5 Best Semi-Truck Toys for Kids (2022 Reviews)
Toy trucks have brought joy to kids for decades. Children have a particular fascination with vehicles and loading trucks that sometimes starts before kids can walk and can last until the early teen years.
Because truck toys come in all shapes and sizes, it’s crucial to take some time to research what brand and style will be best for your little one. There are even some semi-trucks that come with additional cars or animals. Whatever your child’s interests, you’re sure to find an excellent semi-truck toy in the following list that will provide them hours of fun.
Contents
- 5 of the Best Semi-Truck Toys for Kids
- Bruder Mack Flatbed Truck with Loader Backhoe
- TOMY John Deere Big Farm Peterbilt Vehicle
- ToyVelt Dinosaurs Transport Carrier Truck
- Ertl Semi-Truck with Trailer and Animals
- Hot Wheels Blastin’ Rig
- Frequently Asked Questions about Semi-Truck Toys
- What Should I Look for in a Truck Toy?
- What are the Best Brands for Trucks?
- How Long Does a Toy Truck Last?
- For What Age Are Semi-Truck Toys Ideal?
- Final Thoughts
5 of the Best Semi-Truck Toys for Kids
Here’s a breakdown of our top five favorite picks (updated for 2022):
Bruder Mack Flatbed Truck with Loader Backhoe
This realistic Mack truck is perfect for children that are avid truck lovers. This toy is not only a two-in-one deal, but the truck also shows incredible detail for a children’s toy.
This toy is on the larger size, with the trailer measuring over 3 feet long and the added backhoe reaching almost 2 feet. However, this extra length allows for incredibly realistic features, like folding mirrors, usable doors, ramps for loading the backhoe, and locks to keep the backhoe in place. With some small parts, the toy is appropriate for children aged 3 to 10.
Bruder makes their trucks in Germany, which speaks to the high-quality material and durable structure. Although both the truck and backhoe are for indoor and outdoor play, the multiple small pieces can be fragile.
Pros
- The truck comes with a backhoe.
- The loader is fully functional when detached from the truck.
- Very realistic details and moveable parts make for real-life play.
- It comes with a 5th wheel attachment for the loader.
Cons
- The pieces are slightly fragile.
TOMY John Deere Big Farm Peterbilt Vehicle
If you’re looking for realistic toys, TOMY offers a large grain truck ideal for little farmers. At almost 4 feet in length, this semi-truck toy will show your child what it’s like to work with large farm equipment.
The tarp and hoppers work well on the detachable trailer, letting your child load it and learn how grain trailers function. The lights and sounds also provide exciting interactive play for children as young as five years old.
The semi-truck does come with batteries, but be sure to keep extra AAA batteries on hand when your child wears them out quickly. Additionally, make sure your child is ready to play with this toy as the tarp, doors, and mirrors can be fragile if played with harshly.
Nevertheless, TOMY designed this truck to last through rough play both inside and outside.
Pros
- The tarp and hoppers are fully functional.
- The truck comes with lights and noises.
- The toy comes with an extra set of wheels.
- Hyper-realistic features help teach kids about how grain trucks work.
Cons
- The truck needs batteries.
ToyVelt Dinosaurs Transport Carrier Truck
Not all truck toys need to be realistic! Dinosaurs are widely popular among girls and boys, so a truck to transport their ancient friends is an excellent idea for budding paleontologists.
This dinosaur toy is a combination of a truck and a carrier with a collapsible handle for easy transport. The truck comes with six small dinosaurs that fit inside the trailer. The holding compartments aren’t only for dinosaurs; there are storage areas on both sides of the container so your child can store cars or other small toys.
This toy is not only durable, but it is also designed for younger children as it has fewer tiny pieces. Still, children up to 10 years old can enjoy some prehistoric imagination play with this unique truck.
Pros
- This toy is a combination truck and toy carrier.
- The truck comes with six dinosaurs.
- The plastic is BPA free, so the toy is safer for younger children.
- The storage part of the semi-truck is perfect for the dinosaurs or other small toys.
Cons
- The truck (and therefore the dinosaurs) are small. The truck reaches a little over one foot long.
Ertl Semi-Truck with Trailer and Animals
Seeing live animals in a trailer on the highway is an exciting moment for younger children – especially those interested in farm animals and livestock. If your child loves farms and you want a smaller or cheaper toy that doesn’t compromise on quality, this truck with a cattle trailer is an ideal option.
The semi-truck measures about 20 inches and is a very realistic replica of cattle trailers farmers use. However, since it is smaller than other options, not all truck parts are functioning. The rear door on the trailer opens, though, for easy cattle loading and unloading.
The cattle included with the truck come in two colors: black and brown. They are a decent size, so you don’t have to worry about small kids putting them in their mouths.
Pros
- ERTL products are known for their sturdiness.
- The truck comes with eight cows.
- The semi-truck sells at a more affordable price than other options.
- The detachable trailer opens and closes easily for loading the cattle.
Cons
- The advertised size is misleading; it is only about a foot and a half long.
Hot Wheels Blastin’ Rig
This semi-truck toy is sure to be a hit with car lovers, especially any child with a vast Hot Wheel collection.
This truck comes with three Hot Wheels cars, but can be loaded with up to 14 small vehicles. There are two levels where you can store the cars, and there is an easy-to-use car launcher on the side of the truck. Just pull back the lever and let it go to send a car flying from the front of the toy.
This interactive truck lets your child store, carry, and race cars. The launcher works best on tile or hardwood floor, but your child can play with it on any surface.
While this toy is great for interactive play, its materials are not the sturdiest, nor does it have the most realistic truck design. However, if your child isn’t interested in the intricacies of truck design, this toy is a good option at a reasonable price.
Pros
- The truck holds 14 Hot Wheels cars.
- There is an easy-to-use car launcher on the front of the truck.
- The toy comes with three Hot Wheels cars.
- The back of the trailer opens for quick loading.
Cons
- Since younger children can use this toy, plastic is the primary material. However, it is not as durable as metal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Semi-Truck Toys
It’s always vital that you consider all your options before investing your money in a new toy for your child. You want to make sure you choose the perfect, lasting truck for your child, so review some common questions to help you make the decision.
What Should I Look for in a Truck Toy?
First, consider what your child loves. If they enjoy farming, cars, or animals, look for a semi-truck toy that incorporates those elements.
The trucks’ quality and build are also crucial because many of these toys sell at a high price. You want to make sure you are getting the best product for your money. Check the reviews, product material, and the manufacturing brand.
What are the Best Brands for Trucks?
Well-respected brands make most of the toy trucks on the above list. For example, Bruder is a German brand known for its quality materials. Fisher-Price, TOMY, and Ertl are also popular toy brands that consistently provide quality toy products.
Some other exceptional brands include Tonka, Hess, and Green Toys, and each company has a specific focus. For example, Green Toys are made out of recycled materials and are best for younger children.
How Long Does a Toy Truck Last?
The life expectancy of a toy truck depends on the brand, material, and how rough your child plays. For example, the Fisher-Price truck is built for rough toddler play and could last for a couple of years.
The larger trucks, like the Bruder and TOMY toys, are made with long-lasting materials. However, the small parts could come apart quickly if they are played with harshly. If treated with care, these trucks can also last for years.
Make sure you get a truck appropriate for your child’s age and play style so that they can enjoy years of fun.
For What Age Are Semi-Truck Toys Ideal?
Some children become interested in trucks even before they can walk, and that passion can last until their teen years. Some adults also like keeping collectible trucks.
There is no specific age for trucks, but there are some trucks designed specifically for younger children, like the Fisher-Price truck. The larger, more realistic trucks like the Bruder and TOMY options would be better for older children who can handle the details of the toy with more care.
If you’re worried about whether or not your child is old enough, you can always check out some of the safety guidelines set by the CPSC for picking out safe toys.
Nevertheless, each child is different. Some three-year-olds can handle more mature toys, and some older kids enjoy the playfulness of toys supposedly for younger kids. It depends on your child!
Final Thoughts
Semi-truck toys are incredibly popular with children of all ages. There are so many different brands and themes of trucks, and these trucks will just keep getting better with time.
Give your child the gift of endless hours of fun with one of the top semi-truck toys. With such unique styles and focuses, you are sure to find your child’s dream truck on this list!
