I am not much of a crawler, however I do know they can be very expensive, and it can be a big jump in price by just going an inch or two more for articulation (if buying kits).
I would recommend checking out the Wheely King. they have a 4x4 version out now, that is what I see a bunch of people buying as a nice alternative.
From HPI's site:
Just Like The Real Thing!
The action just got even more intense with the announcement of the Wheely King 4X4 truck! The Wheely King 4X4 is a true-to-scale monster truck that features full-time 4WD for traction that allows it to go anywhere. From car crushing stadium monster truck action to rock crawling in the mountains, the Wheely King 4X4 can do it all. And of course, awesome wheelie action is available with a pull of the trigger!
With custom tuned weight distribution and a rear wheelie bar, easy controlled wheelies are part of the action every time you drive the Wheely King 4X4! Watch it drive long stretches with its wheels in the air. See it pop a wheelie out of every corner out on the track. And if wheelies just aren’t your bag, all it takes is a few simple modifications to take your Wheely King 4X4 to the next level… rock crawling! The Wheely King is the ultimate combination of true-to-scale monster truck looks and fun high-flying monster truck action!
The Wheely King 4X4 is great for the show-and-go crowd - fat chrome wheels hold 5.4" all-terrain Mud Thrasher monster truck tires, and the Twin Vertical Plate (TVP) chassis features a super cool chrome-plated tube design that looks just like the real monster trucks you've enjoyed watching! Front and rear solid axles feature pivot joints and a realistic looking multi-link monster truck suspension for easy driving and control!
It's not just about its good looks, however - the Wheely King 4X4 lives up to its name from the second you pull the trigger! With its strong 540-size motor and solid-axle 4WD drive train, the Wheely King 4X4 is a joy to drive around tight, twisty terrain or down the street!
The Wheely King 4X4 is 1/12th scale, so it's a little smaller than the 1/10th E-Savage (#505, #508 and #548). It's perfect for driving indoors, outdoors, and even out on the racetrack!
LENGTH: 431.8mm (17in.)
WIDTH: 297.2mm (11.7in.)
HEIGHT: 254mm (10in.)
WHEELBASE: 238.8mm (9.4in.)
TIRES: 135mm x 69mm (5in. x 3in.)
SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 152.4mm (6in.) Everything Included!
With a completely assembled chassis, painted body and a full set of electronics, it's a simple matter of charging the battery to have some fun! The Wheely King 4X4 is truly ready-to-run and features the high-quality HPI TF-1 27MHz transmitter. The SF-1 servo is reliable, durable and offers plenty of torque, performing its duties under all conditions. The installed reversible electronic speed control (ESC) features a reverse delay to protect the gear box and drive gears, and gives the Wheely King 4X4 maximum runtime while you're out having a blast. For the ultimate in control and feedback, the Wheely King 4X4 features fully proportional steering and throttle. The 7.2v 1500mAh Ni-Cad battery gives you over 20 minutes of smile-inducing runtime, and comes assembled with quick-change connectors. Charge the battery with the included wall charger, or use any standard RC battery charger. The Wheely King 4X4 is easy to upgrade - install a faster motor for insane top speeds, or pop in a different battery for even longer runtimes!
Topping off the Wheely King 4X4 is a painted and trimmed monster truck body, mounted on adjustable body mounts that allow you to fit all kinds of fun and exciting bodies. It all adds up to a great kit and hours of enjoyment, even for the new or younger monster truck enthusiast! Get into the car-crushing spirit of the monster truck! Get the Wheely King 4X4!
Wheely King 4X4 Features:
4WD Drivetrain
The Wheely King 4X4 puts the power to all four wheels for maximum grip.
5.4” Mud Thrasher Tires
Throw mud and rocks at your buddies.
Long Travel Suspension
6 full inches of oil damped, coil over, plush suspension to soak up the worst terrain.
Fully Painted and Detailed Body
Brand new graphics and colors set this tough truck apart.
TVP Chassis Construction
Super Tough TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) construction pioneered with the Savage line of Monster Trucks.
Reversible electronic speedcontrol
Automatic setup, and reverse to get you out of the tight spots.
High torque 540 motor (27T)
Plenty of power to keep the front wheels pointed to the clouds.
7.2V 1500mAh Ni-Cd battery
Compatible with industry standard chargers and replacement batteries.
Clip-on molded nylon cover forgear protection
Keep your gear protected while you are exploring the wilderness.
Full Ball bearings for efficiencyand long run time
Everybody likes more speed and longer runtime, right!
Quick-change battery slot
Just put in a fresh battery and get back to the excitement!
Efficient sliding center universaldrive shaft
Allows incredible suspension travel for off-road action.
