Raptor Assault Course (honest review)

[DinoBirdClaws88]

Do you think you learned anything helpful while there about the truck or is capabilities?

The only realization I was able to have was the following:

An instructor will drive you around for about 40 seconds in a hot lab, I was able to really feel how the truck reacts in the most aggressive way possible. So in that sense, I was able to learn the limitation of the truck.

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[pablo94sc]

The only realization I was able to have was the following:

An instructor will drive you around for about 40 seconds in a hot lab, I was able to really feel how the truck reacts in the most aggressive way possible. So in that sense, I was able to learn the limitation of the truck.

Well that's pretty good info to have. I'm looking forward to hopefully experiencing some articulation and rock crawling extremes so I know what they feel like. Anything like that?

 

[DinoBirdClaws88]

Well that's pretty good info to have. I'm looking forward to hopefully experiencing some articulation and rock crawling extremes so I know what they feel like. Anything like that?

No- It’s a very mild trail with 6-8in rocks. It did not showcase the truck’s off-road ability. I actually got pretty bored for those few hours. The point of that exercise is to simply let everyone run through the tech and screen functions and also to turn off/on the rear/front lockers. They even say multiple times that the lockers aren’t needed, but want us to feel the difference. Towards the middle of the day you’ll ride through a prepped course that Is made to challenge the capabilities, but it lasts about 1min.

 

[pablo94sc]

That's a shame. I already know how to turn the lockers on and off, and when they are needed (rarely). I've already had the truck at 9°(?) roll on a trail. I want to really see what the truck is capable of in a controlled environment. That, IMO, a great way to experience what maximum is so you actually know when you need to back off before having a very bad time. Oh well.

 

[JimJa]

@pablo94sc. To answer your question/comment about Wyoming.

I've lived in Wyoming for 21 years and our home is at 7,500 feet. I love it here, my wife doesn't care for the cold and long winters. My '19 Ranger has 65K miles and served me well, but as I get older I threw rational thought to the wind and bought the Ranger Raptor. Do I need it - no. It was a "want." $2K under MSRP. I still have my '19 which is for sale. It was purchased early in '19 and there have been two issues, both in the first 7,000 miles. The first involved having the dealer reload sync. The second involved the truck going into limp mode while towing up Parley's Canyon east of Salt Lake. It's a pretty steep slog. around 8 miles. The codes were cleared and there has never been another issue. There is another canyon also on I-80, between Coalville and Evanston. It's not as steep as Parley's, but is more than twice as long. No issue, with engine temperature, maintaining or increasing speed or passing slower traffic.

I've spent 16-17 hours at a stretch in both the '19 and '24 and both are comfortable (6'2"/230lbs) but the Raptor is little more comfortable than the '19. Ford does seats very well.

At 7,500' there is about 22% less O2 and some of our visitors have had a problem with altitude sickness and with some it's serious. Fortunately neither my wife nor I have had a problem.

The '19. Because we are 35 miles from a grocery store and 135 miles hours from a Home Depot/Lowes/Harbor Freight/etc. Most of the 135 miles are at the 55PMPH limit along the three canyons. Economy is typically 22-25MPG (Raptor is 19-20) and I notice no lack of power, the turbo compensating for the altitude. The Raptor of course is a whole different ball game power wise, and you pay for it at the pump. Every year I tow a dual axle trailer and three ATVs to southern Utah with three people in the '19, a total towing weight of about 5,000 pounds. With the tow the economy is 12-13. HIll's represent no challenge with the tow, with allowance for the weight of course. Hill speed is easy to maintain. I typically don't go faster than 65 while towing.

 

[DinoBirdClaws88]

That's a shame. I already know how to turn the lockers on and off, and when they are needed (rarely). I've already had the truck at 9°(?) roll on a trail. I want to really see what the truck is capable of in a controlled environment. That, IMO, a great way to experience what maximum is so you actually know when you need to back off before having a very bad time. Oh well.

On the controlled course you will put the RR at 32 degrees, so that’s something…

 

[pablo94sc]

On the controlled course you will put the RR at 32 degrees, so that’s something…

Side tilt/roll? That's steep. Definitely some WHOA and pucker factor there.

 

[Johnny 5]

That's a shame. I already know how to turn the lockers on and off, and when they are needed (rarely). I've already had the truck at 9°(?) roll on a trail. I want to really see what the truck is capable of in a controlled environment. That, IMO, a great way to experience what maximum is so you actually know when you need to back off before having a very bad time. Oh well.

How do you turn the lockers on and off?

 

[pablo94sc]

How do you turn the lockers on and off?

Hit the big off road button on the center console (below AS/S), then hit the buttons in the main screen.

 

[ag02m5]

So I JUST finished my Raptor Assault class. Maybe I had low expectations due to the OP but I thought it was quite good. Everyone really enjoyed it.

The dinner before was good. Food wasn't amazing but fine. It was a nice opportunity to meet everyone and talk trucks, hobbies, etc. I wouldn't skip it if it works with your schedule.

As for the class itself, I liked it. I have done courses from the likes of Skip Barber and others but nothing off road. I can see that if you have been racing Baja, then you will probably be bored. If you have never been off road and want to see what the truck is capable of, then this is a great opportunity to push it a bit.

Yes we had to take turns but it wasn't a big deal. It was nice to sit back and watch at times.

Could it be improved? Of course.

I would have rather spent more time on the Baja course and less rock crawling. I think most felt the same.

I also would have liked to get a crack at the course after riding with an instructor. I really didn't know how capable the truck was, especially braking in the dirt.

They really need to tint the windows. I put sunscreen on and still feel roasted. I suggest long pants and sleeves, even if it is hot like today.

I wish there was an option for an add-on advanced day, even if it was $$.

Instructors were super nice and everyone was welcoming.

I am glad I went.

YMMV.

 

[Tomikaze]

The roll bar in the assault trucks looks functional. That’s what I am waiting for.

 

[KGrow]

I too attended the Assault Class yesterday and agree 100% with ag02m5.

I recognize that there are some who have a lot of experience rock crawling and even some that may have done some Baja racing, however speaking for those that have not had those more extreme experiences, I thought I was well rewarded for spending the day in the classroom, mountains and deserts of Utah. It was 100 plus degrees, a moderate dry wind and blowing dust, but I'd do it again if I were afforded the opportunity.

Defending the Ford Performance Racing School a little, it's important to remember that they have to worry about the safety of the attendees no matter what their prior experience may be, protect the investment of the trucks used so they'll last a while and familiarize the owners with how capable their new toy is. All this while dealing with what mother nature happens to dish out that day.

I though the event was well thought out and the different courses they took us on were created to showcase the diverse capabilities, engineering and different diving modes that have been incorporated in this truck.

I thought Mike, Jen and Donny were amazing instructors who communicated well and made the experience a lot of fun for all. They covered an incredible amount of information in just one day while speaking to a diverse group with a wide range of prior knowledge and practical experience, all the while creating a fun and entertaining environment.

I was assigned to Jen's group, and she was talking to us over the radios 70% of the time we were in the truck sharing a wide range of information. I'm sure even those that have more experience got good information that will make them even better off roaders. Granted, some of the information was fairly basic for experienced off roaders along with things that could easily be learned from reading the owner's manual, but I know many in our group didn't read owner's manuals and learned something for the first time. Jen made an effort to know everyone's name and I felt that she really wanted to make sure I had an enjoyable and educational time.

I will probably never take my truck on a side hill or hill climb at 32 degrees but having that experience in a controlled setting helped me build confidence in what this truck is capable of. The articulation course allowed me to see the kinds of terrain the truck can navigate and for the novice to see how lockers assist with one wheel or two wheels off the ground. That was just as enlightening to watch as it was to drive.

I loved the Baja racing track (wish it was longer) and thought I wasn't too bad until Jen jumped into the driver's seat and served some humble pie! The experience of riding with a professional driver was not only a blast but illustrated the extremes that this little beast can deliver in the right hands. They obviously saved the demo run for last, so we didn't total the truck trying to replicate the skills that took the pros years to develop.

I recognize for some there may be a sizable investment of time and money to make the trek to Utah to attend this class, so I can only speak for myself, but I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to spend a day in a Ranger Raptor with amazing instructors, associating with other Raptor owners and experiencing just a little of what this truck was made for.

I feel it was important to hear more opinions when trying to decide if the adventure is right for you.

So,
Personally, I thought it was an incredible experience!

 

[Crapblaster]

So I JUST finished my Raptor Assault class. Maybe I had low expectations due to the OP but I thought it was quite good. Everyone really enjoyed it.

The dinner before was good. Food wasn't amazing but fine. It was a nice opportunity to meet everyone and talk trucks, hobbies, etc. I wouldn't skip it if it works with your schedule.

As for the class itself, I liked it. I have done courses from the likes of Skip Barber and others but nothing off road. I can see that if you have been racing Baja, then you will probably be bored. If you have never been off road and want to see what the truck is capable of, then this is a great opportunity to push it a bit.

Yes we had to take turns but it wasn't a big deal. It was nice to sit back and watch at times.

Could it be improved? Of course.

I would have rather spent more time on the Baja course and less rock crawling. I think most felt the same.

I also would have liked to get a crack at the course after riding with an instructor. I really didn't know how capable the truck was, especially braking in the dirt.

They really need to tint the windows. I put sunscreen on and still feel roasted. I suggest long pants and sleeves, even if it is hot like today.

I wish there was an option for an add-on advanced day, even if it was $$.

Instructors were super nice and everyone was welcoming.

I am glad I went.

YMMV.

We went also. I would agree to not skip the reception dinner. The building was new and nice and they had a few trucks and chassis to look at.

They do need to put tint on the windows even if it is just Air90 just to block some of the rays.
If you have a SxS or ATV the rock crawling trail is not hard. The truck is much bigger and lower so you have to be more careful. The running boards will hit the rocks pretty easily. But you are more comfortable in the air conditioning.

The courses were fun, but not enough laps to used to the trucks handling. Baja mode is really entertaining. Trail braking will make it rotate nicely. Jen(she's a good driver) took us on a hot lap and I learned some of her techniques to go a little faster. But you don't get to go again.

All in all it was a fun day.

 

[pablo94sc]

Trail braking? Are you talking about the trail turn that the broncos have, or something else?

 

[T-Rev]

Trail braking? Are you talking about the trail turn that the broncos have, or something else?

It's a driving technique.
Trail braking - Wikipedia

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