Can a Raptor SCab be city daily driver?

[masmole]

Or am I pushing the boundaries of what is sane and practical here?

I'd like to hear from actual owners who live, work, and do most of their driving in a metropolitan area with busy streets, tight parking spots and those that deal with the chore of occasionally finding curbside parking that will fit a 220" long behemoth. Are there such owners here? Perhaps most of you live in the 'burbs and non-urban areas that having a big vehicle is not an issue?

I ask because I'd really like to make this happen. I'm in love with the SVT Raptor. I dream about it. My gf thinks I've developed an unnatural obsession and the only cure is to go buy one. However, I also fear that I will be making a big mistake and will grow to hate the truck because of the headaches it might cause. I live in Chicago, a big city, and I already know it will be harder to park it in the city when doing errands or going to work at certain neighborhoods. I also know that it will a bitch to maneuver around tight parking lots and garages including my own condo garage, and it will barely fit my own parking space. That's not to say it's not do-able. I think I love it enough to at least give it a try, though I'm not sure I'm thinking straight right now in my extremely biased obsessed state. And that's why I'm soliciting advice from some of you here that might have more common sense at the moment.

I plan on replacing my 2011 Touareg TDI (diesel) as both a daily driver and tow vehicle (for my track car). The Touareg does a stellar job of doing all this already, handles well, tows up to 7700 lbs, gets 30mpg (when not towing), and is an overall nice SUV... but it's a bit boring and far from the fire-breathing prius-stomping beast that the Raptor is!

I welcome all opinions and advice with regards to city-dweller experiences and also those who tow with their Raptor SCabs.

Below is a crappy iphone pic of where I will park (shoe-horn) the Raptor. I took measurements and backed-up my Touareg at exactly the point where the Raptor SCab would stick out. Acceptable? I think so, though I will come dangerously close to grazing my other baby every time I try to park it. Clearly, an SCrew is out of the question, as much as I'd welcome the extra towing capacity and larger fuel tank. It would stick out too much enough that other people who park in the garage might complain.

 

[RaptorScrew]

I have a SCrew and it is my daily driver! City and I park in ramps all the itme. I personally don't care if they complain. If there are no size restrictions going into the ramp you are entitled to park there.

Question would be if a truck of your size parked behind you and stuck out like that, would you run into a problem backing out?

I PERSONALLY would recommend getting comfortable (if you aren't already) backing into the spot since it's a 90 degree spot. Much easier to get out and since you probably have the backup camera, you can get right up to the wall...

 

[JuggNuttz]

also check the height. my old 99 f-250 was always cutting it real close in parking garages, and the Raptor sits much higher, i dont think i could fit mine in many parking garages. otherwise yeah its a tight fit just about anywhere you go, but if you know your dimensions and are comfortable, you should be ok.

 

[chapba]

I work and play in Las Vegas NV and have ZERO problems with the beast in the city. Some of the casino parking garages are sketchy but if you know your truck like an 'obsession' then you know where it can and cannot go. Lots of people here like the cameras but I can navigate a fire engine in the city with no problems as well so thats all on you (not fond of the camera myself). Love my SCAB and im sure you will as well!! oh and prepare for the MPG ****

 

[masmole]

Question would be if a truck of your size parked behind you and stuck out like that, would you run into a problem backing out?

Shouldn't be an issue. Fortunately, unlike the other spaces, my spaces are opposite a concrete wall where the service elevator goes through.

also check the height. my old 99 f-250 was always cutting it real close in parking garages, and the Raptor sits much higher, i dont think i could fit mine in many parking garages.

Height should be ok also. As long as the 78.5" height spec listed on Ford's ebrochure is somewhat accurate, it should clear my parking garage's 6'10 height restriction. Can't say the same about other parking garages obviously.

 

[masmole]

I work and play in Las Vegas NV and have ZERO problems with the beast in the city. Some of the casino parking garages are sketchy but if you know your truck like an 'obsession' then you know where it can and cannot go. Lots of people here like the cameras but I can navigate a fire engine in the city with no problems as well so thats all on you (not fond of the camera myself). Love my SCAB and im sure you will as well!! oh and prepare for the MPG ****

Good to know. Though Vegas is much more open than Chicago, I've been there enough times when the traffic and parking options seem just as bad as most big cities.

I don't have the Raptor yet so I have no such feel for its actual size. Currently on the fence about ordering one to replace my Touareg. The MPG **** is something I'm already used to after a history of even worse gas guzzlers in the stable.

 

[Maxx2893]

I say go for it. It can be tricky at times but the joys of this truck far outweigh anything bad. I frequent dallas, fort worth,and Houston often with no problems.

 

[Humvee21]

I'll be getting an SCREW and living in the city of Atlanta after this school semester. I'm not too worried about driving in the city or parking since my H2 is just fine and that's one big ass thing in itself. (Hummer haters or whatever I don't want to hear it...) I understand the Raptor is wider than the H2 but it is shorter in height. Length is the only thing that might make me a bit worried since it's about 30 inches longer than the H2 but I think I'll be fine if I park far away or at the very top of the deck. Anyways, it was either a Raptor or a used Hummer H1 but since the H1 is one PITA to maintain I figured I'd get a new Raptor.

I think you have other things to worry about specifically in that pic! You know, a few spots down...

 

[Squatting Dog]

Most people will get out of your way, and the ones that don't (eco **** in smart cars) are just speed bumps. You'll hardly notice them.

All joking aside, my family lives in Chicago. I had no problem with my Raptor up there. Their daily driver is a raised excursion.

My uncle says he has a harder time finding a spot for his vette, than the excursion..

Rush street

Plainfield cruze night

 

[masmole]

Length is the only thing that might make me a bit worried since it's about 30 inches longer than the H2 but I think I'll be fine if I park far away or at the very top of the deck. Anyways, it was either a Raptor or a used Hummer H1 but since the H1 is one PITA to maintain I figured I'd get a new Raptor.

I think you have other things to worry about specifically in that pic! You know, a few spots down...

Careful, I think the SCrew is more like 42" longer than the H2. Length is my big concern as well with regards to fitting into spaces and maneuvering (longer wb = larger turning radius) which is why I'm leaning towards the SCab now.