From the Toysit archive
Tonka Ricochet RC
Identify Ricochet’s two sides, learn the speed and steering controls, and compare low and raised Monster Lift suspension.
The play at a glance
Check which side is up before choosing a move
Ricochet’s two-sided design makes orientation part of the driving task. The monster-truck side supports its lift feature, while the other side changes the steering options.
Start with a short, controlled drive on a clear floor. Recognizing the current configuration is more useful at first than trying to recreate a stunt from the commercial.
Separate speed, steering and lift
The guide assigns speed to the forward/reverse stick and steering to the left/right stick. It describes slow, medium and fast positions. The shoulder control raises the Monster Lift suspension on one press and lowers it on the next.
Learn those functions separately on a hard, flat surface. Make a short straight run, slow down, then try a turn. Give yourself room to stop before the edge of the play area. A broad route with a deliberate stopping point is enough for the first session.
The two sides have different options
- Monster-truck side up
- The guide provides soft and hard turns and allows the lift feature.
- Stunt-car side up
- The guide describes one turning option; Monster Lift is unavailable in this orientation.
Identify the upper side before diagnosing a control that seems to behave differently. Use the guide’s pictures to recognize the configurations rather than relying only on the paint color.
Talk through the difference before attempting any change of orientation. Learning to recognize a state is an activity in itself; it does not require a high-speed flip.
Compare two short runs
With the monster-truck side up, choose a simple route on the same clear surface. Drive it once with the suspension low and again with it raised. Use a similar starting point and a comfortable pace so the comparison is about the configuration.
After each run, describe how easy it was to steer and where you stopped. A second person can observe from behind the driver, as the guide directs. Swap drivers and compare impressions without turning them into a claim about measured speed or handling.
Do not add ramps or collision targets to make the activity count as a stunt. A controlled turn and stop can show what the configuration feels like to its driver.
Match the equipment before driving
The controller and vehicle must use matching channel settings. Follow the manual’s startup and charging sequence with the specified equipment; its instructions require removing the pack for charging and excluding damaged charging equipment. It also rules out wet conditions and puddles.
The original photograph helps identify a set’s parts, but it cannot establish their present condition. Keep preparation separate from driving and consult the full guide if the vehicle behaves unexpectedly. Finish by parking, switching off in the documented order and putting the equipment away.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product paragraph and full four-wheel-drive history essay remain intact. The automotive history has not been reverified for this renovation and should not be used to infer how this toy’s drivetrain or steering works. New operating context follows Hasbro’s 94631 guide.
Remote-controlled two-sided stunt vehicle
Tonka was too long in the non-RC arena, but they have made up for it with the Ricochet RC. This four wheel drive remote control vehicle can ride high or low. It can flip and keep on going. Use the controller to send it speeding around the floor and flip it from one side to the other. Drive it low to the ground, then trigger its monster lift suspension to drive it high. It recharges.
The concept of four-wheel drive (4WD) has a history that spans over a century, with its roots traced back to various inventors who worked on applying power to all four wheels of a vehicle for enhanced traction and control. The early incarnations of 4WD can be credited to Ferdinand Porsche, who designed a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle in 1899. During World War I, the U.S. military recognized the potential advantages of 4WD for off-road use and commissioned a four-wheel-drive truck called the "Jeffery Quad," paving the way for broader military applications. Post-World War II, 4WD technology began to be commercialized for civilian use, initially in off-road and farming vehicles. The Jeep, born out of wartime necessity, transitioned into civilian life and became a 4WD icon. By the latter half of the 20th century, automakers started offering 4WD options in a variety of vehicle types, including SUVs and pickup trucks. Technological advancements have since led to the development of electronic 4WD systems, allowing drivers to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive for different road conditions. Today, four-wheel drive is common not just in utility and off-road vehicles but also in high-performance and luxury cars, offering improved stability, control, and safety.
Sources and editorial notes
Reviewed October 16, 2026 against the original composite photograph and Hasbro’s 2010 Tonka Ricochet R/C instructions, assortment 94631. All five PDF pages were visually reviewed; the body, remote and power equipment correspond to the pictured design. The guide depicts a 27 MHz version; the photograph does not establish the frequency of a particular unit. No physical vehicle or charging system was tested.
- Hasbro: Tonka Ricochet R/C 94631 instructions (PDF) — Illustrated controls, orientation, Monster Lift suspension, preparation and driving guidance.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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