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RCI front skid plate--Aluminium or Steel ?

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by TheBeast, Oct 17, 2017.

?

RCI skid plate

  1. powdercoated steel

    91 vote(s)
    58.0%
  2. Aluminium

    66 vote(s)
    42.0%
  1. May 1, 2019 at 8:35 AM
    #151
    Alexstundra

    Alexstundra Not a new member

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    Just buy two and stack them together :burnrubber:
     
  2. May 1, 2019 at 9:33 AM
    #152
    azTony

    azTony member since sept, 2017 and over 1,600 messages

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  3. Feb 20, 2020 at 12:57 PM
    #153
    DeesCrewMax

    DeesCrewMax New Member

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    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!
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2020
  4. Feb 20, 2020 at 1:12 PM
    #154
    Rex Kramer

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    What does the factory skid plate weigh?
     
  5. Feb 29, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #155
    DeesCrewMax

    DeesCrewMax New Member

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    The skid that i pulled off my SR5 weighed around 12 lbs.
     
    Rex Kramer[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Feb 29, 2020 at 10:52 AM
    #156
    DeesCrewMax

    DeesCrewMax New Member

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    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...
     
  7. Mar 2, 2020 at 10:29 AM
    #157
    RockWarriorTRD

    RockWarriorTRD 2012 Tundra RW DC

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    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.
     
  8. Dec 24, 2020 at 2:34 PM
    #158
    tundrafez

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    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.
     
  9. Dec 28, 2020 at 2:56 PM
    #159
    2point5seconds

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    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).
     
  10. Dec 28, 2020 at 6:08 PM
    #160
    TheBeast

    TheBeast [OP] The Beach

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    see you found it ;)
     
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  11. Dec 28, 2020 at 6:12 PM
    #161
    FirstGenTundra

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    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.
     
    2point5seconds likes this.
  12. Dec 29, 2020 at 7:23 AM
    #162
    jstyle

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    I went with TRD in Alum because I just like the look and keeping it Yota was important to me where ever I could.
     
  13. Apr 26, 2022 at 7:49 AM
    #163
    NueveTundra

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    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. :rolleyes:

    Also a side note couldn't find this thread on the site but Bing brought me right back here. :rofl:
     
  14. Apr 26, 2022 at 7:57 AM
    #164
    MadMaxCanon

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    Too many, but not enough....
    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.
     
  15. Apr 26, 2022 at 11:05 AM
    #165
    BayRunner

    BayRunner I’m here, except when I’m not

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    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.
     
  16. Apr 26, 2022 at 5:49 PM
    #166
    2014 Black tundra

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    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.
     
    DeesCrewMax likes this.

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