Skid plates on or off for winter time?

[Sleepy]

I pulled my skid plates off this weekend to do some things and thought maybe I should leave them off during the winter for a better underbody wash. I have unlimited washes in the winter time and go frequently to slow down the ravages of winter in the midwest. I don't need them for any actual skid protection this time of year. So what are your thoughts?

 

[mtwilly87]

Unless you plan on hitting some trails during winter time I like your line of thinking. Keep them off for easier cleaning. When it's time to wheel again in the spring throw them back on.

 

[Sleepy]

Yup, that is what I am thinking.

 

[kbahus]

I would leave them on for your trip then remove them when you return and do a major wash down. They will at least keep the salt spray off stuff, the snow from packing up where it shouldn't, and some heat in.

 

[Sleepy]

I would leave them on for your trip then remove them when you return and do a major wash down. They will at least keep the salt spray off stuff, the snow from packing up where it shouldn't, and some heat in.

You might be thinking of the guy from Florida going to Michigan. I live in Iowa all winter. Trip may not end until April.

 

[Sleepy]

Really good point about keeping heat in. Had not considered that at all.

 

[kbahus]

I was thinking of the Florida guy, my bad!

 

[NMBruce]

what type of area do you live in? I like the thoughts here, but I will leave mine on, that way should I be going down a back road that is covered in snow & ice and something happens, I have some protection

 

[kbahus]

You can also give the Fluid Film treatment at try. I will warn you though it is a pain. My GX is wearing nearly a full gallon on the underside.

 

[Sleepy]

Do you spray Fluid Film on the frame and and other parts of the undercarriage to protect them? The body looks perfect due to frequent washing. Where I notice rust starting is on welds on the frame and some surface spots on the frame here and there. Not much, but you know the cancer spreads.

 

[kbahus]

I purchased a kit from Amazon that came with a spray gun, extensions, and the whole nine yards so I could do multiple vehicles (I have access to a lift and a compressor). With the long extension wands on the spray gun I was able to fully coat the inside of the frame and many other hard to reach areas. Basically Everything under the truck was sprayed with a layer of Fluid Film (minus brakes). I did the doors via a spray can with a small extension wand as it fits right in the drain holes. I was also able to do the rockers by pulling the plugs on the sill, it's a long and smelly process for sure.

 

[jonshonda]

^Link to kit?

 

[Sleepy]

How does the Fluid Film hold up to frequent washing? I do about every other day now. Would you want to cut back on that? I don't have a lift so would be a real pain, but to keep rust away, it may be worth it.

 

[kbahus]

This is the place I got my stuff from: Fluid Film Rust Protection

Supposedly it will last at least a year, but yes it can wash off.

 

[JLee]

After reading through this thread, I ordered a case of Amsoil HD Metal Protector: Clear Undercoat - Page 25 - FORD RAPTOR FORUM - Ford SVT Raptor Forums - Ford Raptor

I'll douse my GX in it before it sees its first northern winter.

 

[kbahus]

You may want to try the spray can wand that Kellsport sells to at least get some of the product inside the frame and the doors. I tried using only the spray cans and quickly found it does not work well for getting into all the tight spots. The spray can extension works pretty well and would be much better than no wand at all. I just don't know if it will work with the Amsoil cans, but it's worth a try.