Image: Raptor Forumz
If you watch Ford’s promotional videos on their F-150 SVT Raptor, it looks like you can drive the truck off a cliff without fear of damage. Despite the Raptor being a production vehicle, Ford implies that it’s up to the challenges and hazards of desert pre-running. Based on the experience of a growing population of owners, that may not be the case.
At issue is the Raptor’s rear frame, which isn’t fully boxed. Hit a bump or pothole hard enough, and the rear axle can slam against the bump stops, causing the frame to bend and the bed to tilt downward. The population of owners who’ve experienced this is growing, and Ford has yet to acknowledge the problem. In fact, Ford has used scratched undercarriages and scuffed skidplates as evidence that the trucks with bent frames have been abused, which would potentially void warranty coverage.
This much is clear: the condition is happening on a growing number of trucks that are used as Ford intended. If you own a Raptor, you may want to taper back on how hard you drive your truck off road, at least until Ford (or the aftermarket) comes up with a solution.
Source: Raptor Forumz via Left Lane News
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
