T/X Baja - factory front skid plate vs. TRD Pro front skid plate

Figured I'd start a fresh thread on this.

Just bought a 2013 Baja. Dealer agreed to install TRD Pro front skid plate for free.

Is there any reason not to do this? That is, is there any reason the prefer what's already on there instead of the TRD Pro skid plate?

(I know some have suggested I should just sell the TRD and buy something else, but that's not my current question. Right now, I'm just interested in the simple question of TRD Pro skid plate vs what's on there now.)

Thanks.

Dan

 

The "TRD Pro" skid plate just bolts over the top of the factory skid for a tiny bit more protection. It's made of fairly thin aluminum, so it's more for looks than anything.

No reason not to get it if it's free.

 

with TRD logo or without?

 

Hmm. Didn't know there were two versions.

 

There is not two versions for the Tacoma. I believe the 4runner had the TRD logo stamped into it. The Tacoma version has no logo.

 

Oh, ok. Don't know.

 

you are right..for some reason i thought tacoma had it too since the tundra and 4runner has the logo

 

Do it though if its free, it offers very little to no protection but why not take it and if don't like it you could sell it.

 

So, wait, does it go over the factory plate or does it replace the factory plate?

 

it goes over it

it reduces clearance a bit

a) it has a function like a curb feeler

it will make a scraping noise alerting you to jump out and and check
if you want to keep plowing over that rock, or back up and retry

b) it will cave in if used to pivot over rocks.... as it is weak but will
protect the truck parts underneath it while it sacrifices itself, to a point

c) it's really more for looks

 

So . . . Overall, better to have or not have?

 

Do you want "looks cool" or "works well."

The TRD skid "looks cool" if that's your style. It looks "mall crawler" to anyone who really wheels their rig. It doesn't work worth a damn at actually protecting anything.

 

You're overthinking this. Get the free skid plate. If you need something stronger, sell the TRD skid and use the cash to purchase pizza and beer.

 

Now he's gonna ask us what kind of pizza toppings and beer to buy. Thanks.

 

Pepperoni/Pineapple, light on the pineapple.

Summit IPA.

 

Damn....now I'm hungry and thirsty

 

+1

+2

 

not have

because it is ridiculous and useless garnish with no actual function other
than curb feeler

unless you like that sort of thing

 

I disagree. I've bent mine up a few times off-road and I'd rather have it that no. It also provides another layer of protection from road debris.

 

Mine got ripped off hitting a big ass rock