The time has come to set the record straight. I have waited and read most of the threads on the bent frame issues. Now it’s time to clear up a few things previously posted.
The bent frame issue is happening all across the US, not just on the Raptors on the run. All 10 trucks did not bend their frames on the run but there were a few that did. I know my 2 Raptors had bent frames before the run. Four of the Raptors already had bent frames and 3 had no problems at all.
Pre running the course for the Raptor run. I have run this course for over 8 years now, both in trucks and on bikes. I always go out the week before and pre run it again and mark all potential hazards on the trail with my GPS. With that said, I sent out emails to all those participating in the run recommending a GPS so they can download the course and potential hazards on the trail. This was an option for the participants on the run. Some chose to do it and some did not. The course was marked with hazards. I also did all the logistics on any medical attention if needed (life fleet, 3 trauma centers on call, military medical rescue due to us being on a military base, etc.).
3. Laying markers for hazards on the trail. This is the exact reason that we suggested the Lowrance GPS unit. Some suggested that we mark the complete course the day before, run the course on Day 1, drive back after the day is over to remove all of the markers (granted we can find them all at night) and then drive back to Vegas to get ready for Day 2. Don’t forget the main rule, “NO LITTERING IN THE DESERT”. That’s why they designed and we recommended a GPS. So let’s go over the recommendations some have stated: Pre run on Friday, run the course with the participants to Las Vegas on Day 1, run it again backwards to remove the markers back to the starting location in Barstow, drive back to Las Vegas to get ready for the run on Day 2. While this IS doable, if you weigh out the cost of fuel and what we charged for the run, it doesn’t make sense. The GPS sounds like a better deal and more beneficial to the participants (especially for those who already have GPS units).
4. Radio’s for communication. Yes that would be great! We did supply CB radios to these who did not have them but the CB reception was horrible to say the least.
The most important detail to keep in mind was what you received for $489.00 per truck. So what exactly do you get for your $489.00? Let’s break it down:
Trail Direction –*We’ve run the course several times. We’ll do the logistics on medical help (if needed) and service stations. We’ll have the course on GPS, we advise you to also have one of your own so we can download the course onto yours. This will help you know where the cautions are on the trail. ( see link ) About Us
Outlaw Staff: 2 - paid Raptor Support Vehicle drivers, 3 - paid mechanics on the trail who can fix most anything (flat tires, broken steering parts, weld cracked items that might have broken on the trail, etc). They will do everything in their power to get you up and running, 1 – paid International MXT (Godzilla) driver with flat bed to get you from the course to the road. We towed out one raptor and we were able to get another back to the road (thanks to another participant) to be taken to a local Ford dealer. We then gave the driver and passenger a ride home in Godzilla.
My 2 Raptors (RSV 1, RSV 2) on the course and my International MXT (Godzilla) with a trailer that runs along the 15 fwy, act as a relay for emergencies, Raptor parts for the day’s most commonly broken (A-arms L&R, tie rods L&R, lower ball joints L&R, drive shaft w/ hardware, etc) welders and 5 of my own spare tires just in case anyone would need one. Let’s not forget the Raptors and the MXT all need “GAS” for the complete trip there and back.
Emergency Use of Satellite Phone - This is for emergencies only. ($5.00 a minute roughly.)
Dinner - A dinner will be hosted at a pre-reserved restaurant once we get to our destination. (No pun intended, but we also got stuck with the beverage bill that is NOT included in the package totaling over $1200.00).
Awards banquette - 3 awards given out, voted by the runners themselves!
Group rate on the hotel. Trust me you save big time on this. The Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in the middle of summer and on a saturday night goes for a premium. So the group rate is awesome. (Thanks to the Hard Rock for the support and we apologize about the back lot Raptor pit service)
$5,000.00 in prize giveaways from sponsoring vendors: Monster Energy, General Tire, Method Wheels, Oakley, 5 Star, Vision X, Volant Intakes, Peligroso Tequila, & Lock Straps.
Outlaw Raptor Oakley Trail Pack - This includes swag from Monster Energy, T- shirts from various sponsoring vendors, hats, lanyards, Oakley sun glasses, vendor stickers, a trail map, contact info, etc. (One hell of a grab bag!).
Drivers Meeting - Going over the day’s course and dangers.
HERE IT IS. As mentioned at the drivers meeting and I quote “drive at your own pace. This is not a race and if for any reason you are driving over your head please let me know.” My 2nd Raptor, RSV 2, chases from the rear and will make sure everyone finishes the trail.
Here is part “B” to this the pre registration form when asked what your driving ability was on a scale to 1-10 and 10 being Robby Gordon’s little brother. Only ONE participant put down a 5 and all the rest said they were a 7 or better. (Trying to pre-qualify the drivers is never easy…)
Is the trail that hard? The Outlaw Raptor Run trail is open to all licensed vehicles. For the most part it’s a lot of fire roads, pole line roads and washes used by utility maintenance vehicles. There are some slower creepy crawly sections that require you be at 5 mph to maneuver. I would rate this trail a 3. I just took a sponsoring vendor with me last week on the pre run and I won’t use his exact words, but it went something like this, “After reading the threads on the forums, I expected something out of the Baja 1000. (He laughed) and said from what I just experienced a GPS would cure everything except the cow we almost hit.”
Let’s make it really clear. We pre-run the heck out of the trail. We do advise GPS units that start around $600. We make it real clear to drive at your own pace (this is not a race). We provide a ton of support by providing paid staff, vehicles and logistics. We set a low cost for such an adventure with a ton of prizes from our sponsoring vendors. We ask your driving ability and by no means do we over do it on the trail difficulty.
THE FIX. You can bicker over whatever side you like and do the “he said, she said formula” or for the true off road enthusiast (the guys who do the Outlaw Raptor Run or similar events), there are products available to prevent this from happening. My company OUTLAW OFFROAD / OUTLAW RAPTOR, is currently making a system to prevent this from happening. We are currently testing it thoroughly and should have it out in the next few weeks. I also know that other very reputable companies like SDHQ in AZ make a system as well. I have personally been working with other structural engineers and top notch off road trophy truck builders for the best possible solution at a reasonable cost.
I started Outlaw Raptor because of how impressed I was with the vehicle itself and I strictly like to make products that the off road enthusiast will benefit from. I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy meeting other raptor owners and taking them on the off road adventures. Yes, there are weak links on every truck made but the Raptor is one that has very few. If Outlaw Raptor manufactures a part there is a good reason for it. Just because we make a bumper with dual structural mounting points, uniball heimed upper arms, heim tie rods etc, it does not mean the factory ones are poorly designed. It simply means we have designed and thoroughly tested the part to be stronger than factory. These parts are built for the off road enthusiast who is going to use their Raptor as hard as I do myself. For the daily driver and basic trail sightseer, the factory parts are sufficient. I have worked in the off road industry for over 16 years. I have raced dirt bikes and trophy trucks and I love the off road community. So no matter what your opinion is of this vehicle, keep in mind that you bought this truck for your own personal reasons. So If you plan to use your Raptor for mild to hard offroading or simply driving down the street, accessorize it with the right equipment for your adventure!
Sounds like you did all you could do... People need to stop bitching...
I'm sure you did.
