Appreciate your video. I agree. In my case on a 2021 4runner ORP, I went with RCI aluminum skids and RCI steel rock sliders about 2 years ago. In short I am happy with that decision and also with the RCI product. Should point out that I tend to only drive green and blue rated roads out of my "Funtreks" books. In other words I am picky about the roads I take. My wife and I lean toward camping/overlanding. No rock crawling.
I bought 3 of those Funtrek books that cover some or all of the areas I'm going to visit in Colorado (San Juan Mountains), southern Utah and northern Arizona and will also generally avoid the red rated routes. But one thing I like is that they have the color coded maps so you can see what portions of the trail are rated red and in some cases just avoid them. Black Bear Pass is rated red because of the one way steep switchback section past the pass on to Telluride. But if you do it as an out and back trail to the pass, and maybe connect to other trails on the way back to create some kind of loop, you can keep it at green and blue. I also plan to keep almost entirely to green and blue and avoid rock crawling as much as I can. I may take on a little rock crawling for locations I really want to see. The drive out to Toroweap Overlook on the north rim of the Grand Canyon is 50+ miles on a dirt/gravel road, then the last 2 or 3 miles at the end to the overlook and the campsites involve some rock crawling.
I had your same setup and vehicle. Had to go steel after my 4R met a hidden boulder it didn’t like this past weekend. Going through steel route now for front skid
For me, I will be using both. Steel for the engine skid, and aluminum for the rest. But I've set up my rig for HD general use. But I won't be lifting my vehicle either (I've got a standard, not premium)... YMMV.
Great points made. I would highlight that, yes, as you off-road more you become more skilled and drive better off-road. However, I think one should not depend too much on one's own skill for a variety of reasons. First off, no matter how long one has been driving off-road, the best of us will make a mistake. It's inevitable. Off-road terrain, unlike paved roads are less predictable. Secondly, As was mentioned in the video, the type of vehicle and any off-road upgrades, e.g., suspension lift, tire size, including wheel size (improper tire/wheel size often contribute to mishaps. Low profile mud tires and big diameter wheels may be visually appealing to some people, but have no place off-road). Lastly, I mentioned unpredictable, but lets zero in on the fact that overlanding is about off-road discovery. That means exploring trails and terrain you are unfamiliar with. Lack of familiarity driving off-road amplifies everything I just mentioned increasing the potential for the unexpected. I have seen experienced off-roaders with decades under their belt have a mishap. That being said, just like he stated in the video, there is no wrong answer, at least not as long as people take everything into consideration and then go from there. Don't kid yourself about what you will and will not encounter if you off-road frequently. Excitement of the unknown and getting off the beaten path is why we venture off-road to begin with. He made some very good points.
The fear of cracking aluminum is a bit over hyped. If you're competent offroad, the slight strength advantage of steel isn't worth the loss in handling and mpg for an everyday driver. Also, a decent welding shop can usually fix and even reinforce any damage or areas of concern.
I'm a newbie to off roading, recently bought a 2018 4Runner Limited that I'm taking on a 2 month trip to Colorado, Utah and Arizona later this year. I have a set of 3 steel skid plates (CBI) and a set of powdered steel rock sliders (Metal Tech, which are the only ones I could find that fit the Limited which has X-Reas suspension) on order. As an inexperienced off road driver, I'd rather have more protection for the vehicle even with the steel adding some weight versus aluminum. Based on the numbers I've looked at, I figure I'm adding under 200 pounds of weight net of the weight lost from the Toyota plates and the running boards that will be deleted. But I have no plans to add any other significant weight to the vehicle with modifications. I plan to keep it as close to stock as possible, but wanted protection to minimize the chance I'll break something and get stuck in the middle of nowhere where I'd be looking at thousands for a tow and repairs. I only intend to drive off road to get to places I want to photograph and hike. There are plenty of places to go, if a trail looks too difficult for a stock 4Runner and/or my skill level as a driver, I'll pass on it.
I agree with your hybrid approach. On our GX, we did RCI steel front skid, and RCI aluminum transmission and Transfer skids which have lots of small scratches but have held up well. We chose the full length OEM takeoff fuel skid off a TRD Offroad trim 4Runner ($40 Craigslist find) and victory aluminum sliders. That full length gas skid is what comes standard on the Prado in most other markets. I got tired of taking off the RCI skids to do oil changes so ordered Bud Built Stainless steel 3/16” engine skid, and their light 1/8” steel for the rest and will install this weekend after I change the front diff fluid, flush the radiator, and lube the driveshafts. I really wish RCI would step up and make an oil filter access for the GX.
If you mean oil filter access, that is the 4Runner access spot. The dealer broke the housing trying to get it out of there. I’ve gotten it out of there but it filled my skid plate with oil. Bud Built and CBI have a oil filter port made specifically for the GX.
Great video. I need a new front skid. My factory one rusted out on my 2013 460. The skid and trailer hitch were so rusty it was like they came off a different vehicle completely. Clean truck with a couple really rusty parts. What brand would you suggest? 95% street driving for me. Once the truck is paid off and moves to my work-play truck from its current family duties it may see some off road use.
