Aluminum skids RCI vs Heftyfabworks?

[Swede71]

Deciding on which aluminum full skids to go with and comparing these 2 manufacturers, any advice from people using either.

Note:

I am not wanting to compare aluminum vs steel, so don't even bring it up.
I am only comparing these 2 manufacturers in this post.

After plenty of research these are the only 2 manufacturers I am considering

After speaking with both
RCI answers the phone right away and provides knowledge immediately, as a business owner I appreciate this.

Heftyfabworks, cheaper, not as quick to respond (2 weeks), however based on pictures may have a better product, I like how streamlined the product is and how many drain holes there are.

Any feedback from anyone running either is appreciated.

 

[JSparky]

A 2 week response time would answer this question for me, granted some emergency hadn't occurred.

I'm happy with my rci alu skids. I do wish they had more drain panels.. drain holes can be good and bad depending on the situation. I like how smooth my underside is now but some additional recessed-bolt drain panels would be ideal.. granted a costly addition. Hope that helps.

 

[engineeer]

Drill your own drain holes?

 

[weeeee]

Additional holes regardless of whether they're recessed will just invite more snag points if you're doing anything over rocks. If you're worried about retaining mud or water the drain holes probably will invite more mud inside.

 

[wfo9]

I'm happy with my RCIs, They could be better for sure. I've modified them to some extent.. and I'm about to do more. They need some more gussets. They have seen some major abuse and are beat to heck. I'm sure I push them way harder than most.

Here is my has tank skid. Which probably sees the most abuse.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Drain holes are entry holes. That (along with the group buy pricing) is why I went with RCI over Hefty when I purchased my aluminum skids.

 

[Simpleman74]

Happy with my RCIs

 

[STX4Runner]

I'm happy with my RCIs, They could be better for sure. I've modified them to some extent.. and I'm about to do more. They need some more gussets. They have seen some major abuse and are beat to heck. I'm sure I push them way harder than most.

Here is my has tank skid. Which probably sees the most abuse.

I agree with this post. I have steel ones and had to modify/replace some of them, but I also probably push them harder than most. Gas tank skid got fubared on Golden Spike in Moab and I replaced with a C4 one which has a fully boxed edge. The others have varying amounts of damage.

 

[Swede71]

All good info, appreciated