Ebay Chinese skid plate.

This one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/114796993122

 

Other than price, I can't figure out why anyone would order one of the EBay "Pro" type skids. The one from CTH seems to be a quality skid, has the TRD lettering, plus the removable access panel to allow oil changes without having to remove the skid. The EBay versions, like the one in the link above, seem not to have any of those features...

For $250, the CTH version seems like a much better aftermarket choice.

 

Yeah, after I took a good look at the one I got, I decided that I'm not gonna use it. Gonna pull the trigger on an RCI one.

 

If you looking for looks only spend the extra dough. But if you looking to actually abuse it off road, $160 for something better than stock isn't too bad.

I just ordered one today. Will update once I receive it.

 

Just received my aftermarket skid plate. It came undamaged considering the amount of packaging. I have to say so far happy with the quality for the price I paid. I will update with install fitment later.

 

You can't get to the oil filter or drain plug with this on either can you?

 

No, as it is a replica of the original. I do my own service so no biggie. Might need longer rear bolts as some suggested.

 

Yeah. Thought not. I'm gonna sell mine and get one from RCI.

 

I missed out on the 20%off RCI was having I guess I’ll wait till the next sale, however paying premium for a skid plate for easy oil changes it’s a bit ridiculous as well. I even thought about modifying (cutting an access door) the OEM skid like some people have done as well.

 

I replaced my OEM skid plate because it was a huge PITA for oil changes. I hoped an aluminum one would be simpler and lighter.

Nope. Definitely not lighter. But is is fewer bolts to remove. I am due for an oil change soon before I do my annual trek to Arizona, so I will see how much it aggravates me. Still running the crappy Chinese copy as I have been throwing extra money at my KLR in anticipation of moto camping this Spring.

 

It's ridiculous to you, but to me, it's worth it, plus there's the cool factor.
Besides, I'd much rather have to remove a couple of panels instead of the entire skid plate everytime I do an oil change.

 

I understand everyone’s opinion on skid plates to simplify oil changes. I’m a technical person so when I look at a price for a skid plate what comes to mind is “wow, $450 for a skid plate? how many oil changes can do with that amount of money, lol” I have a hand full of friends that have removed their OEM skid plate all together without replacing it and no issues at all. As I stated before, I’m not opposed of buying one, but I rather buy it at discount, group buy or even used.

 

I'm one of those that don't leave anything that I drive stock, so when I think of the price, I also think about how it's gonna look on the vehicle, on top of the convenience of not having to take it off for oil changes.
I want to keep one on the truck in case I hit a small animal or object.

 

I agree. How is going to looks plays a big part of doing the change as well.

 

Just got this one back from having it powder coated black. Car Trim Home version
Turned out pretty nice. Know what I’ll be doing this weekend.