Because I am looking into purchasing a new vehicle that I will deck out for overlanding, I got to wondering if I need to have a skid plate when going overlanding or for that matter, off-roading. Here is what I found.
Do you need a skid plate for overlanding? Yes, skid plates are important for Overlanding. However, they are not a necessity. There are various factors that determine the need for a skid plate when Overlanding.
Before heading out on an overland adventure, some people consider the type of roads they will be traveling on and prepare their vehicles accordingly. For example, someone who plans to go off-road in deep sand would certainly want a low-range gearbox available in their vehicle. And if you are planning to travel through the African bushveld, then there’s no doubt that your 4×4 needs a winch.
But if you are planning to do your traveling on good gravel roads, through the Australian outback, or all the way up the Americas then you may not need a Skid Plate for Overlanding. This article should help you make that decision.
You’re probably wondering why your 4×4 needs a skid plate. We will understand this by looking into the use of the skid plate.
What Is a Skid Plate Used For?
In short, a skid plate prevents damage from rocks and debris flying up from underneath your 4×4. It can also protect the underside of your engine bay from snagging on branches or becoming caught by something when you are swerving to get around an obstacle.
But what about standard car maintenance? Like oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks. If you are driving on good gravel roads, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about these routine tasks getting disrupted by your off-road adventures.
So let’s get down to it:
Do you need a skid plate for Overlanding?
Yes, skid plates are important for Overlanding. However, they are not a necessity. There are various factors that determine the need for a skid plate when Overlanding. They include:
1. Where Are You Planning To Drive?
If your 4×4 is going to be traveling on more fearsome roads with constant hazards -such as along the African coastline- then maybe investing in a skid plate would be worth considering. But if you are more likely to head out on bush tracks or flattish overland routes then a skid plate might not be as much of a necessity.
2. What Kind of 4×4 Do You Have?
If your off-road vehicle came equipped with one already (which it probably should) and if you are going to be hitting rougher terrain, then investing in a stronger version may provide more protection for your 4×4.
3. Do You Need a Winch?
If you are going to be using your vehicle for an off-road adventure such as freeing yourself from sand, mud, or deep snow then investing in a winch may be worth considering over having a skid plate fitted. But if the only thing you have planned is going up and over some boulders and the like, then it would be best to leave the winch at home.
4. Do You Need a Tow Hook?
This is an asset that will come in very handy for those who are venturing off-road. If this sounds like you, then investing in one of these might not be such a bad idea. But if you plan on taking your 4×4 on nothing but gravel roads and the like, then this might not be as necessary.
5. Suspension Vs. Skid Plate?
Driving off-road is always going to put a lot of strain on your vehicle’s suspension and underbelly. If you start hitting bumps and jumps every few seconds then this will put a lot of strain on your suspension and skid plate. But if you’ve experienced the rougher side of adventuring before, you might not need to worry too much about the damage being inflicted on your vehicle’s underside.
So, if your kind of Overlanding adventure will require a skid plate installed, it’s important to do your research when looking for a skid plate.
What Are The Different Types and Brands of Skid Plates, and Whether to Invest in Aftermarket or Original Skid Plates?
What are the different types and brands of skid plates?
Now, this is one of the most important parts in choosing a skid plate for your 4×4. There are many options out there, but knowing what they are will help you decide which option would best suit your needs.
Some of the Different Types of Skid Plates
- Simple steel plate skid plate:
This is a very basic and simple design that many trucks and 4X4’s will come equipped with. It is made of steel, meaning it will be able to withstand most hits without much damage. This option might seem like the best choice for those on a budget as they are usually quite cheap.
But if you do encounter some rougher terrain then it will become clear that they are just not up to the job. This is because steel does not have the capability to absorb ‘shock’ as well as other mediums such as polyurethane or aluminum.
- Polyurethane skid plate:
This is a great option if you are looking for an affordable choice that will be able to protect your 4×4’s underbelly. They are made of polyurethane, which has the ability to absorb shock, therefore lessening the damage caused on impact with larger obstacles. But there is one problem; they are quite heavy and harder to install (if it is not already installed).
- Aluminium skid plate:
Those who want a lightweight, heavy-duty, and premium quality option will be interested in this choice. This is because aluminum alloy is the best type of metal to use for absorbing shock and protecting your 4×4’s underbelly. But since it is made from alloy, it tends to cost more than the average skid plate.
- Heavy-duty steel skid plates:
This is the perfect option for those tough adventurers who are looking to protect their 4×4’s underbelly from heavy heavy-duty obstacles, without worrying about the weight of the product. These are usually made of special steel that has been developed to be strong enough to absorb heavy-duty impacts. Since it is made of special steel, the weight will not be as significant as that of an aluminum skid plate.
- Plastic skid plates:
This option is most suitable for those who are looking for something cheap and temporary to protect their 4×4’s underbelly, or perhaps they just want to show off their vehicle. This option is usually made of ABS plastic, which is a very strong and durable material that has the capability to withstand certain obstacles on the road without too much damage.
Some of the Popular Skid Plate Brands
- Iron Cross
This is a very popular brand for skid plates as they offer many different types of skid plates that will best suit your individual needs. They offer aluminum and steel options for those who want premium quality material to protect their 4×4’s underbelly, and also plastic and polyurethane for those on a budget or who just want something temporary to protect their vehicle.
- ARB
This is another popular brand that offers high-quality skid plates for your 4×4’s underbelly at an affordable price. They offer aluminum and steel options for those looking for a premium quality option, but they also offer polyurethane and heavy-duty steel options for those on a budget or who just want to protect their vehicle temporarily.
- TJM
This is another premium skid plate brand that provides high-quality and durable plastic and alloy skid plates at an affordable price. They offer both aluminum and steel options, however, the material used for each option varies between polyurethane and heavy-duty steel.
- Rock Hard 4X4
This is another premium quality skid plate brand that has very strong, durable, and lightweight aluminum alloy skid plates that are great for protecting your 4×4’s underbelly from the most challenging of terrain without any extra weight slowing your vehicle down. Check out this video from their website!
- Bushranger
This is a more budget-friendly skid plate brand that offers a wide selection of polyurethane and heavy-duty steel options for those on a budget, or just looking to protect their vehicle temporarily.
Aftermarket or Original Skid Plates?
There are 4×4 owners who believe that having their skid plate installed by the dealer while purchasing the vehicle will ensure that it is properly fitted. However, there are also 4×4 owners who prefer to have an aftermarket or third-party brand because they can be slightly cheaper than the original equipment option and offer many different types of skid plates.
When you purchase an original equipment skid plate, it is automatically guaranteed that the skid plate has been designed and tested for your individual 4×4 model. On the other hand, if you choose to go for an aftermarket brand of the skid plate, there is no guarantee on how well it will fit onto your specific 4×4 model. So if you are looking to save money and you do not mind taking the risk of having an incorrect fit, then an aftermarket skid plate is for you.
My Recommendation
If you are looking to protect your 4×4’s underbelly and you do not want it to add any unnecessary weight, then we recommend getting an alloy skid plate. However, if you value strength and heavy-duty protection over the weight of the product, then we suggest investing in a steel skid plate. It is also important to keep in mind that if your 4×4 is lifted, you’ll need to purchase an accessory skid plate pack as the stock skid plate will most likely not fit.
So there you have it! The different types of skid plates available on the market and what it best suits for your needs.
