Ranger Raptor 7000 mile update. Still AMAZING!!! Short (7min) and long (50 min) review / updates

[@chaleowin7732]

I've purchased 25+ cars in my life and it takes 6 months for me to pinpoint exactly what I want. I appreciate the detailed video; it provides excellent information for anyone considering a purchase.

[@flaberdoopin]

@@chaleowin7732 This is such awesome feedback, thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I’m glad it is useful to anyone trying to make the perfect decision for their next vehicle.

[@stuartmunto4755]

I took mine out in the wet recently and was astounded to how easy it was to handle when having a little fun. The feeling you get through the seat and steering wheel is nothing like I've ever had before. You feel the car lose traction and its almost like slow motion in allowing it to slide and when it does come back, there's no violent snap. So comfortable and easy. They really knocked it out of the park with handling and feel - which is so surprising given its a 2.5t offroader. The Topher recently did a video on drifting it in the wet and you can even see how easy it is to control - no crazy hand movements on the steering wheel, no violent snaps. Just pure ease and confidence

[@flaberdoopin]

That’s awesome… I’m gonna have to check out that video… i have a blast on the dirt roads around here for sure… you hit the nail on the head with your description though, it is awesome and like you said, no crazy snap back… the Focus RS was similar when it corrected itself when it got sideways. Ford is getting pretty good at this stuff.

[@stuartmunto4755]

@@flaberdoopin it’s definitely worth a watch! Also thanks for the video - so much great information as always. It’s always nice to have someone else fully validate exactly how I feel towards the Ranger Raptor! Thanks again

[@flaberdoopin]

Heck yeah! Cheers

[@raiderjkwong]

Love your content. I am looking at all the vehicles you have mentioned and I really appreciate you honest feedback about your Raptor. I just sold my Mercedes AMG C 63 S and this is the only truck that gives me that similar driving experience.

[@flaberdoopin]

Thanks so much for the comment and I’m glad you like the ranger raptor! That AMG with the V8 is a beast! The raptor isn’t gonna replace that on the twisting roads but it sure is fun to get it sideways on the dirt roads!

[@samwang7774]

Thank you so much for putting such detailed review man! Can't wait for my RR same color coming in within 1-2 weeks. It was just shipped July 8 and hopefully it will get here soon!

[@flaberdoopin]

right on man, i was really tempted to not post it because of how long it was but like i said in the beginning, this is the kind of stuff i would have wanted to see when i was looking for my truck! Cheers. and thanks a lot for the comment, I really appreciate all the feedback i get both positive and negative to try to make better videos!

[@WesGoodlett-em4jk]

Nice! I appreciate your insight on this truck. I also am grateful you were brave enough to tinker with your truck to show how everything works, comes apart and then put back together. I have also upgraded B&O system to the Kicker Key and 10 inch hideaway Kicker. I ordered the hitch light from Diode Dynamics, added 32 light bar behind the grill, and the Raptor lights from Indi Carbon. I have just under 6K miles and love this truck too!!!

[@flaberdoopin]

Right on! It sounds like you and I have the same ideas on what we want this truck to be… the performance is awesome but there are some fun easy things to upgrade to make it that much better! Thanks for leaving a comment, I appreciate it every time! Cheers

[@HurtDaddy]

Really like the Black Oak stuff but looks too deep for behind the grill.

[@flaberdoopin]

there are so many great offroad light options out there, i hadn't actually heard of black oak but i just looked it up and they look awesome. the one i got was a bit big and required some trimming but there are a lot out there that fit right in with no modifications required.

[@patcoleman1742]

Love your videos and talk about driving your Raptor into DC. I'm in Rockville but haven't done that yet. I also love your attitude "it is what it is" about things that aren't perfect with it. Looking forward to more.

[@flaberdoopin]

Thanks so much for the comment! Driving into the city with the Ranger is no issue at all, i mean i see delivery trucks everywhere so a bigger vehicle is obviously doable but just cumbersome and i do not like to be the person holding up traffic to make a turn or get into a parking spot. i live by the 'if everyone did it would it still work' philosophy and it would be chaos if everyone drove a full size truck in the city! And yeah, just gotta roll with the punches, no vehicle is going to be perfect, if you look hard enough you will always find faults, just gotta choose your battles, right?

[@1guarino]

Your passion for cars is obvious! Nice job.

[@flaberdoopin]

I appreciate that!

[@boomcr7302]

I really enjoyed your detailed breakdown and analysis! I have this truck in Australia and also love it as much. Best regards and look forward to your future vids mate 🍻

[@flaberdoopin]

Wow, thank you so much for the comment! i really appreciate it, fair dinkum, and i'm super jealous of all of you Aussies that have been able to play with this truck for the last few years while we were stuck here living vicariously through you all.

[@pistoleharley]

thanks for sharing your experience & thoughts with this 3.0 Raptor. Much appreciated.

[@flaberdoopin]

You bet… cheers!

[@barryadams9757]

Love your split version just watched the short version will come back when I have time & watch the long version. have ONE ordered at msrp I'm in Alabama trying to learn everything I can lot of videos popping up now ENJOY YOURS the most & your not calling it a car !🤣🤣

[@flaberdoopin]

Thanks a lot for the comment and I’m glad the split short/long version worked out as planned haha. I thought the whole video would only be 15 min when I made the cards haha. I lived in Montgomery for a year and a half a while back. I loved Alabama! Cheers and enjoy the truck when you get it!

[@ericwilson740]

Super video! Mine finally came in last week....just a few issues. Keep up the great content, Kyle!

[@flaberdoopin]

glad you got your truck! let me know if you figure any cool stuff out about it that i might not know... i'm always trying to learn more about this bad boy!

[@bigd2256]

What issues? I get mine Monday

[@hipostang23]

I ordered a 2025 Maverick hybrid AWD today, but couldn’t stop looking at the ranger raptor! Couldn’t stomach the $12k mark up, so I’ll have to seek comfort in the locking gas tank lid…😂

[@flaberdoopin]

That maverick is an awesome truck for sure.

[@rrmruss]

Thank you, Bro that was a very thoughtful video. Hope to run to you on the raptor assault, going at end of sept.

[@flaberdoopin]

That would be awesome! I was supposed to go last week but ended up having to check into my new command early so now I’m looking at 29-30 sept so maybe I’ll see you there! Cheers

[@rrmruss]

@@flaberdoopin perfect! I’ll see you then. I assumed you fly. I’ll be driving from Las Vegas.

[@flaberdoopin]

Right on. I’ll most likely fly… it’s a long freaking drive from VA but it might be fun… I’ll decide soon but probably fly

[@dubyamiyami]

Colorado has 310HP dosent matter what trim, got a Ranger Raptor for MSRP love it, but I wish it had ventilated seats

[@flaberdoopin]

Oh, maybe it was the torque that was mid 300s. Either way I love my Ranger as well and wouldn’t trade it!

[@PatrickButhmann]

I have to say, I thought I was the only one, but it was only 13 vehicles over 15 years of marriage! Similar to yourself, I just traded my 2021 M3 (6-spd) for a 2024 Ranger Raptor, and admittedly it was very much on a whim. I've never been a big SUV fan, always preferring either a truck (practical) or a sports car of some sort. I loved my M3 and it was fabulous to drive, but I found that it was far too tempting to let almost 500 HP loose. I've been a fan of the F-150 Raptor for years, but the markups have been ridiculous, and when you live in a densely populated area, the F-150 version just becomes unmanageable. I first saw a Ranger Raptor when travelling in Thailand for business, and I've been eagerly waiting for them to hit our market. Luckily, I got my Ranger Raptor for about $5K below MSRP as well.

[@flaberdoopin]

That's awesome that you found such a great deal on the truck! there are still a lot of dealers trying to charge markups so you did awesome. I do agree with you that the smaller sports cars are way too much fun and always tempt me to let loose with them as well. The ranger raptor is just the right amount of fun and doesn't really catch the eyes of the police like the sporty little cars. What other vehicles have you had? i'm always interested to see what other people who go through vehicles like me drive. Thanks for the comment! Cheers.

[@bryy2053]

Thanks again for sharing. I can't wait to recieve my truck and watching your videos is entertaining and exciting. I have so many ideas I'd like to do, and one of the first I'm thinking of is dark bronze method racing wheels which I think would look fantastic with the shelter green, which is the color i wanted and feel lucky to get. Runner up for me would be azure gray and although I've had a few white cars and I'm kind of bored with it, the white is growing on me on this truck

[@flaberdoopin]

thanks for the comment. i'm glad you like the videos and hopefully you get some useful information out of them. i think shelter green with the dark bronze methods will look amazing! I honestly think all of the color options on this truck are great. Cheers

[@bryy2053]

@flaberdoopin yes it's cool to hear your experience with the truck. From what I see I think my biggest gripe, given everything is mechanically sound is going to be the shifter. I haven't used it and I'll probably get used to it, but I know right off the bat I perfer the conventional notch shifter. I want the methods because reducing the weight of the wheels on this truck I feel would make a pretty big difference. Maybe I'm wrong. Plus I doubt I'll ever use beadlocks so I may try to switch my spec to the normal wheels and spend that $$ on the methods.

[@flaberdoopin]

@@bryy2053 yeah, i dont think i will ever actually put the beadlock rings on either and i think you will absolutely be able to measure and tell a difference between the reduction in Ursprung weight. I think it would be hard to feel it just from the ‘seat of your pants’ driving, but if you ran a draggy for several 0-30 or 0-60 runs in similar conditions with same fuel you would likely see a big quicker acceleration with the lighter wheels. Worst case, you get the beadlock wheels and sell them to put that towards the new wheels.

[@bryy2053]

@flaberdoopin yeah for sure. I think it would be noticeable in steering and suspension/handling the most because you're right, those are HEAVY wheels/tires. It's nice it comes from the factory with probably the best tires in the KO3s. I've been watching some off road channels that are tire experts and it's eye opening how much research and technology is involved in making modern tires. The KO3s are a great all around tire.

[@flaberdoopin]

that's awesome... i'm no tire expert but i really like these KO3's as well... i have had a few differen't A/T and Mud tires on my older vehicles and these are my favorite all around by far.

[@GauravRajasekar]

Nice, detailed video. Any chance you have a link to the clip on rear / under body camera / rear view mirror you bought?

[@flaberdoopin]

Sorry it took me a a bit to get back to you on this one, I replied to your other comment as well but I’ll throw the link here too. pelsee.com/mirror-dash-cams/

[@GauravRajasekar]

Thanks! ​@@flaberdoopin

[@flaberdoopin]

i replied to your other comment but i'll post it here as well.. i went with the P12 Pro Max... it is the best out there for the money based on my research. pelsee.com/product/pelsee-p12-pro-max-mirror-dash-cam/

[@DFrigger]

I'd bet the market difference would have something to do with F150 being huge in NA and not wanting to eat too much into the market share whereas it smaller "ute"-midsize is ideal in those other markets and will generally sell more.

[@flaberdoopin]

You may be right on that… we love our full size trucks here in NA… and the f-150 is one of the most sold out there. I guess I just don’t get it when they sabotage one vehicle to hype another…

[@Draxman_4]

I traded my Focus ST over the weekend for a Shelter Green.

[@flaberdoopin]

Awesome! I did love both my ST and RS… I think I may try to find a little fiesta ST in a few years as a super fun commuter/auto cross vehicle. Focus was awesome but I liked driving the fiesta at octane academy. Hope you love your ranger… it is so freaking awesome

[@curtl1694]

Howdy, finally got my Ranger Raptor and love it! Questions for you. Can you customize the calm screen? I’d like to see RPM and not fuel. Also I’m considering a bed cover. Saw you had the bak roll up. Would you do a folding one instead? The Ford Leer one is nice or a Paragon.

[@flaberdoopin]

glad to hear that you got your truck! I dont know exactly what you are asking about the calm screen. the 'calm screen' is just blank on mine and i have the option to go through current mileage, the different trips, or all of the internal temps and turbo boost/vacuum. you can also change the two middle gauges at the top of the display to whatever you want but the outter two (coolant temp and fuel level) dont change. Not sure if that helps or not. For my truck the RPM is always displayed on the left and speed on the right then i usually have the list of temps and pressures in the middle or sometimes just the little truck with the current mileage.

[@curtl1694]

Hum I will need to play with the calm screen. All mine shows is the mph and miles left on screen. Too many setting to play with! My Bronco is way simpler for changing stuff. I had to have the dealer show me where to add the tire psi. Threw me for a loop.

[@howhigh46]

Beautiful truck! Where is the 12v auxiliary outlet ? like for a radar detector to be plugged in

[@flaberdoopin]

It is in the center console, not up on the dash unfortunately. Only USB A and USB C up on the dash

[@skyoung419z]

Excellent video, my RR is on order. Do you intend to install the new “factory tune” option?

[@flaberdoopin]

Thanks a lot and congrats on your truck. Hope it is built well and quickly for you! I already ordered my tune :) just waiting for it to release on the 19th and I’ll take it in to get it installed! It is going to be a whole new truck after this tune

[@jamesjannell8706]

Happy tp hear yout still hsppy with the new truck. Any plans to change up the wheels andxtires ? Cheers,

[@flaberdoopin]

i am loving it. i dont think i'll swap out any wheels and tires until these tires are worn all the way out. I think these wheels look alright but some lighter weight wheels would probably make a noticable difference in handling and acceleration

[@jamesjannell8706]

You know what I totally agree with you. Stock wheels really look decent. Thx for your continuous content on your RR.

[@shadowswordairsofteast]

If they do come out with a Ranger Raptor R it better have AC vents for the rear passengers.

[@flaberdoopin]

100%

[@JimBering]

A desert racer in Virginia. Makes a lot of sense. What's he going to do with it? Rush to DC?

[@flaberdoopin]

Haha… there are actually a lot of trails out here in VA but I do appreciate your negativity, hopefully you share it with your family and friends as well as us on KZbin! Cheers

[@jamesjannell8706]

Great review. Thank you. I still love my Mojave but would certainly consider this truck next year. However, can you tell me if ford offers a pickup bed cargo control system, with sliding tie downs on sides and front ?? Thx JJ

[@flaberdoopin]

I don’t think that is available from ford. I loved that on my Tacoma! There are probably some aftermarket options but I haven’t seen it yet

[@jamesjannell8706]

Thank you for letting me know. Hopefully ford will jump in on a track system.

[@adamengelke5264]

How was wiring to your Aux switches? Do you have a video on how you wired up your lights to your aux switches?

[@flaberdoopin]

The aux switch wiring is super straightforward. I have a few videos where I tie into the aux switches when wiring up the amber marker lights and my off-road lights

[@theobserver9565]

I took a Ranger Raptor for a test drive and I have to admit I liked it. If it had a bigger gas tank I would seriously consider it. My test drive netted 12 mpg. Its rated 16 city and I know in the winter it will get around 14mpg. The combination of small gas tank and very poor mileage is a turn off.

[@flaberdoopin]

yeah, if you are looking for a ranger raptor, it isn't for the mileage, that's for sure! not sure what else out there has performance of the RR and the range you are looking for in stock form.

[@murrynathan]

Approximately 25 minutes of this video is dedicated solely to the discussion of hood struts. Then, when you think he’s about to move on, it’s more hood struts. He got rid of the hood struts btw.

[@flaberdoopin]

Wow, i didn't realize i talked about the hood struts for 25 minutes... yikes. that's half the video. i'll have to do a better job next time.

[@murrynathan]

@@flaberdoopin I’m just kidding. It was a great video. Thanks.

[@wellslarsen6744]

@flaberdoopin - Did you have a video showing the Yakima install? Which Yakima mount is that?

[@flaberdoopin]

I didn't make a video on it but i can totally do one the next time i take it off of the truck. This is the Yakima outpost rack with the Tonneau cover T-slot footpack. I also have the Yakima LockNLoad on top of it to mount my shower and hammock stand.

[@wellslarsen6744]

@@flaberdoopin Thanks!!

[@wellslarsen6744]

@@flaberdoopin Do you happen to know the length of your cross bars? Are they the short or medium ones?

[@flaberdoopin]

@@wellslarsen6744 mine are 68” bars

[@curtl1694]

Howdy another question for you. I’m tall and were a size 11 shoe. Have you noticed the top of your shoe hitting the airbag when going from gas to the brakes? I saw another person on Ranger6g complain about it too. I have to be mindful so the top of my foot doesn’t hit the airbag. No clue why Ford would hang it down that low. My Bronco doesn’t have an air bag right next to my feet.

[@flaberdoopin]

Yeah! For the first 2-3 weeks I was getting my toe caught on the heater vent ( not an airbag) when going from gas to brake. But haven’t had any issues once I got used to it. Doesn’t excuse the poor design but it has not been an issue lately now that I have adapted to it

[@RxngerRxptor]

i am at 1509 Miles bc it ain't my daily car but if i feel like it or it rained i drive the Raptor and i also have a new car on the way not really new but a 2016 Toyota Harrier

[@flaberdoopin]

You have quite to car collection! Very cool

[@doughboy00008]

Is there a tip or trick to turn on the bed lights on beside the dash? Would love a switch at the bed or on the fob.

[@flaberdoopin]

Sadly not one that I have found, but I will look again to see if

[@doughboy00008]

@@flaberdoopin I’ll be waiting for you to do the mod so I can copy.

[@mrvang8077]

I hate buying one vehicle after another. I rather just get one that I love and keep it forever.

[@flaberdoopin]

yeah, i have loved every vehicle i have had but they are all just so much fun and it's hard to stick with one... for now this truck is my all around favorite and hoping to keep it long term

[@imhann98]

Another well informed video, you seem like a real intelligent dude. I have a question about the airforce or military. Im 25 and have been thinking of enlisting, am i too old? Thanks man

[@flaberdoopin]

i am not a recruiter but i can tell you that you could get into the reserves for sure and i'm pretty sure you aren't too old to join up active duty either. I think the age limit for the naval academy was like 24 years old and you dont start up in the navy proper until you graduate 4 years later so there are 28 year olds getting commissioned. id be willing to be the marines are the most stringent on age limits but i would think that as a 25 year old you would be good to go... okay, i opened another tab and searched it... you are good to join pretty much any branch! Good luck and i hope you decide to do it if it is what you want. I joined up 4 days after graduating high school and am still doing it today 24 years later. (the first 4 years didnt count as active duty time because it was at the naval academy, but it was still the military and i still signed my life away haha). Cheers and good luck! GO NAVY... but honestly all the services are awesome

[@HurtDaddy]

@@flaberdoopin I picked up a couple little comments in your videos. Are you a pilot as well?

[@flaberdoopin]

that's what i started out doing in the Navy, but i got hurt during a training flight (an instrument flight of all things) and ended up getting medically disqualified

[@jayrod377]

I have a 2015 Colorado Z71. Would I like this better?

[@flaberdoopin]

It will be quicker and nimbler for sure but that z71 is an awesome truck.

[@jayrod377]

@@flaberdoopin​​⁠it’s been in the shop quite a bit over the years. Almost 140,000 miles on it. It’s going good, just worried I’m pressing my luck. Either that or your truck is just going to increase in cost in the next year or two and then I’ll be stuck. Thoughts?

[@flaberdoopin]

I had a 1994 s-10 that I put 240,000 miles on with nothing but fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant) and the occasional tune up (cap rotor and plugs/wires) and when I sold it, it was still running great. Chevy trucks are pretty stout! I love new vehicles but if I had to buy one truck to last forever it would be an early 2000s Tacoma or a s-10/colorado. I’m hoping that this ranger lasts as long as the S-10 I had but I have a feeling it will require a lot more than oil changes and spark plugs

[@jayrod377]

@@flaberdoopinwhat makes you have a feeling it’s going to require more maintenance? Just because the new stuff doesn’t last a long as the old stuff, or something else?

[@Anonymous-sy2nh]

I may have missed it on your videos, but do you have gaps on the left and right side of the tailgate, enough to see visible light in the bed? I’ve seen a few other reviewers showing overly large gaps.

[@flaberdoopin]

yes, the gaps are about the same as all the other panel gaps around the vehicle but it doesn't overlap other sheet metal like a door to the pax cabin so you can see light through it. I dont really see it as an issue but it would let water in if you sprayed a hose right on it for sure.

[@davefisher5196]

I missed your overall and highway mpg

[@flaberdoopin]

Overall is 16.1 and highway (70-75 mph with rooftop tent as a speed brake) 19-20

[@davefisher5196]

@@flaberdoopin I have a ZR2 with 80,000 miles Great riding but only need the off road aspect a couple weeks out of the year. Pulling the boat is only reason I need the power

[@billycollazo8089]

How about mpg long distance Thanks

[@flaberdoopin]

it's not good haha. when you are rolling down the highway at 75 you aren't even getting 19 mpg unless you are tucked in behind a big semi tractor trailer... if you are chilling at 55 you might bet 20-21 at best. I was actually pretty surprised at just how bad the mileage was on a 3L turbo charged truck, but it is just a big old speed brake rolling down the road with a lot of rotating mass and unsprung weight. for my 800 mile road trip on highways i didn't even get 18.5 average... oh well.

[@abiliopilides9436]

Does the Fuel tank flap locks whenever the car is Locked ??

[@flaberdoopin]

Not on the US version… pretty crazy cuz it does overseas

[@abiliopilides9436]

@@flaberdoopin thanks for the reply !

[@munch2048]

I picked mine up yesterday for msrp 57800 and there is on 30 miles away for 70 thousand

[@flaberdoopin]

Nice! There are deals to be found for sure. Especially now that it has been around for 4+ months.

[@Lensync7]

Pay more than Msrp? 😂😂😂😂

[@flaberdoopin]

Not understanding how supply and demand works? 😂😂😂😂