Skidplates...give me Skidplates

[Coldsteal]

I am having one installed in 2 weeks by local after market dealer. I called honda dealer I purchashed truck from and he asked that I cut holes for oil filter and trans drain plug.

[geotech]

Originally Posted by Coldsteal

I am having one installed in 2 weeks by local after market dealer. I called honda dealer I purchashed truck from and he asked that I cut holes for oil filter and trans drain plug.

Can't wait for the pics and report!

[accordingtoome]

im sure a local shop can fab them for the right price

[super t]

[quote=G-Vac;203896]I've whined in the past about the need for skidplates, and I'll join you now. We need skidplates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE

I agree. a truck ain't no goat without skids.

[Coldsteal]

Half of the job was done. Waiting for the front part just under the brush guard.

A few questions?

1. Does the engine have any special venting requirment. Does air need to come from under the engine? We took your suggestion and used PVC to cover up to the engine (bottom under truck, sides and top are open). We also cut a hole to get to the oil filter. The manual says there are oil drain plugs also. I think we left enough room for it to drian. The PVC will stop most small objects. The bar on the brush guard (the bottom will get caught on any stumps or rocks. I do not drive fast in open fields never do.

We are using a sprayed on substance to prevent the cover from getting hot and melting.

I am still not sure this is a good idea and can remove the shield in less then 5 min.

Any ideas are welcome.

[Truckin']

Here is a shot of our undercarriage on a previous thread:

JC Whitney Bull Bar install (GaragePro brand?)

With the bull bar up front it looks like a simple modification to add some kind of skid protection. It could be made to crumple or drop off in the event of a crash so as not to impede the safety features of the RL. Even sheet metal would be an improvement over the plastic oil pan. It astounds me that it's PLASTIC!

[Coldsteal]

Not sure what you mean. Are suggesting that we pull the hard plastic off and replace with sheet metal?

or

Are you upset at Honda for the plastic cover they have over it?

I like your idea of changing to sheet metal.. I used plastic as a place holder for now. Like I said we will have a plate by the bull bar.

I am think that I do not nead anything if the pull bar + steel plate are up front?

I like your idea of changing to sheet metal. It would be a very simple thing to do.. What about the air flow?

[Truckin']

I have no clue about air flow or the heat that accumulates under the engine. We go on lots of dirt roads exploring and we're careful. We don't want to beat up our truck. I would simply feel better if there was a more substantial barrier to protect the oil pan or a heavy metal cover just for the oil pan.

I'm questioning my memory now. It's been a long time since I was under the truck. Is it the gas tank that's plastic? Whichever, it seems exposed and vulnerable.

I wasn't saying anything about you using PVC. If the heat isn't an issue, that seems like a good alternative.

[Coldsteal]

Thanks for clarifying . I agree about the plastic. I think it is the gas tank. Like you I paid to much to break the truck doing something stupid. I go hunting on weekends and I never go past 5 mph on the dirt road or the field.

My main concern is the stupid Garden State Parkway in NJ. 98 % of my miles are on that road. The steel plate and the pull bar should stop most of the crap like blown tires and crap folks lose out of the back of there pickups. PVC should stop any road debris / salt that the steel plate does not stop.

I only have 3500 miles on the truck. 2 days after putting the brush guard on the truck 2 $#@%^ at work backed into my front brush guard. Brush guard 2 others 0. Both cracked there bumpers. My truck had no damage at all. I guess steel does work. Best $300 I ever spent.

Your idea of using sheet metal is a good idea. I will have to calculate the strength of the metal. The PVC will absolutely give way if the engine needs to fall. Sheet metal can be very strong. I also tried to take into account any rust. Different metal touching seemed like a formula for trouble. I plan on replacing the screws on the PVC plat every 2 years or so.

I would consider the truck perfect if I could find a read bumper guard. Just a steel bar that would really hurt to hit. For some reason folks to tailgate my RT (usually cars). It has been by experience that cold black steel looking at you tends make folks back off.

Putting a trailer hitch on the back with a step is not enough steel to make folks think twice.