Which Toyota Tacoma Aluminum Skid Plate is BEST?! TRD vs Aftermarket

After a year of being bashed into rocks... I broke my Toyota Tacoma aluminum skid from CBI Offroad Fabrication! In this video I compare the Toyota TRD Pro style skid plate to CBI's and explain why I think the OEM option is stronger by design.
FYI... I have nothing but love for CBI. They're a great company and make excellent products in the PNW! I think the issues I bring up apply only to the aluminum version. If you're interested in their bumpers, sliders, other skids or roof racks... use this code for 5% off: CPM6LYBLBP
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[@JasonExplainsThings]

EXCITING UPDATE! First, CBI is a classy business... they took this video very well and appreciated the information. They asked if I'd be interested in testing an updated version of the plate as a prototype. I immediately said yes. So stay tuned for more on this topic!

[@davestewart9146]

The skid plate did what it was supposed to, save the underside of your truck, great video Jason 👍😁

[@Baebon6259]

the skid plate did its job. Better a couple hundred $ vs "there is a hole in my oil pan" + towing fee.

[@SrsLe33]

Your my favorite toyota channel, you have a great vibe like I'm happy to watch your videos like anticipation of a new video from a favorite TV show.

[@_Talksick_]

good info on deciding skid plates. thanks.

[@BADD400]

Good video Jason.

[@mussim2919]

Good looking truck!

[@aevnate4140]

interesting review.

[@TheSzalkowski]

One point of view is that the skid plate did its job. I try to not use copper anti seize with aluminum parts. Thanks for the video

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah, I agree. But I believe if a few things were changed it would’ve taken the hit and not bent in. That’s my opinion.

[@koalafan1576]

When drilling for the riv nut don’t forget to be careful so you don’t put a hole in your roof liner 😂. Oh wait that was Chris’s truck not your skid plate area. Lol

[@maurelius135]

Yup, skid plate did it job and was worth the investment. Would not send it in for warranty. I'm in the market for one, going to check out CBI and see if that new version is out.

[@apa7611]

I’m getting the trd skid plate but painting it black

[@thnd-uo4vp]

On my 4Runner I have not replaced the factory skid plate because it would require removal of the support braces. I’m looking for an option that would keep them in place like the TRD version skid place you installed.

[@wadeduvall7026]

Better the skid plate than the oil pan! I don't love the U mounting points on the CBI; those are probably the weakest link.

[@ronsaathoff1561]

I have the trd skid plate the only drawback is the drain hole for the pan is small and you get residual oil on the top of it and you Can’t get it clean. The other is you have to remove it service the front differential. I know waa waa. The thing is heavy and awkward. It’s leaning on the wall i sold the truck and trying to get myself to install it on my 23 model truck.

[@orlando5001]

Tacoma Beast just posted a video showing these skids failing in the same way.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Just watched it! What I was doing was nothing close to as nuts as that rock garden. I must’ve hit it just right to cause the damage. If anyone has a steel version let us know if it’s survived stuff like this.

[@orlando5001]

@@JasonExplainsThings Absolutely he went nuts with his truck but it still shows the weak point is those spacers on the skids.

[@paulthompson661]

Trd pro skid is pretty damn solid I’m keeping that up front but going steel cbi in the rear for belly strength

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I did their gas tank skid and it’s great. 👍

[@bajabret60]

Now one wonders, do you go to the same spot and try to recreate the event with the TRD skid plate? Just kidding. I watched the original install video and appreciated this update

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I’m sure I will. But I’m gonna be pretty darn careful! 😅

[@mattsmith6828]

the more research i do, the more comfortable i am with getting the steel skid from CBI. i know aluminum corrodes instead of rusting, but where I live, i have to get my 4runner undercoated every year anyway. when it comes to weight, there is a notable difference between the aluminum and steel (on the surface), but if you look at the OVERALL PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE when factoring in the weight of the vehicle itself, it's negligible. if you do any type of even mild off-roading, you'll want to upgrade your suspension anyway. i don't do hardly any off-roading, but i'm still debating if i want to get the full skid or just the front. great video!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

If that’s the case just stick with the stock skids or get the TRD one. They cost less and weigh less. Even the steel stamped stock one holds up to abuse with light off-roading and hitting the occasional rock. My new TRD skid has held up to some pretty heavy abuse.

[@mattsmith6828]

@@JasonExplainsThings i actually went with the cartrimhome (style B) skid plate. it was WAY less and if it gets damaged, i'm only out $250 and it's way easier to install. to be 100% honest, the primary reason for looking for a new skid was so oil changes didn't take 1.5 hours each time. and as long as i don't get crazy off road, it'll probably last longer for me too.

[@koalafan1576]

When I was installing my bumper installed light bar I found out my Colorado’s OEM engine skid plate is plastic so it’s definitely not best. 😂I’ll eventually get all the AEV skid plates like Chris.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Boron! 🥳 Those are very light for being steel. I’ve had to pick those up more times than I care to remember.

[@lomosaltatho3008]

I think you should use the warranty and return the damaged skid for a new one. This helps you and CBI. They learn the weak points and can strengthen future skid plates and you get a new skid in return. If you don’t want your new skid you can sell it for cash. It’s a win win.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I talked to them about it before hand and they said they’ll use this info on some possible changes. Stay tuned. 👍

[@koalafan1576]

I have a serious question. How do you find the bolt torque settings for your truck (for mine) for when I do anything that requires torquing?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Combination of places. PDFs about installs, repair manuals, and then just googling/searching a variety of places. Forums often have all this info as well.

[@koalafan1576]

@@JasonExplainsThings thanks.

[@dand2334]

Did you gain or lose any ground clearance by going with the Toyota skid plate?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I think I gained almost an inch. I’ve been up several trails since putting out this video and I seem to hit rocks less often than before.

[@mikem4432]

I would of just replaced the bolts and kept the same plate.. its all good.. thats what they are there for.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nope. The plate was permanently bent and the brackets were all crushed. You’re a funny dude.

[@paulzimmermann5876]

It did its job, the skid plate took the damage your truck would have endured.

[@Bas-G]

Oof that’s quite the hit if it can deform those brackets. And they’re supposed to deform. Like a crumple zone. Those rivnuts aren’t going to hold up better than a weldnut though.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yep. The skid definitely took all the damage and saved everything else. But after looking at the TRD one side by side, I think it could’ve survived the impact. That’s my opinion. Time will tell how it does. 👍

[@thedolt9215]

Unless it is aircraft, tempered aluminum… Forget about it