Vehicles
  • Shop By Vehicle:

  • Categories
  • Roof Racks

  • Bed Racks

  • Front Bumpers

  • Rear Bumpers

  • Rock Sliders

  • Skid Plates

  • Brands
  • Blog
  • Top Blogs:

  • CBI Front Bumper on a Toyota Tacoma

    Top Tacoma Accessories

  • Sherpa Roof Racks

  • Prinsu Roof Racks

  • C4 Fabrication Tacoma Bumpers

  • Ultimate Protection with RCI Skid Plates

    by Ryan Horton February 16, 2024 9 min read 1 Comment

    When tackling tough trails, safeguarding your vehicle’s undercarriage is critical — and that’s where an RCI skid plate comes in. Designed to shield the most vulnerable areas from damage, RCI skid plates are a crucial upgrade for any off-road enthusiast. This article will help you understand the benefits, explore material and finish options, and pinpoint the perfect skid plate for your vehicle, whether it’s a Tacoma or an F150.

    Key Takeaways

    • RCI skid plates offer superior protection for your vehicle’s undercarriage, featuring high clearance designs that shield vital components during off-road activities, with a variety that fits various vehicle models including Toyota, Ford, Chevy, and more.
    • Crafted with American-made quality, RCI skid plates are available in both steel and aluminum, each providing different benefits, and can come with either a bare or powder-coated finish to suit aesthetic preferences and protection needs.
    • The installation of RCI skid plates is user-friendly, utilizing factory attachment points for a direct bolt-on process without requiring additional modifications, and they come with all necessary hardware for a hassle-free setup.

    Discovering RCI Skid Plates

    RCI skid plates serve as the ultimate protectors for your vehicle’s undercarriage. With an extremely high clearance design, these skid plates provide superior underbody protection without compromising ground clearance. They’re precisely designed to guard your vehicle’s vital components against harsh off-road terrain and threats.

    The reputation of RCI for innovation and superior quality is upheld by the meticulous engineering and testing that go into each skid plate. But the beauty of RCI lies in its versatility. Whether you’re driving a Toyota Tacoma, a Ford F150, or a Chevy Colorado, RCI has got you covered with its diverse product range of industry-leading skid plates.

    Quality Construction with the Finest Materials

    Every RCI skid plate is a testament to American craftsmanship and superior quality. Made entirely in the U.S.A., these skid plates represent state-of-the-art manufacturing and attention to detail. RCI’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of technologies such as CNC fiber laser cutting and fully automated powder coating lines, ensuring product durability that is second to none.

    What distinguishes RCI skid plates is their high level of compatibility. RCI skid plates are a direct bolt-on addition to existing factory attachment points, meaning they do not interfere with other aftermarket modifications such as lift kits (in most cases). This makes them a cost-effective and efficient solution for those looking to enhance their vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

    Steel vs Aluminum

    Material selection is a primary consideration when picking a skid plate. RCI offers skid plates in both steel and aluminum, each with its unique benefits. Steel skid plates are known for their strength and durability. They tend to be a bit heavier than their aluminum counterparts, but their strength more than makes up for the added weight. If you’re planning to put your skid plates to good use, steel might be your best option.

    On the other hand, aluminum skid plates are much lighter and are a great option for those concerned about weight or those who live in areas where roads are salted due to them being rust-resistant.

    Bare vs Black Powder Coat

    Beyond material, the finish of your RCI skid plate is another customizable option. RCI offers in-house powder coating, providing a rust-resistant, durable, and high-quality finish for your skid plate(s).

    Steel skid plates are powder-coated for rust-resistant protection. With respect to aluminum skid plates, you have the option of a bare aluminum finish or a black powder coat finish. The choice really depends on your aesthetic preference and the level of protection you need.

    RCI Skid Plate Options

    The wide range of skid plate options reflects RCI’s dedication to versatility. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from different skid plates, all designed to provide optimum protection for your vehicle.

    RCI’s full skid plate packages, for instance, come with an engine skid plate, transmission skid plate, and transfer case skid plate. Additional skid plate options include fuel tank skid plates, catalytic converter guards, and rear differential skid plates, among others. This means you can customize your vehicle’s protection to suit your off-road adventures.

    RCI Catalytic Converter Guard

    RCI Full Skid Plate Packages

    If you’re looking for complete underbody protection, RCI’s full skid plate packages are the way to go. These packages provide maximum protection for your vehicle’s crucial components, shielding everything from the engine and transmission to the transfer case.

    The full skid plate package provides the ultimate defense and is a comprehensive solution that includes an engine skid plate, transmission skid plate, and transfer case skid plate. This package ensures that your off-road escapades are worry-free and your vehicle is safe from potential damage.

    RCI Engine Skid Plates

    Given the engine is the lifeline of any vehicle, its protection is of utmost importance. RCI’s engine skid plates are designed to protect the oil pan, radiator, cross member, and steering rack.

    These skid plates not only protect your engine but also enhance your vehicle’s performance. With an engine skid plate, you can take on challenging terrains without worrying about damaging your engine. It’s the peace of mind that every off-road enthusiast needs.

    RCI Engine Skid Plate

    RCI Transmission/Transfer Case Skid Plates

    Protection is needed for the essential components of your vehicle, like the transmission and transfer case. RCI offers transmission and transfer case skid plates designed to shield these components from rocks, ruts, and other trail debris.

    By protecting your transmission and transfer case, these skid plates not only prolong the life of these components but also enhance the overall performance and longevity of your vehicle. It’s an investment that pays off in the long run.

    RCI Fuel Tank Skid Plates

    Protection is also essential for other crucial components like the fuel tank. A punctured fuel tank can bring your off-road adventure to an abrupt halt. RCI’s fuel tank skid plates offer robust protection against punctures and other potential trail hazards.

    The fuel tank skid plate is one of the most important skid plate options out there. By safeguarding your fuel tank, you ensure uninterrupted fun on your off-road adventures.

    RCI Fuel Tank Skid Plates

    RCI Rear Differential Skid Plates

    As the rear differential is typically the lowest point on many vehicles, it is especially susceptible to damage. RCI’s rear differential skid plates are designed to protect this component, bolting directly onto the axle housing for optimum protection.

    By protecting the rear differential, you’re protecting the heart of your vehicle’s drivetrain. This ensures your vehicle performs optimally, regardless of the terrain you’re tackling.

    RCI Rear Differential Skid Plate

    RCI Skid Plates Available for Most Vehicles

    Serving a broad spectrum of vehicles, RCI provides top-tier skid plates for a multitude of popular off-road and overland models. Some of the vehicles they cater to include the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Ford F150, and Chevy Colorado.

    Protect your vehicle and make a wise investment with RCI skids, as they offer the perfect skid plate solution - RCI skids are the ultimate in vehicle protection.

    In addition to RCI offering skid plates for most vehicles, they also offer their whole skid plate packages down to differential skid plates for most applications.

    This means you can choose the level of protection you need based on your vehicle and the type of off-roading you do.

    RCI Toyota Tacoma Skid Plates

    If you’re a Toyota Tacoma owner, RCI has a range of skid plates designed specifically for your vehicle. You can choose from full skid plate packages, individual engine skid plates, individual transmission skid plates, and individual fuel tank skid plates.

    Get exactly what you need to protect your Tacoma for off-road adventures.

    These skid plates are designed with Tacoma’s unique specifications in mind, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal protection. So whether you’re hitting the trails or tackling tough terrain on a work site, RCI’s Tacoma skid plates have got you covered.

    RCI Full Skids Tacoma

    RCI Toyota 4Runner Skid Plates

    For Toyota 4Runner owners, RCI offers a range of skid plates designed to protect your vehicle’s underbody. You can choose from full skid plate packages, individual engine skid plates, individual transmission skid plates, and individual fuel tank skid plates.

    You can customize the level of protection to match your off-road needs.

    Every 4Runner skid plate is engineered to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. So whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating rocky terrain on your next adventure, you can rest assured knowing your 4Runner is well-protected with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Full Skids 4Runner

    RCI Toyota Sequoia Skid Plates

    For those driving a Toyota Sequoia, RCI offers a range of skid plates designed specifically for your vehicle. You can choose from full skid plate packages, individual engine skid plates, individual transmission skid plates, and individual fuel tank skid plates.

    RCI has got your Sequoia covered.

    Each Sequoia skid plate is designed to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. So whether you’re traversing rocky terrain or navigating through a rugged trail, your Sequoia is well-protected with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Toyota Tundra Skid Plates

    Toyota Tundra owners can also benefit from RCI’s superior skid plates.

    You can ensure your Tundra is well-protected for any off-road adventure.

    These tundra skid plates are engineered specifically for the Tundra, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal protection. So whether you’re navigating a rocky trail or taking on a challenging fire road, your Tundra is well-equipped with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Ford F150 Skid Plates

    For Ford F150 owners, RCI offers a range of skid plates designed to protect your vehicle’s underbody. You can choose from full skid plate packages, individual engine skid plates, individual transmission skid plates, and individual fuel tank skid plates.

    RCI has got your F150 covered.

    Each F150 skid plate is designed to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. So whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating rugged terrain to your work site, your F150 is well-protected with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Full Skid F150

    RCI Ford Ranger Skid Plates

    Ford Ranger owners have not been forgotten by RCI with a range of skid plates designed specifically for this vehicle. RCI offers comprehensive protection for your Ranger including full skid plate packages, individual engine skid plates, individual transmission skid plates, and individual fuel tank skid plates.

    Each Ranger skid plate is engineered to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. So whether you’re navigating a trail or taking on a curb, your Ranger is well-equipped with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Full Skids Ranger

    RCI RAM 1500 Skid Plates

    RAM 1500 owners can choose from a range of RCI skid plates designed specifically for their vehicles.

    Each RAM 1500 skid plate is designed to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. Rest assured knowing your RAM 1500 is well-protected with RCI skid plates.

    RCI Chevy Colorado Skid Plates

    Chevy Colorado owners aren’t left out either. RCI offers a range of skid plates designed specifically for this vehicle.

    Each Colorado skid plate is designed to fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. So whether you’re navigating a tough trail or bombing a backroad, your Colorado is well-equipped with RCI skid plates.

    Installing RCI Skid Plates

    The simple bolt-on design of RCI skid plates makes their installation straightforward with no drilling required. They install directly to factory mounting points. All necessary mounting hardware is included with every order, making the installation process simple and hassle-free. No need for special tools or professional help – with RCI skid plates, you can do it yourself and get back on the road quickly and efficiently.

    Summary

    In summary, RCI Metalworks skid plates offer superior underbody protection for your off-road vehicle. With their high-quality construction, innovative design, and wide range of options, they provide an unmatched level of protection. Whether you drive a Toyota Tacoma, a Ford F150, or a Chevy Colorado, RCI has a skid plate solution for your vehicle. So gear up, install your RCI skid plates, and let the off-road adventures begin!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much do RCI skid plates weigh?

    RCI steel skid plates weigh more than aluminum skid plates and the weight varies by product. For the RCI Tacoma engine skid plate, steel weighs 47 lbs. and aluminum weighs 22 lbs as an example.

    Do I really need a skid plate on my truck?

    Yes, you should consider getting a heavy-duty skid plate for off-roading as it provides essential protection for the underside of your vehicle. Even if your truck came with stock skid plates, consider an upgrade to the skid plates to protect your investment.

    What are the benefits of RCI skid plates?

    RCI skid plates provide exceptional underbody protection for your vehicle, guarding critical components from off-road terrain and hazards. They are specifically designed to meet various vehicle and off-road requirements.

    What is the difference between steel and aluminum skid plates?

    Steel skid plates are stronger and more durable than aluminum skid plates, but also heavier. Aluminum skid plates, on the other hand, are lighter and rust-resistant, making them suitable for underpowered vehicles or areas with salted roads.

    1 Response

    Kenneth Marks
    Kenneth Marks

    October 18, 2024

    Do you have skid plates for the INEOS Grenadier?

    Leave a comment

    Comments will be approved before showing up.