Skid plates or No

What's up yall.
So I was looking around my new to me 2014 Tundra. I have no skid plates.
Should I get at least the front one?
It most likely won't go off roading.

 

I believe RCI has a sale going on right now.

 

If you don't offroad get cat plates. Tundras are a prime target for cat thieves.

 

Skid plates can protect your truck from road debris. It's not just for off road obstacles. I always opt for them, but if you do not off road I'd spend the money for the TRD Pro plate. It looks good, is lighter than steel, and has an access door for oil changes.

Cat protection like @Saltyhero13 is a good idea too. Shitbags target Tundras and Tacomas because they are easy to get under and they have 4 catalytic converters.

 

What's the sale? Is there a coupon code?

 

I always vote for skid plates!
https://talonsgarage.com/products/toyota-tundra-full-skid-plate-package-2007-2021

 

RCI makes some really fine products!!

 

I am tempted to buy a new set of aluminum. I want to replace my steel with the aluminum and that sale is tempting

 

Tons of people on here have their OEM skid plate sitting in the garage since it was replaced. If you don't mind a simple OEM skid plate for the front they are sometimes listed on here as free. Post that you are in the market and I bet you could pick one up cheap in your local area.

 

Don't have plates on either of our rides and haven't had any issues. The OEM plate for the Sequoia is sitting in the garage. I don't even think my 2016 had one when I bought it new. We do have a big ass plate for cats

 

Agree 100%. My 2015 SR5 came without skid plates. I bought and installed a TRD Pro skid plate, and shortly thereafter the skid blocked a wooden block a vehicle in front of me spit out at highway speed. It was a loud smack. Not sure what would’ve happened if I didn’t have that skid plate.

As for cat shields, I got them AFTER all 4 cats were stolen. The thieves caused over $7500 in damage cutting the fuel line and some kind of purge valve line, not to mention the O2 sensors. Instead of waiting months for OEM cats (which my USAA insurance fine print wouldn’t cover) I went with aftermarket cats. They worked for awhile until the check engine light kept comingon and then stayed on, risking failure of the state-mandated emissions testing. I ponied up the money out-of-pocket for OEM cats and finally got to install them after a painstakingly long 10 month wait.

So in short, my advice is to get both a front skid and cat skids!

 

what's your location?

might be able to find someone local with a take off

 

Yes, plate that beast. That said, I suggest saving money with DIY plates. They don't have to be beautiful, only functional. I'm even a fan of recycled materials if they're available. Tools can be bought used and sold, which can basically eliminate those costs. Lots of pictures are available on the web, even in this thread. Cardboard makes great templates. I'd even suggest plating the fuel tank as well because thieves like to drill tanks when gas gets expensive. If enough tanks get drilled, you could have problems finding a replacement and be left with a truck that can't move. Long story short, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

Lockport, IL.
Any issues with heat for the cat plates?

 

Excellent question! Heat isn't good for sure. Answer is venting, and plenty of it. In fact, if I purchased any of the aftermarket plates, more venting would be cut prior to the installation. Not only does it vent better, it also becomes lighter which makes installation easier and less load on the truck.

 

I think @Tundra234 tested temps and it was ~100* difference.

 

The truck doesn't notice the weight. It's different than unsprung weight like tires.

 

I'm in FL and I have no issues at all with heat. I am running full engine skid and front and rear cat plates. Not too much temperature change after the installation.

 

Weight affects payload, fuel mileage, braking distance, handling, etc. Just depends on what compromises each individual wants to make.

 

Looks like a nice product. Will definitely be considered when I get my skid plates soon. Also wouldn't mind supporting a local Texas company. Might even drive in from San Antonio to pick them up!

 

i haven't had skid plates on for a few years and have done a lot of offroading. maybe ive just been lucky. 37s keep me off the ground pretty too though

 

There is always luck, until there isn’t.

This weekend my buddy rolled his International scout with a 7.3 idi swapped in it. We could literally see the end of the trail and he missed a little hole that flipped him over. Thankfully he is ok!

 

oof

 

SKID PLATES!!!!! For times like these!!!

 

and times like these...

 

Finally going to pull the trigger on this.

@Talon2006 Sent you a DM

Wish I could drive n pick them up

 

Convertable mod in porgress...


Glad your friend is ok

 

Get the TRD knock off skid plate from Amazon. Under 200.00 shipped.