Moab Trip: Underbody Protection? (sorry, not sure which garage section this belongs in)

Planning a trip to Moab this October - it will be my first time really taking the Tundra offroad! So excited. I'm going with some experienced off roaders, but none of them have Tundras.

I just wanted to check on what sort of underbody protection I should really prioritize? I'm not going to be trying to do anything too crazy, but I'd love to really put the truck through the paces and see everything Moab has to offer.

Currently I just have the TRD offroad factory skid plates - so basically nothing. I do have rock sliders already though!

This is my guess, but I'm coming here for suggestions! I think ideally I can find something local so I don't have to deal with insane shipping costs. Might check with my local offroad truck shop to see what they recommend as well.
1)Front skid plate (prob just go with the TRD pro but definitely open to suggestions. RCI seems like a great option).
2)Rear diff skid plate
3)Anything else I really need?

 

I’d recommend something like RCI or RCI + heavy duty steel plates Valhalla’s doing, to extend coverage as far back as you can. But once, cry once… help deter cat theft at the same time… plus, high quality skid plates will allow you more options as far as vehicle placement. Knowing you can “slide” if you need to, can be reassuring.

Decide quick though, lead times right now are pretty long because of people buying plates to deter cat thefts.

I did hear last week that RCI has front plates in stock….

 

we did the Mojave desert road this spring! I run RCI engine, rear def, gas ,an lower front a.c. plates an all have scars on THEM!! From mile 1 by needles to 8 miles in i had the truck ON 3 wheels several times! God it was soooo fun!!! the sand was awesome driving in! entering the dry lake was scary! an the two river crossings where truly inspiring!!!

 

Do you know which trails you’re doing? I did Moab back in Spring and ran various trails.

If you’re hitting trails rated 6+ then I’d go all out: rear diff, rear shock guards, gas tank, transfer case, transmission, and engine. Could throw in LCA and front skid too.

Trails rated 5 or less I’d go with rear diff, gas, and engine.

You’ve got to make that drive back home so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

I run trd front with 2 valhalla 3/16 steel plates, rci steel gas tank plate with cali raised rock sliders and feel 100% secured.
Eventually I'll take off the trd sway for a diff plate and shock guards after I get my lift.

 

Thanks! Really hoping my camper shell will be in by then. It’s supposed to be. Though I don’t know if it will offer much more warmth than a tent (un-insulated steel cap from RLD). I’ll bring a lot of layers and an extra sleeping bag for worst case scenario. I’ll have the whole tundra to myself so no shortage of space! Maybe I’ll buy a mr buddy propane heater too.

there’s not really a reason. I’ve never been. Always wanted to go. I’d say the main reason is the camping/exploration. And we’re going to do some off-roading while we’re at it. The other group is coming in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I think it’s mostly stick with 35s.

I haven’t even researched trail ratings yet. The friends I’m meeting have more experience and I’m leaning on them. I did begin the research and it looks like everything is pretty well marked and as long as I’m cautious I won’t find myself in a situation I can’t get out of.

 

I would get bumpers, otherwise I'm not sure how you'll have the approach or departure angle for even basic stuff

 

Maybe he’ll create better approach and departure angles This trip , and get new bumpers before the Next trip.

 

^^^This. You’re going to destroy your bumpers running any trail where you really need skids. And be sure to cut off your exhaust tip. That will get smashed in the first hour. What lift and tires you have?

 

Haha good to know. I mean from the little I’ve read it’s easy enough to know when a trail is going to rip your bumper off and dodge those.

35” tires. 2.5” lift from coils in the front. Nothing in the rear. Unless I get the camper shell installed before then. In which case I’ll definitely have to get a new leaf or new leaf pack.

y’all are making me nervous about the bumper. Tbh I wouldn’t mind replacing them if I did rip them off. But I’m afraid the damage would make replacing them harder.

 

Thanks for posting all the photos and helpful details. Thanks to all for the insight. Made my orders between Monday and Tuesday. Here’s what I landed on:

Valhalla front and back cat plates. Wanted to do engine skid too but with the RCI Labor Day sale and cheaper shipping my wallet won out over my forum loyalty.

RCI rear diff skid, engine skid, and gas tank skid.

In total for all listed above I paid about $1,750. A lot more money than I ever thought I’d spend on underbody protection but it doesn’t hurt so bad any more! Haha. Plus the theft deterrent cat plates are a whole different level of piece of mind.

I also took advantage of the Labor Day sale and ordered new gear from sumo springs. Got the new front bump stop they just came out with. As well as the blue sumo springs for the back. I needed a new rear bump stop because previous owner has removed when they installed air bags and I definitely didn’t like those.

Ive always liked the idea of keeping a set of sumo springs really long so they basically touch the frame when the truck is unloaded. So that the sumos can help with body roll in corners. That limits your suspension travel, right? So I definitely don’t want to do that with my only set right before my Moab trip. I’ll probably need to cut two biscuits off the top of these based on research I’ve seen around the forums.

Final question for this post - front sway bar. Lots of discussion on the safety impacts and ride quality variations if you leave vs remove. With regards to my Moab trip - I’m thinking I should remove. Thoughts?

 

That is some of the best and not talked about Moab info I’ve seen in awhile. Thank you!

+2 on watching out for SxS’s. Not only do they rip around too fast, but they also tend to make sketchy passes and take dangerous lines. I can’t count on one hand the amount of times I’ve almost had a razor come rolling down a hill at me.

 

If you're looking for max flex out of the ifs, pull the sway bar. Can always pull it for your trip and reattach it after for onroad stuff.

 

Or detach when you get to Moab and reattach for the ride home.

 

I have king coilovers up front with the 2.5” preload. Definitely need to do some more research on what you’re talking about with the FSB. Thanks again.

 

Wanted to follow up because I can’t shake this comment. Haha. How pressing do you think the bumper is? I know it’s kind of a vague question but I definitely don’t want to rip my bumper offf! Haha

 

You won't actually rip off the bumper, maybe crunch it in a bit. But most of the time, you'll know you can't cross an obstacle because of your approach angle before you actually hit your front bumper. The worst part of that is, unless you find another route, that's the end of the trail for you. Gotta turn around. But that'll only happen on moderately difficult trails. Atleast for the Tundra. And if you're on a trail like that, it's no use having a high clearance front bumper without a lift, big wheels, full skids, sliders and a rear bumper with the hitch relocated.

 

Have a great trip @W3agle and take some photos. As others have said, know your limits and definitely know the limits of someone whose vehicle you hop in. If it seems sketchy hop out. I’ve made that mistake before and paid for it. Have fun; be safe

 

Thanks. Concerns lessened!

 

Moab is on my to-do list. Now that I have a truck that I trust to make it there and back towing my Jeep. Thought I better follow this thread.