If you’ve ever experienced the tension of ripping through some rocky terrain in your souped-up 4×4, wondering whether or not a rogue stone will ping up and puncture something vital on your 4×4 vehicle’s underbody then you’ve probably already done a little research on underbody protection.
The fact is, there is so much valuable stuff hidden underneath our pride and joy. Whether it’s the fuel tank, the oil pan or the gearbox, if something gets ruptured from the underside then you could be in for a very expensive fix.
Do I need underbody protection?
That depends on how vigorous you are with your off-roading. If you only leave the road every once in a while then it might be overkill but if you are a keen greenlaner then it’s a no-brainer. This is particularly true of more modern 4×4 vehicles that might have added low-hanging electronics to potentially damage.
Even if you primarily travel on well-travelled tracks it’s better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.
Ultimately, it’s up to you – if you either spend a few hundred on a decent skid plate now or a few thousand on a new gearbox later.
Types of underbody protection
Rock sliders and protection steps – These are installed under the doors and are designed to take a real beating.
They are designed to support the weight of the vehicle as it is sliding over heavy jagged rocks and will ensure that the vulnerable spot just under your doors remains guarded. They should include a step too, which makes access a little easier.
Sump guards – The sump is perhaps the most vulnerable underbody part of any vehicle with independent front suspension. A sump guard is installed to protect not only the sump but the front of the engine too. It might even extend far enough to cover the engine and gearbox.
Skid plates – This is a smooth plate that prevents punctures in your fuel tank. Most 4×4 fuel tanks will have a plastic skid plate installed as standard but we would recommend upgrading any stock models if you’re serious about off-roading.
Differential covers – If a rock hits your differential then you’ll certainly know about it and not only are they expensive to fix but almost impossible to fix out in the wild.
That’s why you’ll want a bolt-on guard or replacement cover to keep it safe. Because of their small size, differential protectors are also generally inexpensive so this should be a no-brainer.
Materials
Underbody protection will typically be built from steel, alloy or aluminium, though there are now composite skid plates on the market that are lighter and more flexible than other alternatives. These, however, are more typically found on dirt bikes.
Alloy underbody protection is also a relative newcomer to the table and is lighter than metal. However, it’s generally much more expensive.
The majority of owners will be used to aluminium or steel protection with the former being lighter but less durable and the latter being more durable and heavier.
Which you opt for will depend on your personal preferences, though modern steel plates are typically more affordable.
Considerations
Ultimately, think about what kind of driving you do and what kind of driving you’re planning to do. If you drive on rocky trails, for example, you’re going to want a longer and stronger skid plate, whereas if you drive on sand, a sump guard might be more worthwhile.
Ads ever, do your research and think about how much you’re willing to spend on your underbody armour.
Image: GNT STUDIO / Shutterstock.com
