Those that crave the highlight gravitate towards luxurious SUVs just like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, supercars similar to Ferraris or Lamborghinis, and large vehicles just like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX. However the place do you flip when your folks have already got all of the headturners?
Enter the MegaRexx MegaRaptor. It’s about 9,200-pounds of attention-commanding truck that may stand out from the gang and tow a go-fast boat on the similar time. Lamborghinis can’t tow a ship. Simply sayin’.
At about $150,000, relying on the configuration, it matches throughout the worth spectrum of the aforementioned autos, however the expertise is totally completely different.
I visited MegaRexx headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina, to spend a while behind the wheel of considered one of these behemoths. Most individuals stared at me, and it wasn’t due to my devilish attractiveness.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRexx MegaRaptor can’t be missed
Aaron Richardet, the proprietor and CEO of MegaRexx Vans (and a practising chiropractor), instructed me nothing he owns is regular. Whereas his spouse drives a Tesla Mannequin S P100D, which he refers to as “the quickest microwave,” he likes to come back out of Dwelling Depot and know precisely which truck is his. The MegaRaptor is the definition of can’t be missed.
Every MegaRaptor begins life as a inventory Ford F-250 Tremendous Responsibility. Then the stripping happens. The physique panels forward of the A-pillars and rear mattress skins are eliminated and forged apart.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
A customized clamshell hood that appears like a supersized F-150 Raptor hood is fitted and secured with latches from a Freightliner semi. Product of thick fiberglass, the large hood is heavy, so it takes some arm energy to carry it earlier than the 2 fuel shocks kick in and maintain it up. It then requires that very same arm energy to tug it down and launch the fuel shocks with out letting it slam shut.
Richardet’s crew bonds customized fiberglass rear fenders to the bedsides. The MegaRaptor’s physique transformation expands it to 97 inches huge, which is simply over 12 inches wider than a inventory F-150 Raptor and 17 inches wider than a inventory F-250. It’s like evaluating Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson from his comparatively svelte WWE days to his measurement now as an actor.
That width is required to accommodate the 18-ply 46-inch Michelin X tires and three-piece aluminum 20-inch wheels, each of that are used on the navy’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) autos. That brings an entire new which means to the phrase navy grade. Every wheel and tire combo weighs about 450 kilos.
Each level from the door sills to the roof of the MegaRaptor rides 9.0 inches larger than a inventory F-250 because of these big tires and a 4.5-inch suspension carry. Carli springs and Fox 2.0-inch distant reservoir shocks sit in any respect 4 corners.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
All of it bolts on and matches because of customized MegaRexx entrance radius arms which might be each longer and barely turned for the proper pinion angle with the bigger wheels, tires, and carry. Machined aluminum adapter plates are used to make sure the MRAP wheels bolt on to the inventory Tremendous Responsibility hubs.
Upgraded Icon twin steering stabilizers and an adjustable observe bar assist maintain issues turning correctly. Regardless of the crew grinding down a couple of bits on the body, the tires nonetheless rub barely with the steering at full lock.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
Amber working lights are fitted within the customized MegaRexx grille and Raptor-like Anzo USA headlights change the inventory models.
Excessive and tight metal bumpers with aluminum trim plates change the inventory bumpers. These, together with the bed-mounted sport bar, set the tone. That sport bar capabilities because the mounting level for auxiliary lights, and prospects can select their desired model. Please go along with spherical models, not the overused LED gentle bars.
Richardet stated he views MegaRaptors as practical rolling artwork. These vehicles are big, however they’re able to towing a great deal of 18,500 kilos (albeit with a really giant drop hitch) relying on the configuration. He famous that his crew is ready to make rear airbags a part of the bundle for many who tow a load heavy sufficient that it could trigger the rear finish to sag.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRaptor isn’t meant for off-roading
Don’t be confused by the off-road appears to be like. The MegaRaptor is supposed for towing large toys, not attacking off-road terrain at excessive speeds just like the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor.
“You’ll be able to’t evaluate it to a Ford Raptor or Raptor R, it doesn’t have that form of suspension. Its main operate is to work and tow whereas trying aggressive. It’s kind and performance, pull a BobCat or large trailer whereas trying cool. It’s a rolling assertion,” Richardet stated.
Pushing a truck excessive up within the air and making it wider makes it much less environment friendly, as does the 1,800 kilos of wheels and tires. Richardet stated round city you’ll get about 12 mpg and that will increase to about 14.5 mpg on the freeway. Round city in combined driving I noticed a median of 12.3 mpg. Sometimes, Tremendous Responsibility drivers with the turbodiesel engine ought to common within the mid-teens within the metropolis and 19 to twenty mpg on the freeway.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRaptor will get higher with velocity
My first impression of the MegaRexx driving expertise got here as a nice shock. The trip peak enhance ought to make climbing out and in of the MegaRaptor a chore, however power-deploying Amp XL working boards assist with the large step up. As soon as inside, it’s similar to a inventory F-250, although on stilts.
Nevertheless, the manufacturing facility tailgate-mounted step is borderline ineffective. Moving into the mattress requires a giant soar up. I’d suggest a conveyable step to get in, and particularly to load and unload the mattress.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
The MegaRaptor runs a totally inventory powertrain besides for brand new 4.88 rear gearing to deal with the upsized tires, which suggests my tester was powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The ten-speed computerized transmission and four-wheel-drive system are untouched as effectively. The one different powertrain modification Richardet’s crew performs is a straightforward plug-and-play Pedal Commander that minimizes the manufacturing facility turbo lag.
Mashing the MegaRexx’s skinny pedal delivers a stunning jolt ahead courtesy of that remapped throttle, the insane turbodiesel torque, and the regeared rear finish. The accelerator is noticeably extra aggressive at tip-in, and the turbo lag is blunted in comparison with inventory.
At parking zone speeds, the knobby MRAP tires may be felt and heard as the massive tread blocks transmit vibrations into the cabin. Choosing up velocity immediately dissipated the vibrations. The quicker I pushed the MegaRaptor the higher it rode and drove because the tires simply whirred alongside the pavement. The thrum was current however not obnoxious and a dialog may simply be had with occupants within the cabin.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
However these large lugs additionally have an effect on the steering. Left to its personal units, the wheel would continuously wobble backwards and forwards. A hand on the steering wheel quelled this, however any bump within the highway immediately translated by the steering wheel from these large, arduous tires, and there’s all the time a bit slop on heart. Richardet recommends working the Michelins at a decrease 35-40 psi to melt them up and supply extra grip. I can’t think about this stuff on the really helpful 65 psi.
On the freeway, the MegaRaptor matches between the strains with a smidge of room to spare. It’s below the 102-inch authorized restrict, however rolling down Market Road in Wilmington the MegaRaptor’s width turned obvious. Each tires rode the painted strains on both aspect of the lane.
Individuals have been staring. The dude within the Ram 3500 Restricted dually apparently felt his masculinity was being threatened as a result of he sped up, handed me in the proper lane, then lower me off solely to take a proper a couple of blocks later.
When including weight to any automobile I’m a proponent of upgrading brakes. Stopping is fairly vital. Richardet gives a Alcon large brake equipment improve for $9,000, however my tester didn’t have it. The CEO stated about one in 10 MegaRaptor prospects order it, nevertheless it’s often solely as a result of they’re ticking all of the bins. “It’s akin to upgrading to carbon-ceramic brakes in your Porsche,” Richardet stated. I’d agree together with his evaluation as at no level, even whereas stopping from over 70 mph, did it really feel just like the MegaRaptor had too little braking energy. This most likely has to do with the actual fact Tremendous Responsibility pickups are designed out of the field to tow unimaginable a great deal of 20,000 kilos.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
It’s unlawful to make use of the auxiliary lights mounted to the entrance bumper or roof rack on the road round different autos, however flip the upfitter switches they usually forged a ton of sunshine. The lights got here in useful whereas on a darkish, empty, two-lane highway because the Anzo USA headlights have a bizarre beam sample with distinct sizzling spots that make it barely tougher to see the highway, particularly with the truck using so excessive.
Parking the MegaRaptor is at finest considerably annoying and at instances downright difficult. Consider it as a dually, nevertheless it’s as huge up entrance as it’s on the rear. I parked it a number of instances and in some heaps it was wider than the painted strains. Overlook about drive-thrus or driving down tight one-way neighborhood streets with automobiles parked on each side. This truck likes wide-open areas.
MegaRexx MegaRaptor
How a lot does MegaRexx MegaRaptor price?
On common, MegaRexx builds a minimal of two MegaRaptors a month, and that quantity will increase to 4 to 5 when the crew isn’t distracted with constructing the 9-passenger MegaRexx SVNs.
It takes Richardet’s crew about 4 weeks to create a MegaRaptor begin to end. Clients can present a used F-250, a brand new truck, or work with MegaRexx to amass a brand new truck. Ordering a truck often prices about $150,000 together with the truck, or about $65,000 for a conversion of a used truck. The crew sometimes builds vehicles that may be purchased instantly, however they carry roughly a $20,0000 premium for not having to attend.
Richardet stated MegaRaptors don’t include a guaranty, however because the powertrain stays inventory Ford’s on the hook for the working gear that continues to be manufacturing facility. Richardet famous he’s gone to bat for a couple of prospects when dealerships give any guff. As for the wiring, paint, and physique panels, “I’ll care for any points so long as you aren’t being dumb,” Richardet stated, noting full-lock donuts and recklessness are disqualifiers.
Anybody who decides to spend supercar or super-luxury cash on a MegaRaptor will get the eye they crave in all places they go. Whether or not that’s the proper of consideration, is as much as the attention of the beholder. Within the eyes of my 7-year-old son, it’s “the best.”
MegaRexx supplied journey, lodging, and a ridiculous truck for Motor Authority to convey you this firsthand report.
