What are UTV skid plates made of?
UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) skid plates are protective metal or plastic shields installed underneath the vehicle to safeguard the undercarriage from damage caused by rocks, debris, and off-road obstacles. These skid plates are an essential accessory for UTVs used in rugged terrain or for heavy-duty applications.
Materials Used for UTV Skid Plates
UTV skid plates are typically made from one of the following materials:
- Aluminum - Aluminum skid plates are a popular choice due to their lightweight, corrosion-resistance, and durability. Aluminum skid plates provide good protection without adding significant weight to the vehicle.
- Steel - Steel skid plates are heavier but offer excellent impact resistance and protection against punctures. They are a more affordable option compared to aluminum.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - HDPE skid plates are made from a tough, impact-resistant plastic material. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand abrasion from rocks and debris.
The choice of material often depends on the specific needs of the UTV, such as the terrain it will be used in, the weight of the vehicle, and the desired level of protection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing UTV Skid Plates
When selecting UTV skid plates, there are several factors to consider:
- Thickness - Thicker skid plates provide more protection but may add more weight to the vehicle.
- Coverage Area - Skid plates should cover as much of the undercarriage as possible to protect critical components like the engine, transmission, and differential.
- Mounting System - The skid plate should be securely mounted to the vehicle's frame to prevent it from shifting or becoming dislodged during off-road use.
- Ease of Installation - Some skid plates are designed for easy, tool-less installation, while others may require more complex mounting hardware.
By carefully considering these factors, UTV owners can choose the best skid plates to protect their investment and ensure a safe, reliable off-road experience.
Can you drive with a broken skid plate?
If you drive with a damaged skid plate, you could risk costly repairs when debris is able to penetrate into vulnerable areas of your car, truck or SUV. As an example, if a rock or gravel hits your oil pan, then you will have to get that part replaced. Also, the loss of oil could lead to damage to the engine.
How much does a skid plate replacement cost?
How Much Does a Skid Plate Replacement Cost? Aftermarket skid plates can range from around $10 to $520 on CarParts.com. The plate's size, material, quantity, and intended location on your vehicle can raise or lower its cost. Skid plates are available as single pieces or in sets.
How thick should steel skid plates be?
This is technically thinner (not by much) than most steel skid plates, which are usually 3/16″ thick.
Is steel or aluminum better for a skid plate?
Steel definitely creates less friction with rocks than aluminum does. Ultimately, it's going to be up to you to decide how much abuse you'll put your skids through, but steel takes the cake in terms of relative strength. If you plan to beat on your truck, aluminum is not the best choice for you.
What is the preferred steel grade for plates?
A few of the most common grades of steel plates and sheets are:
- A36 - a low carbon steel with good strength, formability that can be securely welded with a minimum yield strength of 36,000 PSI.
- A572-50 - higher strength steel with a minimum yield of 50,000 PSI and increased corrosion resistance.
How thick is a UTV skid plate?
Factory UTV has the largest selection of skid plates and model fitment around. They offer UHMW full-coverage skid plates in 3/16- or 1/2-inch thicknesses. The thicker product adds only $130 (approximately) to the price.
Can you bend 6061 aluminum plate?
Bending these tempered alloys is not impossible, but it is very difficult and will most likely require large bend radii to avoid cracking on the outside of the bend. If you're not careful, you can completely fracture the bend line.
How thick of aluminum for skid plate?
The rally crowd has pretty universally settled on 3/16" aluminum skidplates (until you get up to the megabuck classes where composites take over). 1/8" doesn't offer enough protection and 1/4" tends to bend the car, not the plate.
What material are skid plates made of?
Aluminum is perhaps the most popular choice for skid plates due to its lightweight construction and resistance to corrosion. This material is also very easy to shape and install on just about every type of vehicle.
What are SXS skid plates made of?
The SXS full plate is formed out of ¼-inch UHMW plastic to protect the bottom half of your bike and your linkage. This UHMW material (Ultra-High Molecular Weight) has been tagged the world's toughest polymer and is a linear, high-density polyethylene that's 10 times heavier than regular high-density polyethylene.
