The 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor is designed to be a badass off-roader that can eat up even the most punishing terrain. It accomplishes this by using Fox Shock absorbers that allow for extreme suspension travel and large BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires to put the power of its massive 6.2L V8 to the ground. We certainly thought this kind of machismo was of value when we picked the 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor as our long-term test truck.
One of the ways the Raptor helps drivers take advantage of its off-road prowess is the “off-road mode” button that is located just above the gear shift. This is the button to use when the truck is going to be heading (you guessed it!) off road. To engage off-road mode, the button must be pushed when the truck is going less than 5 miles per hour.
So what does it do? The off-road mode in the Raptor optimizes various settings in the truck for off-road use. For example, transmission up-shifts are delayed and occur less frequently to make sure that acceleration and response remain available if the driver needs to briefly lift off the throttle for an upcoming obstacle. Engine response is increased, and the rear differential locks and makes both rear wheels rotate at the same rate to ensure maximum traction.
Off-road mode is complimented by Ford’s AdvanceTrac system. This system is comprised of the ABS, RSC (roll stability control), and traction control. In off road-mode, this system is calibrated to enhance off-road performance. When the AdvanceTrac button, located just above the radio or satellite navigation system, is pressed and released, the truck is put into off-road sport mode. All electronic nanny systems are still active, but traction control and roll stability control are less invasive and allow for more vehicle slip, which is useful when going over rough or rocky terrain.
When the button is pressed and held, both traction control and roll stability control are disabled to allow the driver complete control of the truck. Off-road sport mode is designed for novice off road drivers to take advantage of the truck’s capabilities in a safe way. Disabling AdvanceTrac completely should only be done by experienced drivers who want the most performance out of the Raptor while driving off-road.
Speaking of driving off-road, check out the video of Roman getting some air in the TFL Raptor!
