Good Skid Plate for 2015?

Hey guys, this is my first time here and I am considering buying a Skid Plate for my 2015 Tacoma. Right now I have no mods but plan to get a front and rear bumper at some point. I really just want something that looks good and can protect my internals for a good cost while going off-roading. Attached is a picture of my last off-road trip! Wanted to hear your opinions. Apologies if there is another thread already about it but I couldn't find it in my quick search.

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome!

I have the RCI Skid Plate in aluminum. My front bumper is aluminum, too.
https://rcimetalworks.com/product/2016-tacoma-front-skid-plate/
I went nuts on my truck but honestly I've purchased a few things a few times (Cheap lights, then nice lights....wheels I settled on then the wheels I really wanted). My advice is to get a feel for what type of build/products you like and plan around that. I got my front and rear bumpers from Facebook Marketplace after 2 years of hunting. But the RCI is fantastic, especially if you change your own oil.

Nice looking truck ya got!

 

Thanks for the reply! I was looking a bit at RCI and after seeing the reviews will probably go with them. Would you recommend getting steel or aluminum I've heard both do great and have their pros and cons but I can't pick. Also, what is your front bumper your truck looks great!

 

Sounds good! Mine is Pelfreybilt but that company is long gone. Bay Area Metal Fab makes it now though! I went with aluminum because I daily my truck. I actually just slammed the RCI on an obstacle last week and nothing happened to it. For me the weight savings is worth it.

 

I’m interested in the same exact question… My 2015 has the thin factory splash guards. I trashed those and need a replacement.

 

I ordered a full skid plate package from RCI Offroad and it is on the way. I got powder-coated black aluminum and it cost just under 1k USD. I'll update with pictures after I complete install! I got an ich for a bumper now but my bank account doesn't like the idea lol.

 

Did you get the catalytic converter guards that attach to the transmission skid?

 

I did, it was free with the full package.

 

Just installed the skid plates. It was super easy it took less than an hour with a friend helping and a nice lift. I can't wait to get a front and rear bumper now!

 

Where are the catalytic converter guards? Just to avoid the otherwise "WTF ARE MY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS?!?"

 

I'm not sure exactly. I got 4 packages and I believe that the crossbar that helps hold the transfer case skid plate on is what the catalytic converter guard is. I'm not 100% sure but I was shipped 4 packages.

 

Your picture does not *appear* to have the winglets attached to transmission plate by an annoying and unforgettable number of screws. This is side-view of mine installed to the transmission plate. They do not come already attached.

 

Yeah, I totally did not get that shipped to me. I'm not to worried about it but now it makes sense that there were so many holes there.

 

You need to be careful removing the transmission plate to attach the guards. The rear attachment for transmission plate is to a cross-member that cannot handle much stress, especially torsion. Remove the transmission plate by loosening the front engine-plate bolts (loosen, not remove) then remove the rear transmission plate bolts. This I know from experience.

 

Badass!!

 

Now go get that undercarriage rustproofed already

 

lol, I'm waiting to get it factory warranty replaced then I will.

 

That's still going on? Thought the frame recall was over

 

I was pretty sure it was 10 years after you bought the truck or like in my case transferred to the other owner.

 

@2013XSPX hey Matt. On the subject of daily driving the truck and weight what's your mpg? I went with steel everything but I have to low profile bumper vs the full plate. With my 285s I get around 18 mpg. I put my set of stock wheels and tires back on and took my camper shell off since my commute is 50 miles each way.The best tank I've had so far with the stock tires but steel skids, bumper, and slider was 21.6. I was stoked on that. Haha.