Trucks are among the most popular Technic models of all. No wonder: hardly any other vehicle is packed with so many functions. Steering, tipper, crane, turntable ladder, trailer – on a good building block truck, almost everything moves. Many sets come with motors and remote control included, and some even feature real pneumatics.

In this guide, you'll find out which types of trucks there are, which sets we recommend and what to look out for before you buy.

Why building block trucks are so much fun

A sports car looks great on the shelf. A truck wants to work. That's exactly the appeal: you're not just building a model, but a machine that does something – tipping, lifting, pulling, extinguishing.

Then there's the size. Many truck sets reach dimensions that turn the finished model into a real eye-catcher. And because trucks are modular by nature, some sets can even be extended, for example with a matching trailer.

Motors, pneumatics and app – briefly explained

Motors drive the wheels, steering and working functions. The more motors a set has, the more movements you can control independently.

Pneumatics work with air pressure – just like the real thing. This makes crane arms, tipper bodies and outriggers lift particularly realistically.

Remote control or app: The remote is intuitive and ready to go straight away. The smartphone app gives you a better overview on models with many functions. Many sets support both.

The most important truck types and our recommendations

Semi-truck with trailer

The classic for everyone who thinks of motorways and long-haul transport when they hear the word truck. The Mould King Truck 19015 is a tractor unit in the design of the Volvo FH16: 4,608 pieces, a pneumatic system and control via remote or app.

With the motorised FH16 Trailer 19015T, it becomes a rig well over one metre long – a real project for long building evenings.

Truck with crane

Fancy some mechanics? Then a crane truck is ideal. The Mould King 19007 Truck with Crane turns over 2,800 pieces, several motors and a compressed-air system into a crane truck with a grab.

A little more compact is the Mould King 17063 Cargo Crane Truck: 2,530 pieces, four motors, a slewing crane, a pneumatic tipping bed and outriggers.

Fire engines

Fire engines combine technology with action. With 6,653 pieces and a length of over one metre, the Mould King Airport Fire Engine 19004 is a real heavyweight – with motors, pneumatics and remote control.

Want to go higher? The Mould King Fire Engine 17022 comes with 4,886 pieces, eight motors and an extendable turntable ladder.

Garbage truck

A great way to get started with motorised trucks is the Mould King Garbage Truck 15019. With 1,689 pieces it stays manageable, can be controlled via 2.4 GHz remote or app and has a working emptying mechanism.

You'll find all models in our Technic trucks category.

The models at a glance

What to look out for when buying

• Space: Check the dimensions on the product page. Large trucks need a long shelf or a dedicated spot.
• Functions: Should your truck drive, tip and lift – or mainly look good? All the sets presented here come with motors and remote control included.
• Difficulty: The number of pieces and the pneumatics determine how demanding the build will be. Allow enough time for large models.
• Expandability: Some tractor units can be combined with trailers. That way, your fleet grows with you.

Our tip: Which truck suits you?

Building a motorised model for the first time? Then start with the garbage truck or the cargo crane truck. Both offer plenty of functions without overwhelming you.

Looking for a big project for the winter? Then the airport fire engine or the semi-truck with trailer is just right. You'll spend many evenings on it – and end up with a model that impresses every visitor.

You can read more about motors, remote controls and apps in our guide to remote-controlled building blocks.

Who are truck sets for?

For anyone who loves commercial vehicles – from trucker fans to tech enthusiasts and collectors. Many people also build the big models together with their kids: one sorts, one builds, and in the end everyone drives together.

A truck set also makes a great gift, especially for people who work with trucks. You'll find more ideas in our Christmas gifts made of building blocks.

How to show off your truck

A big truck deserves a good spot. Display it so that its functions stay visible – for example with the crane extended or the turntable ladder raised. Combined with other construction vehicles, you'll quickly create a whole scene.

A soft brush helps against dust. And if you won't be driving your model for a while, switch off the power supply completely so it isn't put under unnecessary strain.

Order worry-free from KBS

All sets in our shop are LEGO-compatible – so you can combine them with bricks from your collection. If a piece is ever missing during the build, we'll send it to you free of charge. And with our 30-day money-back guarantee, you can check out your set at your leisure.

Frequently asked questions about building block trucks

Are building block trucks compatible with LEGO?

Yes. All sets at KBS are LEGO-compatible. You can easily combine bricks and Technic parts with other sets.

Can I really drive the trucks by remote control?

Yes. All models presented here are motorised and controlled via remote or app. Exactly which functions are motorised is shown on the respective product page.

How long does it take to build?

That depends on the number of pieces and your experience. Compact models like the garbage truck are finished faster, while large projects like the airport fire engine will keep you busy much longer.

What happens if a piece is missing?

Just get in touch with us. We'll send missing pieces free of charge.