Baja Raptor Run

RivRaptor · Jan 27, 2021

I was on Trey's first Baja Raptor Run. Loved the price only $800 back then and I think around 10 trucks and great swag. Later runs were 2k and more than 15 trucks that sucked every time we stopped it took 45min to get everyone moving again at 2min intervals. Ran all my runs stock with chase cage, radio, GPS, lights & supplies no issues only dented skid plate and some under body scraps. Ran my truck hard and always drove home, I believe all the trucks that broke on the runs were modified or bad decisions. The best thing you can bring on a Raptor run is a Brain & some common sense ie: do you slide your side walls into the sharp rocks at the corner and blow a tire & crack your rim in half or wait for the next corner to slide or do you go so fast over the whoops that your truck almost goes end over end and rips the rear shock mounts off the frame or after just having a conversation about driving in jet wash you hit a boulder the size of a house without hitting your brakes and total your truck 30mins into the run! I've seen it all and miss the cheaper less crowded runs but had a great time on all the runs. If you can swallow the cost verses what you get in support and organization its worth it I will probably do another one soon.

Deleted member 12951 · Jan 28, 2021

RivRaptor said:
I was on Trey's first Baja Raptor Run. Loved the price only $800 back then and I think around 10 trucks and great swag. Later runs were 2k and more than 15 trucks that sucked every time we stopped it took 45min to get everyone moving again at 2min intervals. Ran all my runs stock with chase cage, radio, GPS, lights & supplies no issues only dented skid plate and some under body scraps. Ran my truck hard and always drove home, I believe all the trucks that broke on the runs were modified or bad decisions. The best thing you can bring on a Raptor run is a Brain & some common sense ie: do you slide your side walls into the sharp rocks at the corner and blow a tire & crack your rim in half or wait for the next corner to slide or do you go so fast over the whoops that your truck almost goes end over end and rips the rear shock mounts off the frame or after just having a conversation about driving in jet wash you hit a boulder the size of a house without hitting your brakes and total your truck 30mins into the run! I've seen it all and miss the cheaper less crowded runs but had a great time on all the runs. If you can swallow the cost verses what you get in support and organization its worth it I will probably do another one soon.

Was that the trip where Trey himself hit a huge boulder head on and wrecked his Raptor?

jondle · Jan 28, 2021

I've been to Baja many times with EXO and even with Raptor Expeditions. I have stock shocks, deavers, and SVC's bump stop kit and, as far as suspension, that's it. I've never had issues keeping up. I certainly don't run at the front, but never have trouble keeping up.

EXO really focuses a route on off-road time. As @zombiekiller mentioned, this involves crossing ranches to avoid going back to the highway. If you haven't negotiated crossing ahead of time, they won't let you cross. Even with the permission, the ranch hands may not know you have permission. One of the runs last year we got held up at the gate and had to call the owner and let the ranch hand talk to him.

For me, it is 1000% worth the money. A full chase truck, with parts, mechanics, and all the logistics make it such a no brainer. Plus the SVC crew make frequent appearances and they are good people to know if you want to get rid of some money. I'll be on Baja Sur this year.

zombiekiller · Jan 28, 2021

04Ram2500Hemi said:
I agree. I vote @zombiekiller be our group leader!

I'd be happy to help coordinate something, but I'd want it to go through ExO.

MrGable27 · Jan 28, 2021

zombiekiller said:
I think yall will find that the logistics are daunting, crossing ranches needs to be negotiated, you better be up on your Mexico etiquette, finding good places to stay isn't easy, not all routes are created equal, fuel stops need to be planned and I sincerely hope that you're fluent in Spanish.

Check out Expedition x Offroad. Even if it is just for your first time south, you'll appreciate that everything is taken care of, you have the luxury of experienced guides, mechanics, spares, beers at the hotel, chase trucks, a well-oiled machine and you can focus on showing up, having fun, and making friends.

The pricepoint for the added safety and security is not much more than what the food, hotels, and supplies would cost you to go solo. If you factor in what spares, a mechanic, and potentially a tow would cost you, it is actually a great deal.

I'm not trying to dissuade y'all from heading to Baja on your own, but I'd advise that y'all know what you're getting into before you do it. Going to Baja is VERY different than going anywhere in the U.S.

you can have a really great time, or a very scary time, depending on how your luck goes.

Also- if you think it might break, bring your parts with you. you will NOT find any sort of raptor part outside of Ensenada, TJ, Mexicali, La Paz, or Cabo.

and if you don't want to join us, just please be safe. We all love Baja and our community and do not want to see anyone have a problem or get hurt.

Hey Zombie, would you mind PMing me some more info (schedule, how to sign up, etc)? I was actually looking up EXO last night and some of their videos down to Baja and Mojave.

Looks like a good time!

Christyle · Jan 28, 2021

Baja is a fantastic time, and really isn't that hard to do on your own with a little research and sense of adventure, but going with someone who knows a bit makes things easier.

You don't need a fully built truck, long-travel, upgraded shocks, lights and bumpers and cages, but you do need a few tools, spare tire(s), a race radio and some common sense. A baja trip doesnt have to mean you are running a race course at race pace, it just means you're on some dirt roads and exploring small towns, taco stands and remote beaches. And just remember, the more stickers a taco stand has, the better it likely is.

A buddy of mine is starting up a bit of a side business of doing Baja trips. I've been on 2 with him in my old tacoma, and he's planned many others for our group of college off-road club friends. We've had built prerunners to stock diesel pickups, and all it means is the faster you are, the more time you get to enjoy the views and a Tecate while the slower trucks catch up.

https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofdirt/

zombiekiller · Jan 28, 2021

MrGable27 said:
Hey Zombie, would you mind PMing me some more info (schedule, how to sign up, etc)? I was actually looking up EXO last night and some of their videos down to Baja and Mojave.

Looks like a good time!

Exo usually posts the sign-up link 3 months before the trip. If you go to the website, you can sign up for the mailing list. The runs also get posted on facebook and Instagram.

If you miss out on the initial sign up, It is worth it to get on the waitlist. There are almost always a few people that need to bail prior to the trip and the slots are re-filled off of the waitlist.

Roc Nichols · Jan 28, 2021

How do I sign up???

RivRaptor · Jan 28, 2021

RDFTS said:
Was that the trip where Trey himself hit a huge boulder head on and wrecked his Raptor?

yes, didn't want to name names

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