u/DivTitle23

So a few other posts about liking out the front plastic cover and skid plate. Took a few hours on a Saturday and pulled off the plaster trim piece as well as unbolted the skid plate. Pretty straightforward. Cleaned both pieces with rubbing alcohol and then rattle canned both pieces with a black matte paint.

Was going to take the tow hooks off, although didn’t wanna mess with the bumper electrical connections so just taped around the tow hooks and spray painted a cherry red. Let dry and reattached the skid plate and plastic trim piece.

Had some paint drips on the front of the plastic piece, which you can see near the inlet, but unless you’re looking for them, probably wouldn’t notice. The skid plate is low enough that you can’t see any imperfections.

Recently finished the Raptor Offrodeo in Vegas. Wanted to share my thoughts and experience with those who are thinking or planning on going.

Our experience was on a Friday. That way we could have Saturday to hang out in Vegas and fly home Sunday.

The experience starts at 8 o’clock, but they suggest being there 15 minutes early to sign waivers, get fitted for a helmet, enjoy some coffee or breakfast

It is about 25 miles outside of town and took about 45 minutes from the strip. 2 miles off the highway on a dirt road, we came to the entrance. A guy was waiting to check us in and gave us directions up the hill to the parking lot.

Upon arriving, the lodge was very nice. A raptor was perched out front on some rocks. Once inside the building, lots of Ford racing memorabilia/pictures, A partial, undercarriage and lockers were in the lodge.

We got signed in, signed some waivers, got fitted for helmets, had some coffee and then started the course.

The course was tailored to beginners with some people in our group having a little more off-road experience. We introduced ourselves. The instructors initially went over differences in the raptor, compared with the other bronco models, some history about the Broncos etc. And then introduced themselves.

After the inside portion, we took a short break and went outside. The instructors then went over over some suggested seating positioning, and different controls within the vehicle.

After this, we had a short but impressive demonstration of vehicle capabilities. A significant descent using trail control, and a demonstration of the stay bar release, rear lockers, front lockers, and turn assist.

After this, we moved to our own vehicles, got adjusted and head out on the trail. It was a low speed. Moore technical trail with some rock, crawling guided by spotters. Definitely a confidence booster for me while using the vehicle.

After this initial trail, we had lunch. Lunch was catered in with both meat and veggie options. Overall decent.

Following lunch, we had a longer trail ride, predominantly to track trail with rotted out roads, bumps, rocks, and other obstacles of varying difficulty. Around halfway, we stopped, and my wife took over driving.

We got to the Mini Baja track. The instructors did a lap followed by them, driving us a lap and then two laps per truck around the Baja course. It was a very good showcase of the vehicles capabilities. Following the track, we did another more technical rock climb up and down the hill to gain more trust in the trail control and one pedal drive programs.

We then jumped the Broncos. The first guy went when he wasn’t supposed to and absolutely launched the bronco. Full sand with the front and rear axle. Hitting the bump stop with a very loud and audible.

The instructors were not entirely happy, but didn’t say much. They moved our starting spot to a more reasonable position and we went through jumping the trucks two times. A pretty unreal feeling.

We then took the two track trail back home. Had a bit of a debrief. Dropped the trucks off, returned our helmets and had the option for dinner. This was about 5 PM. My wife and I left right away but many people stayed for dinner.

My wife and I were a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect but the instructors were very good at explaining everything and building confidence in the vehicles. Definitely aimed at beginners. one of our instructors did Baja/off-road racing and was extremely knowledgeable for those that had more experience doing rock, crawling, and offroading.

All in all, the experience definitely exceeded my expectations. If you have a chance to go, would highly recommend.