Why Are RZR Skid Plates So Important for Off-Roading?
Off-roading is an incredibly thrilling experience, whether you’re tearing through sand dunes, navigating rocky trails, or cruising through muddy paths. However, with all that excitement comes risk. The harsh terrains and unpredictable obstacles can quickly take a toll on your machine.
That’s where RZR skid plates come in. These vital components are a necessity for off-roading, offering protection, durability, and peace of mind. Let’s dive deep into the reasons why RZR skid plates are so important for off-roading, specifically for your Polaris RZR.
What Are RZR Skid Plates?
RZR skid plates are heavy-duty, high-quality plates installed underneath your UTV (utility task vehicle) to protect its most vulnerable parts from damage caused by rocks, branches, debris, and rough terrains. These plates consist of materials like aluminum, steel, or UHMW plastic, and they cover key components like the engine, transmission, and other parts.
Skid plates act as shields, preventing rocks, branches, debris, and other hazards from making contact with critical parts of your UTV. Without them, your machine could require expensive repairs, particularly after navigating rough environments.
The Protection Skid Plates Offer
The obvious benefit of RZR skid plates is protection. Riding off-road, you’ll undoubtedly encounter obstacles that could make contact with crucial parts situated under the vehicle. These can easily cause superficial to severe damage which could ultimately leave you stranded.
Unprotected, these hazards can cause costly damage of vital parts like the oil pan, transmission, or differential. Skid plates take the brunt of an impact, absorbing shock, and keeping those delicate components intact. For full coverage, go for skid plates that also shield more than the basics, like A-arms and rocker panels.
Durability in Rough Conditions
When off-roading, you subject your machine to extreme conditions. Whether you’re crossing over rocky hills, navigating thick mud, or charging through water crossings, your RZR needs components that can withstand the stress.
RZR skid plates provide maximum durability and consist of tough materials that can resist wear and tear over time. Aluminum plates are light and strong, while steel plates offer exceptional strength and toughness, especially for those who tackle rugged, unforgiving terrains and high-impact situations.
UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight) plastic is another popular choice for skid plates due to its high resistance to abrasion, impact, and chemicals. It’s also lightweight, which is crucial when looking to maintain your UTV’s performance. These plates are the go-to for riders who prefer faster, more aggressive riding, as they reduce weight.
Keeping Your Ride Smooth
Off-roading can be like navigating a never-ending obstacle course—rocks, mud, and water crossings that make you question your life choices. Without skid plates, you may find yourself taking a hit every time your UTV bottoms out. Your RZR’s undercarriage, including sensitive parts like the exhaust system, differential, and axles, can take a beating on rough trails.
RZR skid plates protect these components and keep your ride smooth by reducing the chance of bottoming out. When you have skid plates in place, you’re less likely to experience jarring impacts or disruptions in your ride. This smoother ride means less stress on your body and machine as you navigate tough trails.
Enhancing Vehicle Performance
Your UTV’s undercarriage plays a major role in performance. Without it, parts start to wear out faster than your patience when you're stuck in a mud pit. Skid plates keep the sensitive components underneath your UTV intact, leading to a longer lifespan and more consistent performance.
By investing in RZR skid plates, you can improve your vehicle’s longevity and ensure it remains as reliable as the day you bought it. This improved reliability means fewer breakdowns and more time spent actually riding, not sitting by the side of the trail with your hood up, scratching your head.
Customization for Your RZR
Not all off-roaders are equal, and neither are their machines. Whether you’re looking to protect a stock RZR or create a customized model, skid plates are available in various styles and designs. Many aftermarket manufacturers offer RZR skid plates for specific models, including popular options for the Polaris RZR XP, Turbo, and S models.
Customization doesn’t stop at the material and design of the skid plates, either. Some models come with reinforced edges or in a range of finishes—from matte black for a stealthy, rugged vibe to shiny aluminum for that flashy, high-performance appearance.
If you’re aiming for a bold, standout look, go for colors or designs that complement your RZR's paint job or stickers. Some manufacturers even offer skid plates with branding or etched logos, adding an extra layer of personalization
Preventing Expensive Repairs
Have you ever had the feeling you’re one rock away from a $500 repair bill? Trust me, we've all been there. That terrifying sound when you hear your undercarriage scrape against a rock. Yep, that's the moment you wish you had skid plates.
Off-roading can test your machine’s durability, and without proper protection, it could require tons of repair work. Cracks in the oil pan, damaged transfer cases, or busted differentials are just a few pricey examples of what could go wrong when your UTV doesn’t have proper undercarriage protection.
If you were to hit an unseen rock or tree root, the damage could render your UTV inoperable or require costly part replacements. Skid plates minimize these kinds of failures, giving you greater peace of mind while tackling tough trails.
Easy Maintenance and Upkeep
Another advantage of RZR skid plates is that they make maintenance and upkeep much easier. Skid plates can prevent mud, dirt, debris from reaching the engine, transmission, and exhaust. As a result, these parts stay cleaner for longer, and you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning or checking for damage.
Most skid plates also offer easy removal and installation. You can quickly inspect the undercarriage, clean it, or make any necessary repairs without too much hassle.
Some skid plates have handy drainage holes that make cleaning your UTV after a muddy ride a breeze. Instead of mud and water getting trapped and caked underneath, these holes let it drain right out, saving you time when it comes to post-ride cleanup.
RZR Skid Plates—a Must-Have for Every Off-Roader
Off-roading is about embracing the adventure of the outdoors, but it also requires responsible vehicle maintenance to ensure your UTV lasts for many years. Skid plates are important for off-roading because they protect your investment and allow you to enjoy every ride to its fullest.
If you’re looking to add extra durability to your RZR, you should consider investing in high-quality RZR skid plates. For a high-performance model, such as the RZR Turbo R, adding these skid plates will keep your UTV in top shape no matter where the trail leads.
DRT Motorsports has the best RZR Turbo R parts to keep your machine running strong and protect the value of your investment. Review our inventory to see which products and accessories are right for your vehicle.