Protecting Your Truck With Underbody Protection Accessories

Even though pickup trucks are built tough, they still need extra protection, especially when you venture off the beaten path. As you drive in rugged terrains, rocks, branches, and other types of debris can damage the vehicle’s underside. Installing protective accessories provides a crucial line of defense for the vulnerable undercarriage parts of your pickup truck. Some truck accessories are meant to serve as armor for your vehicle as you go on off-road adventures.

Why Protection Matters

Imagine tackling a rocky trail, and suddenly, your truck's underbody scrapes on an obstacle. This incident could significantly damage the exhaust system, engine oil pan, transfer case, and other vital components. It can lead to costly repairs and may potentially ruin your adventure. Here's why protective accessories are essential for off-roading:

Shielding Vulnerable Parts

As you explore the off-road trails, you may notice they are often littered with rocks, branches, and other debris that can damage your vehicle's underside. Protective accessories like skid plates, rock sliders, running boards, and nerf bars shield vital components such as the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from various elements. Protective accessories help create a barrier between the truck parts and off-road hazards you may encounter on uneven terrain. It prevents costly damage to essential components, keeping your truck operational and ensuring a smooth off-road experience.

Enhanced Off-Road Capability

With the help of accessories and a few upgrades, you can tackle more challenging terrains without worrying about damaging your vehicle. Knowing that your truck is well-protected, you can enjoy off-road adventures to the fullest.

Improved Durability

Even though some parts are built with robust materials, off-roading can take a toll on the body and frame of your pickup truck. Adding accessories contributes to the long-term durability of your vehicle. They can help protect the lower body panels from being scratched or dented by rocks and other types of debris. Underside protection accessories are rugged and designed to withstand the abuse of off-road environments. You can enjoy more adventures without interruption if the truck remains in good working condition for a longer period.

Protection from Off-Road Hazards

Sturdy accessories are essential to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck or damaged when navigating off-road trails and rugged landscapes. For example, nerf bars are great because they act as a buffer, preventing rocks from hitting the sides and causing potential safety hazards. Skid plates serve as armor that shields the engine, transmission, transfer case, and other vital components from impacts with rocks, logs, and uneven terrain.

Increased Ground Clearance

Some protection accessories, like skid plates, can even offer a slight increase in ground clearance, allowing you to navigate obstacles more confidently. If you plan to mount bigger wheels and chunkier tires, increasing the truck's ground clearance is crucial.

Ease of Access

Most off-road vehicles have increased ground clearance, making them taller than regular trucks. Going in and out of the cab can be challenging. Installing accessories like side steps, nerf bars, and running boards provides convenience. They make entry and exit easier and safer, especially in slippery conditions.

Improved Recovery Efforts

Some skid plates incorporate recovery points, making it easier to winch your truck out of a tricky situation. Moreover, the chance of getting stuck in the middle of the trail is reduced if you have protective accessories. They can prevent rocks and debris from getting lodged in the truck’s undercarriage, potentially causing damage or hindering your progress.

Preserves Resale Value

Well-maintained trucks usually retain their value better than those with visible damages. Protective accessories help keep your vehicle looking new by preventing dents, scratches, and other forms of damage.

Enhanced Peace of Mind

Since you equipped your vehicle with reliable accessories, you can focus on navigating challenging terrain. You can concentrate on the thrill of the adventure instead of worrying about damaging your pickup truck.

Cost Savings

Investing in protective accessories can help you save money in the long run. Frequent damage can lead to significant issues, and repairs can hurt your budget. Adding protective accessories reduces the likelihood of costly repairs.

Armor for the truck’s underbody and sides

Aside from the underbody, protecting the sides of your vehicle is crucial. Different elements you may encounter off-road can damage your truck's door and paint job.

Running Boards

While running boards offer minor undercarriage protection, their primary role is to provide a secure and comfortable step-up point for drivers and passengers.

• Design: Compared to Nerf bars, they are designed flat. They run along the length of the truck, offering a larger and wider stepping surface, making it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Due to their fuller foot support and stable surface, they are great for children and the elderly.
• Functionality: They protect the truck’s sides from rocks, mud, and other debris while offering a stable stepping surface.
• Appearance: Running boards are available in different materials, styles, and finishes. You can match the color and design to the style of your pickup truck.

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars are primarily designed for off-road protection and are mounted on both sides of the truck.

• Design: Compared to others with flatter surfaces, nerf bars have a round, tubular design.
• Functionality: Nerf bars were originally designed for race cars to prevent wheel entanglement. For pickup trucks, they serve as a protective barrier against various forms of hazards found in rugged terrains. They assist drivers and passengers, offering a stepping platform when climbing in and out of the truck cab. They also protect the sides against lateral impacts from rocks and other forms of debris.
• Appearance: Offering a sleek, minimalistic look, nerf bars are preferred for their rugged and sporty appearance.

Side Steps

This type of accessory offers undercarriage protection and step-up assistance.

• Design: Similar to the purpose of nerf bars and running boards, but smaller in design. They are mounted under the door frame but do not extend the full length of the vehicle.
• Functionality: Side steps give easy access to the cab and protection to the lower body panels.
• Appearance: They are a compact alternative to running boards and nerf bars, which can add a sporty look to the truck. Because of the size of the surface, it can be a bit tricky to step onto the side steps. They are unsuitable for the elderly and kids due to the limited foot support.

Skid Plates

You can protect the vulnerable parts in the underside of the truck using skid plates.

• Design: Skid plates are made of abrasion-resistant metal plates that absorb impact from branches, logs, jagged rocks, and other obstacles you might encounter.
• Functionality: The metal construction helps protect your filter oil pan and other engine components during off-roading.
• Appearance: Skid plates come in different types, such as front center, full belly pan, and front suspension.

Rocker Panels

Rocker panels (also called rockers) prevent the middle portion of the body from sagging and strengthen the vehicle’s structure.

• Design: The highly structural panels protect the vehicle from side impact. However, their major weakness is rust. Factory rocker panels may require replacement due to corrosion.
• Functionality: The panels provide structural reinforcement so the truck cabin will not easily deform in case of a collision.
• Appearance: The rocker panels are attached to the lower part of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheel wells, and below the doorframes.

Protective accessories ensure your vehicle can handle the most challenging terrains while remaining in excellent condition. They can help enhance safety, durability, and even the truck’s functionality. The accessories shield critical components from damage and improve the utility and aesthetic of your vehicle. When selecting underbody and side accessories, consider the level of protection and your off-roading style. The suitable protective accessories can save you from costly repairs and ensure successful and enjoyable off-road adventures.