Aftermarket SKID PLATE options

[WhatExit?]

Interesting how close it is to the exhaust - no rattle, no discoloration from heat.
I want one for the front of mine - to replace the plastic air dam.

There are some front skid plates here - I thought maybe the Mopar Steel Skid Plate would work for you but I think it requires the Mopar Steel front bumper

https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_armor_protection/skid_plates?kw=skid plate

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[ShadowsPapa]

There are some front skid plates here - I thought maybe the Mopar Steel Skid Plate would work for you but I think it requires the Mopar Steel front bumper

https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_armor_protection/skid_plates?kw=skid plate

Actually Rubicon comes with a bumper like Overland - and a skid plate that doesn't bolt to the bumper.
The skid plate is different if you get the steel bumper on the Rubicon. Otherwise the basic Rubicon skid plate doesn't attach or connect to the bumper at all. It looks like it uses brackets on the frame like the plastic air dam uses small brackets to connect to the frame.
I looked at several Rubicons on dealer lots to see what they had for skid plates - only those ordered with steel bumper had the skid plate that bolted to the bumper.

I may see if the dealer would order one for me to try - on the deal that if it won't fit, I don't own it.
I'd like to save some weight - and I could cut an aluminum one to fit around the receiver in minutes. The steel - could still do, just take a bit more time and effort.

 

[WhatExit?]

I looked at several Rubicons on dealer lots to see what they had for skid plates - only those ordered with steel bumper had the skid plate that bolted to the bumper.

Yup. That's what I've got so it's all I know on the Gladiator except for what I've read

 

[NektoInPhx]

Speaking from experience, skid plates before light bars!
My new exhaust sounds nice.
So far, this is the best option, prove me wrong??

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...kid-plate-system-w-dual-crossmembers-aluminum

 

[Russler]

I have been looking at the same due to the dual crossmembers. https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-80548.htm

 

[velogeek]

I have been looking at the same due to the dual crossmembers. https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-80548.htm

Jesus... 190 lbs for Aluminum?

 

[Russler]

Jesus... 190 lbs for Aluminum?

Yup, figure I can recycle it when the wife throws me out for spending our lifes savings on my truck

 

[SleepyJeep]

I have been looking at the same due to the dual crossmembers. https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-80548.htm

Is this better than the Artec Industries full belly pan?

 

[Russler]

Is this better than the Artec Industries full belly pan?

I have no idea. This is the one my shop recommended for the 3rd stage of my build. I am sure we can find someone in this forum to provide an opinion.

 

[velogeek]

Is this better than the Artec Industries full belly pan?

From what I can tell, the Artec has less coverage (no muffler skid) and doesn't have the replacement crossmembers. Did a bit more reading because I have the same question and the RH set comes with upgraded steel crossmembers that should definitely be better at taking a hit. The Artec seems like it would be a good "overlanding" or occasional use bellypan with a focus on weight savings.

Personally, I have no intention to make mine a crawler with this long-ass wheelbase so the Artec adding only adding what is supposed to be only a dozen lbs or so is pretty tempting.

 

[WhatExit?]

Recap of what we've seen so far...

Here's what the JEEP website starts us with:

Artec is offering this JT Gladiator Full Bellypan
1/4" 6061 Aluminum for skid plates, 3/16" zinc plated steel brackets - 90 lbs.
https://www.artecindustries.com/JT_Bellypan

Rock Hard offers this ¼" thick powder coated aluminum Skid Plate system with a separate piece over the Resonator:
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-80548.htm
Their stated weight is 190 lbs. which doesn't compute even if it includes packaging and the steel cross members...

Motobilt Skid System
3/16" thick steel plate, 4-piece design - their page shows this ships in 2 boxes with total weight of 207 lbs.
https://www.motobilt.com/product/jeep_jl_skid_plate_system_2018_present_wrangler_jl_4_door_36l

 

[jurfie]

Rock Hard offers this ¼" thick powder coated aluminum Skid Plate system with a separate piece over the Resonator:
Their stated weight is 190 lbs. which doesn't computer even if includes packaging and the steel cross members...

Motobilt Skid System
3/16" thick steel plate, 4-piece design - their page shows this ships in 2 boxes with total weight of 207 lbs.

Yeah, 17 lbs difference between RH (aluminum) and MB (steel) doesn't seem right. If it is truly 17 lbs, then I'd go steel.

Artec's 90 lbs seems a winner to me.

 

[velogeek]

Yeah, 17 lbs difference between RH (aluminum) and MB (steel) doesn't seem right. If it is truly 17 lbs, then I'd go steel.

Artec's 90 lbs seems a winner to me.

The difference is because the RH pan comes with 1"x2" solid steel crossmembers that have to be in the 60-70lb range for both.

I agree though, for my purposes, Artec is going to be the winner. I think RH is missing the mark when adding those massive crossmembers to a system intended to be lighter.

 

[Lives The Dream]

There is metal cloak’s;

I don’t see any weight specs, 7 gauge steel though.

 

[kickingaz]

For what it's worth, I put a set of the Artec aluminum skid plates on my JKU Rubicon and on my son's JK. I recently put a set of steel Hauk skid plates on my wife's JLU Rubicon. I much prefer the Artec aluminum to the Hauk steel after experiencing both. The aluminum held up well to all the rock we have in AZ and several trips I made to Moab where we ran the most difficult trails. With that being said, I have not yet selected what I will install on the Gladiator, but I may be leaning towards aluminum over steel, and the Rock Hard over Artec due to price.

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