2026 Tachoma TRD Sport 4WD Rough Country Skid Plates

[NiteEye]

Just bought a new 2026 Tachoma TRD Sport 4WD and wanted to get rid of the worthless felt guard and replace it with a good front and crank case skid plate set up. I received my skid plates from Rough Country specific to my make and model. Removed the front felt thingy, loosly mounted the crank case plate then attempted to mount the front skid plate. Everything was fine until I tried to put in the two front bolts and the existing cross bar prevented the bolts from reaching the threaded holes by almost 3/4 of an inch! I contacted RC and they asked for pics and after looking at them they said I would have to cut off the cross bar to make it fit! The instructions that came with the plates said “no modifications would be required to the existing vehicle”. I am very reluctant to cut off the cross member and am fairly certain it would void my warranty! The only work around I can think of is buying longer bolts to reach the threaded holes, but then I won’t be able to torque the bolts down without either bending the plate or risking the bolts working loose if simply snugged tight. Anyone who has had a similar problem and would like to offer up a good solution I’m all ears. Thank you in advance!

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[Will721]

This isn't the first time I've seen this issue. They aren't necessarily false advertising, rather they are leaving out details. Not all trucks have that cross member so they are "no modification required" for those models only. They need to state that on their site.

Personally I'd ask for a full refund and a shipping label since they neglected that detail and order something else.

 

[mike m]

I saw someone post the instructions about having to cut out the cross member, said hell no and immediately looked at other options. I ended up getting the trail hunter front skid plate from Fred Anderson Toyota for about $260 on sale with the additional 15 percent off during Memorial Day. Also got free shipping. Keep in mind that if you only have that felt splash guard thing, like my SR5 did, you’ll also have to order 2 additional skid plate bolts.​

Here’s the part numbers if you’re interested:​

​

Front Skid Plate - Steel

Part Number: PT228-35240


Bolt with Washer

Part Number: 90119-A0549

 

[ScottyMcfly]

I went with the land Cruiser Skid and the crossbrace from RCI

 

[braaadyyota]

Somewhat irrelevant but did you know Tacoma does not have an "h" in it? lol

 

[NiteEye]

I saw someone post the instructions about having to cut out the cross member, said hell no and immediately looked at other options. I ended up getting the trail hunter front skid plate from Fred Anderson Toyota for about $260 on sale with the additional 15 percent off during Memorial Day. Also got free shipping. Keep in mind that if you only have that felt splash guard thing, like my SR5 did, you’ll also have to order 2 additional skid plate bolts.​

Here’s the part numbers if you’re interested:​

​

​

Front Skid Plate - Steel

Part Number: PT228-35240


Bolt with Washer

Part Number: 90119-A0549

Thank you very much! I read somewhere that the OEM plate that fits the Land Cruiser fits, but couldn’t remember where I saw it. I’m going to return the RC plates and get this for my Tacoma. Apparently some 2026 Tacomas have this crossbar and some don’t, not sure what but it doesn’t matter at this point. Thank you again.

 

[ScottyMcfly]

Thank you very much! I read somewhere that the OEM plate that fits the Land Cruiser fits, but couldn’t remember where I saw it. I’m going to return the RC plates and get this for my Tacoma. Apparently some 2026 Tacomas have this crossbar and some don’t, not sure what but it doesn’t matter at this point. Thank you again.

The TRD Off-Roads come with the crossbar. The Sports and SR5's don't have it. That must have changed in 26 since you have a Sport ?

 

[NiteEye]

Somewhat irrelevant but did you know Tacoma does not have an "h" in it? lol

My mind knew there was no “h” in Tacoma, my fingers obviously didn’t listen to my mind

 

[Fireguy67]

The TRD Off-Roads come with the crossbar. The Sports and SR5's don't have it. That must have changed in 26 since you have a Sport ?

I have a 2024 TRD Sport Premium and I purchased the RC Skid plate you mentioned and it fit fine. I have removed it though as it does not have access holes for both oil drain and filter removal. I have cut out access holes and cover plates and will re-install soon. As stated, it seems the 26’s may have the extra cross bar the mine does not have.

 

[NiteEye]

I have a 2024 TRD Sport Premium and I purchased the RC Skid plate you mentioned and it fit fine. I have removed it though as it does not have access holes for both oil drain and filter removal. I have cut out access holes and cover plates and will re-install soon. As stated, it seems the 26’s may have the extra cross bar the mine does not have.

I have the crossbar, I know some 2026 Tacomas don’t have one. Due to the inability to mount the front plate, I took both plates to a welding shop to have the correct front plate two front bolt holes made and to have all the holes and the RC lettering cut out welded closed and the surface smoothed out. I also have them cutting a cut out on the side to enable access to the oil drain plug etc. once I get them back I’m taking them to a powder coating shop to get them coated with their strongest and heat resistant powder coating. I will post a sit of the final product when done.

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