Tearing It Up Offroad...Literally!

[Nv Guy]

Why? I posted pics of some preproduction Raptors being tested on Hell's Revenge in Moab by Ford. Its pretty obvious the truck can do it.

Hells revenge is a lot different that crawling over rocks in the sierra, and yes, I have done both. Heck, we all saw the video of that guy in the cown vic on hells revenge. If you think the Raptor is a rock crawler, come on out west, I got a trail you will love (no, it isnt the rubicon).

 

[Nv Guy]

Nope.

I've done plenty of rock crawling in my Raptor (and other large sized vehicles). The Raptor can do it all. It's not a Jeep but then, Jeeps aren't Raptors. And I'd say that the Raptor can do Jeep better than the Jeep can do Raptor

By the way, the ripped running board was reportedly done by a writer doing a "test drive". And we all know how much auto "journalists" care about being nice to the vehicles they're driving. (It was Ford's truck).

OK, come up north and run this: California Trails
Then we can discuss rock crawling.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

OK, come up north and run this: California Trails
Then we can discuss rock crawling.

What's your point? You want to name trails the Raptor wouldn't be happy running? There are plenty of those.

 

[NoCaDiver]

To All:

There are several trails that neither the Jeep nor Raptor would be comfortable running. No doubt the Raptor would do for a moderate rock-crawler and the Jeep for a more serious one. The Raptor can run dunes/desert at 100 mph while the Jeep, well hmmm, I wouldn't feel so comfy doing that. Also, I've never seen an unmodified (read, striped down) full size truck doing serious rock crawler...on the other hand it can be done with a Jeep.

Point being the Raptor is not a "rock crawler" just like the Jeep is not a "desert runner." Additionally, if you want to rock crawl outfit your vehicle accordingly, not with some flimsy running boards & skid plates...don't forget the spotter.

 

[Nv Guy]

My point is the Raptor is not a rock crawler, if it was then Strawberry trail would be doable (I did it in my Jeep several times). Smashing the running boards on rocks is just as stupid as getting air in a Jeep (or a Hummer) & then being surprised that it failed.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

There's all kinds of offroading/four wheeling. The Raptor and other non-Jeep vehicles are very capable at rock crawling. But what kind of rock crawling? Any kind you're willing to do in your $50,000 Raptor.

If you want an "extreme rock crawler" get a Jeep and modify it. If you want a less capable rock crawler a stock Jeep Rubicon will work. And if you want a less capable rock crawler most 4WD vehicles will work...to some extent.

The Raptor crawls over rocks quite well. I've done as have others. To say, "the Raptor is not a rock crawler" needs clarification because at face value it's flat out wrong.

 

[warrior]

yes, serious rock crawling requires a "purpose built" rig, even though my Raptor could try? wouldnt think of taking my 50K rig on the Bronco trails.

 

[MarkT]

So MMD, where's the pics of us going up "broken shaft gulch" in A-B? There was certainly the potential there in MANY places to destroy a running board or two but I think we all made it through unscathed. Not that it was an "extreme" trail... but it was advanced.

'dawg and I went up a rock staircase near Anniversary Mine that I've seen jeeps have trouble with... Not saying the Raptor is better than a Jeep in those situations but picking a good line is often more important than having better capability. (I don't think I'll try that one again... it was pretty tricky in a few spots... chance of MAJOR damage/getting stuck)

If I wanted to crawl, I'd buy a jeep or FJ... the Raptor is "passable" but too wide, too much overhang, and too long a wheelbase for a lot of places. It does have great articulation stock though!