Factory Skid Plates: TRD PRO vs TrailHunter

[K2Runner]

So Toyota actually gives us a couple factory skid plate options right out of the gate on the 6th gen. You can get the Trailhunter steel front skid and the TRD aluminum skid. Both are bolt-on, no drilling, and both will give you a sleek look plus durable strength right from the manufacturer.

The Trailhunter plate is steel, so it’s tough and cheaper at about $415 MSRP. The TRD one is aluminum, lighter, has that big red TRD logo stamped in it, and runs a bit more at $560.

Now, if you’re okay with installing aftermarket, there are a ton of other skid plate manufacturers out there—Cali Raised, CBI, RCI, you name it—and you can usually get a full system with rear protection too, sometimes for less than the OEM stuff. But if you want something from the dealer day one, these two aren’t bad.

Between the two, I’d say the TRD plate is the better option for someone who wants a basic setup with protection and not a lot of weight. Also in my opinion I think it looks better and is the better pick overall, even if it costs a bit more.

Anyone else running either of these yet, or did you skip straight to a 3rd party full set? If so which set did you go with?

 

[StormTrooper25]

I went with the TRD skid plate, it was easy to install on my ORP Hybrid, with no effect to mpg., also removed the air dam. I bought through Toyota directly and picked up at local dealer when they were offering discounts and i believe this weekend they have 15% off.

 

[Jeremiah2911]

About 4 weeks ago when I picked up my new vehicle, I had them put the TRD aluminum skid plate for me. I felt it was basic protection
for the times I might hit something. I am not a big off roader but I know on some of my upcoming trip of the place I might go to in Texas
I felt a little insurance to protect underneath could potentially save me a lot of grief. Big Bend National Park will be an upcoming visit as an example. Because some of the trips will be long distance, I am keeping the air dam on for fuel efficiency.

 

[rockyweasel]

...i believe this weekend they have 15% off.

Yes, Toyota has 15% off and free nationwide shipping this weekend. My local dealer doesn't participate in online parts ordering, so I'm having the full suite of skid plates shipped to me.

 

[5g TRD-ORP $$$]

My new TRD ORP just came in and I’ll pick it up this week. I ordered it and loaded it out including all the skid plates. I honestly can’t see wrenching on a brand new vehicle but that’s just me. I think the skid plates are cheap insurance.

 

[Archer80]

JMHO, but if your doing any off roading go with some rear link, diff, and shock skids. They hang the lowest and will probably see more abuse than your front skid even tho I run the TRD skid.


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[Jjbailey930]

Changed my oil at 2k today and installed the steel skid plate - sorta. Don’t want to knock Japanese engineering, but .. removed the air dam and fiber protective piece. 4 bolts. Changed oil and began TRD skid plate install. It’s pretty difficult for one person job, at least at my age. OEM skid plate came with no bolts. The fiber one has 4. To position the plate I used a scissor jack to fit the bolts. Took a bit of fiddling to get the 4 bolts to fit. Heading back to dealer tomorrow to procure 2 more bolts. YMMV