More patriotism for the 4th of July!

again- thanks to @RappyGraphics for their awesome vinyl work!

✰✰✰ Happy 4th of July! ✰✰✰

Patriotic Raptor - thanks Rappy Graphics!

Gotta go full USA on the truck - RappyGraphics has this awesome vinyl for the FORD logo on the Raptor grille.  What do you think?

Looks awesome on the Avalanche color scheme!

$600 for a premium sound system - is it possible?

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Hey there, audio enthusiasts! The Sony sound system in my Ford Raptor’s 802a package is solid, but it’s missing that crystal-clear highs and deep bass punch I crave for long drives. So, I’m diving into a fun DIY stereo upgrade to give my truck’s audio some serious love. If you’re like me and music makes those road trips epic, this project’s for you! 😎

I’m aiming to keep the total cost around $570, which covers everything, including enough sound deadening material to line the whole truck. My inspiration? This awesome thread on the Ford Raptor Forum that got me pumped to upgrade on a budget.

First up, let’s tackle road noise with some sound deadening. I’m going all-in with the Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pack (36 sqft) to cover the doors and other key spots. For tighter areas, the Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit (12 sqft) is perfect. Recently, I learned you’ll need two of these kits for full coverage. Want a lighter option? The Dynamat SuperLite Bulk Pack (36 sqft) keeps weight down without sacrificing performance. On a budget? I’ve also got the Noico 80 mil 36 sqft Sound Deadening Mat as a wallet-friendly alternative that still gets the job done.

Now, let’s talk speakers—the heart of any audio setup. After some research, I’m sold on the Pioneer A-Series for their bang-for-buck value. You really can’t go wrong at these prices! For the front doors, I’m installing the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6x9" 5-Way Speakers, paired with Metra 6x9" Speaker Adapter Brackets for a perfect fit in my Raptor.

For the rear doors, I’m going with the Pioneer TS-A1680F 6.5" 4-Way Speakers, also using Metra 6.5" Speaker Adapter Brackets to make installation a breeze. These speakers deliver crisp sound without breaking the bank.

The front pillars need 7/8" tweeters, and I’m eyeing the Pioneer TS-T110 7/8" Tweeters for their clarity. As a backup, the Pioneer TS-T15 3/4" Tweeters are a solid alternative. For the center dash, I’m swapping in the Pioneer TS-A1370F 5.25" Speakers, which adapt well to the 3.5" slot and keep the sound balanced.

To bring the bass, I’m retrofitting a Pioneer TS-WX1210A 12" Powered Subwoofer into the existing subwoofer cabinet. Powering it all is the Pioneer GM-D8704 4-Channel Amplifier, wired up with the InstallGear 4-Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit for a clean, reliable setup.

Since I’m a fan of Sony’s audio quality, I’m also considering the Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar to complement the truck’s system. It’s not a direct car audio fit, but its clarity and bass could inspire some home audio tweaks to match the vibe!

This setup is shaping up to transform my Raptor’s audio for under $600! Got any tips or upgrades you’ve tried? Drop a comment, and let’s geek out over car audio!

Retrax Pro MX tonneau cover - what an amazing add-on!

 When we had the bed line-x'ed we added a tonneau cover...  this essentially makes the truck bed like a HUGE trunk! :)

The RetraxPRO MX retractable truck bed cover is part of our Premium Aluminum Series covers. The Premium Aluminum Series covers are constructed from industrial strength aluminum slats that provide unsurpassed strength and ruggedness. The RetraxPRO MX combines industrial strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish. The matte finish on the RetraxPRO MX provides incredible scratch resistance and adds style to your truck. The RetraxPRO MX not only provides rugged protection for your truck bed it also provides a patented low-profile design that enhances the appearance of your truck. The compact storage container features a unique spiral track system that prevents the cover from coming into contact with itself as it opens and closes. The operation of this cover allows it to always stay flush to the rails and creates a dependable seal to help keep the elements out and protect your cargo. The RetraxPRO MX has a sealed ball-bearing roller system that glides effortlessly along the rail with a convenient handle that eliminates the need for pull straps, Velcro, snaps or springs. The RetraxPRO MX is key lockable in any position that gives you unlimited flexibility in your hauling capacity. 

Also notice the Bullring 2015 - fits perfectly in the cutout :)

Hope this helps you figure out if you'd like one on your truck! :)

Line-X bed-liner - GREAT STUFF!

Well you can't have a pickup without using the bed - but you want to protect the bed too!  I mean you wouldn't throw a desk, table, and chairs on your freshly painted door would you?  heck no!   So I opted to get the bed Line-X premium coating - it's the pinnacle of bed protection wife a lifetime warranty.  The guys at Line-X Rancho Cordova were AWESOME!

Here's the Raptor bed, with it's naked Avalanche paint...  purdy :)   but let's keep it that way!

So here's some pics of the bed with the fresh coat plus UV protection (part of the Premium package)

Do you notice the bed bolts and screws?  YES!  Line-X removes all those - sprays the bed then re-assembles everything so it looks like it came from the factory this way!  Actually, if you buy the factory bedliner, they spray over all the bolts... ugh!

And we had the rear fender wells done too - it really protects and makes it easy to clean up!

starting to get warm - got sunscreen?

It's starting to get warm out here! If you hate burning your hands on your steering wheel when it's 100F+ outside this is the correct sized Cover Craft sunscreen if you have the rearview mirror camera option (802A).  These are amazing, thick sun screens and do excellent work at reducing interior temps and offer the best in UV protection!

Cover Craft UV11386SV UVS100 Sunscreen

McGard Tailgate lock - well worth it!

Tailgate thefts are on the rise!  Why? Well the average modern tailgate costs north of $2,000 - yep!

That's crazy!  The Raptor tailgate has a camera, an LED light, a built in shock to gently lower the tailgate, an integrated step and the applique which cost $500 just from the factory order - so YES I want to protect it!

Pickup tailgate theft is on the rise, insurance industry says

In comes a simple solution - use a 60 cent hose clamp!

Well yes while a hose clamp will work, I'm not about to put it on my new truck - so in comes the McGard 76029 Tailgate Lock

McGard is a well known name in vehicle security and for less than $20 you can securely know that your tailgate is much safer than before!

Took about 5 minutes to install...

Here is the kit unboxed, a collar for the tailgate hinge, the lock, a custom key for the lock, a cap to cover the lock and instructions.  I used my cordless drill to loosen/tighten the collar.

Once you get the tailgate open, you literally hold it 45 degrees and it slides out - no wonder they're stolen so easily!  It's crazy how simple!

Next - affix the collar around the cup on the bed - use the tape provided to hold the opening in place so it lines up with the cup opening.

Now you can set the tailgate back into position - notice how the cup covers the tailgate hinge.  Now you can discard the tape.

Here's what the cup looks like once the tailgate is setup and laid flat...

Now wrap the collar around the cup with the key facing up - thread the clamp and tighten

Make sure the lock is facing upward in the same position as the tailgate bed - place the cover over the keyhole and you're done!

Now you'll just want to keep the key in a safe place and register your key code with McGard!