So I just got back from Raptor Assault. Overall I really enjoyed the course.
The 30 degree lean was of course the highlight, and in general the rock crawling portions were engaging. In particular, I really learned just how much clearance the truck (in Supercrew form) truly has, and it made me really want to push my Supercab. I was a bit disappointed at the amount of time allotted (and speed obtained) for the Baja portion, but can't complain. Just know the stock truck can handle much higher speeds than you're allowed to go there (confirmed by both my experience and others).
I was impressed with the condition of the trucks, despite 16,000 mile of abuse. I have been impressed with the stock tires on my truck after all the abuse I've put them through, but seeing the ones on the RA vehicles I thoroughly appreciated with just how well they hold up. The Jacob's head trail has lots of lose, sharp rock (the kind that eats up tires at speed) and with so many novice drivers commandeering trucks they don't own, you know the tires are taking more punishment than they ought to. I will note our truck's A/C and front camera were malfunctioning. One truck did get a CEL, but was swapped out in less than 10 minutes, if even 5.
As far as instruction goes, I got the impression only one of the four instructors really had any legitimate off-road experience, or at least understood exactly what the truck was doing in each different mode. Most of my questions went over the heads of the instructors, with the except of John who agreed with my observations about how the truck was set up and ran. If you want to ask me questions on this, feel free, but I won't go into detail here. Just note that John had some of the same reservations about drive modes/drivetrain setups commonly thrown around by Gen 1 owners, but after talking to Foutz he came to the conclusion I did, which is that the modes really do put you into the best setup for the terrain you will be dealing with, if speed and control is your goal. The only thing I would change is locking the rear for Baja mode for extra slide, provided you are able to throttle steer, and the terrain warrants it. Or, in cases where you are doing very tight turns, Baja 2H can be appropriate. As John noted, few drivers can steer using the pedals as opposed to the steering wheel, so Baja unlocked will be best for the vast majority of drivers. You can still certainly break loose the back end if need be.
If you'd like to see my media from the event, check out this link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ER0roirUfwH1wrm1
