Which Skid Plate for my 2015 TRD off road?

I own a Red 2015 Tacoma TRD off road. I crunched my factory skid plate (more like splash guard) on this big rock my uncle has in his lawn to keep people from cutting through part of his yard when turning around in his driveway. So I'm thinking I should just replace the factory one now that its banged up with a real one... I don't do any real off roading but I want to be sure I'm well protected just in case something like that happens again. I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two options and I'd like some opinions on which is best.

Option 1 -> The OEM 1/4" Aluminum TRD skid plate for $400+. (I know this is only supposed to only go on 2016+ Tacos but lots of people saying it fits 05-15 Tacos just fine)


Option 2 -> The RCI 3/16" Steel skid plate for $320.


Pros/Cons
Option 1 Pros: It's a genuine Toyota part. TRD badging will look cool. Made of light weight aluminum.
Option 1 Cons: Costs about $100 more. Not sure I like that color. Aluminium won't take on a big bad rock as well as steel.

Option 2 Pros: $100 cheaper. I like Black. Steel is very strong and holds up well.
Option 2 Cons: Steel is heavier and prone to rust. No sweet TRD badging. RCI isn't OEM.

I dunno... for me this is a tough one.

 

OP, I only see a pic of one real skid in your post. Not sure what the one with those red letters is. All-Pro Offroad carries an aluminum one if you want one with weight savings and rust prevention but most importantly, it's on sale right now.

 

I vote get a better after market plate.


As for rust, the bolts that hold on the factory plate are prone to rusting.
Many guys have broken them on removal or installation.
Check your the bolts over good if you plane to reuse them.

I live in the south east, we don’t usually have to deal with rust.
My bolts were pretty rusted on the threaded portion. I reused them, but was pretty nervous on install.

 

Two votes for he RCI... yeah I think that’s the way I’m leaning to. Thanks for your opinions.

 

My vote is rci I have it and i beat the shit out of it.

 

You only have one skid listed, and a decorative piece of aluminum. The TRD aluminum skid weighs 4lbs, the RCI skid in aluminum weighs 22lbs. I'd opt for the RCI skid in aluminum over the heavy 47lb steel version. The only reason to go with such a heavy steel skid would be if you were regularly abusing it, which doesn't at all sound like your use case. I wheel my truck and use the RCI aluminum skid. The aluminum does cost $50 more, but worth it IMO for the weigh savings, also makes taking it on and off for servicing easier too and don't have to worry about rust. Most importantly it is going to stand up far better than the TRD skid.

 

RCI here too! I went with the RCI steel ones. They also compensate for diff drops, which I didn't think at the time.

 

You don't need those access panels on the 4.0 so I have the All Pro 3/16" steel that's been on for 9 years and well used on 2009. Good mounts and hole for oil drain. After 7 years I did pull it off and sand/repaint as was powder coated and lots of long rock gouges. Need a floor jack to install as around 45lbs or some boxes to stack it up on. 4 big bolts were wire brushed and painted and smaller 2 rears replaced with hardened stainless. You want protection get the steel and if for mainly looks the alum is fine but it will get mangled if you really use it. I have full skids so if you plan on a trans and xfer in future make sure others will attach to that RCI. Enjoy.

 

If you plan on hitting rocks... check out Budbuilt ( like @muddog321 ). I prefer to save weight. For now.

 

Yep I have a Budbuilt gas tank steel skid too. They are in NC. Their xfer plate sits lower (flat under the exhaust crossover) while All Pro has a step down for that exhaust so 2 diff approaches by 2 builders. Both good products for heavy use.