Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
We continued our tradition of tailgate parties during all homes games for the 2019 NFL season at Fedex field, home of the Washington Redskins. From little league up to the Pros, no football game is complete without a proper tailgate party. Ford is the official truck of the NFL and was gracious enough to keep us supplied with their fleet of trucks throughout the season. This year we setup with the 2019 Ford F-150 Supercrew Platinum and the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor. Each one is unique in their own rights but consistently made sure that we could tote everything needed to the stadium and tailgate in style.
The parking lot is the stage for fans to come together and celebrate the game with music, good food, beverages and jokes. As usual, tailgating is a fun experience for all involved to prepare for the impending and exciting match about to take place. During this time there was a lot of conversation about how the Ford trucks are one of the top prospects for anyone in the market for a truck. The F-150 has been Ford’s top-selling model and the company’s cash cow for decades.
The 2019 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercrew Platinum is not just a pickup truck. It is comparable to a luxury car with a bed for a trunk. This F-150 was outfitted with the B&O Premium Audio system, 8.0” touchscreen remote start, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a 110-volt/400 watt outlet, heated and cooled leather ventilated bucket front seats, heated rear seats, heated power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, navigation and LED side mirror spotlights. The inside of the full-size truck is spacious and the crew cab gives comfort to all passengers.
The 2019 Ford Raptor is a bit different than the F-150. Still luxurious in style but way more off-road ready. You immediately recognize the Raptor from bold grill with 3 yellow lights in the center. The Raptor is equipped with large fender flares, tow hooks front and back and the Ford tailgate applique. The Raptor sits tall with its upgraded suspension, complete with standard Fox Racing adaptive dampers. The interior is spacious and nice with the Recaro seats, easy to find gauges, an 8.0” touchscreen, two USB ports and a 12-volt/110-watt power outlet.
Patrons got in and out of each vehicle agreeing that each had enough room for families, while built tough enough to handle large workloads. The tech features in both rivaled the luxury sedans that most use as daily drivers. Everyone noticed how cargo space was not a concern being that each truck loaned to us had the spray-in bedliner, which was essential being that we had to load up grills, tables, chairs, coolers and more.
The F-150 Supercrew comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engines, making 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. There is some lag in the 10-speed automatic when shifting in normal mode but smooths out in sport mode. The Raptor comes in with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. There isn’t much lag in the Raptor, especially when it is dialed into Sport mode and the boost kicks in. This is easily one of the fastest stock trucks that I have driven.
Throughout the season we dealt with good and bad weather. Despite mother nature not granting us beautiful weather, we still had a fun time in the elements. Both Ford trucks served as the centerpiece of discussion during all the events. During these events there was a lot of food, fun and camaraderie. Local TV station NBC Sports Washington came out with some fun games, while Radio One station, Majic 102.3 and 93.9, supplied the tunes that everyone could groove to. The crowds were always festive and ready to cheer on their respective teams. The Ford and NFL partnership is fitting being that the Trucks are as bold, hard hitting and as fast as the players on the field. We are looking forward to more tailgate parties during the rest of the season as this is now becoming tradition. Enjoy the photo gallery.
