Raptor Jumps Creek, Takes It Better Than a General Lee
YouTuber Street Speed 717 takes his newly acquired Raptor for a fun day of mudding, including an impromptu jump over some water.
We know what the Raptor can do. The desert runner conquers sand dunes and trails handily. However, most Raptors don’t see such rough territory. Instead, they’re out on the high street, the dying shopping mall, or at any given nightclub. While that’s okay, that’s also not making the most of the high-performance Ford.
That’s the feeling YouTuber Street Speed 717 has about the Raptor. In fact, he recently got one for himself, and decided to take the big boy out for a playdate in the mud.
“I just added a Ford Raptor to the fleet, a brand new 2020 Raptor,” said Mr. Street. “I’ve had it for about a week now, and I think it’s definitely time– it’s past time to take this beast off-roading.”
He goes on to say he understands why most Raptor owners don’t do what he’s about to do. After all, it’s an expensive truck with a lovely appearance, and can serve as an excellent daily driver. However, Mr. Street “didn’t buy a Raptor to just drive it on the road,” as he believes it’s lame to do so. Instead, he’s going hardcore in his off-roading extravaganza, from mudding to flying. Thus, it’s off to the farm for some fun!
Right out of the gate, Mr. Speed makes donuts and rooster tails all over the property, even attempting to do some simultaneous drifting with a Jeep Wrangler. All the while, the Raptor sings its twin-turbo V6 heart out, happy to be doing what it was born to do. Yet, there was more fun ahead.
“Testing out the Raptor’s water capabilities, we’re in about two feet,” said Mr. Street. “Nothing crazy. It’s a pretty hard bottom. It’s like a clay mud bottom. It’s not deep deep mud here. It’s doing pretty freakin’ well so far. The Raptor is so capable, and it’s light. That’s what makes it good.”
He adds he’s taken other trucks through the creek, and none have done as well as the Raptor due to weight issues. In short, if you want to mud like a pro, add lightness. And speaking of lightness…
The main event arrives, and Mr. Street needs to plan his jump right. He determines 50 mph at enough angle before hitting the ramp will ensure success in clearing the creek. Sure enough, he does that, then slams the nose into the ground like the Dukes did to their General Lee. The only difference? The Raptor survived the jump without any damage. His truck won’t be going to the junkyard today.
“In conclusion, guys,” Mr. Street said, “anyone who says the new Raptor isn’t a real truck, or that it’s just for show and doesn’t really perform, can’t take abuse, it’s not like the old trucks: they are wrong and they’re dumb […] I might’ve found the best truck you can buy right now.”