First Impressions: Cali Raised Aluminum Front Skid Plate for 4th Gen Tacoma

[k2idle]

Cali Raised LED Front Skid Plate for 2024+ Toyota Tacoma​

Figured I’d share what I went with for a front skid plate on my 4th Gen Tacoma. The factory gravel plates are basically two thin sheets of plastic that offer next to no protection (plus I already gouged the front one on a rock). They’re fine for gravel roads, but as soon as you start taking your truck to any real trails or even just a rutted fire road, they aren’t doing much. This is why a proper skid plate was one of the first upgrades on my list.

The Skid Plate I Picked​

I ended up going with the Cali Raised LED front skid plate. It is a direct bolt on for the 2024+ Tacoma with no trimming or drilling needed. Install was super straightforward and took less than an hour in the driveway with just basic tools. Everything lined up exactly with the factory mounting points and the included Grade 8 hardware make it feel solid right away. No rattles, no fighting with fitment, just a clean install.

Why I Chose Aluminum​

I spent a bit of time debating between steel and aluminum. Steel is the strongest and most affordable option, and if you are constantly rock crawling or dragging the truck over any ledges, steel is probably the way to go. For me though, I do not do heavy wheeling and I did not want to add extra weight up front. Living in Montana, corrosion is also a big concern with all the snow and salt we deal with for half the year. Aluminum made the most sense. At a quarter inch thick and made from 5052 alloy, it is plenty strong, lighter than steel, and naturally rust-resistant. It is the perfect option for how I use my truck.

Service and Day to Day​

One of my concerns was making sure maintenance would not turn into a pain. This plate has a built-in service cutout so oil changes are still simple. I am still on Toyota Care, so the dealership handles most of my service, and they have not complained once, which says a lot because most of the time, they will make you remove aftermarket plates. Visually, it also just cleans up the front end. The black powder coat blends in and looks really sleek, but you can go bare metal if you want to do your own custom finish.

Final Thoughts​

So far I am really happy with it. It feels like actual armor compared to the stock setup; it looks good, and I do not have to stress about dragging over rocks or stumps on back roads. I am curious what the rest of you are running. Did you go with Cali Raised, RCI, CBI, or another brand? And if you are already running this plate, how has it held up after some trail miles?

If you are looking to pick one up, you can find the Cali Raised LED front skid plate at TacomaForce.com. Use code: TrailPlate at checkout for 5% off.

 

[h4ngman tacoma]

Great thread man. Picking the right skid plate for your truck is something that not too many people pay attention to.

With this well detailed thread, it'd make it easier for new owners or even old owners who don't have a skid plate installed yet on their truck yet, to be able to pick out the perfect skid plate for their truck. Either aluminum or steel, depending on a couple of factors.

Thanks for sharing this on the forum.