Skid plate coating?

[MalloryKawa]

I have a 2025 Taco SR5. I would like to remove the front air dam. I would like to replace the skid plate at a later date. In the interim I was thing of applying a protective coating to the existing skis plate to cut down costs until winter is over. Has anyone done this. What coating do you suggest or did you use?

Sponsored

 

[MalloryKawa]

I was also looking at a rough country skid plate for my truck at a cost of $195. Is it possible or advised to cut an access hole in the skid plate to allow for oil changes without having to remove the skid plate?

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

Can’t speak on the snow situation I never see it lol.

I took the Airdam off mine at the same time I put the skid on though does it really matter? I doubt it.

as far as skid plates go rci and rival both make skids with access holes already for you.

cutting into the skid plate and making a removable bracket isn’t impossible but I would feel it’s far more trouble then it’s worth.

I went with the oem trail hunter it has slide tabs to make putting on and pulling off the skid very easy.
That being said I do still need to remove it every time.

 

[Sagebrush]

I would like to replace the skid plate at a later date. In the interim I was thing of applying a protective coating to the existing skis plate to cut down costs

It's a splash cover made from a felt-like matrix. There's nothing to protect.

 

[MalloryKawa]

It's a splash cover made from a felt-like matrix. There's nothing to protect.

To rephrase my question. I would like to remove the air dam. I don't do off road but I do go camping alot. Most of the camp roads are gravel but are relatively flat. Would the splash cover be enough protection or should I upgrade to a aftermarket Skid Plate? The air dam removal would be just for cosmetics. Or.... is it better to leave the air dam on to help protect the splash guard?

 

[HoptownBob]

To rephrase my question. I would like to remove the air dam. I don't do off road but I do go camping alot. Most of the camp roads are gravel but are relatively flat. Would the splash cover be enough protection or should I upgrade to a aftermarket Skid Plate? The air dam removal would be just for cosmetics. Or.... is it better to leave the air dam on to help protect the splash guard?

Or you could find someone with an OR that added a skid plate and see if they would sell (most will pretty much give them to you for shipping cost) you their OEM skid plates which are plastic rather than felt there are two of them and they bolt right up with a RCI cross member. That is what I did before adding my Landcruiser skid plate (which also will require the cross member).

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/front-skidplate-mounting-crossmember-24-present-tacoma/

 

[MalloryKawa]

Or you could find someone with an OR that added a skid plate and see if they would sell (most will pretty much give them to you for shipping cost) you their OEM skid plates which are plastic rather than felt there are two of them and they bolt right up with a RCI cross member. That is what I did before adding my Landcruiser skid plate (which also will require the cross member).

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/front-skidplate-mounting-crossmember-24-present-tacoma/

Great idea. Thanks. I will see if there is one available in my area. Thanks again.

 

[Sagebrush]

Would the splash cover be enough protection or should I upgrade to a aftermarket Skid Plate? The air dam removal would be just for cosmetics. Or.... is it better to leave the air dam on to help protect the splash guard?

Then there's no reason to purchase a skid plate. The ORs don't come with the air dam, and don't take a beating under there.

 

[MalloryKawa]

Then there's no reason to purchase a skid plate. The ORs don't come with the air dam, and don't take a beating under there.

Thanks.

 

[Sagebrush]

Thanks.

Happy camping!

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

Removing the airdam won’t be an issue at all.
I got a skid for piece of mind but as long as you arnt doing anything that will launch a rock you’ll most likely be fine.

Just depends on where you camp.

 

[MalloryKawa]

Removing the airdam won’t be an issue at all.
I got a skid for piece of mind but as long as you arnt doing anything that will launch a rock you’ll most likely be fine.

Just depends on where you camp.

As long as I have enough protection for traveling on flat campground gravel roads at low speeds, I will be happy.

Sponsored