Raptor advice

[nimrod]

I was wondering if any Ford Raptor owners out there could share with me what they think of their trucks. I think I want to buy one but the towing capability is a little light and so is the payload rating.

Have you had any issues?

Do they work well as a chase vehicle as far as backing up a fully loaded F-350 and running out to the course with parts that may be needed on the race course.

Any input from someone who goes to the races as a chase crew in a Raptor would be greatly appreciated.






PS. The Alumi-Craft is fully prepped (as in just spent 9K on it) and available for 43k

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[pdailey]

Great thread started here by Travis.

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/sho...or-6.2L-Review

[treypal]

I love my black 5.4L. I dont get todo much prerunning in Texas, but we are going to run most of the 1000 course this year. The tow rating is low, but the truck tows really well. I towed around 4000lbs yesterday no problems, the tow/haul mode is pretty good, it even downshifts going down a hill when you tap the brakes. I get decent mileage around 14-15mpg. The interior is super comfy, and the factory nav/microsoft sync is pretty sweet. I've got 21,000 miles on it without a single problem. I'd say the only downfall is that the truck grabs alot of attention (unless you like that sort of thing)

Go get one!

[OldStroppeTeam]

Raptor FULL of chase stuff in the Running washes at this years Parker. We pulled the BITD guys out the MUD, then went and helped them pull out the cars stuck in the wash where our racer was stuck.... OH YES, I had FULL PERMISSION from BITD Officials !!

Also we towed atrailer with 2 aluminium rescue boats to Wenden during the flooding. Drove the truck in to water over the running boards to lauch the boats on the streets of Downtown Wenden. Tows with no problems ..

[chadrag2]

Off-the-Beaten-Path Rally

5 days, 1550 miles in a Stock Ford Raptor
http://www.race-dezert.com/home/off-...ay-1-8756.html

[Chaplain]

Nimmy, I'm not much of a government motors kinda guy but you can't go wrong with the motor/transmission package on this http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/t...second&id=8117. You could pull stumps out of the ground with it, and then go light prerunning all with the AC on and at 15mph.

Or we could get that 928 off BAT and run the Silver State Classic Challenge.

[Chas Moore]

Not big on the raptor. I have driven/preran/chased one and have a very good idea of what they are capable of. What do you want to know, they do not begin to compare to a built prerunner or chase truck. For your application it would work, but you would save money building your own comparable truck or do what Chaplin says and get something prebuilt and badass.

Highs:
Comfortable
FOX suspension
Looks cool
Integrated trailer brake control...
Rear diff
Its based off an F150

Lows:
Price (Real cost of a Raptor will be 10k over MSRP, around 49k, with options like sync)
weak trans-case mounts
Factory lift blocks?
Dampeners all over to make the ride nice and add more crap to break off. Rear brake ones are worst.
payload and towing
Ford claims on newer UCA but it is a extended stock stamped steel unit with balljoints...
They are lacking in the power department (Although they are no longer selling the 5.4 only the 6.2) I've only been in the 5.4
Tranny is typical F150
Ford steering feel
Its based off an F150

Neutral:
Sync is cool but the GPS wont do you any good offroad + $2000
Suspension works great but so would a bolt on long travel system.

[nimrod]

Everyone thanks for all the input. I already have an Alumi Craft that is pretty dang tough. I'm ready to cruise with the A/C on and Sirius radio rocking in the background. I'm not really looking for a full on prerunner style of truck, (plus if you know much about me you know I'm a buggy dork) I think the Raptor would fill the bill pretty nicely for me while chasing Pab around Baja in, or on whatever thingy mabob it is that he's rockin the Baja with.

I just saw the new tranny that Ford is developing for the Raptor at Culhanes a week ago so I'm pretty secure with that issue. The thing was HUGE and looked tough on the outside, prolly one of the reasons the Raptor is so heavy.

I gotta sell the Buggy to buy one and toys aren't selling so hot right now so we'll see what happens.

[MX808]

Nimrod we preran the xo 250 out in virginia city in pabs old car and the whole time one of those ford raptor trucks were in front of us and that ting preran very quickly. The only upgrades he had was race seats with harnesses and a full cage. IMO they are great trucks and would make a fine prerunner/chase/recovery vehicle.

[nimrod]

Thanks again everyone. Man the trip that Chad took looks like it was a blast!