Purchase paralysis! Skid plate feedback wanted.

[PNWkip]

Was too hasty with my felt splash guard replacement, wasted money on a cheap front engine skid, now I'm way down the research rabbit hole for a real one. I know I don't "need" any of these for the trails and service roads I drive, but I'm not looking to have that discussion. Nor am I looking to have a discussion on materials.
I am looking for folks' experiences with fitment and durability with the following set ups and their respective company's customer service. I've narrowed it down to 4 choices:

Victory 4x4 - $550ish delivered, no crossmember needed (aluminum). This was my original choice, but they won't produce one in raw aluminum which is what I want so started looking at others.

RCI - $600ish delivered w/ crossmember (raw aluminum). Looks to be one piece and I really like that. Clean looking design, but most expensive.

Talons Garage - $465 delivered (raw aluminum). Supporting a small business and veteran + like the design. Not sure how I feel about the bracket the connects to two plates or the hardware. Would love to hear from anyone who has installed this!

Landcruiser skid (PT228-60242) - Can get a crossmember for $110 from RCI and if I wait for another Toyota sale can get the skid for $275 or so. Pretty cost effective and OEM.

Obviously function and reliability are the priority, but having something that looks good makes me happy when I catch a glimpse of it or when change my oil, so aesthetics do matter a bit. Won't be rock sliding, but they will likely take some small hits where we have been going in our Wrangler.

Thanks in advance if you can share ! Much appreciated

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[Sagebrush]

I've got the Trailhunter plate, and it's a beast. It looks suspiciously like your last photo.

 

[PNWkip]

I've got the Trailhunter plate, and it's a beast. It looks suspiciously like your last photo.

Yea yea ! Same plate, different stamp. One of those 25% off sales+ free shipping and it's a killer deal.
These are steel, correct ? Was having trouble finding any reliable spec on thickness

 

[bigd9247]

Trailhunter and Landcruiser skid plates are steel. TRD Pro skid plate is aluminum. I see you're in Washington... Lake City Toyota in Seattle has had some of the best deals I can find on OEM parts.

I personally like the RCI skid plate out of the options you listed. I emailed RCI and they said it's strong enough to jack the front of the truck up without removing the skid plate.

Rival 4x4 has a raw aluminum skid plate, but I've read that the way it mounts isn't as strong as some other options: https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...25-toyota-4runner-6gen?variant=43522684092585

Greenlane Offroad has a raw aluminum skid too, but I don't know what shipping would cost: https://greenlaneoffroad.com/products/4th-gen-tacoma-full-engine-slid-plate?variant=46109030678679

 

[PNWkip]

Trailhunter and Landcruiser skid plates are steel. TRD Pro skid plate is aluminum. I see you're in Washington... Lake City Toyota in Seattle has had some of the best deals I can find on OEM parts.

I personally like the RCI skid plate out of the options you listed. I emailed RCI and they said it's strong enough to jack the front of the truck up without removing the skid plate.

Rival 4x4 has a raw aluminum skid plate, but I've read that the way it mounts isn't as strong as some other options: https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...25-toyota-4runner-6gen?variant=43522684092585

Greenlane Offroad has a raw aluminum skid too, but I don't know what shipping would cost: https://greenlaneoffroad.com/products/4th-gen-tacoma-full-engine-slid-plate?variant=46109030678679

Thanks brother ! I didn't even check that dealer when I got my wheels. Didn't come up on my radar for some reason.

I think I'm down to the Victory and RCI. Would go victory if they could go Raw for sure. I like those greenlanes, but yea, price starts creeping up for something similar to the others.

 

[Sagebrush]

These are steel, correct ?

Yes, and tempered.

 

[rijc99]

OEM, easy to remove for oil changes due to the way they designed its mount points.

 

[PNWkip]

OEM, easy to remove for oil changes due to the way they designed its mount points.

Something I hadn't considered! I would drop any plate instead of using the oil filter access, so this is good to think about. The front plate I have now takes less than a minute to drop with the 4 factory bolts, so yea, I suppose a couple more wouldn't add much time compared to how some others are mounted.
Thanks!

 

[PNWkip]

OEM, easy to remove for oil changes due to the way they designed its mount points.

Dude I was able to use that GR owners 1 time use code through my wife's account (already used it on my account for wheels) and can get the OEM skid for $250!

 

[rijc99]

Dude I was able to use that GR owners 1 time use code through my wife's account (already used it on my account for wheels) and can get the OEM skid for $250!

That’s a great price!

 

[PNWkip]

That’s a great price!

Shoot I know! Front skid and transfer skid... $438. Feels like I shouldn't pass it up at that price. Especially since that code can only be used once

 

[PNWkip]

Alright, well, I went with the Landcruiser skid with the discount for $244 and RCI crossmember for $110. $344 OTD - Pretty good! Talked myself out of the transfer case skid as I was just putting shit in the cart since it was a good deal. Had the trailhunter grill in there too for a second + I don't think I'll do anything burly enough to need a full skid set. Sounds like sliders would be in order first anyways.

Thanks to those of you who helped me! I really love this forum as a new Taco owner

 

[Sner]

Guess I’m late to the suggestion party, but https://okexpedition.ca/products/24-tacoma-engine-skid-plate
North American made, individually crafted, really well made, I know because it’s what I bought, super happy with it.

 

[Victory 4x4]

Looks like you have it figured out, but if I can answer any other questions about our skids, let us know.

I did make a video about my recs on oil changes if it helps anyone.

 

[PNWkip]

Looks like you have it figured out, but if I can answer any other questions about our skids, let us know.

I did make a video about my recs on oil changes if it helps anyone.

Thanks for sharing!
I'm sure there's a good reason, but why won't you build a raw aluminum plate for someone if your skids are made in-house to order ? I love your stuff btw!

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