RCI front skid plate--Aluminium or Steel ?

Just buy two and stack them together

 

Yeah, there is an idea!

 

TaxTime Sale is up again at RCI! Just ordered the Aluminum Package. I am back and forth, but ultimately the weight and my intended use pushed me to the lighter option despite its admitted limitation.

(Package = Engine Skid + Transmission/TransferCase Skid)
Steel package allegedly weighs in at 81 lbs
Aluminum package allegedly weighs in at 54 lbs

Truck won't mind the weight, but the crewmax is already operating near or at its payload capacity on our camping outings and i'm not planning on dragging this rig over rocks, i just wanted some piece of mind when i cut it close or i choose the wrong line. Hopefully i don't regret the decision....fingers crossed!

 

What does the factory skid plate weigh?

 

The skid that i pulled off my SR5 weighed around 12 lbs.

 

To summarize the results of my research on this for others:

There are pros and cons to each material. Either material will offer more robust protection than the stock skid while also allowing additional tire clearance (many people end up trimming or folding the wings of the stock skid when they run larger tires).

Aluminum:

Pros:

Weight
Will not rust (may oxidize, but should not weaken over time)​

Cons:

Can gouge when dragged over rocks (causing potential damage as well as creating friction (ie. not sliding))
Will likely buckle slightly prior to the steels buckling point under identical circumstances
Cost ($110 more for the whole package in my case)
​

Steel:

Pros:

Great for playing in the rocks
Will slide over rocks with momentum or winching
Strongest Options for abuse
Cost​

Cons:

Heavier than Aluminum
Will Rust/Oxidize
​

My takeaway from my research was that for rock crawling the steel is where its at. For a daily driver, that sees occasional trail use, looking for additional protection and piece of mind, aluminum is a great option. I don't think you can go wrong with either as both options appear to be far superior to the factory (non-TRD) skid plate.

*This is not based on extensive knowledge of engineering or material properties so i apologize if any of this is mis-leading or incorrect...

 

Are the gen 2 and gen 3 mount points for the front skid plate in the same location?
Looking to upgrade my older Tundra to the TRD pro or RCI plate with the access door for the filter.

 

i went with aluminum. I most likely wont go true off roading. but i want protecting if I do. I also live in massachusetts. we throw salt on the roads like it our job! so over time the steel will rust bad. even powder coating wont protect. 1/4''alum. is pretty thick. if i lived in socal. i would get steel cause i would be off road allot and no worries about rust.

 

I was referred to think Discussion from another. I wanted to see the Pros and Cons of the Steel and Aluminum RCI Skid Plates. Good read though. Gave me something to think about when I order mine. (I still haven't decided. LOL).

 

see you found it

 

Got a steel engine skid plate, primary reason was cost but also think the steel is probably a little stronger. I do hit my skid occasionally when driving on forest service roads here in WY so I know it will take some abuse.

 

I went with TRD in Alum because I just like the look and keeping it Yota was important to me where ever I could.

 

Think I'll go with Aluminum my Tundie is on diet , trying to get a business going and want to make sure I have ample Payload available for tongue weight.

Also a side note couldn't find this thread on the site but Bing brought me right back here.

 

Steel is the only choice if you are actually getting the skid for offroading protection, you would want the strongest material to prevent damage. As far as the rust concern, I never really understood it, it would take what, 10 years for that thing to rust beyond use? Replacing a skid once a decade for 300 bucks is a negligible expense. Plus you can just spray some barricade on it once in a while or just repaint the scuffs really easy. Nobody will ever see it so you can just slop it on there.

If its just for being extra cautious and not used for offroading then aluminum would be fine.

 

While yes the steel is technically stronger, but it is also considerable heavier. The RCI aluminum skids are quite strong. I am glad I went with the aluminum for the weight savings and also the protection. Granted I don’t do rock crawling but it has taken some hits and protected quite well.

 

I armored everywhere I could under my 95 jeep wrangler with steel skids. All of it was completely scratched with next to no paint left. The transfer/transmission skid was bowed up a little. So I know they protect the valuables. That’s why I got steel for my tundra. I seen a video comparing steel v aluminum. They said aluminum can be gouged to the point it can hinder your progress where as steel will only scratch to the point it slides over the obstacle. So, I guess it depends on what kinda off roading your gonna do. Mild-get aluminum. Hard-get steel.

 

Informative thread, helped me pull trigger.

Decided and ordered the steel Powder coated one piece skid plate

Weights updated on RCI site I assume as they have improved over the years:
Steel - 45#
aluminum - 30#

taking the extra 15# for cost savings and less nicks/dent potential.

In our water crisis in the SW I’m not concerned with rust potential.

Coupon code ”Tundraforum” still works.