What Are Skid Plates and Why Do You Absolutely Need Them for Off-Roading?
When you take your Tacoma off-road, skid plates are your first—and often only—line of defense against brutal terrain. Skid plates shield your truck’s most vulnerable underbody components like your oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank from rocks, stumps, and hard impacts. Without quality skid plates, you're one good line away from expensive damage.
RSG Offroad’s Tacoma skid plate set is engineered specifically for off-roaders who don't compromise. Whether you’re crawling over Front Range boulders or mobbing through Moab, these made-in-USA skid plates keep your drivetrain protected and your adventures going. Skid plates aren't just optional—they’re mission-critical gear for serious trail use.
Here’s why skid plates matter, especially for 3rd Gen Tacoma owners:
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Tacoma’s low-hanging transfer case and front diff are magnets for trail damage.
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OEM skid plates (if equipped) are often thin steel or aluminum with poor coverage.
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Aftermarket skid plates offer real protection and better design.
What Makes RSG Offroad’s Tacoma Skid Plates Different?
RSG Offroad’s approach to skid plate design is all about durability, coverage, and seamless fitment. Let’s break down the core benefits:
- **Thick steel construction** that takes direct hits without compromise.
- **Modular three-piece design** for easy install, removal, and maintenance.
- **Precision laser cut & CNC formed** to mount flush with factory points.
- **Extended coverage** for the oil pan, transmission, and transfer case.
- **Built in the USA**—designed and tested in the Colorado Rockies.
Each piece in the Tacoma skid plate set has been trail-tested under real-world Colorado conditions. These aren’t off-the-shelf parts—they’re built by off-roaders, for off-roaders.
Are Skid Plates Worth the Investment for Weekend Wheelers?
Absolutely. Even if you’re just hitting moderate forest roads or blue-rated trails, one unexpected rock or rut can do thousands in damage. Think of skid plates as a one-time insurance policy you never have to renew.
Some real-world examples:
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A simple oil pan dent can drain your motor dry in minutes.
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Punctured transmission pans can leave you stranded and cause serious drivetrain wear.
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Transfer case hits can throw your truck out of 4WD—and that’s if you’re lucky.
Bottom line: trail repairs are expensive. Skid plates prevent them.
How to Choose the Right Skid Plates for Your Tacoma
When evaluating skid plates, there are five key things to look for:
<ol> <li><strong>Material Thickness:</strong> Aim for 3/16” steel or thicker for hard use.</li> <li><strong>Coverage:</strong> Look for kits that protect the front, mid, and rear of your truck.</li> <li><strong>Drain Access:</strong> Avoid kits that require removal for oil changes.</li> <li><strong>Hardware:</strong> Grade 8 or better hardware is non-negotiable.</li> <li><strong>Mounting:</strong> Bolt-on solutions that fit factory holes save install headaches.</li> </ol>
RSG Offroad’s kit nails every one of these criteria, and then some. It's engineered to outlast your build.
Quick Links
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🔗 Explore more Tacoma Skid Plates.
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🔗 Check out Overland Journal’s review on why underbody armor is non-negotiable for expedition builds.
🔧 Tacoma Skid Plate FAQ
1. What do skid plates protect on a Tacoma?
Skid plates on a Tacoma protect key underbody components such as the oil pan, front differential, transmission, and transfer case. Without them, your truck’s most vulnerable parts are exposed to rocks, stumps, and other hazards encountered while off-roading.
2. Are RSG Tacoma skid plates compatible with stock suspension?
Yes. RSG Offroad’s Tacoma skid plate set is fully compatible with stock and most aftermarket suspension systems. It mounts directly to factory points without interfering with travel or articulation.
3. Will I need to remove the skid plates for an oil change?
No. The RSG Tacoma skid plate system features integrated drain plug access, so you can perform routine maintenance like oil changes without removing the skid plate.
4. What material are these Tacoma skid plates made from?
RSG Offroad’s skid plates are made from 3/16” thick steel, precision-cut and CNC bent. This provides exceptional impact resistance compared to thinner factory aluminum or other aftermarket options.
5. Are Tacoma skid plates hard to install?
Not at all. The RSG skid plate kit is designed for a bolt-on installation using basic hand tools. Most users complete the install in under 1.5 hours. A lift is helpful, but not required.
6. How do RSG’s skid plates compare to factory Toyota armor?
Toyota’s factory skid plates (if equipped) are typically thin stamped steel or aluminum and offer limited coverage. RSG’s steel skid plates are thicker, offer better fitment, and protect more critical areas.
7. Can I install these skid plates with an aftermarket front bumper or winch?
Yes. The RSG Tacoma skid plate kit is designed to integrate with most aftermarket bumpers and winch plates. Fitment has been tested with popular brands including C4, SSO, and RSG’s own hybrid bumper systems.
8. Are RSG Tacoma skid plates made in the USA?
Yes. Every RSG Offroad skid plate is built in Colorado using American-sourced steel. You're not just getting trail armor—you’re supporting a local off-road brand with a reputation for premium craftsmanship.
9. Will skid plates affect my Tacoma’s MPG or road handling?
Skid plates may add some weight, but the effect on MPG or handling is negligible. In return, you gain serious off-road confidence and protection that far outweighs any minor tradeoff.
10. Can I buy individual plates or do I need the full set?
You can purchase the full Tacoma skid plate set for maximum coverage, or buy individual front, mid, or rear plates depending on your needs. The modular design allows for easy upgrades later.