Composite skid plates upgraded to steel Trailhunter skids (on my 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road)

I decided to install my recently purchased Toyota OEM Trailhunter steel skid plate on my Tacoma TRD Off-Road truck today. The factory skid plates are made from a composite material. After a recent 130 mile over-landing trip I will feel more confident taking my Tacoma off the beaten path in the future.

It took me less than 30 minutes and the only tool required was a 12mm socket and ratchet.

Toyota elongated two of the bolt holes with slots to make installing and removing the skid plate easier for future oil changes. Toyota, kudos for that move!

I found the best price at Hendrick Toyota North Charleston:


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I bought a Trailhunter skid plate too, and am more than pleased.

Plan A was to cut an access hole so I could slip a tube into my Fumoto oil drain valve, but the metal is hardened and is a great surface for dulling drill bits. Fortunately, it's an easy task to take it off and re-install.

Funny, I was thinking about using the same valve but the removal procedure seems pretty quick. Just remove 4 12mm bolts and loosen the last 2 with the elongated slots.

Made the same upgrade, love the little easter eggs of the old Yotas and it seems pretty quality. I would like to make note for future upgraders, if you have the sway bar disconnect option, the trailhunter skid will sit on top of the swaybar's steel skid and bolt in. I don't know if this is how it was intended to interface but it seems to be solid enough.

Mini2nut said:

I was thinking about using the same valve

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I had a Fumoto on my last truck and it makes the oil dump a lot cleaner since you snap a tube on it and put the other end of the tube in your oil bucket. I've never seen oil come from a pan so fast. It's quite the Niagara.

I believe you still need to remove the skid plate to access the oil filter.

JakeJoeBob said:

I would like to make note for future upgraders, if you have the sway bar disconnect option, the trailhunter skid will sit on top of the swaybar's steel skid and bolt in. I don't know if this is how it was intended to interface but it seems to be solid enough.

Click to expand...

Yep, and if you get the trail hunter transmission skid plate too, it will replace the sway bar skid plate and use its bolts, in the same front bolt holes, and two in the back. (At least I don't think all 3 steel skid plates will fit at the same time.)

I'm guessing the OEM TRD OR skid plates were installed to save some weight and cut costs.