RCI Skid Plate vs OEM TRD OR - pics

When researching skid plates, I was unable to find a lot of detail on the RCI. Thought I would post a few pics which others may find helpful. FYI, I'm 100% satisfied with purchase. Without trying too hard, I'd already bashed up the OEM skids pretty good.


Maybe I was the only one who didn't realize this, but the RCI plate actually replaces both OEM skid plates, and you also lose a set of brackets. This brings the weight difference down quite a bit. I did not weigh the pile of parts vs the new skid, but my guess would be that the difference is less than 20 pounds for the 3/16" steel version.


Here is a picture of ALL of the parts replaced by the new skid plate. New skid is held in place with 4 bolts.


Tried to give an idea of the difference in thickness here. It's basically a sheet of tin vs. a 3/16" sheet of steel with reinforcements. I didn't get a pic of the back, but they're available online.


Here are the installation instructions. I was unable to find these online before purchasing. One call out is that they transposed bolt sizes in the instructions. The large 40mm bolts go in the front, and the smaller ones with the spacers go toward the rear.


Front view. Solid as a rock. Also, no need to drop a skid to change the oil filter. The new unit has an access door that can be removed with 2 hex bolts.


View of the back that shows coverage back to the crossmember.

Hope this helps someone. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

How muchy ??

 

http://www.rcimetalworks.com/2016-Tacoma_c34.htm - $220 plus shipping for the 3/16" steel version. Aluminum and 1/4" available for a little more $$.

 

Thanks for the info OP.

 

I went with aluminum and powdercoated, love mine.

 

Much more beefy and cheaper than TRD

 

AGREED!

 

As of now this will be my next purchase. Thanks for the pictures

 

I bought one and don't like it. Never even installed. This skid plate attaches with only 4 bolts and skips the 2 attachment points in the middle. I'll sell mine cheap if anyone wants it. Located in AZ.

 

How much??

 

$200 and it's powder coated.

 

Really? My pelfreybilt use 4 17mm bolts and 2 12mm

 

That's why I'm selling mine. Others use all 6 mounting points. I know this will not help sell mine but need to be honest.

 

Chandler

 

Awesome bud, I think you have made up my mind for basic under armour...and some sliders, and... anyhow, looks like the ticket.

 

Plz tell about the ability to change oil and filter. Does it need to be removed?

 

I can see where you might want the 2 center bolts if you went with the aluminum one, but with steel it's a non issue. It's gusseted and reinforced around the edges. With the 4 mounting points, you could put a floor jack in the center of it and raise the front 2 wheels without it moving. PLUS you get easy access to the oil filter.

Can't go wrong with the Pelfreybilt or RCI IMHO. I opted to save the 20 pounds and a little money.

 

I also have the RCI skids, full set. Very beefy. IMO the RCI doesn't tuck up as much as OEM. I feel I lost a small amount of clearance. I seem to hit it more than I did the OEM version.

Still glad I have them as they are a ton better than OEM.

 

Interesting. Where are you hitting?

Also, did you do the steel one on the front, and Aluminum for the middle and rear? Hard to see in the pics. Truck looks great with the full set! I'll get there eventually.

 

Rocks on the trail. It appears that the bend area in the front skid hangs lower than OEM. Really not a big deal.

Full set of steel plates for me.