In April of last year, I bought a skid plate for my 2nd gen Tundra from RCI. I got the 1/4 inch 5052 Aluminum. I choose this one mainly because it has a door for the oil filter and it provides good protection for the Fumoto drain plug valve while still allowing good access. The price was $450, but I had a discount code from some youtube channel (I forgot which one) that took off $67.50 and the shipping was $27. No tax since I am out of state so it cost me $409.50. It was easy to install and the oil changes are much simpler now. They are based in CO, so you might be able to reach out and get a tour or some sort of deal with them. They already have a full page of accessories for the new Tacomas. Might be worth checking into it.
For whatever reason, all the factory installed captive washer screws in mine had damaged threads. Worth looking at the threads. I ordered 8 of them to replace the factory ones and need to check the frame bolts for thread damage. Not sure what Toyota did during the install, but it was a little wonky. The captive washer bolts are about $1.50 from the dealer, but they were not a stocked item at my dealer so had to come from the warehouse. The install is trivial on this Trailhunter skid plate. Not sure why you'd ever buy a heavier and more expensive after market one considering you get free shipping from Toyota over $75 on these, and the OTD cost was around $300. This skid plate is identical to what comes on the Land Cruisers (the LC models say "Toyota" on the front, not Trailhunter). Some of the LC trims include both the front and middle skid plate, and there's also some third skid plate that goes farther back even from Toyota, but I can't find anyone who has pics or has installed it. The second piece of this that mounts behind the engine skid plate is labelled as a "transfer case" or "transmission" skid plate.
Excellent! I was wondering when and where I could get a real skid plate in place of the composite one. My 2024 TRD OR came with the optional steel rear differential skid plate in case you are interested in one of those.
It weighs about 20 lbs, there's no flex or anything like that. I don't have a great way to measure the thickness, but I'm sure it's not as thick as many aftermarket plates. But I think it's a good compromise between thickness l, strength and weight.
I have a feeling that the composite skid plates are actually a lot tougher than folks might think, and they weigh almost nothing. I’m hesitating on switching to the metal plates. Just seems like a lot to spend on something that I already technically have. And they’re super easy to remove for oil changes
I do think the composite plates are just fine. But I'm often loaded down when I'm on trails so the extra protection of the steel plates is probably good. But there's no reason you have to make the switch. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@BenInBeta I installed the cali raised sliders this past weekend, and I can feel the added weight… barely, but it is noticeable. How are you liking the oem sliders so far? I really like the added step functionality of these things.
@kevinbradley8613 so far, I really like the OEM sliders. They're exactly what I wanted, lighter, but tough enough to be used. I didn't want a step, because I didn't want to have that sticking out, but the Cali raised sliders were definitely super beefy. Glad you're loving them.
Other than the heads up display in the trailhunter, is there anything that CAN'T be retrofitted into the TRD offroad? I'm assuming even the headlights will eventually be available.
I don't think so, though potentially the air compressor could be difficult as I'm guessing that needs the hybrid engine and also the hybrid system would be the other thing.
In April of last year, I bought a skid plate for my 2nd gen Tundra from RCI. I got the 1/4 inch 5052 Aluminum. I choose this one mainly because it has a door for the oil filter and it provides good protection for the Fumoto drain plug valve while still allowing good access. The price was $450, but I had a discount code from some youtube channel (I forgot which one) that took off $67.50 and the shipping was $27. No tax since I am out of state so it cost me $409.50. It was easy to install and the oil changes are much simpler now. They are based in CO, so you might be able to reach out and get a tour or some sort of deal with them. They already have a full page of accessories for the new Tacomas. Might be worth checking into it.
Nice. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it. Thanks for watching as well!
For whatever reason, all the factory installed captive washer screws in mine had damaged threads. Worth looking at the threads. I ordered 8 of them to replace the factory ones and need to check the frame bolts for thread damage. Not sure what Toyota did during the install, but it was a little wonky. The captive washer bolts are about $1.50 from the dealer, but they were not a stocked item at my dealer so had to come from the warehouse. The install is trivial on this Trailhunter skid plate. Not sure why you'd ever buy a heavier and more expensive after market one considering you get free shipping from Toyota over $75 on these, and the OTD cost was around $300.
This skid plate is identical to what comes on the Land Cruisers (the LC models say "Toyota" on the front, not Trailhunter). Some of the LC trims include both the front and middle skid plate, and there's also some third skid plate that goes farther back even from Toyota, but I can't find anyone who has pics or has installed it. The second piece of this that mounts behind the engine skid plate is labelled as a "transfer case" or "transmission" skid plate.
Thanks for sharing this additional information. I appreciate it and agree with you too.
Excellent! I was wondering when and where I could get a real skid plate in place of the composite one. My 2024 TRD OR came with the optional steel rear differential skid plate in case you are interested in one of those.
Sweet! I might end up getting that in the future.
Cancelled my trd one they kept telling me was coming…for 2 months. And the trail hunter one will get here tomorrow. Thanks for the vid!
No problem. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Got it. Installed. Only used 4 of the 8 bolts. You too right?
@thepdc6220 I used 6 bolts as I recall.
Excellent, looks beefier than I thought. How think is it? How would it compare to a RCI or similar?
It weighs about 20 lbs, there's no flex or anything like that. I don't have a great way to measure the thickness, but I'm sure it's not as thick as many aftermarket plates. But I think it's a good compromise between thickness l, strength and weight.
I have a feeling that the composite skid plates are actually a lot tougher than folks might think, and they weigh almost nothing. I’m hesitating on switching to the metal plates. Just seems like a lot to spend on something that I already technically have. And they’re super easy to remove for oil changes
I do think the composite plates are just fine. But I'm often loaded down when I'm on trails so the extra protection of the steel plates is probably good. But there's no reason you have to make the switch. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@BenInBeta I installed the cali raised sliders this past weekend, and I can feel the added weight… barely, but it is noticeable. How are you liking the oem sliders so far? I really like the added step functionality of these things.
@kevinbradley8613 so far, I really like the OEM sliders. They're exactly what I wanted, lighter, but tough enough to be used. I didn't want a step, because I didn't want to have that sticking out, but the Cali raised sliders were definitely super beefy. Glad you're loving them.
Yes I agree with you I think composite skid plates are actually pretty strong I'm keeping my stock one on I have a 2024 tacoma TRD off-road
@davidchenette1091 nothing wrong with that. Thanks for adding to the comments!
Will that fit the TRD sport??
I believe that it will, but check with your dealer to be sure!
You need to install a crossmember to attach the front two bolts
@LimitBreaker210 I' didn't have that issue when I installed mine.
Other than the heads up display in the trailhunter, is there anything that CAN'T be retrofitted into the TRD offroad? I'm assuming even the headlights will eventually be available.
I don't think so, though potentially the air compressor could be difficult as I'm guessing that needs the hybrid engine and also the hybrid system would be the other thing.
When installing it was it 4 bolts or 8 on the new skid plate
That for the watching and the question. It was neither 4 or 8, it was 6.
Thank you
Just ordered one
Want to send me your composite plates?
I think I might keep them for now just in case, but you can make me an offer!😄
I have the TRD in the front and the transfer case of the trail hunter@ekyll_offroad
Nice!