Skid plate recommendations

Hey guys there are a lot of options out there when it comes to this and kits but what’s your opinions on build quality, and best bang for your buck and alluminum vs steel?

 

I went OEM TRD aluminum and add later a talon garage cat shield now everything match down there .

 

full 4 piece set from BCC

 

It depends on what you doing that requires skids. Fire trails, truck camping, aluminum is fine. If there are any rocks or logs involved get 3/16” steel. Rock crawling add sliders.

 

I want to start getting into mild rock crawling gatekeeper trails guess I’m gonna need steel I’m primarily done only fire roads and light gravel/rock trails but I find that a lot funner trying to compromise between weight and function as the rig is getting heavier every mod, I also need a front winch bumper, thinking of a lo pro the hybrid and overland series are heavy as hell you guys think a low pro with the proper skids is good enough protection?

 

RCI alum with powder coat, though unnecessary but the price was the same when I bought it.

I would say it’s nice that I can add to it over time.

the OEM trd one looks nice and sometimes a really good deal can be had with sales

 

Was thinking of getting the oem ted pro and mixing it with the rci mid and back beacause it says it’s compatible the trd seems convenient because it has a door for the oil filter

 

the RCI one has a door too, no? Up to you, they’re both nice!

 

Aluminum seems to be good for what most people actually do, since it's lighter weight and won't rust. The OEM TRD Pro skid is popular for this as a front skid as its durable for aluminum skids and has good coverage, if you plan to add other stuff you will want to research compatibility with that one first to plan purchases.

If you plan to rock crawl and intentionally slide the truck over rocks or anticipate getting hung up often, then the strength of steel would be better despite the extra weight. I'm also told steel will slide over rocks whereas aluminum will tend to bend or gouge and dig in if you try to intentionally slide it on rocks.

 

TRD knockoff for the weekend warrior. Tried and True.

 

Black paint with primer and it's ready for an unexpected bump or two.

 

Looks great!

 

I went with full steel plates from Mobtown (RIP), but many others make good ones too. One thing I learned, try to buy local to save shipping costs too- your builder may even do installations… I went that route with my sliders and installation was included.

 

Who makes the knockoff?

 

LOSTAR is one of the company. Amazon has them too. It’s perfect for mall crawler like myself as I crawl over speed bump & concrete parking block.

 

Yep, problem is that nearest mall is 115 miles away. Ya drive way the hell past the sticks to get to where I live.

 

115 miles? Yikes! But it’s worth it though. Lucky for me, I have a few mall 15-20 min away.

 

As a lone sailor it took me half a day of bench pressing this thing before I got it to fit. Other than that I love it.

 

If I could go back I’d probably do all aluminum. My set is heeeaavy.

 

I hear ya. I used a bunch of scrap 2x4's and played a game of reverse Jenga, adding one 2x4 at a time until the threads would catch.