Getting lucky with my new Ranger Raptor

[RaptorDadVB]

I was originally drawn to a Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. I had a place in line at a dealership for almost a year. Then the pricing came out. Between the heavy MSRP and the 5k markup I declined. It turned out to be a blessing though.

The usual suspects from this category were on the table, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Chevy Colorado ZR2, and Ford Ranger Raptor. I decided to hunt for a Ranger Raptor. I just liked the styling and the great value when put to comparison with the others in this category.

It took me about a week to find a dealership that would order one for me at MSRP. Most others were doing 10k mark ups. I put the order in end of May 2024. I wanted to keep the options simple azure gray and spray in bed liner. They let me know it would be a while, Christmas if I was lucky. No worries, I can wait.

Early July I get a call from the salesman; we got your truck coming at the end of the month. I was stunned, turns out someone ordered my truck with the exact options I wanted, and then decided not to buy it. I couldn't believe it.

This is my daily driver, and plan to keep it for the long haul. I definitely want to take it off road. I’m planning to attend the Ranger Raptor Assault school in the spring.

I’ve had it about 1000 miles now and absolutely enjoy driving this truck. Some things I’d improve if I were to have a say in design, options to black out silver on front valance/skid plate and tail pipes. A tighter fit on the seat covers as they are a bit wrinkled. Frame mounted sliders with options for side steps. A lot of things seem to be either or, but I want both.

I saw the news for the tune, but I’m not going to do it since I have the extended warranty. It would be nice though since I saw it might help with the minor things I’ve experienced with the way the OEM tune handles itself.

My first accessory is going to be a Gator SFX bed cover that should be delivered soon. I decided to go with this for the lighter weight. I was considering a hard rolling top, but read a lot of reviews having issues with the fabric/vinyl de-laminating from the aluminum slats after only a few years.

Apologies for the long story, kind of unloaded my brain there. Anyway, here’s the drip you all really want.

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[Ford Motor Company]

I was originally drawn to a Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. I had a place in line at a dealership for almost a year. Then the pricing came out. Between the heavy MSRP and the 5k markup I declined. It turned out to be a blessing though.

The usual suspects from this category were on the table, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Chevy Colorado ZR2, and Ford Ranger Raptor. I decided to hunt for a Ranger Raptor. I just liked the styling and the great value when put to comparison with the others in this category.

It took me about a week to find a dealership that would order one for me at MSRP. Most others were doing 10k mark ups. I put the order in end of May 2024. I wanted to keep the options simple azure gray and spray in bed liner. They let me know it would be a while, Christmas if I was lucky. No worries, I can wait.

Early July I get a call from the salesman; we got your truck coming at the end of the month. I was stunned, turns out someone ordered my truck with the exact options I wanted, and then decided not to buy it. I couldn't believe it.

This is my daily driver, and plan to keep it for the long haul. I definitely want to take it off road. I’m planning to attend the Ranger Raptor Assault school in the spring.

I’ve had it about 1000 miles now and absolutely enjoy driving this truck. Some things I’d improve if I were to have a say in design, options to black out silver on front valance/skid plate and tail pipes. A tighter fit on the seat covers as they are a bit wrinkled. Frame mounted sliders with options for side steps. A lot of things seem to be either or, but I want both.

I saw the news for the tune, but I’m not going to do it since I have the extended warranty. It would be nice though since I saw it might help with the minor things I’ve experienced with the way the OEM tune handles itself.

My first accessory is going to be a Gator SFX bed cover that should be delivered soon. I decided to go with this for the lighter weight. I was considering a hard rolling top, but read a lot of reviews having issues with the fabric/vinyl de-laminating from the aluminum slats after only a few years.

Apologies for the long story, kind of unloaded my brain there. Anyway, here’s the drip you all really want.

Your Ranger Raptor looks awesome, David. We're glad to have you as part of the Ford family!

 

[John E Davies]

Congratulations! I looked for that tonneau cover and did not see one that fits a RR, can you provide a link please? Do you know the weight? If it mounts across the plastic trim rails, and is over 88 pounds, you should install J braces, which are hard to find right now.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[RaptorDadVB]

I messed up the cover model in my description above, I ordered the Gator SRX from RealTruck.
https://realtruck.com/p/gator-srx-roll-up-tonneau-cover/v/ford/ranger-raptor/2024/

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