Raptor Overland

[SilverBolt]

So my truck is on a train somewhere in TN and is scheduled to get to my dealer in SC sometime early next week.

Spoke to Cole at ADD earlier today and decided to dial back the mods a smidgen. Having never owned one of these trucks I think it's wise to build the truck up slowly as I discover what I may need, and how its driving performance changes as I incrementally add things, rather than throw a whole bunch of stuff blindly and hope that it's what I will eventually want.

That said, what one might refer as stage 1 includes the following:

- Matte PPF
- HB front bumper with BD lights
- Winch
- Intercooler relocate (black).
- BD light bar behind grille
- HB rear bumper with BD lights
- Foutz Skid Plate kit
- Decked bed system
- Lowrance GPS (model tbd)
- RPG 1.5" level collars (depending on how the truck sits when all the mods are on)

I'm going to ship the truck to ADD sometime on the back end of Nov. and it will be done in time by the second week of January when I plan to spend a month in Sedona, so I'll just pick it up when I land in Phoenix and will have plenty of time to test it out in its natural environment. Then I will decide if I want to do the rear Deaver leaf springs, or maybe do a full suspension and wheels, and if I want to add the spare chase rack ... all that would be stage 2.

How does that plan sound to you guys?

I do have a specific question in regards to the Decked system if anyone happens to know. I would like to figure out if there is a way to get an organizational system on top of the Decked platform. Basically I would like to know if there is a way to secure water/fuel canisters, an air compressor, and general boxes of supplies. They do have trax rails to secure cargo https://decked.com/collections/accessories, but I'm looking for something more rigid than straps. From what I understand anything that is made to work on a truck bed can be also used on a Decked bed, so perhaps you guys can point me to something that might work.

Thanks.

Just an FYI, light bars behind the grill lose more light than they project. I made the mistake on my 2011 of putting a 40" Rigid behind the grill. Big waste of money for the amount of light.

 

[soulsea]

Just an FYI, light bars behind the grill lose more light than they project. I made the mistake on my 2011 of putting a 40" Rigid behind the grill. Big waste of money for the amount of light.

Yup, I actually made a mistake ... the second light bar isn't placed behind the Ford grille, it's a 20" bar placed behind the ADD logo on the bumper. That will also lose a lot of light. I'm thinking of doing one of the following three things:

1. Put an amber 20" behind the ADD log and make the side bumper lights amber as well, and aim all of them somewhere between a fog light and low beam pattern. Then aim the main light bar as a long distant spot light with a high beam pattern.

2. Switch to the Venom R bumper with the two light bars: Buy 2017-2018 Ford Raptor Winch Front Bumper | Venom R (but then I lose the side lights)

3. Just delete the 20" light bar and keep everything else as is.

 

[soulsea]

She finally came in a couple of days ago:





Decided to do the orange accents with the gloss carbon file trim, which I think came out great:





Up next is matte paint protection film (and tint) ...

... and adjustable front level collar: http://www.svcoffroad.com/product-page/2017-raptor-c-a-s-coil-adjustment-system

 

[soulsea]

Need help here pretty please: http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f264/please-help-me-decide-between-two-add-bumpers-58396/

@Addictive Desert Designs

 

[mcote1]

She finally came in a couple of days ago

Congrats on truck coming in. Look forward to seeing build

 

[paulny]

Congrats! My truck, which is almost identical to yours except for the interior trim color, is due in any day now. I am excited to see your build as you are giving me some great ideas. Thanks

 

[soulsea]

Quick q on chase radios ...

Can someone tell me if I need UHF, VHF, or both UHF/VHF?

And is there a handheld solution for whichever one I should get?

Thanks.

 

[Ditchplains1]

SoulSea,
Virtually all of the races.rallies/group runs utilize the VHF bands. There are a number of radio threads here on FRF. Go to the top of the page and search for "The one and only radio thread" There is a wealth of knowledge in this thread.
Please note that most group runs utilize the MURS VHF frequencies. By law one cannot transmit on these frequencies at higher than 5 watts power; most radios transmit at higher power and have an electronic power step down to prevent transmission over 5 watts on these frequencies. Why use MURS frequencies? Because the MURS frequencies do not require a Ham radio license. It is relatively easy to bypass these step downs so that you can transmit with the full power that your radio possesses.
Lastly the MURS 1-5 frequencies are also called GLRE 1-5, snoball 1-5, etc.
Most upper level radios have the capability to transmit on more than one set of frequencies; UHF and VHF and others too...
Eddie

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/one-only-radio-thread-34162/

 

[dude1782]

I would say VHF but it really depends on who you're going with. If you're hanging out with desert people, VHF is the standard. Lots of Jeeple run CB.

 

[xxaarraa]

Just got back from a 3 day overlanding trip in northern Maine. Raptor is an awesome overlanding platform.