Apex Skid Plate Suggestions

[biffdotorg]

Of course everyone likes what they purchased right? Anyone have any suggestions as to why they purchased the one they did?

I had the Yamaha skid plate on my GT, but need one for my XTX. I see I can pick up the Yamaha plate for around $100 shipped on Ebay. How about he Skinz plate, is it worth the extra money for a little protection around the A-arms? I like the idea that it covers the mount area of the A-arms to the bulkhead. That may protect those rubber boots around the steering linkage as well.

As always, your opinions are appreciated.

 

[welterracer]

I had nothing but problems with a skid plate. It would get ripped off because ice and water would build up underneath it and force it to come apart

 

[biffdotorg]

When I have installed them, I usually drill small holes in the lowest spots so that water can drain out when snow and ice melts. I keep my sleds in a heated garage, so thawing is a regular thing.

The protection provided by a skid plate is worth the hassle. Too much crap in the ditches not to have one. Running trails all day is pretty safe, it's the unknown that I worry about.

 

[Sasquatch]

On my Warrior I hit a rock with a sharp edge that grooved the skid plate all the way to the back. It launched me a quite a few feet in the air but did no damage to anything. Without the plate it would have caught the inspection plate opening and smashed everything back into the track busting the heat exchanger at best. As this was a boulder on the shore of a lake sticking a couple feet out of the ground hidden in the snow (I didn't see it in that crazy half light that hides all defination) busting through the subframe and taking out the oil pan on the motor was also possible.

The rock looked a bit like the corner of a box sticking up just waiting to ruin your day. I thing a skid plate is very good insurance don't leave home without one.

 

[STILLCRP]

I agree my skid plate only comes off when I change oil. I also have the A Arm protectors I have not got them mounted yet but I will.

 

[biffdotorg]

I got my Skinz plate in last night. Looks like a nice product. Not that this is hard to install, but the instructions were photocopied color photos in B&W. Oh my were they useless. I emailed the company, and they sent back the instructions in word format. Pictures clear as a bell. Great service!

Now, lets see how this thing installs. Looks to be an easy 2 beer job. Or 6 beers if I include the required start up procedure and revving of the engine on the stand. (that step was not printed for some reason) Ahh, the dreaded RIVNUTS. Lets see how long those last.

 

[maim]

lol for me 2 seasons. i need to fix them on my xtx. planning a possible evil solution otherwise it will end up like my rx with the holes tapped for 5/8 bolts.

 

[biffdotorg]

Well, put the new Skinz plate on this past Sunday. Installation was pretty easy like all the rest.

I have to say though, there is something very un-nerving about drilling holes in the bottom of a new sled. Especially when the directions specifically state to no allow the drill bit to "plunge" into the engine compartment! All is good, and I don't think I hit anything underneath.

I did take the time to find the lowest spot on the plate where water may collect and drilled three small holes in it. I realize that my allow snow to force up into it, but it also means it has a place to drain. Since my sled comes into a heated garage each night, the ability to drain should outweigh the ability to let snow in.

 

[Winderallday!]

Well, put the new Skinz plate on this past Sunday. Installation was pretty easy like all the rest.

"I have to say though, there is something very un-nerving about drilling holes in the bottom of a new sled. Especially when the directions specifically state to no allow the drill bit to "plunge" into the engine compartment! All is good, and I don't think I hit anything underneath."


Little late to the party since you have yours installed, but for future applications when you want to control the depth when drilling, slip a round collar of some kind or even a stack of washers over the drill bit so there is only the required amount of drill bit sticking out beyond the spacers, that way when you break through, the washers/collar act as a stop to prevent damage in behind.
Cheers

 

[RTX]

I had nothing but problems with a skid plate. It would get ripped off because ice and water would build up underneath it and force it to come apart

Thats interesting.
I have had a skidplate on my apex for 13000 miles with zero issues with ice or snow. Forcing it off or even causing any buckling.
My sled is in the cold all winter. It never sees heat so if something gets between the belly pan it stays there unless the motor heat melts it out.