5th gen skid plates in 2025

[thatoneguy]

What's selection and community preference looking like for 5th gen engine skid plates these days?

I still really like the look of the aluminum TRD front skid plate. Last I checked they were $380 new. I'm tempted to just go that route, but are they getting undercut by any good aftermarket skids? I don't mind the lack of oil access, and I'm not afraid to dent aluminum on the trail.

What else have people ran and liked, especially if they were price competitive with OEM? Are cheap clones of the TRD skid any good? I bought the Yota Xpedition TRD letter grille clone and I love it.

 

[CentcomPete]

RCI metalworks makes a solid engine skid plate. Had one for 8 years on my 2013. 1/4" aluminum, oil filter access, really good value for about $300.00. It held up really well and install was simple.
I'll be getting one soon for my 2023.

 

[fkheath]

RCI metalworks makes a solid engine skid plate. Had one for 8 years on my 2013. 1/4" aluminum, oil filter access, really good value for about $300.00. It held up really well and install was simple.
I'll be getting one soon for my 2023.

Agree. I have the RCI full package - engine, transmission, transfer case, etc and it has worked very well. They also make an "integrated" engine skid that meshes with the OEM TRD skid.

I like the OEM TRD skid because it goes further up in front than all the others, almost to the bottom of the front bumper cover. Others stop at the cross beam under the radiator. I hit a big rock several years ago above that cross beam, and besides a dent in the OEM skid, no other damage was done. Oh, the rock did rip off one of the TRD letters, but replacements for those are available after market.

There are good quality TRD skids clones available, 1/4" aluminum just like the factory one. The one from CarTrimHome comes to mind.

If you do get an OEM or clone without an oil access plate, be sure to change out the OEM bolts for studs. There is a thread on the forum that tells how to do that.

 

[Saker]

Agree. I have the RCI full package - engine, transmission, transfer case, etc and it has worked very well. They also make an "integrated" engine skid that meshes with the OEM TRD skid.

I like the OEM TRD skid because it goes further up in front than all the others, almost to the bottom of the front bumper cover. Others stop at the cross beam under the radiator. I hit a big rock several years ago above that cross beam, and besides a dent in the OEM skid, no other damage was done. Oh, the rock did rip off one of the TRD letters, but replacements for those are available after market.

There are good quality TRD skids clones available, 1/4" aluminum just like the factory one. The one from CarTrimHome comes to mind.

If you do get an OEM or clone without an oil access plate, be sure to change out the OEM bolts for studs. There is a thread on the forum that tells how to do that.

Thanks [MENTION=609789]fkheath[/MENTION]
for referencing my mod.
It’s a small amount of work to obtain parts and get things ready, but once done…. It makes removing and installing your skid a breeze!


TRD Skid Plate Mounted w/ Studs 2010-2023 +

 

[auspilot]

I still really like the look of the aluminum TRD front skid plate. Last I checked they were $380 new.

I have the TRD skid and like it. Toyota has parts sales occasionally with free shipping, and you can search for the dealer with the best pricing. I picked up mine for $254 shipped a couple of Novembers ago.