making the combination the optimal choice for achieving proper weight distribution, visual proportions, and overall finished appearance.
- Why are the axles and gearbox pre-assembled? — Pre-assembling these critical drivetrain components ensures they're properly engineered, aligned, and tested before they leave the factory. This approach saves you from potentially frustrating assembly complexity on the most mechanically demanding parts whilst ensuring these components function reliably. You still have complete control over all other chassis elements, electronics, and customisation, but you benefit from professional assembly of the components most likely to cause problems if incorrectly assembled.
- What scale is this chassis and what does that mean? — This is a 1/10 scale chassis, meaning the finished vehicle will be approximately one-tenth the size of a real full-size vehicle. A 1/10 scale is the most popular RC car size in the UK hobby market, offering an excellent balance between size (large enough for good visibility and control, small enough for transport and storage) and cost. The 313mm wheelbase translates to approximately 3.13 metres at full scale, making this appropriately proportioned for the Jeep Rubicon body included.
- Is this a 4WD or 2WD chassis? — This is a 4WD (four-wheel-drive) chassis, meaning power is delivered to all four wheels. The 4WD configuration is ideal for off-road rock crawling applications because it provides superior traction and control across challenging terrain, allowing the vehicle to maintain grip and forward momentum on loose surfaces, obstacles, and climbing sections where a 2WD vehicle would struggle.
- Do I need to buy a motor and ESC separately? — Yes, this is a chassis kit without motor, ESC, or battery included. You'll need to source these components separately based on your preferences for speed, running time, and power characteristics. For a 1/10 scale rock crawler, a brushless motor is recommended, along with a matching electronic speed controller rated for 1/10 scale vehicles. The instruction sheet should provide guidance on suitable motor sizes and ESC ratings.
- What tools will I need to assemble this? — A basic toolkit including hex keys, screwdrivers, and pliers should cover most assembly needs. The kit includes a screw and tool set, so many essential items are provided. A work surface, good lighting, and a parts organiser will make the assembly process more enjoyable. Having a manual or documentation reference nearby is recommended, and the included instruction sheet will guide you through specific tools needed for each assembly stage.
- How long does assembly typically take? — Assembly time varies depending on your experience level and how carefully you work. Intermediate builders should expect to spend 4-8 hours on the complete build, possibly longer if you're new to chassis assembly or want to test and adjust components as you go. Taking time to follow the instruction sheet carefully and checking your work at each stage will result in a better-functioning finished product than rushing.
- Can I use this chassis with a different body shell? — Whilst the Mercury chassis is engineered specifically for the KB48765 Jeep Rubicon body, the 313mm wheelbase and 1/10 scale are common dimensions in RC off-road vehicles. Other compatible 1/10 scale rock crawler bodies might fit with adjustments, but the KB48765 is the optimal pairing. Using an unintended body shell risks poor weight distribution, incorrect mounting points, or visual proportions that don't suit the chassis dimensions.
- Is this chassis waterproof or weather-resistant? — As a platform chassis without sealed electronics or waterproofing treatments, the chassis itself isn't waterproof. However, you can protect it by choosing waterproof-rated electronics (ESC and motor) and sealed servo components. After off-road use, particularly in wet conditions, it's good practice to rinse dried mud from mechanical components and allow everything to dry properly before storage.
- Where can I get the instruction sheet if I lose it? — The instruction sheet is included in the box, and Killerbody's website should have documentation available for download. Additionally, RC Model Shop team members can provide guidance, and online RC communities often have shared documentation. Always keep the instruction sheet safe as a reference throughout assembly and future maintenance.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the KILLERBODY MERCURY CHASSIS KIT FITS KB48765 JEEP RUBICON BODY KB48760 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: Killerbody
- Model Number: KB48760
- EAN Code: 4895229502130
- Scale: 1/10
- Description: Ready-to-assemble chassis kit
- Vehicle Type: Rock Crawler
- Drive System: 4WD (Four-wheel drive)
- Assembly Type: Un-assembled kit (core drivetrain pre-assembled)
- Skill Level: Skill Level 3 (Intermediate)
- Wheelbase: 313mm
- Track Width: Variable
- Colour: Black
- Suggested Body Compatibility: KB48765 (1/10 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Hard Body)
- Pre-Assembled Components: Front axle, rear axle, gearbox
- Motor Type: No motor supplied (user must select)
- Power Source: Electric (battery required)
- Electronics Required: Brushless motor (recommended), electronic speed controller (ESC), rechargeable battery pack, battery charger, 2.4GHz radio system with receiver
- Included Chassis Components: Chassis frame kit, fuel tank and chassis beam kit, battery compartment kit, engine and transmission housing set, exhaust pipe kit, axle set (pre-assembled), suspension system package, steering servo support package
- Included Hardware: Liners, fender flares, carriage installation fixing points, wheel kit, screw and tool set, instruction sheet
- Surface Type: Off-Road
- Transmission: Gearbox (pre-assembled)
- Suspension: Complete suspension system package included
- Steering System: Servo support package included
- Construction Materials: Engineered platform with integrated mounting points
- Battery Compartment: Dedicated integrated battery compartment kit
- Fuel Tank Compartment: Dedicated fuel tank and chassis beam kit (can be adapted for battery-only builds)
- Wheels: Wheel kit included
- Documentation: Detailed instruction sheet for assembly guidance
- Radio System: Not supplied (user must select compatible 2.4GHz RC system)
- Servo: Not supplied (user must select compatible steering servo)
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