Skid Plate - is it worth the price?

[Salarios]

I think you're better off changing the bumper itself to an offroad version which is half the size, to give a better approach angle. The skid plate is still going to get caught on the ground when off roading and place significant force on the front end, and limit your maneuverability. 

I had the stock Platinum bumper on my Y62: 

Broke it virtually in half during an off road session, and had it replaced with this fiber glass version bought in Sharjah, including the LED light, painting and installation, for just under 2,000 AED: 

 

But today I was searching for a new body kit, and found a shop in Dubai called Samurai - Eagle, that apparently import their kits directly from Japan. The design looks amazing, but I'm struggling to pull the trigger because of the price. (10k AED for front & rear bumper and diffuser, including paint and installation). 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Salarios

[Chaitanya D]

7 hours ago, Salarios said:

I think you're better off changing the bumper itself to an offroad version which is half the size, to give a better approach angle. The skid plate is still going to get caught on the ground when off roading and place significant force on the front end, and limit your maneuverability. 

I had the stock Platinum bumper on my Y62: 

Broke it virtually in half during an off road session, and had it replaced with this fiber glass version bought in Sharjah, including the LED light, painting and installation, for just under 2,000 AED: 

 

But today I was searching for a new body kit, and found a shop in Dubai called Samurai - Eagle, that apparently import their kits directly from Japan. The design looks amazing, but I'm struggling to pull the trigger because of the price. (10k AED for front & rear bumper and diffuser, including paint and installation). 

@Salarios that body kit looks nice , but I am just wondering if the front over hang is still there which will hit the sand and break.

The one done locally is much better because there is no over hang with curved edges which prevents bumping into sand especially while getting down steep dunes.In worse situation even if it breaks one is not losing 10K AED :-))

I got mine changed for around 1200 AED including a aluminium skid plate and installation at Sharjah (pic below). Decent job not 100% perfect, but worked well so far.

Contact person Mr Mohammed 0508864047, at a workshop in Al Nahda Sharjah.( sorry i forgot the name). They literally had bumpers of all sizes and shapes for all cars and can fabricate one as per your suggestions 

See you soon in the desert  

Edited March 8, 2020 by Chaitanya D
Correction of spelling

[Asif Hussain]

@RohanH 8mm thick Aluminium will be good if you find it. 6mm thick is also fine if your vehicle don't have hanging radiator.

[Tbone]

In what thickness should I go for a skid plate in Xterra? Any recommendations on where I can get an aluminum ones? 

[Gaurav]

10 hours ago, Tbone said:

In what thickness should I go for a skid plate in Xterra? Any recommendations on where I can get an aluminum ones? 

6 or 8mm is ideal.

[Janarthan]

1 hour ago, Gaurav said:

6 or 8mm is ideal.

Hi @Gaurav attached picture which is actually 10mm and quoting me 1100 including radiator bracket and installation. Is it worth it or something over priced.

[Chaitanya D]

@Janarthan I have put a similar skid plate 10 mm and it feels solid.

Different garages charge between 800 to 1000 max. So check with other garages or fabricators who can do it at a good price for you.

Edited June 17, 2020 by Chaitanya D

[Janarthan]

14 minutes ago, Chaitanya D said:

@Janarthan I have put a similar skid plate 10 mm and it feels solid.

Different garages charge between 800 to 1000 max. So check with other garages or fabricators who can do it at a good price for you.

Looking great @Chaitanya D, honestly i have been checking with so many garages and the least i could get is 1100 aed. It would be great if you can let me know where i can get a similar plate.

[Srikumar]

I feel 10 mm is an overkill. @Emmanuel and @Asif Hussain what have you guys put? 

[Chaitanya D]

47 minutes ago, Janarthan said:

Looking great @Chaitanya D, honestly i have been checking with so many garages and the least i could get is 1100 aed. It would be great if you can let me know where i can get a similar plate.

Definitely I will tell you as I am not sure if we are supposed to discuss garage names here.

@Srikumar I was under the impression that anything 6 mm or more was better and hence got then fixed as I felt they were pretty solid to take the brunt as the radiator was very low in xterra.

Awaiting opinions from other xterra owners here , which will help others who are planning to put a skid plate on their xterra. 

Edited June 17, 2020 by Chaitanya D