RCI Skid plate. Aluminum or steel?

Thinking of ordering one of these skid plates. Is the Aluminum worth the price over the steel?

 

I’d say the steel is going to be stronger. The weight savings from the aluminum may be worth it to some people though. I went with steel for the oil pan. Still undecided on the rear plate, might go with another brand that will also cover the catalytic converter‘s.

I do think the aluminum is sufficient for most people‘s needs. So I think the decision comes down to saving money on the plates or saving weight. If you do intend on taking some good hits in the front, I would opt for the steel. I just happen to come up on a good deal and that’s what I ended up with. I’m happy with it.

 

I opted for the aluminum over the steel to save weight. Depends on the type of wheeling you do. I don’t rock crawl or deal with a lot of rocks so it helped with the decision. I have taken some hits and it did it’s job. Hit something right where the oil filter access door is. Dented enough to wedge the access door screws and could not get the screws out. Had to drill one out to free it up.

 

I say steel, since its a skid plate, which is for protection from unexpected things, why not go with the stronger material? Ya it might be a few pounds heavier but the truck is already a behemoth, 10 pounds wont matter.

 

I came across a great deal on an aluminum one from a forum member. It’s pretty stout but I would go steel for cost and strength, especially if you think you’re going to bashing it more than once or twice.
I bought the steel rci transmission/transfer case plate but never installed it. I got Valhalla cat protection plates instead as soon as they came out on here. I’ll probably post the rci one on here for sale soon.

 

+1 for steel. Aluminum has it's place, just not as a skid plate.

 

Generally speaking aluminum will shear and break where steel will bend.

So it depends on if/how you will actually use your skids.

 

I take it RCI is a brand?

 

Correct, pretty stout stuff too.

 

Yup. A really awesome one too!

 

Yessir

 

Steel.

It's Cheaper by $100 and Stronger. There is a 15lb difference, which is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Easy decision.

 

I don’t have the reference on hand, but what I found is when aluminum plates are bumped up to 1/4” vs 10guage steel plates, the aluminum has ~80% of the strength of steel, but steel has 40% more flex than aluminum.

For me and the mostly forest road areas I drive, I plan to use aluminum to save weight on the bumpers, but steel on the skid plates. I would rather have a log or jutting rock deform a plate than crack or punch through.

 

I think 10ga steel is .135 ish. The Alum is .250. As to which is stronger, you’d need to know what type of steel and aluminum alloy’s are being used. RCI says the strength is equal, so I took them at their word and went with Aluminum, except for the gas tank, they only had steel when I ordered. I’m sure either will work well, although Alum will tend to be stickier on rocks vs steel ime.

 

I purchased the aluminum.

 

does it require any drilling or modification to mount?

 

None at all.

 

Definitely agreed. Went with steel for both engine and trans skid; no regrets doing so.

 

Just got my aluminum RCI last week. It is extremely beefy at 1/4" thick. Glad I went that route. My rock crawling days are over and the aluminum will be fine.

IF I was back messing around and actually bashing the undercarriage the RCI steel offering would not cut it IMO. I'd want at minimum 3/16" plate.

 

Ditto. I have the AL version as well. Really happy with it, and RCI's quality overall.

 

Agreed. I initially ordered the steel but after receiving it I did not like that much additional weight. I then ordered the aluminum which is significantly lighter. However the aluminum is very strong at 1/4”. As I mentioned above, I have taken some good hits on the aluminum plate and it did its job and no change in its structural integrity. I would not under estimate the strength of the aluminum just because it’s aluminum.

 

You are correct about the strength of Aluminum. .190 Aluminum River jet boats smack rocks at high speed all the time and keep on going. Not sure what alloy RCI uses, but 5086 or 6061 (iirc) .250 Aluminum can take a beating.

 

I have done steel from RCI both times. The aluminum weight savings is minimal.
And steel is easier on the wallet.

 

About $200 saved if you take into consideration the forum discount code that RCI will honor.

 

I found it cheaper to order from Stage3motorsports because they offer free shipping. Shipping is more than the discount for me but I live no where near Colorado.
Unless you order at Black Friday which was 20% my first set years ago.

 

Yeah, I was planning to buy off of stage3motorsports too, but ended up buying directly through RCI.

 

I have the steel.

Pro tip, when you install the spacers use double back tape to adhere them to the five frame mount locations. Use a bolt to center it on the hole.

 

Only if you use a differential drop.

Another Pro Tip attach the rear cross race to the plate before attaching it to the truck.
Those bolts are a beat to reach if you try to attach the skid plate to the cross brace after attaching the cross brace to the truck.

 

Another tip, replace the access panel bolts with stainless. Mine were corroded after just a few months.

 

RCI uses 5052 aluminum (very good) not sure what series though. Their steal is A36, which is also very good.

Both have benefits that each does not. Whether or not that translates into a benefit to you for what you use it for is a decision only you can make. I personally chose the raw aluminum for corrosion resistance. I coated it with black rattle can bedliner and it has done well for me. I don't rock climb, etc. But I drive unimproved rocky roads and through pastures and fields a lot. It works for me.

You can do some comparisons of your own here: https://www.makeitfrom.com/compare/5052-H32-Aluminum/ASTM-A36-SS400-S275-Structural-Carbon-Steel