2023 Tacoma SR5 4x4 Skid Plate Question

I’m interested in removing the front air dam from my truck and replacing the factory skid plate with something more aesthetically pleasing. From what I understand, the TRD Pro skid plate is a simple install with no modifications necessary and comes with the hardware. However, when I look it up on Toyota online parts site, I get a notice that it may not be compatible with my 2023 SR5. Can anyone confirm if it will work?

Secondly, given that my truck isn’t a TRD, I’m not sure how I feel about a TRD stamped plate (although it did come with TRD Pro wheels, so I guess it doesn’t matter). Are there any other 3rd party quality aluminum skid plate options that are a simple install with no mods needed and the correct hardware?

 

You can check out Cali Raised and RCI skid plates

 

It should be a direct bolt-on. I’ve had this one on my Amazon wish list for a while:

LOSTAR Front Skid Plate For 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Off Road/TRD PRO PTR60-35190

Front Skid Plate for 2016-2023 Tacoma Off Road TRD PRO Sport SR5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091PRVVBG

 

It may give that message because some parts are only available to those with TRD Pro trims and require a TRD Pro VIN to acquire. I don't think that's the case with the skid plate though.

 

I had seen that one and I like it but it also mentions (twice) that it’s for TRD Off Road and PRO ONLY). Seems they wouldn’t bother to repeat themselves or capitalize the “only” unless it doesn’t work on an SR5.

edit: now I know. It’s because you have to remove the front valance so it requires a “modification” but user responses on Amazon confirms it works.

 

Could just be marketing speak. If you do a search for SR5 on the Amazon listing you will see reviews from multiple people who installed it on them.

 

It's because of the air dam. The TRD skid won't fit with the air dam on. As long as you take it off it will bolt up fine.
TRD stands for Toyota research and development. Good for all trims.

 

Just repaint the TRD letters on the TRD skid plate.

 

Removing the air dam will affect fuel economy slightly. It's a trade off....either it looks better to oneself, or just accept a 1 mpg hit in fuel mileage. With the air dam removed I noticed more wind noise at highway speeds to.

 

look up skid plate for 2023 trail it’s just black

 

You're right it is a tradeoff. The TRD skid doesn't just look better, it offers much more protection offroad. Approach angles are greatly improved too. That makes it a good trade, at least it does for me.

 

Put one on mine yesterday. Easy peasy. Got mine from BAM. Carefully pulled the letters off and painted. Reinstalled them with 3M tape.

 

The wind noise might be a concern for me. I’m almost all highway miles. It’s 36-37 miles to my work daily. I may just leave it as is for now.

 

Removed my air damn before getting bigger tires. I had no increase in wind noise and my mpg remained virtually the same, at least until I got the bigger rubber lol. I wouldn’t let those things worry you. If anything you could take it off when you have time, go for a drive and put it right back on if you find any issues.

 

I put one of the off brand knock off trd Plates on my 2020 sr5 4x4. Honestly it's looks fine and it's very thick strong metal. The only flaws I can complain about is a few of the edges could have been milled smoother and installing it was unnecessarily a pain because the bolt with spacers were pre-installed installed on the plate but two of the pairs were in the wrong position making it not line up. But someone on this forum knew that when I posted about it. After correcting that the thing bolts up perfectly. I find the hatch to access the oil filter very convenient compared to removing the thin metal pan they ship with the truck during in oil change.