Skid Plate for '22 OR

Hi.

I have a '22 Tacoma OR Access Cab. I have read a bit about front skid plates. Wondering what opinions are.

Looking at Cali Raised and the TRD skid plate. I gather TRD is pretty rugged. And wouldn't mind the saved weight of going with aluminum. But if folks think steel is simply better, than will go that way.

Or, have you found another brand that is less expensive, but that also has oil access?

Also, have been looking on Marketplace and Ebay for used. Not much around. Any thoughts on how to get one used? I'm in Tucson.

Off topic, but do you know if there are inexpensive wheel caps available somewhere? Everything starts at ~$25 PER cap. Lost one someone along the desert road. It could even be a set of blank caps. Just want to have caps on all wheels, whether they have Yota logo, or not.

Thank you.

 

I like my steel ARB's. They are half the thickness of other steel plates but plenty rugged for my purposes. They weigh what popular aluminum plates weigh. If I was planning on slamming down on jagged rocks regularly, I'd go heavier. Mine have saved me numerous times when I have slid off a rock or just had no other choice. The TRD plate is not for hard use.

 

My RCI steel engine+transmission skid and the aluminum wings on transmission that protect catalytic converters are about 100 lbs total. The steel has taken a couple big gouges, scrapes and thumps and still looks "in the correct shape".

But that is just my opinion that a few extra pounds for steel over aluminum is worth it.

 

Check out Talon's Garage as well. They have both steel and aluminum options. I have their aluminum skids on my 2016 Tacoma OR and a 2022 4Runner ORP.

 

I like my oem one, but I don't do rock crawling....

 

Steel or aluminum .. get aluminum at least 1/4 in or steel 3/16 in. And get some catalytic converter guards. But if you are going to seriously rock-crawl instead just lighter off-roading and forest roads go with steel

 

It really depends on how hard you are going to wheel your truck.
Here are a few good sources to start and get a feel which is best for particular applications.
BTW - I never heard anyone complain about Cali skid plates RCI is pretty good IMHO as well.
Google Trail Tacoma
Aluminum VS. Steel Skid Plates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0s5wdSv0d4

 

Do you want them just to have them or do you really need them?

 

I went aluminum. Aluminum is great for sticks, small stones, and the occasional 18 wheeler's discarded tire. I have no intention to plow boulders with my truck.

 

But that scraping sound is just soooo satisfying.

 

That's not very Rock Lobster of you.

 

Aluminum is great for light wheeling - unfortunately in my case I go places I probably have no business going. I really do try to take good lines and not do crazy . . . . . so why do my skid plates take a beating ? Please don't answer that.

 

I have RCI engine/tranny/transfer case (steel). They're not light but they work well. The exhaust panel is really functional/slides better than expected. Having them and wheeling is a waaay more enjoyable experience.

Solid resource for weight management:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/list-of-armor-weights.701692/

 

Maybe the moderators can change his username to Pebble Lobster.

 

I'm happy with my RCI skid, very easy install & seems to be well built..

 

I really need them. I have already bent something under there pretty bad. Don't want to make it worse.

 

A lot of love for the RCI's. Anyone know why folks aren't saying anything more about the Talon's Garage skids? they are considerably less expensive, come in two pieces (which could make installation easier), and seem like a solid option.

 

Steel. No doubt.

 

Or... Hear me out here....

Learn to pick better lines.