Skids - BudBuilt or RCI (and why the cost difference?)

[High_Country]

I've done lots of research thanks to members on here posting pictures and thoughts. BUT, one thing I still can't figure out is why the notable cost difference between the Bud Built Combo Skid Plate Package (no gas tank skid) and the RCI Combo Skid Plate Package. Some quick details (prices and weight for 3/16" steel, no powder coat, and with KDSS):

RCI Combo: $615 and 98 lbs
03-09 Toyota 4-Runner Front Skid Plate
Bud Built Combo: $725 and $134 lbs
5th gen 4Runnner 4 piece combo $725 - BudBuilt - Tough Toyota Protection

Also interesting is the cost premium difference for upgrading to aluminum:
RCI Aluminum (1/4" 5052): +$200
Bud Build Aluminum (1/4"): +575 (holy cow! now that's a difference)

Pouring over the pics, it looks like the Bud's front skid covers a bit more as it is a little wider, and it APPEARS that the fit, finish, and detail work might be a little better on the Bud's.

BUT, is there some other noteworthy difference I'm missing? I've heard awesome things about Bud's customer service and off road performance. But, I've also heard good things about the RCI's. I did see where one guy recently had a fitment issue and RCI was quick to respond and remedy.

So, what other differences should I be weighing?

(Truck will be used as a mild overlanding/expedition vehicle. I want confident protection of the underbelly so I'm not constantly worrying while wheeling in the backcountry with the family. I will likely run around town with only the front skid on (perhaps put the factory mid/trans case back on) and then up-fit the rest of the heavy skids before trips.)

Any insight is appreciated.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I do not know the differences but my RCI gas tank skid plate is heavy. I would not want to take it on and off very much.

Unless things have changed recently when I was doing research on the RCI aluminum transfer case skid only the flat part of the skid plate is aluminum and not the frame assembly.

 

[High_Country]

Thanks for the comment. I would not initially be purchasing the gas tank skid as my Trail came with one. I know I know, it's weak, but at least it's something. I'm looking to provide some better, more robust protection for the front end, oil pan, and trans and transfer case before addressing the gas tank.

And, to be clear, when I say "up fitting" for a trip, this will honestly happen only 3 or 4 times a year maybe at the most. So, I wouldn't be messing with it weekly or even monthly.

 

[Desert Fox]

I run RCI skids on the 4Runner and I will use them on our FJ when it becomes mine to drive.

RCI is in Colorado so I chose to spend my money here at home. RCI also supports the FJ Summit, I don't recall seeing Budbuilt there. They may have been I just don't remember.

RCI seems to take customer feedback and improve their product. I have no idea if Budbuilt does anything like that.

You can call or PM Josh and ask him what he thinks the difference is.

 

[Doc_Fry]

The Bud Builts have more coverage. More metal equals more money. You can see that in the weight hence the cost difference. I had bud builts on my FJ worked out very well. Used and abused them in the end they only had slight surface scratches and some surface rust. I will be using buds again. Yet think that I will change out the hardware to stainless steel this is one area I see for improvement as I had to grind most of the bolts of when removing the plates when selling the plates off of the FJ. I have had no issues with my Buds nor when I need any little things when I was installing them with the then new ARB Bumper. in the end pic which one meets your needs the most. Look and make sure how thick the stainless steel skid plates are on each of the ones you are looking at. i could have sworn the buds where thicker.

Doc

 

[Jeremy556]

One major thing I prefer about Bud's is the part on the front skid that transfers load to the cross member, instead of caving in the skid plate and oil door. RCI should incorporate something similar.

Bud's also have better protection for the alignment cams.

 

[oljedi11950]

Seems like ^ this would be easy add-on from Josh/RCI ?

 

[AZrunner11]

Bud may not be at the FJ Summits since he is based in North Carolina.....however, he has been a sponsor in the past. When I went to the FJ Summit I was hoping Bud would be there, however, I would imagine as a small business owner it would be difficult to break away for a cross country trip. Bud's products speak for themselves IMO.

 

[STX4Runner]

RCI has an aluminum piece that braces the skid from the crossmember. But I have thought about reinforcing and welding the oil filter access door shut and replacing the aluminum brace with a brace like Bud's. For the 1 oil change per 10,000 miles I remove the skid anyway so the dealer doesn't get oil all over it.

 

[wfo9]

I have the RCIs and like them. What I like most is their customer service.

The access door should be deleted. It is useless IMHO.

Josh keeps improving the design and taking feedback, so they keep getting better. You actually feel like a customer with him. Maybe bud-built is the same, I have no idea. I seem to remember hearing they were sometimes hard to get a hold of.

I think I will weld my oil filter door shut permanently and add a little more bracing to avoid the side to side shift that can take place. So far it is held up fine, but I probably don't abuse them like some people do. I have drug them many times, but have not dropped down on them, YET.

 

[dwm2112]

I run RCI's on my FJ and have been happy with them.

 

[High_Country]

Great responses everyone. It is much appreciated. So, functionally, it sounds like for what I'm going to be using it for, the RCI package should be just fine and allow me to keep just a little cash in my pocket.

Don't get me wrong, if I need to pay for the good stuff - I will. But if there's not considerable performance or durability differences, I'm leaning towards the RCI's. Heck, for the slight cost upgrade, I may spring for the aluminum and not have to spend money or time coating or painting them AND I'll save weight and wouldn't hesitate to leave them on their year round.

More thoughts? Keep em coming!

 

[jbstrd]

I just placed my order for a full set of Shrockworks skids. I like their design and the price was better than Budbuilts. Free shipping too. It will be about 6-8 weeks, but I don't need them until May so I don't mind.

 

[High_Country]

[MENTION=54404]jbstrd[/MENTION], thanks for the comment. I'm confused - how are the schrockworks a better buy than the bud's? I was looking at their website and it appears that a set of their skids (no gas tank skid) will run about $890 (they do offer free shipping).

I like the look of the shrockworks, and don't NEED them any time soon so I could entertain the wait, but they sure appear to be a lot more expensive.

 

[STX4Runner]

Don't get me wrong, if I need to pay for the good stuff - I will.

I think RCI IS the good stuff. I have put them through some good offroading in Moab and Colorado and they are great. I think they are less expensive because the design is simpler and probably easier to produce, but the protection has been great. [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] also has a set and has wheeled them pretty hard.

 

[bimrunner]

I think RCI IS the good stuff. I have put them through some good offroading in Moab and Colorado and they are great. I think they are less expensive because the design is simpler and probably easier to produce, but the protection has been great. [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] also has a set and has wheeled them pretty hard.

Josh also redesigned the transfer case skid which was the weak link imo. Where the exhaust comes down, I've bashed that part so may times I've had to space it down more than once. The redesigned version looks much stronger and won't be an issue. The RCI are the best protection for the $. The buds and Schrocks might look a little better but the RCI are a good looking, functional, high grade protective skid.

 

[jbstrd]

[MENTION=54404]jbstrd[/MENTION], thanks for the comment. I'm confused - how are the schrockworks a better buy than the bud's? I was looking at their website and it appears that a set of their skids (no gas tank skid) will run about $890 (they do offer free shipping).

I like the look of the shrockworks, and don't NEED them any time soon so I could entertain the wait, but they sure appear to be a lot more expensive.

The shipping is what kills the Buds price. I ordered a full set of Shrockworks skids, including gas tank skid, for $1160 shipped. Budbuilts are $1050 for a full set with gas tank skid without shipping. When I go to estimate shipping and put in my zip code, the cheapest shipping is $395 (Yikes!). I also have a Shrockworks front bumper and the front skid on the Bud does not integrate very well with the front bumper skid.

I would say if you are on a budget, you will not be disappointed with the Rci skids. If you want to spend a little more, the Budbuilts and Shrockworks have better coverage and their overall design is slightly better.,IMO.

 

[STX4Runner]

Josh also redesigned the transfer case skid which was the weak link imo. Where the exhaust comes down, I've bashed that part so may times I've had to space it down more than once. The redesigned version looks much stronger and won't be an issue. The RCI are the best protection for the $. The buds and Schrocks might look a little better but the RCI are a good looking, functional, high grade protective skid.

I've bashed that part pretty good too. After each wheeling trip I had an exhaust vibration as the plate was resting against the exhaust crossover. I like the design though, where the plate sits up high and the exhaust cage is the only thing hanging down low so I'm working with Josh right now to design me a custom plate with some modifications that allow it to still have the exhaust cage but be much stronger. RCI has great customer service.

 

[High_Country]

Awesome input guys. I really appreciate the time and feedback.

I'll be placing a call to Josh at RCI tomorrow (assuming he doesn't take off for President's day). I'll ask him a few questions and assuming everything shakes out, I'll have some armor for my soft underbelly before too long.

 

[TexasAg]

I've got the full underbelly from Buds. Pretty stout setup, I feel like the bottom is like a tank! I almost wish I would have gone stainless.