Raptor width and driveability

[Apeman]

I'm a long-time diesel truck owner that has been seriously considering making the jump into a Raptor. I have owned one Ford before (2001 F350 with the 7.3L PS) which I loved, but have only owned Rams since due to being a Cummins fanboy. I no longer tow anything with any frequency and I am sure a Rap can handle those infrequent occasions.

I am currently in a 2017 Ram 2500 Megacab on 37's which essentially makes my wife unwilling to ever drive it. She fears the long wheelbase and claims she can't really see well over the hood. I know the Rap is much wider than a standard F150, but is that extra width really noticeable on the road? I know it will likely be challenging for her in a drive-thru or in parking garages, for example, but what about for most other driving? I know a test drive would answer these questions but she is unwilling to do that right now due to the whole COVID-19 situation. I am now seeing (within 200 miles of me in NC) left over loaded 2019's for $8k under MSRP and $5-6k on a similar 2020. Seems like it is a good time to buy since many dealers around here had a $5k ADM until just recently. TIA.

 

[CigarPundit]

There’s a pretty amusing thread on this from a while back. Lots of “man up” type comments. Most guys on here will tell you it’s no issue at all, including me.

 

[Apeman]

LOL, yea, understandable. I have thick skin and can take the ribbing. I will be moving in the next few months, and will be likely commuting 100+ miles each day. I would be leaving the wife with the Rap for most days during the week to keep the miles down on it. I like the size aspect for protecting her and the kiddos compared to her MDX. And then I can use it on the weekends for what the truck is intended to do.

 

[JohnC12]

The only time I notice the width is when I pull into my garage (it's tight!), when I park, or when I go to "squeeze" by someone... there's a little more truck there than you think. Otherwise, when driving down the road, you don't really notice how bulky they are.

 

[Denvertaco07]

My wife, who is very skittish when it comes to driving new cars, and while she's a good driver, she's not used to big vehicles at all. That said, she was driving my Raptor daily (until I got a new job and COVID broke) and remarked how fun it was to drive. I say go for it.

 

[David Godbee]

Take the wife down to your dealer and have her test drive one. I had my Lariat in for service and my wife was looking at a Rap in showroom, my salesman asked if she wanted to test it, that was a no brainer, when we got back she said we needed one of those so we put in an order. She loves our Rap and drives it more than her Navigator. She has zero problems handling it. Her Nav is a long so she is use to the big size vehicles. I say go for it and never look back my friend! You'll love the ride!

 

[Mariners Fan]

The wife and I don't often use drive-thrus or parking garages. We don't worry about our driving abilities, we worry about everyone else. Park in the back 40 where there's no one else and take two spaces. The 360 cameras are pretty nice if you do have to get in somewhere tight and you don't have a feel for the space. The running boards can help save you from low rider door dings too if you have to park in a garage.

 

[quikag]

Only time I ever notice the width is in bank drive thru lanes as some of them I use are pretty narrow. Otherwise, the truck drives great around town and I just love the size and interior room. It’s comfy as heck. You’ll be shocked at the ride quality difference between your 2500 Ram and a Raptor.

 

[Raptor911]

Like anything that is new, you will get use to it. After 2 weeks of driving you will not notice the size difference. The fun factor of driving the raptor is that other drivers just steer clear of you because you take up the entire road. Lol!

 

[Apeman]

Thank you all for the responses. Yep, I just need to get her in one for a test drive. I really can't imagine how she won't love the truck.