Dealer Installed Skid Plate and Hitch or not...?

zoesmom · 10-25-2006, 10:42 PM

Hello everyone~
Thank you everyone for all your wonderful posts that have helped me and hubby decide on the FJ as my next vehicle. Just need a little help with the skid plate and hitch install. My FJ is due to arrive on Nov. 7th (hopefully) and I want to get the factory skid plate and hitch (for our bicycle rack) installed at the dealership. I read in another thread that the factory skid plates were weak. Is this the case with the hitch as well? Also, if I get the aftermarket skid plate and hitch which ones should I get? I don't want to spend too much nor do I need one that's for heavy duty off roading...I will be a newbie to the off road commnity. The only time I was off road was when hubby decided to drive our 03 Suzuki XL-7 down a side "road" in the middle of winter, needless to say we got out after 45 minutes of wheel spinning and eventual help from a tow truck. Thank you.

FJCameron · 10-25-2006, 11:11 PM

The hitch looks very good, I would pass on the skid plate. I would take your time and pick out a good skid plate, and see if you even need one.

There are several great options for skid plates, and more coming out as well. Check the vendors section and use search for "skid plates" - lots of good reading and pictures.

Welcome from a fellow Canadian

MoSun · 10-25-2006, 11:28 PM

The factory skid plates aren't all that bad. They protected me in Moab well enough. I'm not talking about the optional skid plate, I'm talking about the steel sheeting under the engine. As for the hitch. I saw one on Ebay for $120 .

Chairman · 10-26-2006, 07:03 AM

I'd pass on the extra aluminum skid plate; the stock skids should be as much as you'll currently need based on how you'll use it. If you decided you want more protection, skids are a pretty easy add-on

The factory hitch is a good choice--it's much cleaner looking than aftermarket options. You can have the dealer install it or you can buy one from one of the vendors here for ~$250 or less and install it yourself. The installation is easy enough and the only special tool you need is a torque wrench.

DirtyLittleSecret · 10-26-2006, 07:40 AM

Rear hitch is a VERY good design. I dont think you could ever find an aftermarket to compete with all the pro's. Great ground clearance, flush fitting, strong like a Bulgarian pole tosser, and looks good to boot!
Pass on the skid. It acts more of a shovel than it does as a skid plate. Lots of really good options within the community that will fill the bill and be FAR more appropriate.

Almost forgot...WELCOME!

Castle Rock FJ · 10-26-2006, 07:49 AM

Hitch - If it is not there already - but one from a Site Vendor.

Skid Plate - If you want one for looks - this is OK (also buy from a site vendor). If you want one for protection, buy one of the heavier steel ones.

My only regret in buying my FJ is that I bought a loaded one. I bought it back in March, so I did not have much of a choice when it came to selection. I have determined that it would be best to buy a base truck and buy the Toyota Accesories that I wanted from site vendors . There are only a handful of accessories that need to be factory installed (Like the dash gauge package). Almost everything else can be added later - cheaper.

I HIGHLY recommend Matt at TRD Source - his customer service is excellent and he is more than helpful. Even if he does not have the absolute lowest price you know you are not being bent-over. - I think that there is still a 5% off coupon that is valid somewhere on the forum for members.

PWWFJ · 10-26-2006, 07:54 AM

Well I agree the front skid plate could be improved on but it has held up pretty well with my small amount abuse, so far. Here is a good view of it, in action.

The front skid plate did knock off a little bit of the top of the hill. There was another FJ out there that day but did not have front skid plate (and they did not try this hiil) and I am glad we did.

Admittedly We aren't going to do anything radical with this FJ so the "stock" front skid plate is going to be alright for us. But time will tell.

Now f you ask about center skids plates,,, I need some.. This FJ gets high-centered pretty easy and has a hard time getting itself off.... arrrrgggg..

**Steve-o** · 10-26-2006, 12:02 PM

Here are our Skid plates, much beefier than stock. As for the hitch, I thought Toyota did a pretty good job with it.

rfjtoy · 10-26-2006, 01:30 PM

Ck out Bud Built for skids, that's what I got and my 2 cents worth. The factory ones get eaten in rock gardens.

zoesmom · 10-26-2006, 07:21 PM

Thanks all for your advice. I'll definitely check out the aftermarket and factory skid plates and then decide. I'll most likely get the dealer to install the hitch as this is something I definitely want.