Armor Vendor Selection Logic

I am wanting to buy full front (keeping the Pro front skid) to back aluminum armor for my truck. I know the pros and cons of aluminum vs steel and that decision has been made - aluminum will work best for my needs.

Harder part - how have you all selected which vendor to pick and why? There does not seem to be that much product differentiation and all have great reviews.

Mobtown, Pelfreybilt, RCI, CBI, etc.

 

Pick the one you like the best or the one that costs the least after shipping.

 

We only make aluminum skid plates. So there is that difference. I don't think anyone makes aluminum sliders. Our sliders are a bit different than the rest of the crowd because we include a robust clamping system as part of the bolt on method. If you plan to tow anything, I'd recommend a steel rear bumper. In the end, if you do go with a steel rear bumper, you probably only debating the difference of 150 lbs between aluminum and steel for skids and front bumper. It's a lot extra money for aluminum to shed 150 lbs. Not that I'm trying to talk you out of your decision or anything. Just trying to give a little perspective.

 

Are the RCI skids reinforced on the back side like the Mobtown units? I haven't been able to find any pictures of the back side (the top) of the RCI units. One thing that's appealing about the RCI skids is they fit together elegantly and yield a totally smooth surface that seems like it would be easier to slide over things (which is important). I just can't tell how robust they are vs the mobtown ones.

 

I don't think they offer reinforcements. At least not on any of the ones that I've seen. I agree about the smooth belly, and mobtown achieves the same thing. Their middle (transmission) skid has two rear mounting points so regardless if you have a rerouted or stock exhaust transfer case skid, you get that smooth look.

Here's with stock exhaust. Notice the gap between the crossmember and the back of the transmission skid.








Here's with a rerouted exhaust. Notice how it's more tucked up now.

 

Wow, the re-route exhaust setup has a TON more clearance. That's worth it for sure; no question.

The price on the RCI stuff is very attractive. I'm not not sold that it's as good as the Mobtown units just yet.

 

2 quickies.. Pelfreybilt isn’t taking orders and might close, and CBI has made aluminum sliders.

 

Both those pictures are my truck, and I wheeled a bunch on stock exhaust. I was CONSTANTLY getting hung up on it. No fault of the skid plate, it was a tucked as high as it could go.








As far as strength and price, the two are definitely related. While RCI are cheaper I don't think they can hold a candle to mobtowns as far as strength. I wheel the piss outta my truck and have put some solid dents in there, even with the reinforcements. My transmission skid has a very slight upward bend to it (again, with the reinforcements). RCI would be a mangled mess in this case. One other thing to consider is that RCI has a weird front lip on their IFS skid. It interferes with pretty much all aftermarket bumpers and people have to use an angle grinder to cut it off.

 

Excellent info. Thank you!

 

Ricochet makes aluminum skids as well. I’m not sure on interchangeability between 2nd/3rd gen, though some of their stuff is advertised to fit both.

 

They have? I haven't seen them.

 

They made a full aluminum set for one of the Expedition Overland rigs, so they’re available in that material even if not marketed, rightly so as the pool for aluminum sliders isn’t even shallow, it’s hardly wet.

To add to that, they’re also $$$$$$$ - so if someone really wants them, they’re there. Bring your wallet, though.

 

I thought this sounded familiar-ish. From CBI.

 

Yea, I guess I don't see them on their website. Bumping the material thickness and charging more money isn't exactly rocket science, but it also doesn't address any of the issues. You can pretty much make any armor from aluminum if you were so inclined. I suppose they know this which is why they don't market them. In my mind, this means they don't really "make" aluminum sliders. It just means they "can make" aluminum sliders. By this definition, all vendors make aluminum sliders. Heck, we even made a set. But like you said, for the price, the market is even damp.

 

No doubt.

I’m assuming compared to a steel slider of identical design, an all aluminum version is what.. twice as much? Retail.

You can get the feeling with the tone of that post from CBI that they’ll make them, but they don’t really suggest them.

 

When I was ordering my front bumper, sliders, and skid set I had a very long conversation with one of their sales reps. We talked in length about steel vs aluminum, and he pretty much echo'd what the above statement said: aluminum is nice if you are more worried about weight than full protection and cost. Ultimately I went with steel because I don't want to have to replace entire components if it gets hit hard. I don't have any personal experience with them, but I've heard nothing but good things about mobtown. With that said, I run entirely CBI and will be getting the remainder of stuff through them as they also make fantastic products. Mobtown does seem to be a little more active on the forum though, so there is that. @jowybyo are you guys planning on doing a gas tank skid section? I know CBI is R&D'ing some currently. Not meant as a jab, just something to consider since it feels like good gas tank protection is hard to come by, and that thing is pretty exposed.

 

I’ll be in the shop soon for them to start designing a skid. Should be compatible across gens like other skids, and we’ll be able to confirm fitment on a 3rd gen.

 

I do like the weight savings of the aluminum, but this is after one trip out in some mild-med rocks. Only took two hits that I noticed to the mid skid and it's pretty bent.
In contrast, the front skid is steel and took some harder hits with only scrapes to show.
All 3 are RCI skids.

 

Just FYI I did ask about aluminum sliders from CBI and got a solid NO.