Border Patrol Raptor and my FX4
12-14-2011, 12:25 AM
#31
Senior Member
12-14-2011, 12:30 AM
#32
Senior Member
Just a little background on the philosophy of purchasing these Raptors as opposed to conventional 4x4 trucks; although the sentiment that the Border Patrol deserves the best tools regardless of price is appreciated, the truth is it is strictly a financial decision.
USBP has been using conventional 4x4's from the Big 3 forever. They buy them then immediately spend thousands of dollars in retrofitting to make it fit the duties required: lift kits, larger tires, bumper modifications, etc. These upgrades cost tons of money, and decreased the reliability of the vehicles. Ford sent out some new Raptors for testing last year, the Supercab 5.4L version. The vehicle was ready for field deployment right off the transport truck, only additions were emergency lights and radio install, and a vinyl stripe package. This truck tested very well and was cheaper than a modified conventional 4x4. The only complaint was no room to transport arrested subjects. Ford advised that there was a Supercrew version in production, so USBP ordered up a bunch. You may notice a cage behind the front seats. A bed mounted cage was not feasible since it's a half ton truck, those cages weigh a ton before any people are put in them, way over the limit.
So that's the story, the government actually doing something to save taxpayers some money. (They also have Dodge Powerwagons, too. No bias here)
USBP has been using conventional 4x4's from the Big 3 forever. They buy them then immediately spend thousands of dollars in retrofitting to make it fit the duties required: lift kits, larger tires, bumper modifications, etc. These upgrades cost tons of money, and decreased the reliability of the vehicles. Ford sent out some new Raptors for testing last year, the Supercab 5.4L version. The vehicle was ready for field deployment right off the transport truck, only additions were emergency lights and radio install, and a vinyl stripe package. This truck tested very well and was cheaper than a modified conventional 4x4. The only complaint was no room to transport arrested subjects. Ford advised that there was a Supercrew version in production, so USBP ordered up a bunch. You may notice a cage behind the front seats. A bed mounted cage was not feasible since it's a half ton truck, those cages weigh a ton before any people are put in them, way over the limit.
So that's the story, the government actually doing something to save taxpayers some money. (They also have Dodge Powerwagons, too. No bias here)
Be safe out there AA
12-15-2011, 06:12 AM
#33
Bug Slinger
This thread rocks!!
I was stationed in Tucson for 4 years and can attest to all the modifications that need to be done to there vehicles before they hit the field.. on average I would see more BP on the road than PD.. the majority of the trucks and SUV's were all heavily modified..
The Raptor Screw is certainly in its element on that boarder!! and now the 2012's are getting Torsion LS diffs in the front too.. makes them even more capable in in the rocky terrain...
Very glad to here USBP is using there heads when equiping there officers..
I was stationed in Tucson for 4 years and can attest to all the modifications that need to be done to there vehicles before they hit the field.. on average I would see more BP on the road than PD.. the majority of the trucks and SUV's were all heavily modified..
The Raptor Screw is certainly in its element on that boarder!! and now the 2012's are getting Torsion LS diffs in the front too.. makes them even more capable in in the rocky terrain...
Very glad to here USBP is using there heads when equiping there officers..
01-17-2012, 09:53 AM
#34
Senior Member
A few years back, a government bean counter decided to provide 6 cylinder 2 wheel drive trucks to it's workers. (to save fuel) After a year of paying tow bills, torn up trucks, and many hours of wasted productivity, I now see one of the fine Officers driving a Raptor.
Sometimes you have to spend money to save money.
I wonder if that bean counter is still working for that agency?
Sometimes you have to spend money to save money.
I wonder if that bean counter is still working for that agency?