Fuel tank skid plate for Sport Long Box

I have a '17 Sport double cab long box which is at greater risk of bottoming out than the shorter models. The fuel tank is tucked up nice and high but I am still concerned that it may bottom out. Here in coastal BC we can have torrential rains as well as severe spring runoff from the mountains and this frequently causes washouts. As a result even a dirt road that is generally in reasonable condition can have nasty spots to navigate through. Recently we were on our way to Clear Creek Hot Springs on the east side of Harrison Lake and were forced to turn around due to a washout that was just too rough. Trucks with shorter wheelbases could make it, though with difficulty.

So I'm planning to install a skid plate under the fuel tank. I wonder if anyone has done so and can give me some advice. There are some aftermarket skid plates available for the off road model but nothing for the Sport, unless you change out the fuel tank straps and replace them with the off road straps.

Any thoughts on this, anyone?

 

changing the fuel tank straps is easy, or what i did was just drill the stock straps and weld in M8 bolts.
any skid plate that just uses the straps to mount would work for you.

 

I've been thinking about an OR / Pro take off for a while.

The straps are pretty inexpensive:

$59 Spectra Premium ST323 Fuel Tank Strap

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPVC2M6

There is also a skid that doesn't attach to the straps:

 

i used the ricochet skid on mine (although access cab), attaches via just the fuel tank straps

 

Thanks so much tonered and spectacular.adventues, this is very useful information!