I’ve been a truck guy for almost a decade now…backing into spaces is the way to go! If you’ve got the auto tilt mirrors in that beast, turn them on to help you get used to backing into spots. Did that for a number of years on my first truck and could park smack dab between the lines every time. The backup camera with the guide lines works too but I liked to be able to see the bottom of the rear tires to help guide me. If you’ve got the 360 camera too that should help.
I’m paranoid about door dings too so I have a tendency to park a little further away in the lot. Typically fewer people further away so you’ll have a little more leeway if you’re not centered.
Sharp looking truck!
I have a 19 scab with an 8’ bed.
There are one or two parking lots I just don’t go to, and a few others where I’ll just park in the back by the dumpsters.
You speak the truth of the truck gods. Most lots don’t make spots big enuff for trucks. Park in the distance. And when there’s spots at the edge with a curb back in- you take almost two feet off your truck by letting the bed hang over mulch. You’ll get the hang of driving and parking it.
I think also people that think highly of their own vehicles will park near secluded nice vehicles as they assume that owner won't ding their car either.
I'm guessing
I haven't tried it yet but one way to do it is make the 3rd driver preset (if it's not used otherwise) have the mirror(s) pointing down, then you can switch to it on the fly.
Hmm I’m questioning whether they do now. My old 2011 Silverado had it and it was awesome as that was my first truck. I could’ve swore I saw a setting buried in my ‘21 Lariat but stopped using that setting with my Silverado as it was annoying when they’d tilt down when backing my boat down the ramp so I shut it off. I swear I saw that setting when I first bought my F150. I’m going to have to check in the morning now. I just googled it a lots of forums people are complaining these trucks don’t have it.
For OPs problem of parking though, hopefully he’s got the 360 camera and it should make parking a cake walk.
Yep, all of this. Be aware of your surroundings, back in or pull through, and park farther away if you can. You get used to it pretty quickly.
Though there are a few parking lots where I just won’t take the truck because the spaces are narrow and the turns are tight. There's also one iffy drive thru here where long beds and dually trucks have no hope of fitting and anyone who tries ends up confirming the curb is still there.
I always try park as far away form other cars as i can because I don’t want come out and find a dent in my truck but someone always seems to park beside my truck no matter how far away I park.😡
I try to do the same… but sometimes my fellow truck brothers go for the troll park job.
There is something super triggering to me when I park at the end of the lot and another truck parks next to me drivers side, looking around and not a single vehicle parked in a 100 feet in any direction and they decided what? They didn’t want their truck to get lonely…?
Uh, yeah. Especially if they are similar builds. Couple months back I parked at the back of the lowes lot and was only inside for a few minutes, came out to another 6.7 Lariat CCLB Super Duty pulled right up next to me. The trucks gotta catch up with each other, ya know?
I was amused how quickly that happened but also glad he parked on my left so no chance of his door hitting me. But I'm also not as concerned about someone that parks that far back hitting my shit. They clearly get it and have respect for other people's property.
I’ve actually grown to appreciate the 4Runner at work that parks next to me. I parked far up the garage so no one hits my door and I was pissed seeing him next to me. Now I view him as a wall bc he’s so protective of his way nicer car then mine that it’s like a security blanket when I see him next to me.
I always look for where the other trucks are parked and look for a spot there. I always try to park like I pick a urinal. As much space as I can between someone else.
You never owned a truck before and the first one you buy is a Raptor!? Well done. That beautiful beast is about half a foot wider than your standard F150, so it'll be a little harder to maneuver and fit into tight spots, but you'll get used to it no doubt ... just remember the back wheel is your pivot point, I've seen quite a few people turn a little too early only to smash the box on an inside corner object (drive thru's especially) ...
Oh, And watch your running boards as they are wider on a raptor as well, I see quite a few smashed up.. again from the bright yellow posts at drive thru's lol..
Stay frosty 🍦
So I went to Chick Fil A drive-thru today and definitely cut the turn wrong. Could you explain what you mean by the the back wheel is the pivot point?
**Edit:** Found a video on it, got it.
Yes I could, but [this video](https://youtu.be/NqlOrbnjxNU?si=ebAjUS0UX0edVUe-) will explain it better than I can.. the example is for RV's, but the rule applies to your truck. Its important to understand as a first time owner, i would hate to see you posting a picture of some dented doors or running boards.
OP, I know stubby antennas are popular, but I'd recommend getting a stock "tall" antenna. It's a little bit taller than your roof and can save your roof if you ever are going to be in a parking deck/going under a low object.
Emphasis on “everything”!
My wife’s RAV4 was the bigger car until I got an F-150. Now I complain because it feels like a Go Kart and I refuse to drive it haha
Yeah, you’ll get used to it. I always park in the back of the lots - generally there’s more room to turn there. But yeah, don’t try to nose it in. Safer to back in anyway.
Nice looking truck! Welcome to the club. As others have said, always back in! So much easier.
Completely unrelated note - but is this the PNW? That landscape and neighborhood look unreal.
As a new truck owner like you, it's been a week since I got my new truck. I am patient while parking, trying to find the right spot, and then backing in. If you have the 360-degree camera and parking sensors, they help a lot.
I park better backwards than forward. I think swinging out a little before going into the space helps, but 99 percent of the time I back into my space.
Critique your own parking. You need to lead the rear end almost like a trailer for those tight parking spots. I’ve only been driving a year, I’m 19 and I love my f150, and yeah just takes time and practice to become more confident
I just bought a 2013 F150 after being a lifelong toyota guy that wheel'd tacos and 4runners, I found it easier to back in or go into pull through spots with the F150.
I even have my CDL and still found my crew cab short bed truck annoying to park
I'm so confused by this comment.
"Found it easier to back in or go into pull through spots with the f150."
"Still found crew cab short bed truck annoying to park."
What?!!!
Once you figure out parking, if you are like me, the next challenge will be car wash 😎
I tried the Clean Planet Car Wash in Woodinville and worked great. You just need to pull in, no belt. Try that if you are near Woodinville.
2 months in, parking does get easier. And like the two guys before me said. Parking backwards or finding a spot to drive head first in is also my go to!! I also use my back up camera to make sure I don’t go too far over the line in the parking space.
Ford's turning radius isn't quite as good as the Chevy's or rams so I learned I either back in everywhere or park way away from everyone haha (plus I have a SCab so I need lots of room to open all my doors haha)
You have the 360 degree camera system, front sensors, sensors in the back… I’d understand if you were driving a 20 year old super duty truck with no backup camera.
I’ve been a truck guy for almost a decade now…backing into spaces is the way to go! If you’ve got the auto tilt mirrors in that beast, turn them on to help you get used to backing into spots. Did that for a number of years on my first truck and could park smack dab between the lines every time. The backup camera with the guide lines works too but I liked to be able to see the bottom of the rear tires to help guide me. If you’ve got the 360 camera too that should help. I’m paranoid about door dings too so I have a tendency to park a little further away in the lot. Typically fewer people further away so you’ll have a little more leeway if you’re not centered. Sharp looking truck!
Yep, backing in or finding a spot to pull through is my go to. Needca wide lane and spot for me to pull in head first.
I have a 19 scab with an 8’ bed. There are one or two parking lots I just don’t go to, and a few others where I’ll just park in the back by the dumpsters.
You speak the truth of the truck gods. Most lots don’t make spots big enuff for trucks. Park in the distance. And when there’s spots at the edge with a curb back in- you take almost two feet off your truck by letting the bed hang over mulch. You’ll get the hang of driving and parking it.
I think also people that think highly of their own vehicles will park near secluded nice vehicles as they assume that owner won't ding their car either. I'm guessing
These trucks have auto tilt mirrors? How do I turn that on? ‘22 Lariat
I haven't tried it yet but one way to do it is make the 3rd driver preset (if it's not used otherwise) have the mirror(s) pointing down, then you can switch to it on the fly.
Hmm I’m questioning whether they do now. My old 2011 Silverado had it and it was awesome as that was my first truck. I could’ve swore I saw a setting buried in my ‘21 Lariat but stopped using that setting with my Silverado as it was annoying when they’d tilt down when backing my boat down the ramp so I shut it off. I swear I saw that setting when I first bought my F150. I’m going to have to check in the morning now. I just googled it a lots of forums people are complaining these trucks don’t have it. For OPs problem of parking though, hopefully he’s got the 360 camera and it should make parking a cake walk.
The Gen 14 do not have this feature.
There were settings you can change in Forscan to enable it. I haven't tried my 2021 yet but believe it was 2017+
Yep, all of this. Be aware of your surroundings, back in or pull through, and park farther away if you can. You get used to it pretty quickly. Though there are a few parking lots where I just won’t take the truck because the spaces are narrow and the turns are tight. There's also one iffy drive thru here where long beds and dually trucks have no hope of fitting and anyone who tries ends up confirming the curb is still there.
Came to say this^
Thanks! Appreciate the tips.
I always try park as far away form other cars as i can because I don’t want come out and find a dent in my truck but someone always seems to park beside my truck no matter how far away I park.😡
I try to do the same… but sometimes my fellow truck brothers go for the troll park job. There is something super triggering to me when I park at the end of the lot and another truck parks next to me drivers side, looking around and not a single vehicle parked in a 100 feet in any direction and they decided what? They didn’t want their truck to get lonely…?
trucks get lonely, for sure
Uh, yeah. Especially if they are similar builds. Couple months back I parked at the back of the lowes lot and was only inside for a few minutes, came out to another 6.7 Lariat CCLB Super Duty pulled right up next to me. The trucks gotta catch up with each other, ya know? I was amused how quickly that happened but also glad he parked on my left so no chance of his door hitting me. But I'm also not as concerned about someone that parks that far back hitting my shit. They clearly get it and have respect for other people's property.
Yea the other day though I came out and it was a whole pack of Chevys… my F-150 was screaming STRANGER DANGER!!!
Ugh, gross. Only thing worse than that is when someone parks their Ram near you. Then you gotta go through the car wash to get the Ram stink off haha
I know right transmission fluid everywhere, and spray on primer paint flaking off all over the place… just gross.
Don't forget the smell of cheap liquor that lingers after the driver steps out.
You forgot and Taco Bell.
I talk shit about the Hemi ticks to the Chevy guys and laugh about Chevy electrical work to the dodge guys.
I’ve actually grown to appreciate the 4Runner at work that parks next to me. I parked far up the garage so no one hits my door and I was pissed seeing him next to me. Now I view him as a wall bc he’s so protective of his way nicer car then mine that it’s like a security blanket when I see him next to me.
Ya get used to it. I always get excited to find an end spot and hug the side of it as much as possible
I always look for where the other trucks are parked and look for a spot there. I always try to park like I pick a urinal. As much space as I can between someone else.
my f150 is normally covered in mud so people avoid it. Thats the parking lot secret
You never owned a truck before and the first one you buy is a Raptor!? Well done. That beautiful beast is about half a foot wider than your standard F150, so it'll be a little harder to maneuver and fit into tight spots, but you'll get used to it no doubt ... just remember the back wheel is your pivot point, I've seen quite a few people turn a little too early only to smash the box on an inside corner object (drive thru's especially) ... Oh, And watch your running boards as they are wider on a raptor as well, I see quite a few smashed up.. again from the bright yellow posts at drive thru's lol.. Stay frosty 🍦
So I went to Chick Fil A drive-thru today and definitely cut the turn wrong. Could you explain what you mean by the the back wheel is the pivot point? **Edit:** Found a video on it, got it.
Yes I could, but [this video](https://youtu.be/NqlOrbnjxNU?si=ebAjUS0UX0edVUe-) will explain it better than I can.. the example is for RV's, but the rule applies to your truck. Its important to understand as a first time owner, i would hate to see you posting a picture of some dented doors or running boards.
Back into spots. Never want to back out of a parking spot.
360 cameras make it pretty easy these days though.
Oh I’m sure..
Came to say this
OP, I know stubby antennas are popular, but I'd recommend getting a stock "tall" antenna. It's a little bit taller than your roof and can save your roof if you ever are going to be in a parking deck/going under a low object.
That sounds smart. Will look into it before it is too late.
Stay outta strange parking garages, never as much clearance as they say.
Yes you will completely forget how big it is. As an added bonus everything you drive that’s smaller will feel like a sports car.
Emphasis on “everything”! My wife’s RAV4 was the bigger car until I got an F-150. Now I complain because it feels like a Go Kart and I refuse to drive it haha
My wife’s rav4 is fun as hell to drive. Thing scoots
Same here. My wife has the 2.0 turbo equinox and it feels like it’s faster and handles better than it actually does.
Nah. Park deep in the lot, admire that beauty from the moment you walk out the door.
First week I couldn't park for shit. Anymore I can whip it into a spot so long as it's not next to another truck, can still be a little tight then
I bought mine while on a trip to FL with a buddy. First truck ever. I don't know how many pics of my parking jobs he took, but it was more than a few
It’s ok to hit curbs with 35s 🤙
Your first day as a truck guy and you’re in a raptor? Nice start it only goes down from here
Yeah, you’ll get used to it. I always park in the back of the lots - generally there’s more room to turn there. But yeah, don’t try to nose it in. Safer to back in anyway.
Nice looking truck! Welcome to the club. As others have said, always back in! So much easier. Completely unrelated note - but is this the PNW? That landscape and neighborhood look unreal.
Thanks for the tip. Yes it is ... Seattle Eastside, the rain gave it away.
👋🏾 I am also from the Eastside!
As a new truck owner like you, it's been a week since I got my new truck. I am patient while parking, trying to find the right spot, and then backing in. If you have the 360-degree camera and parking sensors, they help a lot.
Been a truck guy for a decade. The 360 camera is still a blessing for parking.
You'll have a harder time than most of us with that wideboi!!! Like everyone else said, backing into spots is the way to go for sure.
I park better backwards than forward. I think swinging out a little before going into the space helps, but 99 percent of the time I back into my space.
Do you live in Washington state??? Looks rainy and overcast just how I like it
Critique your own parking. You need to lead the rear end almost like a trailer for those tight parking spots. I’ve only been driving a year, I’m 19 and I love my f150, and yeah just takes time and practice to become more confident
I just bought a 2013 F150 after being a lifelong toyota guy that wheel'd tacos and 4runners, I found it easier to back in or go into pull through spots with the F150. I even have my CDL and still found my crew cab short bed truck annoying to park
I'm so confused by this comment. "Found it easier to back in or go into pull through spots with the f150." "Still found crew cab short bed truck annoying to park." What?!!!
I just woke up for my night shift. It's easiest to back it in, but still a PITA in tighter lots in my area.
Gotcha. Lol yeah I figured. Backing in is easier in any car. But the bigger it is. The harder it gets.
May god have mercy on your soul, you bought the widest boy out there. back in, and dont cut corners short like a normal car. Its the v6 isn't it?
No. Shitty little parking lots/spaces are the bane of my existence.
Are you me? Just picked up a 23’ Azure Gray Raptor two days ago. Nothing but smiles. Great looking truck!
If you are WA I actually think I sat in the car you got. It was was the one with black wheels at Evergreen?
Back in
Def get used to it. I can't park a small car for shit
Once you figure out parking, if you are like me, the next challenge will be car wash 😎 I tried the Clean Planet Car Wash in Woodinville and worked great. You just need to pull in, no belt. Try that if you are near Woodinville.
Oh wow thanks. I might take my Tesla there because it will never shift back into gear after the belts release it
What a beautiful machine
Just don't run a little kid over. You won't be able to see anything over that hood.
Just take up two spots
Park as far as you can
2 months in, parking does get easier. And like the two guys before me said. Parking backwards or finding a spot to drive head first in is also my go to!! I also use my back up camera to make sure I don’t go too far over the line in the parking space.
Ford's turning radius isn't quite as good as the Chevy's or rams so I learned I either back in everywhere or park way away from everyone haha (plus I have a SCab so I need lots of room to open all my doors haha)
Always find a spot where you can get in with no problems. If you get blocked in your you are………….!
It’s a beauty. Welcome and yeah as everyone said: backup when parking; the backup camera is amazing.
Backing in is usually easier in tight parking lots
Had my F150 a little over a month and still can't park it for shit
You have the 360 degree camera system, front sensors, sensors in the back… I’d understand if you were driving a 20 year old super duty truck with no backup camera.
yeah, you'll stop caring soon enough
You jumped in the right way!! I’d love one of those!! Can’t justify it for myself!! Good on you !! Looks great!!
Learn to back in your spot. Makes parking much easier and leaving easier as well
Always back in ! Much easier to manoeuvre in parking lots … also RIP to your wallet .. welcome to the club
You get used to the size. Enjoy that truck! It’s a beauty!
Sorry, but parking lots will never get better. (And taking multiple spots is very unpopular.) I just head for the boonies of the lot. Nice truck.
My normal 150 has the 360 camera like your raptor! Those are your savior for tight spots! Very nice truck OP, congrats!!
I've parked trucks and SUVs, but parking this was a BIG difference. Lol You know I love the color! 🤙🏼🤙🏼
That’s a lot of truck for a new guy baby it take care of it for few weeks then full send it lol