Skid plate recommendations ?

Twoxentrix · 08-01-2017, 06:18 PM

Twice now I've managed to lodge a tree branch (about 2" diameter) between the radiator and the front axle. This has made me consider the need for a skid plate.
After many searches, and reviewing many pic's on this forum, I find it curious there are very few rigs outfitted with one... Which makes me question why.

I wounder if its simply the lack of options in the market for a skid plate designed to bolt on (in my case for a 2006 E-350)?. The few I have come across are highly functional, but I'm not sure I want to redirect all air from entering the underside of the vehicle - especially taking into account these rigs already run hot.

So I'm soliciting feedback/advise on the need

**daveb** · 08-06-2017, 12:59 AM

Yeah I don't know if heat would be an issue. I've never had anything lodge up front but have banged my diffs. It's hard to say what a a skid plate up front will do without testing on each engine and front configuration. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought one of the forum locals was offering something but it might be specific to the make of bumper. Years back a few members added air dams to hopefully redirect some air flow. I don't know how well those worked and if it worked on one vehicle, it might work differently on another. The same might be true with a skid plate even if it has vent holes in it. It would look cool though.

Twoxentrix · 11-18-2020, 02:04 PM

Since I never followed through with a resolve on this Thread I'm now including a follow up since eleven separate PM's have now originated with inquiries. This should at least showcase how I approached it, and hopefully help anyone that may visit this Thread in the future.

I never did uncover a skid plate for the front of an E-350 that effectively balanced the level of protection I was looking for with the ability to NOT restrict air circulation.

I ended up designing one I thought would check both boxes. Made it from balsa wood, then brought it to metal fabricator to duplicate out of 2" channel bar. The front mounts neatly to the underside of the Aluminess bumper, and the rear is supported by two brackets which attached to that beefy solid round steel bar which spans between the two sides of the frame.
Haven't had any issues with the fabrication or its stability. Only tested it once so far (by accident) when I rolled up (a little to far obviously) to a parking space stop made from the trunk of a fallen tree. No damage, and it performed as intended...at least I know it works.
Couple Pic's: