How to Install the TRD Skid Plate on Your Toyota Tundra [4K]

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

If you enjoyed this video, hit LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE and check out more of my Tundra mods: bit.ly/ToyotaTundraPlaylist

[@TheHumanSwissArmyKnife]

Your video is excellent, very informative, and good close up video so the installer can understand what they are up against. There is a challenge if you have a Talon Catalytic Secuirty plate your going to install both the TRD plate and the Talon Security plate items at one time. if you have the security plate already installed, you will have to remove it to install the two back TRD bolts up in the cross beam. A very very critical point is to install a split or spring washer on these two bolts or they will spin free when you go to tighten them on. I also found if you do not have the split spring, and your cat security cover is also on and you have to torque the back two TRD bolts, if you have small hands you can get a small 15mm open end box wrench in to finish the job. Once those are tight on the cat security cover, then you can finish torquing the other TRD plate bolts. NOTE: I learned the hard way that the split washer would make all the difference in the world and removing the TRD skid plate will be a real hassle. So install the split washer, you will be glad you did. Again, Good Job on this video. I made some measurements for the two cuts you have to make in the Security plate. looking at the plate edge that you will cut, one side has more of a sharper break in it, so i used that edge as a reference, I do not have a visual so your notch has to be 1 1/8" wide by 1 1/2" deep, centered on the two TRD Skid plate bolts, which I will get you better and more visual references later on. E kzbin.info

[@frankniedergeses5213]

Just installed mine. Great video and glad I watched it before. Thanks

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Glad to hear it went well, Frank. Thanks for the feedback!

[@94turbotoy]

Great video! Very detailed and shows the process from start to finish. The TRD skid plate is very beefy compared to the stock skid plate. Just installed mine today on my 2018 Tundra TRD off road 4X4. The floor jack method to raise the skid plate works like a charm! Thanks for making the video👍🏻

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thanks! Glad the video helped and cool to hear you installed the skid plate yourself. It's a great upgrade. I've got more upgrade videos in process so don't forget to subscribe so you'll get a notification when they publish. Have a great one!

[@reasonablepaul9499]

Nice video. Two little tips for the ramps: 1. It is a lot easier and safer if you actually put the ramps right against the tires, like a wheel chock. 2. Put the car in 4-LOW and the car will pull up onto the ramps on it's own. ...and finally, nice Tundra.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thanks for watching! Great advice on the ramps...I didn't even think about that. She is a beauty, ain't she? 🤙🏻

[@reasonablepaul9499]

@@MilitarizedCitizen Yes. I love the 2014 and up. I have a 2010 and trying to decide if I should pull the trigger on a 2021 or wait for the new one...

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Congrats on the 2010 Tundra. All of them are awesome trucks that last forever. I hear the new gen is going to be awesome. Not sure that I would upgrade myself for a bit, but the gas mileage the new gen will have might change my mind so we'll see. 😉

[@markarmstrong8739]

Wow that was super helpful. My skid plate should be here next week

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Glad the video helped, Mark, and thanks for watching. Let me know how the install goes once you get it installed!

[@robertfarrell776]

Appreciate you recording this since the plate didn't come with any instructions.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thanks, Robert! Hope your install went well.

[@anthonymartin8769]

Nice job MC. 2018 Tundra here. You helped me out quite a bit, thanks friend.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thank you, Anthony. I really appreciate the feedback. Glad some of my videos have helped. Have a great weekend!

[@markpinther9296]

Thanks for showing the details on the old skid plate. I had taken mine off before Winter and not gotten it back on.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Hi Mark, you're quite welcome. Thanks for watching and have a great weekend.

[@ScottWaters-y6i]

I bought the cheap chinese version off amazon. Terrible packaging causing damage to the plate. I finally got one NOT bent, but very edge damaged. I touched it up with gray primer. Came with hardware but no instructions. This video was a big help.

[@JoshuaDomoslai]

I have a trd pro tundra which already has this thing. Glad this version has a access panel that removes to get to the oil filter. My 16’ trd pro 4Runner you had to remove the entire skid plate every oil change. It was a nightmare and weighed a ton.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Yeah, it's much easier with the access port now. Thanks for watching!

[@d.xchannel5122]

I have a 2017 tundra TRD pro and want to upgrade the OEM skid plate to the 2019-2020 Tundra TRD pro skid plate can I just used the same bolts/nuts that is already on my 2017 pro or do I need to buy the nuts, screws etc..?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

I would imagine it's the same mounting kit. When you purchase the new skid plate, it should come with mounting hardware.

[@d.xchannel5122]

@@MilitarizedCitizen I bought a used skid plate so it didn’t came with it. That’s why I wanted to know if it will works

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Gotcha. I believe it should. If not, you can order just the mounting kit.

[@iTzsLiM29]

Great video! I dont have a tundra yet but I do have a 2010 sequoia but same difference and will be adding a skid plate soon! Just order waiting for it to come in. Your video was very helping and I will also paint my towing points red also to give that finishing touch! You got my sub and follow! Keep up the mod going!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thank you, Addison! I've got quite a few mod videos I'm working on right now that I'll release soon. I'm glad D you enjoyed the video. I used to own a Sequoia as well and I loved it - such a great SUV! Let me know how the skid plate install goes!

[@trdsupercharger8089]

Great video! Thanks for putting all your mods you did gives me some great ideas on what to do on my Tundra. Thanks I'll be watching more of your videos. 👍👊

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

I appreciate it! Subscribe so you'll get notified when I upload my latest videos. I've got a few more I'm editing right now that are going to be great!

[@trdsupercharger8089]

@@MilitarizedCitizen great looking forward to it!

[@Juanca22221]

Great video. Thanks a lot. You got another subscriber.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thank you, Juan! I appreciate the feedback and the follow!

[@MichaelThomas-nv9rd]

Curious on people’s thoughts of installing one of these where we get a lot of salt on the roads in the winter. I’m worried everything that the plate is covering up won’t get the cleaning it needs to get the salt residue off. Thoughts?

[@joejr9653]

Painting the tow hooks was a nice touch. Now you just need to get the TRD red letters to put on it.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Yes sir! Someone commented that the newer skid plates come with it, but I was only able to find that for the Tacoma's. I've picked out some red TRD letters on Amazon, but I've got to do some measuring to ensure they don't get in the way of the oil hatch.

[@cc-hc1dr]

Very thorough video, thanks. I had the same issue with my torque wrench and I think I way over-tightened them. Maybe the aluminum spacers have too much give?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

They probably do. You have to be careful of sqishing them by overtightening.

[@monteturner4692]

Thanks man!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

You're welcome. Hope this video helped!

[@utttn19430]

Very helpful video. Very much appreciate it. Thanks.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

You're welcome and thanks for watching, Trinh. I appreciate the feedback. Hope the video helped!

[@mi4mit]

Great video! I just got a used plate but the two bolts (B) in the center with long brackets are missing. Do you know where I can find them or the part number that toyota may be able to look up? Thanks in advance.

[@taylorsutliff9155]

I have a 2014 trd off-road they all fit 14-21 models correct

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Yes. Same Gen so you should be good.

[@jmacvegas]

Great Video. Just bought a used skid plate and need to get a hardware mounting kit.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thanks, Jared! Glad to be a part of the SCT community!

[@TravelMC99]

What is the hardware mounting kit #?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Looks like it's: PT93834140HW

[@mr.c493]

Will this prevent thieves from taking the cats?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

No, it will not.

[@jeffsoutdoorexperience7879]

What camera equipment are you using? Very good video!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Thanks, Jeff! I'm using an iPhone Xs, shot in 4K/60fps. I use Adobe Premiere to edit, color correct, and place overlay audio.

[@mikeleavitt8773]

Is there a trick to opening up the trap door to access the oil filter? Maybe mine is just over tightened. It wont budge. Anyway...thanks for the awesome video! Saving some more bucks from the dealership!

[@mikeleavitt8773]

After some fenagleing...😉 i was able to open the access door. Took some added torque from an additional wrench....man they were tight. Thanks again for the video.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

The skid plate probably ships with that door extra tight so it's not lost. What a pain. Glad you got it open, Mike!

[@BillR1951]

Will this installation cover the catalytic converters without modifications? Thanks...

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

It does not reach that far back, unfortunately.

[@espd50]

Nice video, hopefully skid plate doesn’t develop the notorious squeak, creek, pop noise like my 21 TRD PRO.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

It does. Haha. Thanks for the feedback on the video!

[@moonkim713]

@@MilitarizedCitizenso did you do anything to address the creaking noise from the skid plate? I’m dealing with the same issue now

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

@moonkim713 Yes. I took my truck into the dealer and they said Toyota is aware and recommends not to do anything. You have to understand that, by design, all truck frames are flexible, especially C-shaped frames so you're bound to have the skid plate stiffness fighting against the frame flexibility. It's just plain physics. Doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong or broken. I check the tightness of the skid plate every 5,000 miles just take make sure I don't lose any bolts. Other than that, whenever I hear the reeking noises, I just pretend I'm rock climbing. Lol

[@espd50]

@@MilitarizedCitizen told me the same, smh!

[@firstlast4100]

When installing hardware get flat rubber fender washers installed to avoid the issue.

[@captaina4458]

Looks exactly like my 2010 Tundra skid plate. Hmmm...I wonder if this would fit...

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Technically, it should work for 2007 on up.

[@robinstewart6510]

Is the repair shop going to know how to remove and install that skid plate, including those two rear spacers? I can easily envision those spacers getting lost or tossed at some point.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

I don't let repair shops do anything on my truck so I wouldn't know.

[@mikeleavitt8773]

Its a Toyota...why would it be in a repair shop?

[@achimmohssen-beyk4491]

@@mikeleavitt8773 oil change? Wouldnt the skid plate be in the way? Would be nuisance to have to get the plate off every time you do oilchange

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

There's an opening with a cover for access so you don't have to remove the skid plate for an oil change.

[@arieldelapena1648]

Do you need to buy the hardware for the skid plate too or can I use my non trd pro stock skid plate bolts?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Hi Ariel. The skid plate includes the mounting hardware as shown in the video.

[@BlueKimura]

Thank you. I just got my skid plate today and I will be installing it tomorrow. Where is the TRD Red styler? Does it come with one? or is that something people buy and stick on later? Thanks again for this. It was very helpful.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

You're very welcome, Alex. Thanks for watching! I've been searching for TRD red letters for awhile. I've heard that it depends on how new the skid plate is when you purchase it. However, I've really only seen them on skid plates for the Tacoma. When I look at placement on mine (for the Tundra), I don't see an available place to install one because of the quick access port for changing oil. Let me know how the install goes!

[@calgst95]

I purchased one for my 2012 tundra and it did come with the red TRD lettering on it.

[@jrgonzalez4962]

What's the part #?

[@rascoe2018R1]

Do you have an update on this skid plate? Any rattling sounds?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

There seem to be some creeking sounds coming from it. Gonna have to get under the truck and tighten everything up again to see if that's where it's coming from.

[@rascoe2018R1]

@@MilitarizedCitizen damn I just ordered the skid plate :( keep me updated, thanks!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Will do! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I can deal with creeking more than cracking something that isn't protected. 😉

[@alphamale6097]

@@MilitarizedCitizen pretty common issue with body roll to have creaking or popping sounds. You need to install small rubber bushings before torquing them down and this fixes the issue. Detailed instructions are available on several Tundra forums.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Yeah. I had the dealership look into it one time when I took it in for service and they said Toyota knew of the issue and did not recommend using any bushings. Personally, I'm okay with the creeking; it doesn't really bother me.

[@Berber717]

what color did you use to paint your tow hooks planning on painting mine!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

There's no color number on the can. I went to Lowe's and picked out the closest Rustoleum red I could find (closest to TRD red).

[@ellehctimosiva9072]

What color did you use to paint tow hitches

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Just a light red that matched closely with the TRD red. I don't have a color number. Sorry about that.

[@n6baca1]

Does the trd plate make it harder to get to the oil pan drain plug? When changing the oil, and it's almost empty, will it drip oil straight down into the under side of the plate? Or does it just clear the pan? My 21 limited requires the full removal of the plate to get to the filter so thinking of upgrading for ease of access...

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

The skid plate installed in this video has a port opening for oil draining. Four screws and you're golden.

[@n6baca1]

@@MilitarizedCitizen right but since it's longer than the factory one, does it impede the drain plug at all?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

No, it does not block the drain plug. You have easy access to it from the side, like you do with the stock stick plate (if your truck came with one).

[@n6baca1]

@@MilitarizedCitizen thanks and great video!

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Not a problem at all. Thanks for watching!

[@aarronher6369]

I finally just got done putting TRD skid plate on my 2020 Tundra TRD Sport this morning. This is the Part number for the TRD stamp red inlay. PTR 6034190 Thanks for your video it's very helpful.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Awesome, Aarron. How'd it go?

[@aarronher6369]

@@MilitarizedCitizen it's pretty good and easy to do it when watching your video.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Sweet. Glad to hear that, Aarron!

[@2020Tundra]

I have a 2020 Platinum 4x4 and I bought PTR60-34190 from a local dealer, but when I tried (twice) to install it, the skid plate makes contact with something underneath the truck and won’t allow me to thread in the 2 middle bolts or the big square spacer at the jack point. The front and rear bolts all line up correctly and will thread in. I just got off the phone with the parts manager at the dealer where I bought it and he’s baffled too. Gonna take it to them on Monday to see if their technicians can get it attached. 😡

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Very odd, Michael. Let me know what the dealer finds; I hope they can shed some light on the issue.

[@ScottWaters-y6i]

Good job!

[@aarronher6369]

I thought the TRD skid plate should have a TRD stamp it on the plate. But looks like your doesn't, any idea why?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Unfortunately, even tho I purchased this directly from a dealer, this is a different model that didn't have the TRD stamp in it.

[@RC_31]

Do you have lift on truck? Didn’t see you use spacers...

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Yes. It's a 2.5" lift. Spacers are in the rear. I also decided to keep the rake of the truck so the rear is a little higher than the front.

[@franciscochavez6119]

Will a skid plate fit a 2 wd tundra? Or is it only for 4x4s?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

What year is your truck?

[@truth6027]

Why didn’t it say TRD was that a cheaper version of the plate?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

No, it's just a different model year than the one that has the TRD logo on it. That's all the dealership had at the time.

[@hornetkeeperh]

Anyone know if this will fit on an original (07-13) second gen? I know they're very similar if not the same in this aspect but I wanna make sure

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Hi Aaron! This install is on a second gen. Second gen runs from 2007-2021 so it should work for you just fine.

[@J.Varney]

The stock flimsy skid plates are terrible. I ended up going with a 10 gauge steel offering that really protected my radiator and hoses after hitting a deer. The trd one should be the standard minimum on all tundras, come on toyota.

[@Daniel-pl3bd]

Why no TRD letter on the plate?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

This particular one didn't come with it.

[@ScottWaters-y6i]

Chinese copy

[@TheAngryCamper]

Always, I mean always speed onto the ramps for cinematic effect!!! ha ha ha

[@gustavosanchez2714]

Do you have a hose to drain the oil from the oil filter housing

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Hi Gustavo. No. There's really no need. The skid plate has an access door built into it with four screws. Unscrew the access door and you're good to go.

[@rayrodrigo3999]

How come your skid plate doesnt say TRD in red like your thumbnail?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

The one for the Tundra doesn't come with it, but the one for the Tacoma does. For the Tundra skid plate, you have to order the letters (Amazon) and put them on yourself.

[@rayrodrigo3999]

@@MilitarizedCitizen ok thanks. Thinking about getting one for my tundra as well

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

It's really nice and it bolts up perfectly. It also protects further down the engine compartment than the stock one.

[@aaronjordan431]

There’s a newer version skid plate for the Tundra that does have the red letters. I believe it came on the 2019 Pro. Looks identical to yours in every other way. I’ll be installing it tomorrow thanks to this video. Part number is PTR60-34190 for those who are interested.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Great info. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@MC-ny7iw]

How do you think the RCI skid plate Compares to the OEM toyota?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

I did look at RCI as an option. They seem to offer skid plates that cover more area underneath the truck which I prefer. I chose TRD this time and might swap it out in the future after a few more mods.

[@geronimopascuale9208]

What is the Benefit for this?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

The main purpose is to protect everything underneath the truck when you're offroading. Rocks and debris fly up into the engine area that can possibly damage engine components.

[@jodyproffitt8140]

@@MilitarizedCitizen what is the benefit of replacing the original skid plate with the TRD skid plate?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Hi Jody. This skid plate is longer (twice as ping), wider and thicker metal than the original. Therefore, not only do you get more coverage underneath the truck, but you have better protection than the original because of the thickness of the metal.

[@jasonkirby5543]

After watching ur video, u said installation was pretty easy. It didn't look it. I've decided not to put myself through the hassle plus can't even see it. Taking it off is not an option unless u want to pull ur hair out. Lol... Thanks for letting me know I'm not interested in this mod.

[@roadglide1142]

I had the exact same conclusion! Lol no thanks

[@kenwright2316]

Hard to watch. Headache inducing and relentless music. Need at least half volume or no music at all. Otherwise video was great.

[@toyolab5861]

Shouldn’t the skid plate say TRD?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

Some of them do, but not all of them.

[@toyolab5861]

@@MilitarizedCitizen I see. I’m just concerned about fitment. But I do want it to say TRD

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

That won't change fitment as long as the one you order is for your model year Tundra.

[@Floof_Factory]

Whats the point of having a skid plate? Is it even worth it?

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

That's a great question. There are two main reasons for a skid plate: 1) Off road travel protection. All of the newer Tundras have 4x4 off road capabilities (and the TRD has special suspension for off roading). I've taken my truck off roading and landed the center of the truck on a rock and then slid off the rock because of the protection of the skid plate. If I didn't have it, the rock would've impaled the bottom of the engine/transmission - or at least dented it, possibly causing damage that could have caused an oil or transmission fluid leak which would've made the truck impossible to drive. Not something you want out in the mountains with no one around to rescue. 2) To protect the engine and transmission from everyday wear and tear. I'm sure you've experienced a time when you've driven on the road and the vehicle in front of you kicks a rock up that hits your windshield. That happens all the time underneath your vehicle without most people knowing it, causing damage to the engine and transmission which can lead to leakage. Most people won't "need" a skid plate because they'll never take their vehicle off road. However, it is an inexpensive insurance policy for the "just in case" scenario. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

[@robinstewart6510]

Of course, probably somewhere around 99% of the vehicles on the road don't have a skid plate, including most SUV's. And, as thin as that skid plate is, it's actually more of a gimmick than truly functional. If you're planning to seriously off-road, get a serious skid plate. Otherwise, it's not really needed. Feel free to take it off.

[@gte1340]

@@robinstewart6510 if you take it off there is no where to attach the 3 tabs from the bumper splash guard.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

A skid plate will at least let you slide off rocks. This skid plate is the same thickness as pretty much everything out there aftermarket.

[@robinstewart6510]

@@gte1340 .. I replaced my skid plate with a winch mount, with the 3 tabs attached to that. The winch mount protects roughly the same area and is much thicker metal. However, I'm pretty sure the 3 tabs could be attached somehow even without that. Be creative.

[@jasonkirby5543]

Wow, tough job by the looks of it. Not fun! Looks like a two man job to save time & frustration.

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

With the use of the jack to lift the skid plate, it wasn't all that bad. More hands make lighter work, that's for sure!

[@Assureddominance]

You’re supposed to put the ramps right up against the tire so as soon as you start moving your you’re on the ramp that’s bush league right there at least you Reminded the viewers to put the emergency brake on and even chalk the wheels

[@MilitarizedCitizen]

To each their own, I guess.

[@ScottWaters-y6i]

I bought the cheap chinese version off amazon. Terrible packaging causing damage to the plate. I finally got one NOT bent, but very edge damaged. I touched it up with gray primer. Came with hardware but no instructions. This video was a big help.

[@ScottWaters-y6i]

I bought the cheap chinese version off amazon. Terrible packaging causing damage to the plate. I finally got one NOT bent, but very edge damaged. I touched it up with gray primer. Came with hardware but no instructions. This video was a big help.

[@jdenha7078]

Same here, terrible packaging