Skip to main content

2019 Ford F-150 RTR gets a light dose of off-road, style upgrades

RTR Vehicles is an aftermarket company run by pro drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. that specializes in making Fords cooler. RTR (short for “ready to rock”) started out with the Mustang, but now it’s turning its attention to the Ford F-150 pickup truck. The result won’t trouble Ford’s own F-150 Raptor, but it does add some off-road capability to the Blue Oval’s bestseller.

The RTR upgrade package is available on any four-door F-150 except the Raptor, which really doesn’t need it, anyway. Trucks get Fox Series 2.0 shocks, 20-inch wheels shod in Nitto Grappler tires, and a skid plate to improve off-road prowess. What they don’t get is a power upgrade. However, RTR offers a cat-back exhaust system for trucks equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 or 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines. These relatively mild upgrades don’t take the F-150 to new extremes, but they do create a suitable rival to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trailboss or Ram 1500 Rebel. If you want more power from your F-150, plenty of other companies are eager to help.

The F-150 also gets a new grille with RTR’s signature LED running lights, as seen on the company’s tuned Mustangs and Gittin Jr.’s Mustang drift cars. Black plastic fender flares complete the major modifications. Customers can also specify a graphics package if they want to stand out more. The interior is mostly stock, except for RTR floor liners and a dashboard plaque signed by Gittin Jr.

The RTR upgrade package adds $12,750 to the price of a 2019 Ford F-150. RTR may be an aftermarket company, but it has a partnership with Ford that allows it to sell vehicles through Ford dealerships. It also means RTR-modified vehicles keep their Ford warranty coverage, providing extra peace of mind for owners.

The F-150 has been the United States’ bestselling vehicle for decades, and it’s proven popular with tuners as well. In addition to RTR, companies like Roush and Shelby American have put their own spins on the ubiquitous truck. Hennessey even built a six-wheeled version of the F-150 Raptor. It will be interesting to see if that enthusiasm transitions to the hybrid and all-electric versions of the F-150 that Ford is working on.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Ram 1500 TRX vs. Ford F-150 Raptor
ram trx vs ford f 150 raptor 2021 launch edition jpg image 2880

Trucks are big, powerful, and capable. But the Ram 1500 TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor are bigger, more powerful, and more capable. These aren't normal trucks. When Ram revealed the insane off-road-specced 1500 TRX, comparing it Ford's Raptor was an easy given. The F-150 Raptor has been the champion of full-size off-road trucks since its release for the 2010 model year. Ram wants that title and is using 702 horsepower to claim it. But power isn't everything for these types of trucks; they have to crawl through rocks, jump sand dunes, traverse mud pits, creep through high water, and plow through snowbanks. It takes a lot of engineering to make a 3-ton truck do that. Below, we compare both crazy trucks. Is the TRX the new champ? Decide for yourself.
Power, acceleration, and towing
Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford’s Raptor is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out an impressive 450 hp and 510 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic backs the engine. According to Car and Driver, the big truck will hit 60mph in 5.1 seconds on its way to a quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 99mph. If you have towing or hauling duties, the Raptor can tow up to 8,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of up to 1,200 pounds. However, all that can soon change if the rumors of the upcoming Raptor getting the Mustang Shelby GT500’s supercharged V8 are true. 
Ram 1500 TRX

Read more
Ford Bronco R off-road racer shares DNA with upcoming production model
ford bronco r baja 1000 off road race prototype

Previous

Next

Read more
These customized Ford Super Duty trucks have everything you need for adventure
2020 ford f series super duty at sema 2019 accessories 250 tremor crew cab with black appearance package

Previous

Next

Read more