TRD skid plate too expensive. Alternatives?

I need easy access to the oil filter and so am considering a TRD skid plate. That’s kinda flashy and pricey (both not me for this septuagenarian) so I’m looking for a less expensive alternative.

 

I’ve got a steel @CaliRaisedLed and am happy with it.

RCI also has the oil filter access.

here is a pic after I costed it with Rustoleum roll on bedliner.

 

About 3 years ago I bought a knock off TRD skid plate from Amazon for $190. It was branded Lostar, but when I looked it's no longer available. There's an identical one branded KUAFU. I had to swap the middle and back bolts/spacers, but other than that it fit fine. It's 1/4" aluminum and has the door for the filter and hole for the oil drain. Neither the Lostar or Kuafu have the TRD logo. There's a thread about the Kuafu on TW. The thread mentions swapping the bolts on the Kuafu so they're probably from the same factory.

$166 KUAFU Front Skid Plate Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road TRD PRO Sport SR5 Replacement for PTR60-35190 PTR60-35160 Protection Aluminum

Amazon.com: KUAFU Front Skid Plate Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road TRD PRO Sport SR5 Replacement for PTR60-35190 PTR60-35160 Protection Aluminum : Automotive

 

Lostar ones are still findable on ebay. At $199 still too.

They are quite beefy and bolt right up but beware the provided hardware and spacers is best if tossed in the recycling

 

If you decide it isn't too flashy and are mostly worried about price, keep your eyes peeled on facebook. I recently picked a genuine one up for $200 that was barely used at all and never used offroad once. Took about a month and a half of passive searching a few times per week. Found a color-matched fiberglass cap with sliding windows for a similar price which is an even crazier find. Still looking for sliders and fogs, just gotta be patient.

 

Thanks…I’ll be on the lookout. I will say that I like CaliRaised products. I’ve only purchased and installed their cat covers, but like what I got.

 

Do these all require removal of the front air dam?

 

Yes for TRD OEM and also knock-offs.

 

With a little trimming you can put it back on. Better have a sharp knife though.

 

Just take the stupid thing off

 

I don’t particularly like the look with it off.

 

Good to know, some people have done sound tests and mileage tests, so if they are correct in the improvement it makes, it might be nice to be able to put the air thing back on, at least in summer, just based on wind noise levels.

 

Now, that one I can afford!

 

I know that's lighter than aluminum, but is it as strong?