Skids for TRD Sport 20'

Hi Everyone!

I'm currently researching skids. What are ya'll using? I'm just starting my search on 3/16" steel skids that will cover the front, transmission, transfer case, gas tank and differential.

Any advice you can offer me would be appreciated!

 

Rci metalworks is pretty good. They are a vendor here on TW. Victory4x4 is pretty good too.

 

I came across them during my search! I'll refer back. Thanks!

 

It depends on your needs overall. Steel is heavy but protects well. You can get aluminum to save a bunch of weight, not worry about rust, and still effective at protection. It will cost a little more and won’t protect as well as steel, but if you don’t intend to bash them often, it’s a good option. Also consider sliders

 

I really don't know what my needs are... I'm just getting into offroading, I was always a passanger (ha). I took her out to Jawbone, CA and the surrounding desert. We only hit a rock on the bottom of the frame once, but I was barley dipping my toes in the water. I think I want solid protection underneath because knowing me I'll get myself in an "oh crap" situation. Rock silders are next!

 

Yeah just go Steel. Better safe, than sorry. Vehicle damage is pretty expensive.. not to mention if you do crack a differential... or the mid case... even your LCA’s.. its all relatively expensive. Armor pays for itself!

 

Welcome to TW!
I also vote on RCI. I don't have it yet (I don't go over rocks, mostly mountain runs), but I do like how there is an access panel for the oil filter so it's on my list, just not priority.
I don't like having to remove the skid plate every time I have to change the oil filter.
Don't forget that steels are heavy and your front end will start dropping the more weight you add.

 

+1 for RCI stuff. They're local-ish to me so there's some savings on shipping. I only have the front skid and sliders for now but I can tell you that stuff works real well. Bone chilling hits to the skid. The type that you feel through the cab and in your bones type of hit. Got out to check the skid and it just scraped off some paint. I think the aluminum vs steel argument for saving weight is a moot point. I asked for the total weights of RCI's full steel skids vs aluminum and the difference was 44 lbs. I'm pretty sure I have a tote of camping crap in my bed that is more than 44 lbs.

Not having to worry about respraying the hits is nice though. I've still yet to crawl under the truck with a rattle can. Should probably do that soon.

 

RCI

 

if your within this area, this is an awesome deal https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-2020-arb-skid-plate-used-cheap.668364/

 

Sliders before skid plates.

 

Aluminum is soft. Steel is hard. I’ve seen 1/4” sheets of aluminum torn like paper. Steel is real.

 

I run just a TRD front skid on my Taco. No need for more than that.

Full CBI graces mommas overlander.

As stated, just comes down to needs/wants

 

I agree 100% it just sucks to spend quite a bit of money on aluminum skids and tear a big hole into it. Steel will dent and crease if the hit is big enough but it’s still functional after heavy usage and worth something when you take it off.

 

As others have said don't neglect sliders.

Personally I do steel. Aluminum tends to crack and tear on rocks. Just know what you are gonna be seeing the most and decide. Sounds like alot of rocks.

Steel dents and slides. Plus a BFH can push large steel dents out.

Check out your local shops in the area. California has some good armor shops. Neighboring Nevada has @RelentlessFab and california has @JLee from Bay Area Metal Fab. Snagged sliders on the cheap and got a front skid too. Working on either getting the mid and t case from BAMF or change to a thinner bolt on solution.

 

I have steel. I smack the underside of truck quite a bit when offroading. I scrape my skid plates more than my sliders, but depending on your terrain and what you do, YMMV.

 

most of my trips are desert runs, aluminum is perfect for me. When I hit the mountains, I choose my lines more cautiously but aluminum is all I need

 

I picked up the RCI Skid Trilogy and love them. I got mine in aluminum and they have held up very well. I love how easily I can change the oil without pulling the skids off.

 

I'd recommend the full set from Bay Area Metal Fab. They're heavier duty than just about any other set out there, and the cost is very reasonable for what you get. We run Pelfrey front and mid skids on my wife's Tacoma, with the BAMF t-case skid; had I known then what we know now (about skid construction and company rep) we'd be running all BAMF. Their gas tank skid is next on our list.

Also, remember that yes, total weight matters, but the weight of steel skid plates will be below your center of gravity, which will actually help the truck feel more stable.

 

I’ve wrecked a couple front skids. Aluminum does tear and you can easily punch big holes through it.

In your case that picture shows you don’t abuse your truck off road, and I’m sure the aluminum PRO skid will last a long time.