Felt skid protector shredded

It was bound to happen. I hit some unavoidable highway road debris yesterday (a semi lost it's retread) and my crappy SR5 felt skid protector was shredded. Is it even fair to call this thing a skid protector? Felt under belly cover? Does it even have a name?

My truck is fine otherwise. Not even any cosmetic damage. I'd previously been thinking about upgrading to a real engine skid plate but life got busy and I kind of forgot about it. So now it's time. I've been looking around the forum here and there are so many options at this point. Can I just ask - is there a general consensus? With the SR5 I know I need to add a front crossmember. RCI has one for $65 so that makes sense. Anyone have experience with their front skid plates? Thoughts on steel or the lighter aluminium? I don't hardcore offroad but my truck does end up on residential construction sites and dirt roads. The OEM plate looks ok but it's pricey, needs to be removed for an oil change, and I still need a crossmember.

Also what's the thinking on whether I can shimmy myself under the truck to install myself or do I need my mechanic and his lift? He says it's a 30 minute job.

I know there's a bunch of posts but I'd just love some quick thoughts before I pull the trigger.

Thanks folks!

 

It’s just for aerodynamics
Smoother airflow is better for gas mileage

 

I do my victory aluminum 4x4 skidplate without a vehicle lift . I do have a 1.8" lift up front though. pretty simple with a jack. no front crossbar needed.
Adding a fumoto valve soon so it dosent need to be pulled for oil changes.
I liked the victory skid better than the rci for LCA mounting protection. But i like the rci trans and transfer skid over the victory because its narrower. but in reality it just needs a cheap trans skid to along with the front skidplate as im not doing a lot of rock crawing

 

Aluminum is fine for your usage case (unplanned/emergency impacts). RCI gets a lot of business because their products are reasonably good and they can consistently meet their advertised lead times.

 

I went w/ the MCX plate and really like it---- can be purchased either with or without the crossmember (my truck needed the crossmember as well). Based on what you're looking for it may be worth checking out---- 1. can get w/ crossmember, 2. doesn't need to be removed for oil change, and 3. Install is very doable (not difficult).

 

I solo installed the aluminum RCI skid plate without any jacking or lifting. I did put the passengers side up on the curb for a little more wriggle room.

 

Thanks! Do you know if the Victory skid requires the front crossbar add-on for my SR5 that some of the other brands require? I can't tell from their FAQ. Seems like a good option (and good value) if it does not.

 

I didnt have a cross bar between the recovery mounting points on my sport if thats what your talking about. still dont know all this talk about crossbars needed with a skidplate.

unit mounted fine and see zero issues with its mounting and strength. It did take a few days longer then expected but overall happy with it

 

Skidplates have front mounting holes, that bolt to a crossmember. Here's a pic of the crossmember I installed on my SR5. If you installed without a crossmember, you run the risk of ripping off or at least bending down the skidplate when it contacts something.

 

I have an SR5 too. I *think* some of the off road models have the cross-bar as part of their frame. The lower tier models like ours need the cross bar added. At least that's my understanding. But I'm not sure which models need the cross-bar and which don't.

I've decided on the MillerCat (MCX) skid plate. They have a version for the SR5 that comes with the crossbar and also free shipping. Also quick access to the oil filter and oil drain plug. Seems like a good deal for $420 plus tax.

 

good to know thats what all the talk is about. i can see that happening with the flat trd style plates that have no bends in that area. That flat bar aint doing a whole lot to keep the frame in check, if it had bends like a U-channel, ok.
I dont see that happening with the bends and pockets where they are on the victory skidplate. if anything the skidplate is stronger than the brace in that area.

 

The Rough Country one does not need the crossmember. In fact they tell you to cut it off if you have it. It fits fine on a stock SR5. It's two piece and relatively heavy steel. No openings for oil drain or filter so I'll have to wrestle it off every time. The 2nd time I took it off it wasn't so bad since I knew what I was up against.

 

There was a light weight one (about half as thick) from Amazon in a thread a while back. Probably be ok if all you are worried about is thrown rocks and the occasional ooppsie. I'll see if I can find the link.


Edit: Now I'm not saying these are any good. Any you'd need to check to see about whether you need a crossmember.
AP&C:

$230 APC21 Custom Skid Plate, Compatible With Toyota Tacoma 2024-2026 2WD & 4WD - Fits Gas Models Only. Easy Oil Filter Access, Black With Red Emblem, No Cross Member Needed For Installation.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQFB83SG/?coliid=I2JP5NL2HNEPBU&colid=EX9ZYDZH7O16
Rough Country:

$140 Rough Country Front Skid Plate Kit for Toyota Tacoma 4WD (2024) - Front & Mid-Frame Protection, Easy Bolt-on Install

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKGBHQK8/?coliid=I11LKCF2MKPS4Q&colid=EX9ZYDZH7O16

 

The Rough Country plate is a great deal @$150. Comes with a second plate for the dif, and requires no crossbar on the SR5.

 

RCI crossbar (bc fuck NYTOP for what they did with those) and OEM skid when Toyota parts websites have a deal. I got the aluminum TRD one for around $300. TH will be cheaper but probably heavier? The aluminum one isn’t light by any means. Oh and you need extra bolts. Part number is 90119-A0549. You need 6 of them I think.

I installed everything in about 1 hr. Because I had to Jerry rig a breaker bar.

 

I also installed the Miller Cat on my Sport, early on, and posted the install pics on another thread……
Highly recommend, in part because of quality, well designed, but also because unlike the Toyota OEM (that has to be removed for an oil change, the MCX has 2 separate access panels for oil filter and oil drain.

the only model that brings the crossmember is the OR 4 X 4………..

with the MCX, you will lose the Air Dam (no big loss)……

took me less than an hour to install, 2nd person helps too.

 

No, it's not a skid plate and it's not sold or claimed to be one either. It's an engine splash shield.

There is an OEM composite one that you can swap in. It's extremely thick and rigid if your just protecting from road debris.

See this post for pictures and more details

 

It’s NOT an engine splash shield……..it’s Toyota penny pinching BS……….$45K vehicle, with a felt “whatever” that won’t last into year 2…….

the OEM Composite one, is standard on the OR edition…….and for a few dollars more you can buy an MCX skid plate the oil filter and oil pan access, because $45K wasn’t enough for Toyota…….

 

OP I have the TRD off-road fiberglass composite skid plate I replaced with a TRD aluminum plate sitting in my garage. I was going to toss it but you’re welcome to pick it up if you want it. I live in central New Jersey.

 

Located in central NJ and a bronze oxide brother as well. If OP doesn't want it, I'm interested so I can replace the felt one on my Sport,