We all know that automobile maintenance and repairs are a pain in our pockets. From road trips to adventure type of travels, one cannot really much avoid having their own car bruised. One of the costliest parts of any vehicle is its underside – as if it was damaged, main elements of your car will be affected, thus, Skid Plates were developed.
The Third Gen Tacoma TRD Skid Plate, developed by none other than Toyota Racing Development, is not much different to other types and brands of Skid Plates, but it stands out. It is intended to protect the underside of your automobile from harm while traveling off-road. Its 3/16″ P/O metal is laser cut for a great match on the TRD Pro 3rd Gen Tacoma, and it has a sturdy metal front plate overlying the main section for additional durability.
The front angle concept was formed to overcome the harshest types of terrain, designed to keep you from getting locked while rolling reverse.
TRD Skid Plates are specially made from thick, silver-coated aluminum. It safeguards the vehicle’s transfer box, gasoline tank and differentials from getting damaged. Toyota made sure that this piece of plate is not painted, in purpose of bruises or dents not to be evident. If you experience bumps and obstacles off-road, the dents will blend in the color of the material, making it hardly seen.
Though one of its sole purposes is protecting the underside of the vehicle, it is different compared to Belly pans. Belly Pans, on the other hand, protects the vehicle’s underbelly from small debris from pavements and allows more aerodynamics.
Having your 3rd gen Tacoma TRD skid plate, you’ll have the safety you require on the trails.
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Does the Tacoma TRD off-road have skid plates?
Toyota, one of the largest automobile companies, understands that Tacoma owners and customers will most likely use it for off-road adventures. They made sure that the Tacoma TRD off-road and Pre-Runner had factory-installed skid plates to assist and safeguard the truck’s guts. The Tacoma TRD Pro also comes equipped with a distinctive TRD Pro skid cover.
This piece of armor is made of ¼ -inch thick aluminum that protects critical mechanical components beneath the front end. Skid plates are well worth the investment.
How much does a TRD skid plate cost?
Skid plates for any off-road vehicle can cost up to $1,500 to purchase and install. Yes, it may seem very expensive, but compared to the cost of repairing what a skid plate protects? Thousands of dollars will be saved from your pocket.
A transfer case replacement, for reference, may cost anywhere between $2,000 to $2,500. You’ll have to have a skid plate when you’re offroading, not just to protect your car from pebbles scraping underneath, but also to keep dirt out of the cracks.
What does the TRD skid plate protect?
The TRD Skid plate protects the underbody of the car against damage caused by flying rocks, twigs, ice pieces, as well as other road debris. It is made of thick metal aluminum that has been pressed and molded. The good thing about these skid plates is that they do not obstruct or interfere with the cooling system.
In addition to its physical protection, it also helps the visual and looks of the car. The manufacturer intentionally skipped coloring the plates as if it is painted, bruises and dents would be very visible. They have learnt from the mistakes of the other brands indeed.
Toyota designers use rigorous CAD modeling to assist optimize protection and reduce seismic stress as well as noise concerns.
Can you put a skid plate on a Tacoma sport?
Toyota TRD Tacoma Off-road and Tacoma Sport had top-most sales for compact and midsize pick-up trucks. They both have a wide range of configurations that you can do. However, Tacoma Sport is more on the stylish side.
Yes, Tacoma Sport can have a skid plate. Anyway, it does not just add protection, but additionally gives more appeal to the vehicle.
Skid plates are useful, but you cannot have them without paying of course. You can always consider researching the vehicle to see if it has an already installed Skid plate, like some of the Tacoma vehicle line. Some people believe that vehicles do not need skid plates if the owner does not intend to mistreat them, or if the vehicle is just for the usual concrete road driving.
Sure, a few trails are luckier than others, but if you think you’re going to be roughing it on a trek with big rocks as well as a bunch of stumps, don’t skip it. All that has to be considered is what you’re attempting to protect as well as how much damage it’ll have to withstand. Skid plates are made of metal, and you’ll have a few options for the sort of metal you employ.
Though if you plan to buy a Tacoma sport, and advance to some off-road activity, it’s always a smart option to include one.
What is included in the Tacoma TRD Off Road Package?
Purchasing a pick-up trail truck can be very exciting. After all the research and savings, you finally got the truck you ever wished for that will be with you in your off-road adventures! Especially, if that vehicle will be the Off-Road Toyota Tacoma TRD.
When you purchase this vehicle, you are not just going to receive the vehicle itself, but a tough and long lasting partner! The package includes 16-inch wheels made of alloy, a new and improved suspension system, dual-zone temperature monitoring system, and an 8.0 inch display.
You’ll also be able to view the angles of your car thanks to a handy inclinometer screen. The TRD Off-Road variant is equipped with an amazing V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, allowing you to conquer any terrain.
