Off-roading is super fun, right? But it can also be rough on your vehicle. Two things you should never skip out on are skid plates and rock sliders. Let’s dive into why they matter, how they differ, and why you should have them on your off-road rig.
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What are Skid Plates?
Skid plates are like shields for the underside of your ATV, UTV, truck, or Jeep. They protect critical parts like your oil pan, gas tank, transfer case, and transmission from rocks, stumps, and debris. If these parts get damaged, you could get stuck or face costly repairs.
How are Skid Plates Mounted?
Usually, skid plates bolt directly onto your vehicle’s frame using factory mounting points or custom brackets. This ensures they’re strong and secure, ready to handle impacts during your adventures. On some of the older vehicles, you may have to add some mounting brackets. If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, you may want to consult a qualified technician.
Common Materials Used in Skid Plates:
- Steel: Heavy, strong, and affordable. Offers excellent protection but adds weight.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Provides good protection but might dent easier than steel.
- Composite or UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene): Super tough plastic that’s lighter and slides easily over obstacles. Offers decent protection without extra weight.
Note: For series off-roaders that like the exstream, we recommend the steel. It might be some extra weight, but the peace of mind outweighs it.
What are Rock Sliders?
Rock sliders are strong bars or rails mounted along the sides of your vehicle. They protect your doors and rocker panels from rocks and obstacles when you’re off-roading, especially on tight trails. They also allow your vehicle to slide over absticles with ease so you don’t get hung up in a bad situation.
How are Rock Sliders Mounted?
Rock sliders usually attach directly to the vehicle’s frame by heavy-duty bolts or welding. Frame-mounted rock sliders offer better strength, being able to handle the vehicle’s entire weight if you need to slide over a rock or other debris. Plus, they can act as a step for easer access into your vehicle.
Common Materials Used in Rock Sliders:
- Steel Tubing: The strongest and most popular choice. Heavy-duty protection for serious off-road use.
- Aluminum: Lighter weight with decent protection, but not as strong as steel.
- DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) Steel: High-quality tubing offering superior strength and resistance to bending
Note: We recommend the DOM for its overall strength. It does cast a bit more steel or aluminum, but well worth the investment. If you are on a bit of a budget, we would recommend the steel. We are not big fans of aluminum for rock sliders; they may look good, but for full-size vehicles or loaded vehicles, they tend to not last.
Skid Plates vs. Rock Sliders: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Skid Plates | Rock Sliders |
| Placement | Underside of vehicle | Sides of vehicle |
| Purpose | Protects engine & drivetrain | Protects rocker panels & doors |
| Mounting Method | Bolted to frame/brackets | Bolted or welded to frame |
| Best for | Avoiding underbody damage | Avoiding side damage & aiding in vehicle recovery |
Top 4 Brands on the Market:
- ARB: Well-known brand with high-quality steel and aluminum products. Trusted worldwide.
- Smittybilt: Affordable, rugged, and popular among Jeep and truck owners.
- RCI Offroad: High-quality aluminum and steel options with precise fits.
- Cali Raised LED: Premium quality rock sliders and skid plates with excellent durability.