Checking in From NorthEast Florida here. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a, new to me, 2014 Raptor.
Prior to this I had an 07 Tundra that I massaged a bit. I use it for work everyday and hunting and fishing. It's getting a bit up there in mileage and I can tell it's getting ready to have some issues so I figured it was maybe time to get something a little newer. I was all for something practical, but the girlfriend (who's way more into cars than I am) pushed me towards the raptor. I initially resisted but one test drive that was that.
Being in Florida and doing most of my running around here and in SE Georgia I have no real need for the full blown, never coming back to civilization, level rigs you guys have. The whole state is only like 150 miles across and I'm pretty sure it's not possible to get more than about 30 miles from a Publix. We also, as a state, collectively opted out of Rocks and a 50' high hill is a mountain to us. So my goal is more a daily driver/work truck that I can comfortably and easily spend a night or two in while chasing birds or pigs. But also a significant step up from "fire up the thermacells and flop down in the bed of the truck on a foam pad". That said, I'd really like to start doing a couple of week long trip out West for Elk every year. But, I'll prep for that when I get to it.
This probably won't be one of the super focused, really informative build threads. I doubt I'll do anything you guys will be impressed with. I'm looking more for a way to remotely share the experience and get relevant advice and feedback along the way. This site appears to be an ENORMOUS repository of knowledge when it comes to prepping a vehicle like this. So I hope to be able to draw on that to avoid some costly mistakes. Maybe there'll even be the rare situation where I have something to add. I've never really done a build up like this, but I did spend a lot of time, a long time ago, racing and spent much of my formative years helping out with my uncles dirt late model. So I picked up fairly decent fab skills, have equipment, and I really like to problem solve and make stuff.
As of now, the menu definitely includes.
Here she is, in all her near stock glory.
Prior to this I had an 07 Tundra that I massaged a bit. I use it for work everyday and hunting and fishing. It's getting a bit up there in mileage and I can tell it's getting ready to have some issues so I figured it was maybe time to get something a little newer. I was all for something practical, but the girlfriend (who's way more into cars than I am) pushed me towards the raptor. I initially resisted but one test drive that was that.
Being in Florida and doing most of my running around here and in SE Georgia I have no real need for the full blown, never coming back to civilization, level rigs you guys have. The whole state is only like 150 miles across and I'm pretty sure it's not possible to get more than about 30 miles from a Publix. We also, as a state, collectively opted out of Rocks and a 50' high hill is a mountain to us. So my goal is more a daily driver/work truck that I can comfortably and easily spend a night or two in while chasing birds or pigs. But also a significant step up from "fire up the thermacells and flop down in the bed of the truck on a foam pad". That said, I'd really like to start doing a couple of week long trip out West for Elk every year. But, I'll prep for that when I get to it.
This probably won't be one of the super focused, really informative build threads. I doubt I'll do anything you guys will be impressed with. I'm looking more for a way to remotely share the experience and get relevant advice and feedback along the way. This site appears to be an ENORMOUS repository of knowledge when it comes to prepping a vehicle like this. So I hope to be able to draw on that to avoid some costly mistakes. Maybe there'll even be the rare situation where I have something to add. I've never really done a build up like this, but I did spend a lot of time, a long time ago, racing and spent much of my formative years helping out with my uncles dirt late model. So I picked up fairly decent fab skills, have equipment, and I really like to problem solve and make stuff.
As of now, the menu definitely includes.
- Topper ( just picked up a Leer)
- Better bumper and Winch (I'm almost always out by myself and all of my friends live hundreds of miles away. So I'm genuinely on my own. Self recovery capability is a big deal to me)
- More lights
- Cargo rack (Have a cheap one off of CL that I plan to reinforce and modify)
- Lights in topper
- Dual battery to run bed accessories
- Removable tool rack for bed. (Must be able to pull it out and swap for camping storage quickly)
- Removable Camping storage for bed. (Must be able to pull it out and swap for tool rack quickly)
- SUV tent. (not sure really. Need to figure out something light and quick to keep bugs out since I can't close the bed up when I'm sleeping)
- White's not my favorite color, so I may try to wrap it. Who knows
- ?????????
Here she is, in all her near stock glory.


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