RCI Skid Plate GX 460 - Weights & Experiences...Alu & Steel

[nw_fj62]

I don't think I'm typically that hard on a vehicle, but perhaps I need to reassess...

When I was seeing abrasion/wear on my OE GX skid plate, I posted here and considered Victory (MI) and RCI (CO).


I ordered RCI Alu.

It arrived late. I installed on the afternoon of departure (when I was planning on other packing/prep). Took me 2hrs (remove OE, loosen Ironman front bumper "skirts" and install RCI-Alu).

I can add more to the story - but I hit the skid the first day ( dent front drivers side) .

So I ordered RCI-Steel. (Ordered on 25Nov, delivered on 20Dec as RCI communicated)

Summary:

For my driving ambitions & conditions, I needed a front skid. Initially considering skid weight to expected abuse I selected aluminum (and destroyed it). I ended up buying steel the second time around.

Lexus front underbody panel : 14lbs (there is a second panel with oil drain access)
RCI Aluminum front skid : 21lbs
RCI Steel front front skid : 43lbs

PS - Yes, I did send pictures and story to RCI on 24Nov and 9Dec (busy holidays), but haven't heard back.

 

[Jstawgn]

It sucks you have to buy it twice. That is pretty big hit. If it prevent damage to other component then it still doing its job.

I am glad I bought steel front skid. My transmission and transfer skid are still straight but it does show a lot more scar on the surface. The architectural 5052 grade aluminum are quite a bit softer than the aircraft 6061 grade.

 

[Tex68w]

I went steel, didn't even think twice about second guessing the decision, this only reinforces that decision. I still need to install it lol.

 

[Gx460sd]

I ordered a set of LFD front skids after this hit. The oem skids are very thin, especially the rear one that has the oil drain access.

 

[Washingtontaco]

Second the RCI steel skids. I purposely stick my vehicle for training purposes and I knew aluminum wouldn't hold up to repetitive bashing.

 

[r2m]

I ordered a set of LFD front skids after this hit. The oem skids are very thin, especially the rear one that has the oil drain access.

View attachment 2550734

That's pretty brutal! Yeah, I'd say you need steel!

 

[ducktapeguy]

Like most other people, I was debating between the weight savings of aluminum and the protection of steel for a long time before I decided to go with steel skids. After the first big hit, I never second guessed my decision again. Definitely go with steel for the front plate, that's the one that takes the most abuse. If you want to save weight the the other skids can be aluminum, starting from rear and working your way forward. The gas tank skid doesn't see very hard hits, if I were to do it again I may go with aluminum on that one.

 

[tortoiseracing]

OP, thanks for posting this. As somebody who has never seen a skid plate used and abused, it's good to know how steel compares to aluminum. I was originally considering aluminum, but I think steel is worth the added 22 lbs.

Overall, are you pleased with RCI and their skid plates?

 

[nw_fj62]

OP, thanks for posting this. As somebody who has never seen a skid plate used and abused, it's good to know how steel compares to aluminum. I was originally considering aluminum, but I think steel is worth the added 22 lbs.

Overall, are you pleased with RCI and their skid plates?

tortoiseracing - I'm pleased with the product and was influenced by washingtontaco's positive experience....

Their customer service is slow, and I've had mixed experiences with their follow through. My first email inquiry on 24Aug (simply asking weight of aluminum skid) did not receive a reply until 9Sept. When I placed an order for an in-stock item (telling them I was preparing for a late month trip - they said they'd ship the next day), the order was misplaced for a week and found only when I called back. As above, fedex (who also fumbled delivery for several days beyond posted expected delivery) delivered it within hours of my trip departure.... Chris and Jason at RCI have been friendly on the phone but results have been mixed.

I understand there is a high demand for overland products now and I try to frame my comments in that context. (By contrast, Victory 4x4 sent an automated confirmation of inquiry immediately, and reply to a weight inquiry in 4hrs after receipt).

 

[mmaguy]

Where are you wheeling? A field of cruise ship anchors and anvils?

Seriously, your post is informative and it looks like the steel is the way to go for the added protection even considering the extra weight. I have the steel RCI front skids and other skids underneath and they have seen some moderate scrapes and such, but have held up extremely well. I think you will be very happy with the RCI quality and toughness.

 

[nw_fj62]

mma guy -

Our group did have a great & challenging day descending an abandoned road in the Elkhorn Mtns (Oregon). Rock stacking, regular spotting and patience were the key. I was happy to have the RCI skid.

 

[r2m]

That's a great shot of your rig!

 

[mmaguy]

mma guy -

Our group did have a great & challenging day descending an abandoned road in the Elkhorn Mtns (Oregon). Rock stacking, regular spotting and patience were the key. I was happy to have the RCI skid.

View attachment 2552755

Damn. Good on you, man! I am confident in my GX, but I would be stressed and sweating like a ho in church trying to do what's in the picture there! lol
It is yet another example of how badass these rigs are and can be. I've been on some crazy passes in CO (a couple while the vehicle was still all stock!), but nothing quite like that. Love seeing these kinds of pics!

 

[Banandalorian]

This is good info. I'm looking into upgraded skids and was thinking aluminum all around because I won't have to worry about powder coat/rust and adding steel makes Colin Chapman sad. Steel may be the better option for the main front skid(s) despite the weight.

 

[Tex68w]

I prefer the steel and unpainted so that touchups are easy with a rattle can.

 

[BigSwede]

I prefer the steel and unpainted so that touchups are easy with a rattle can.

Living in Texas that makes sense.

And if you are crawling boulder fields as pictured above steel is the choice.

But if you live in the rust belt aluminum is pretty attractive for a DD. Also helps to know your ground clearance and place your tires accordingly.

 

[Tex68w]

Agreed! Steel slides better over rocks than aluminum as well. They both certainly have their place.

 

[re_guderian]

So I just installed my full set of RCI sliders, engine back to gas tank. Love them so far. I did an oil change and filter just before installing them. Has anyone been able to successfully change the oil filter through the access plate? Web site says you can't. It looks close. I've got several thousand miles left to contemplate it, just wondering what RCI crowd has to say.

 

[Washingtontaco]

So I just installed my full set of RCI sliders, engine back to gas tank. Love them so far. I did an oil change and filter just before installing them. Has anyone been able to successfully change the oil filter through the access plate? Web site says you can't. It looks close. I've got several thousand miles left to contemplate it, just wondering what RCI crowd has to say.

My experience with the RCI skids and changing the oil, yes it can be done. When draining the oil pan the oil gushes with such force that it sprays inside the skiplates. For me that is a no go as you will never get the oil spray cleaned up and will have residual oil in that area. Can be done but if you like to know that the oil drips that you may see are a real problem or residual drips remove the forward skid. Mine is usually filled with dirt and rock anyway, good to clean it out.

 

[re_guderian]

My experience with the RCI skids and changing the oil, yes it can be done. When draining the oil pan the oil gushes with such force that it sprays inside the skiplates. For me that is a no go as you will never get the oil spray cleaned up and will have residual oil in that area. Can be done but if you like to know that the oil drips that you may see are a real problem or residual drips remove the forward skid. Mine is usually filled with dirt and rock anyway, good to clean it out.

Good to know, thanks. I have a short-nipple Fumoto for the oil pan that "should" eliminate the splatter? The filter is just messy, no two ways about it. I guess it's not that big of a deal to drop the plate. Be good to look around up there once a year anyway.