What Are the Best Skid Plates and Why Do You Need Them?
If you’ve ever scraped your oil pan or dinged your transmission on a rocky trail, you know exactly why skid plates matter. The best skid plates act as trail armor, shielding your rig’s most critical components from catastrophic damage. Whether you’re crawling through the Colorado Rockies or navigating sand and sagebrush in Moab, skid plates are non-negotiable for serious off-roading.
The best skid plates offer:
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Full underbody coverage (engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank)
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Thick, durable materials like 3/16" steel or high-strength aluminum
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Precision fitment that mounts to factory points
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Drain and service access to simplify maintenance
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Trail-tested durability in real-world wheeling conditions
Cheap, thin, or poorly fitting skid plates can actually cause more issues than they solve. RSG Offroad designs their plates in-house, trail-tests them in Colorado, and builds them to outlast your truck.
What Should You Look for in the Best Skid Plates?
Let’s break it down:
1. Material Matters
Steel is heavier but absorbs impacts better. Aluminum is lighter, better for desert and overland rigs that don’t see rock crawling. RSG uses 3/16" steel for serious protection.
2. Coverage is King
Look for multi-piece kits that cover:
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Front engine area
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Transmission crossmember
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Transfer case
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Rear fuel tank (where applicable)
3. Modular Designs
One-piece skid plates are a nightmare for maintenance. The best systems let you drop the transmission skid without removing the whole kit.
4. Bolt-On Fitment
Drilling into your frame isn’t ideal. Look for kits like RSG’s that bolt directly into OEM mounting points.
5. Drainage + Access
Built-in access to drain plugs makes oil changes way easier. Don’t buy a kit that has to come off every 3K miles.
RSG Offroad’s Skid Plates: Built in Colorado, Proven Everywhere
RSG’s armor systems are built with intention. Designed and fabricated in-house at their Colorado facility, these skid plates are the result of years of trail experience and feedback from real Toyota owners.
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Available for: Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Lexus GX
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Construction: 3/16" laser-cut steel, CNC bent, fully gusseted
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Finish: Raw or powder coated
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Design: Modular, bolt-on, service-friendly
Every RSG skid plate set is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with factory and aftermarket bumpers, suspension lifts, and rock sliders.
Benefits of Installing the Best Skid Plates on Your Toyota
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Prevent expensive repairs to your oil pan, trans, and T-case
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Enhance confidence on technical trails and overland routes
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Slide over rocks instead of getting hung up
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Retain resale value by avoiding frame and drivetrain damage
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Look trail-ready with aggressive underbody styling
Off-Road Damage: Real-World Cost Breakdown
| Component | Without Skid Plate | With RSG Skid Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Pan | $800–$1,200 repair | Protected |
| Transmission Pan | $1,500+ if cracked | Deflected |
| Transfer Case | $2,000+ replacement | Guarded |
| Fuel Tank | High fire risk | Reinforced |
| Exhaust/Catalytic | $1,000+ OEM parts | Safe |
Compatibility & Install
RSG Offroad’s kits are fully bolt-on and DIY-friendly. They use existing frame and crossmember mounts. Most installs take under 2 hours with basic hand tools.
Works with:
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RSG Hybrid bumpers
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RSG Rock sliders
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Most 2–3" suspension lifts
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Factory skid plate delete
Skid Plates vs Rock Sliders vs Bumpers: How Do They Compare?
| Armor Type | Purpose | Key Benefit |
| Skid Plates | Underbody protection | Drivetrain safety |
| Rock Sliders | Door & sill protection | Side impact deflection |
| Front Bumper | Grill, radiator, winch mounting | Recovery + clearance |
A full armor system includes all three. RSG builds modular components that work together without compromise.
Quick Links
FAQ: Best Skid Plates
1. What are skid plates and what do they protect?
Skid plates are protective metal panels that shield critical components like your engine, transmission, and fuel tank from trail hazards.
2. What’s the best material for skid plates?
3/16" steel offers the most impact protection for rock crawling and technical trails. Aluminum works well for high-speed overland or desert use.
3. Do skid plates reduce ground clearance?
Barely. RSG’s plates are low-profile and designed to match factory frame lines. You may actually slide over obstacles better with them installed.
**4. Are they hard to install?
No. RSG kits are bolt-on, using factory mounts. Most installs take under 2 hours with simple tools.
**5. Can I run RSG skid plates with other mods?
Yes. They’re built to work with RSG and most aftermarket bumpers, sliders, and lifts.