2020 OEM Skid Plate - What Moron Designed This?!?

I just changed the oil myself for the first time since I've used up all the freebies from the dealership. I have read about the OEM skid plate but didn't take the posts that seriously - until now! It's likely they designed it to PURPOSEFULLY be difficult to remove, and removal is pretty much required to change the oil filter (at least until I get the MotivX setup complete).

Now, I have seen different aftermarket skid plates that make it much easier to change the oil and filter without compromising on protection. All I need is basic protection down here - no rock climbing, just sticks and stumps occasionally. Which one is best for my situation?

 

I thought the stock skid plate was pretty easy to remove. 3 in the front and 2 in the back...

If you're looking for a slight upgrade, look into the TRD pro skid plate.

 

My '21 has an access panel.

ETA - Sorry, reading is fundamental. Missed stock vs TRD.

 

I thought so too. I mean a pain coming from vehicles that don't have one, but I've gotten used to it.

 

The RCI is nicer than the TRD skid. I just installed my Fumoto recently and used the MotivX tools.

 

I have the RCI engine skid, Fumoto valve and MotivX. Sweet setup.

 

Yep...same here.

 

I spend more time under the truck removing and installing the skid plate than I do opening/closing the Fumoto and removing/installing the oil filter.

 

Time for an RCI.

 

My Titan's skid plate was MUCH simpler to remove - remove two bolts, loosen two others and slide it off. The Toyota OEM plate had five bolts plus a screw to keep the front bumper cover from rattling. THEN it had hooks in the front that I had to figure out without being able to see them clearly - lift, slide left, then drop, then guide it out.

Does the RCI or TRD plate cover the oil pan? Or does it stop just prior?

FWIW, I also noticed that the stock Tundra sits about 1-2" lower than the Titan did, based on my ability to get under it without jacking it up.

 

RCI. Had one on my last Tundra and will be getting another for my 2018.

 

OK, thanks y'all. I will order an RCI in time for the next oil change. Is the aluminum appreciably lighter than the steel one?

 

I bought an RCI skid plate set I have yet to install. While the 2020 skid questions are out there, does anyone know why the TRD skid doesn’t fit a 2020 Sport?

 

If you want to go the RCI route, aluminum will be the weight savings, 10ga steel would be the one if you’re going to bang it up often.

But from what you stated, aluminum will be more than sufficient for your needs.

 

I consider it a work out. When I do my 21 Limited 4runner and my tundra in same day I'm usually sore the next day.

If I didn't love Toyotas and especially 4runners and Tundras the oil changes would really bother me as well.

 

Where are your cat plates?....You are crazy LOL.

 

Pretty EZ to make an access panel in the stock skid plate and save $$ for other things if you're not hardcore off roading. As a bonus, weight savings.

 

I will definitely consider that as well.

 

What info do you have that states it does not fit?
There should be no reason why it would not fit.

 

Toyota. https://toyotacustoms.com/products/genuine-trd-skid-plate-ptr60-34190

 

Yea, but the price..

 

The previous owner of my truck cut a hole in the skid to remove the filter. I had to remove it for a different job it was so rusty I just threw it out. At the worst it will see some mud and sand so I'm not worried about any damage.

 

A friend of mine owns a metal shop. I can get him to cut an access hatch with a hinge. I'm thinking of a hinge that allows travel all the way back so I can stick it up out of the way with a magnet when changing the filter.

 

I end up cutting the hooks off my factory skid plates, now I just remove the 3 -10mm bolts and 5 - 12mm bolts

 

Same experience as everyone else. Got the RCI aluminum but haven't installed it yet.

 

I'm cheap, everyone. Which is the lower cost option - the stock skid plate (mine's gone), the RCI skid plate, or the TRD skid plate?

 

Lowest cost would be to find an oem take off, chop a hole and there you go. (probably could even find a free take off

 

While I'm glad I got the RCI skid plate, I was displeased with the finish of it when it arrived. The majority of all the edges were sharp as hell. It's like once it came of the laser jet that they didn't bother to sand the edges down. I sliced the palm of my hand as I unwrapped it from the shipping box and plastic wrap. I took a 4" grinder and a flapper wheel to smooth down the edges myself. SMH.