Hello everyone,
Will be joining SnoBall (https://www.runraptorrun.com/events/the-snoball-2025/) in January and now working through the list of prep items. If you can't tell already, I don't have a lot of off-roading experience (Snowshoe, WV/Chillicothe, OH/Serra da Canastra, Brazil). Would love to get opinions/advice/recommendation.
Read through the awesome guides posted around here for basic radio, straps, tips and tricks, and now consolidating that with the "What you need to bring" from the event page.
I'm trying to spend just what is needed without compromising safety. Here's where I'm currently landing:
Needs to be installed (taking recommendations in the Cincinnati, OH area too):
Other than general feedback on the above, questions:
Thanks for tagging along with me on my first Raptor trip. I'll be sure to write about my experience with pictures.
Will be joining SnoBall (https://www.runraptorrun.com/events/the-snoball-2025/) in January and now working through the list of prep items. If you can't tell already, I don't have a lot of off-roading experience (Snowshoe, WV/Chillicothe, OH/Serra da Canastra, Brazil). Would love to get opinions/advice/recommendation.
Read through the awesome guides posted around here for basic radio, straps, tips and tricks, and now consolidating that with the "What you need to bring" from the event page.
I'm trying to spend just what is needed without compromising safety. Here's where I'm currently landing:
Needs to be installed (taking recommendations in the Cincinnati, OH area too):
- Spare tire support for bed - TBD, haven't picked one yet
- Rear facing amber lights (assuming it's the one top back of the truck) - currently looking at GJ Motorsports
- Flat tow strap - (heard Yankum is a good brand) https://yankum.com/products/3-inch-flat-tow-strap?variant=39734978871502
- Recovery rope - https://yankum.com/products/off-road-recovery-kit?variant=41219240657102 - comes with soft shackles
- BAOFENG VHF Radio - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK/?tag=fordraptorforum-20
Other than general feedback on the above, questions:
- Tires:
- Currently running low on tread on Nitto RidgeGrapplers 35-12.5x20. Don't like their wet performance although ride noise is decent and love the look. Thinking of getting MT Baja Boss (https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/light-truck-tires/baja-boss-a-t) as it's 3 peaks certified and seems to have better wet performance. Thoughts?
- Tunes:
- I have a Cobb AP that came with the truck when I purchased but never installed it. Should I do it before the trail to enjoy more HP with the Stage 1 out of box map? I don't have any performance modifications on the truck yet, just run 93 all the time.
- Traction issue:
- 4H/4L have been finicky this season ... I had replaced the actuator, did the trick for a while. Tried engaging both a couple of months ago, got the dreaded yellow wrench. Been trying again the past couple of weeks, working ok. Ford shop says it's all good. Any further testing or checks I could do to ensure I won't end up stuck?
Thanks for tagging along with me on my first Raptor trip. I'll be sure to write about my experience with pictures.