Ford Raptor - Feedback?

[sokoloka]

Thinking about replacing my Yukon with a new truck when I move back to SD in a few months - test drove a 2012 Raptor a few days ago and fell in love with it. Anyone own one / have any extended experience with it? Any other similar recommendations?

My Yukon is my daily, so whatever I replace it with needs to perform the same duties. Also needs to have comfortable seating for 5 adults (4 doors likely mandatory), be suitable for offroad excursions (where my current Yukon falls short, somewhat piggy and 22's not quite suitable), be a solid tow vehicle, and be a good roadtrip vehicle (my sales territory when I return will likely cover southern California, Arizona, and Nevada).

I love my Yukon to death but I wouldn't mind something new. Been a fantastic truck but I've been hesitant to dump surfboards, mountainbikes, etc into the back and am leaning towards a pickup again. Would like to stick GMC but don't necessarily want to build anything up to similar specs right off the bat either. Raptor's no questions asked 36k mile warranty is attractive as well... I've recently developed an interest in trophy truck racing and plan to support my buddy as a chase vehicle in Baja when I move back too. As is I spend a fair amount of time out in the desert exploring / shooting when I'm in town.

Sorry for the rambling post (juggling my three nephews while trying to compose this). All thoughts appreciated!

Thanks.

[J-440]

I've heard that the Raptor is the way to go when you go off road. Hell it's a $60,000 truck so it'd better be!! From what I've heard they do have a manufacturer's defect involving the frame between the cab and the bed. It seems at around 75 mph when you are "baja-ing" the area seems to develope stress cracks...big cracks. Whether Ford has addressed this issue I don't know. Good looking and a high performance truck though.:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Took less than 4 seconds to find an entire page of google hits with articles - including TV - discussing the cracked and bent frames in these trucks... Here's just one

http://www.autospies.com/news/Ford-Raptor-Owners-Report-Frame-Problems-65239/

[chicane]

If you are going to see anytime off-road, this platform is the only vehicle that you can actively de-select stability controls and keep the OEM electronic locking differential engaged at any speed. That is a big player if you are going to chase. All other OEM platforms don't allow the selectability... so, in the realm of 'spirited driving'... it is the only real choice.

You will however, be lucky to see 12-14mpg on a good day.

The max effective towing/trailering is reduced to 8k... which is up from the 6k of the "Super Cab." Not a big deal if you don't plan on towing/trailering very much.

We have a few for work... and they do the job. Been in service for about five years. I haven't had any of the frame issues that a few have had. But, for an OEM out of the box... it is a platform that drives with instilling confidence. The only con in the new platform is that the EPAS isn't available with the 6.2L. Not a deal breaker by any means, but the EPAS (which I have in other Ford vehicles) sure is nice.

I priced one not too long ago for personal use, at $54,000... and that was loaded (leather, sun roof, NAV, etc)... and before applicable discounts.

Another option is to purchase an "FX4", bolt on some Fox coil overs and install a Raptor transmission controller... to have the selectability AND the towing capability of the "Max trailering" option available on the FX4. That will run about $47k loaded... $1,600 for the shocks... and about $125 for the controller.

[NOPANTS68]

Was riding in my buddy's Raptor yesterday for the first time. Sounds good, lots of power, trick looking nose etc. I couldn't bare that 11.6 mpg average he is getting though.

[GregWeld]

Raptor's no questions asked 36k mile warranty is attractive as well... I've recently developed an interest in trophy truck racing and plan to support my buddy as a chase vehicle in Baja when I move back too.


You have a LOT more research to do if you think they have that policy.

I spent a whopping 30 minutes reading about this truck -- on the Raptor forums... and on Ford denying warranty because the rigs have been used OFF ROAD therefore ABUSED....

They advertise it as a high speed off-road vehicle but if you use it that way you're screwed.

[J-440]

Kind of reminds me of the old GMC Syclone supertruck. It's a pickup but if you exceed the 500lb. limit in the bed, you void your warranty. It's only there for looks.:D

[mexMan]

Frame bents easily, it's built for the jumps, but it can't stand them... it sucks huh? If that's the case I think I would go for a Ram 1500 with the trophy package, you can find it @ the Mopar website! But that's me.

http://www.globalmotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Mopar-Ram-runner-stage-II-600x399.jpg

http://www.mopar.com/mopar/ramrunner/

[67rsconvert]

I just ordered a 2013 that will be here the end of this year/early next. You can get a new Raptor for at least $3000 under MSRP so don't pay sticker. Frame weak point can be fixed for 99% of people in 20 minutes and $100.
http://sdhqoffroad.com/sdhqfordraptorrearframereinforcementkit.aspx


Great driving truck on road, great resale value, very good offroad and even good for rock crawling with front camera option and front torsen differential. Rumor is that there will not a be a 2014 Raptor so expect used prices to increase for a bit if that happens. 2013 trucks have optional bead lock rims, new dash, HID headlights and a new tan color if that is worth it to you. You can tow more thank 8k safely with a couple changes but liability is an issue if you have an accident.

Mine will be getting this after break in:unibrow:
http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1274

[sokoloka]

I just ordered a 2013 that will be here the end of this year/early next. You can get a new Raptor for at least $3000 under MSRP so don't pay sticker. Frame weak point can be fixed for 99% of people in 20 minutes and $100.
http://sdhqoffroad.com/sdhqfordraptorrearframereinforcementkit.aspx


Great driving truck on road, great resale value, very good offroad and even good for rock crawling with front camera option and front torsen differential. Rumor is that there will not a be a 2014 Raptor so expect used prices to increase for a bit if that happens. 2013 trucks have optional bead lock rims, new dash, HID headlights and a new tan color if that is worth it to you. You can tow more thank 8k safely with a couple changes but liability is an issue if you have an accident.

Mine will be getting this after break in:unibrow:
http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1274
THANK YOU! Really appreciate the feedback. I see you're in SB - what dealer are you getting your Raptor from? I test drove mine down at Ken Grody here in Carlsbad - they're charging an automatic TEN THOUSAND OVER sticker right off the bat. Almost put me off the concept as a matter of principal. Kitted out 100% how I'd like it a 2012 should be no more than 54k sticker. They had an almost identical one to what I wanted with a $65k sticker. Ridiculous.

Any idea when the 2013's come out? I won't be buying until October-ish, don't mind getting a 2012 and hopefully leveraging the changes to bring the price down.

Headlights can always be updated, don't plan on towing more than 8K ever. Only trailer action the raptor would see is my Corvette or a trophy truck up and down the 5.

Really appreciate all the feedback. Please keep it coming!

If that's the case I think I would go for a Ram 1500 with the trophy package, you can find it @ the Mopar website! But that's me.

http://www.globalmotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Mopar-Ram-runner-stage-II-600x399.jpg

http://www.mopar.com/mopar/ramrunner/Actually thought about a Ram Runner briefly as well. Any idea how much the total package runs?

You have a LOT more research to do if you think they have that policy.Definitely. Going to look into joining a few Raptor forums as well. My initial post was made after less than 30 minutes on the lot with a young salesman pushing the truck real hard. I've done no additional research (have until ~September 15th before I move home from the UK). Just going off what the salesman said, "you can blow up whatever you want on this thing, flatbed it in here and we'll replace it for free"

If you are going to see anytime off-road, this platform is the only vehicle that you can actively de-select stability controls and keep the OEM electronic locking differential engaged at any speed. That is a big player if you are going to chase. All other OEM platforms don't allow the selectability... so, in the realm of 'spirited driving'... it is the only real choice.

You will however, be lucky to see 12-14mpg on a good day.

The max effective towing/trailering is reduced to 8k... which is up from the 6k of the "Super Cab." Not a big deal if you don't plan on towing/trailering very much.

We have a few for work... and they do the job. Been in service for about five years. I haven't had any of the frame issues that a few have had. But, for an OEM out of the box... it is a platform that drives with instilling confidence. The only con in the new platform is that the EPAS isn't available with the 6.2L. Not a deal breaker by any means, but the EPAS (which I have in other Ford vehicles) sure is nice.

I priced one not too long ago for personal use, at $54,000... and that was loaded (leather, sun roof, NAV, etc)... and before applicable discounts.

Another option is to purchase an "FX4", bolt on some Fox coil overs and install a Raptor transmission controller... to have the selectability AND the towing capability of the "Max trailering" option available on the FX4. That will run about $47k loaded... $1,600 for the shocks... and about $125 for the controller.Been looking at the FX4 and hopping it up, as well as the Ram Runner concept as well. What do you do for work? How many miles have the Raptors seen?

What are EPAS?

From what I've heard they do have a manufacturer's defect involving the frame between the cab and the bed. It seems at around 75 mph when you are "baja-ing" the area seems to develope stress cracks...big cracks.Feedback like this is exactly why I started this thread. Thanks!

[camcojb]

What are EPAS?



maybe this:

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/EPAS.pdf

[chicane]

Been looking at the FX4 and hopping it up, as well as the Ram Runner concept as well. What do you do for work? How many miles have the Raptors seen?

What are EPAS?

The trucks are used for security and chase/extract, in the operations community. The majority of them have around 50k on them... and we are not nice to them by any means.

As Jody covered with his link... EPAS is the Electronic Power Assist Steering. It has a lot to do with the fuel efficiency of the late model Ford product line.

[mexMan]

Actually thought about a Ram Runner briefly as well. Any idea how much the total package runs?

$20100, and the starting price for the Ram 1500 is $21975... so I'm guessing it goes up to $42075, the Raptor is $42975, but I'm just giving you the starting prices...

[PhilR]

For a lot less money than a new Raptor, you can buy a lower mileage 2005-7 Ram 4X4 with the 5.9 Cummins, redo the suspension and add some basic engine/tranny mods to give you over 600rwhp and 20mpg on the freeway. These trucks come out of the factory very overbuilt and very undertuned. Should be MUCH stronger than a Raptor and last longer too. And the fact that you are buying a used truck makes beating on them a little easier than worrying about getting a parking lot door ding on a $60K new truck.

http://dodge-ram-lift-kit.com/dodge-lift-kit-jumping-with-kore-dodge-ram-suspension-not-a-dodge-lift-kit.jpg

[GrabberGT]

Xtreme 4X4 is building a half price Raptor. Check it out.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/show_player.php?ep_show=XT&ep_num=XT2012-09

[nvmyss]

For a lot less money than a new Raptor, you can buy a lower mileage 2005-7 Ram 4X4 with the 5.9 Cummins, redo the suspension and add some basic engine/tranny mods to give you over 600rwhp and 20mpg on the freeway. These trucks come out of the factory very overbuilt and very undertuned. Should be MUCH stronger than a Raptor and last longer too. And the fact that you are buying a used truck makes beating on them a little easier than worrying about getting a parking lot door ding on a $60K new truck.

]

I agree with this kind of thinking and I have one myself.
If your serious about having a "Chase vehicle"
I would go this route
Towing
Mileage
Durability

Two company's are very good at this
Carli & Thuren fabrication - Google these

If you keep the tune stock/near stock you can get away with very $ little in the trans.
Suspension is all up to you but just like our cars shock tuning and spring selection make or break how any vehicle handles.

[67rsconvert]

THANK YOU! Really appreciate the feedback. I see you're in SB - what dealer are you getting your Raptor from? I test drove mine down at Ken Grody here in Carlsbad - they're charging an automatic TEN THOUSAND OVER sticker right off the bat. Almost put me off the concept as a matter of principal. Kitted out 100% how I'd like it a 2012 should be no more than 54k sticker. They had an almost identical one to what I wanted with a $65k sticker. Ridiculous.

Any idea when the 2013's come out? I won't be buying until October-ish, don't mind getting a 2012 and hopefully leveraging the changes to bring the price down.
!

I ordered mine through Redlands Ford $500 over Invoice, speak with Richard Jerez in internet sales. If you ordered today you won't get until early 2013. They sell inventory Raptors at MSRP and had a 2012 Silver supercrew the last time I spoke with them.

[Stuart Adams]

Thinking about replacing my Yukon with a new truck when I move back to SD in a few months - test drove a 2012 Raptor a few days ago and fell in love with it. Anyone own one / have any extended experience with it? Any other similar recommendations?

My Yukon is my daily, so whatever I replace it with needs to perform the same duties. Also needs to have comfortable seating for 5 adults (4 doors likely mandatory), be suitable for offroad excursions (where my current Yukon falls short, somewhat piggy and 22's not quite suitable), be a solid tow vehicle, and be a good roadtrip vehicle (my sales territory when I return will likely cover southern California, Arizona, and Nevada).

I love my Yukon to death but I wouldn't mind something new. Been a fantastic truck but I've been hesitant to dump surfboards, mountainbikes, etc into the back and am leaning towards a pickup again. Would like to stick GMC but don't necessarily want to build anything up to similar specs right off the bat either. Raptor's no questions asked 36k mile warranty is attractive as well... I've recently developed an interest in trophy truck racing and plan to support my buddy as a chase vehicle in Baja when I move back too. As is I spend a fair amount of time out in the desert exploring / shooting when I'm in town.

Sorry for the rambling post (juggling my three nephews while trying to compose this). All thoughts appreciated!

Thanks.

A new Raptor as a chaser of a trophy truck in the baja will come back in a sandwich bag. Any stock off the lot truck for that matter. Those truck haul and take an extreme beating.