P700 7-4 OEM Skid Plate Ideas

[PolkaJoe]

Ok .. so I mangled up my OEM rear “skid plate” (words used loosely) last night crossing a creek in the dark. The good news is that my new LED front light works great underwater ... bad news is that it didn’t illuminate the boulder lurking below (nor did I expect it to). So my front deflector has a shiny (litterally) new rather large dent and the rear plastic skid plate is kaput. Overall, I was spared any sizable damage.

So, I’m looking for any suggestions and/or recommendations from the club as to what you have replaced yours with and how well it worked out. Honestly, I love the trail armor ... but the budget says otherwise. As much as I like the challenge of contrstrucing something in the shop, I would really prefer a bolt on solution for this right now.

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts on this.

 

[Smitty335]

Ok .. so I mangled up my OEM rear “skid plate” (words used loosely) last night crossing a creek in the dark. The good news is that my new LED front light works great underwater ... bad news is that it didn’t illuminate the boulder lurking below (nor did I expect it to). So my front deflector has a shiny (litterally) new rather large dent and the rear plastic skid plate is kaput. Overall, I was spared any sizable damage.

So, I’m looking for any suggestions and/or recommendations from the club as to what you have replaced yours with and how well it worked out. Honestly, I love the trail armor ... but the budget says otherwise. As much as I like the challenge of contrstrucing something in the shop, I would really prefer a bolt on solution for this right now.

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts on this.

I helped a friend of mine put a set of Trail Armor on his 700, the fit was great.

 

[swsebek]

Trail armor and SSS Offraod is about it for skid plate. Next to making your own...
Price sucks, I know.
A lot of people have bought the plastic and done it theirselves...

 

[Tramguage1]

I have my factory skids off my 2015 700-4. If you need them for a template there yours for shipping cost.

 

[PolkaJoe]

I appreciate the offer Tramgauge, thank you. Still googling options as well as pricing materials for a build. I managed to heat gun mine close to its original shape, minus 2 holes and part of the center that must have floated downstream ... but it’s enough to work with for now.

If anyone in the Chesapeake Bay Area finds my skid plate missing pieces, let me know. I estimate the trip from here about 3-4 days so they should be floating by sometime around Weds-Thurs this week. Thanks.

 

[Smitty335]

I appreciate the offer Tramgauge, thank you. Still googling options as well as pricing materials for a build. I managed to heat gun mine close to its original shape, minus 2 holes and part of the center that must have floated downstream ... but it’s enough to work with for now.

If anyone in the Chesapeake Bay Area finds my skid plate missing pieces, let me know. I estimate the trip from here about 3-4 days so they should be floating by sometime around Weds-Thurs this week. Thanks.

Shoot 3/4 inch ply board would be offer more protection than the stock skid plate and provide some floatation, HA!, Been thinking of making mud flaps out of my original skid. I totally understand not being in the budget, just ride really carful, until it's in the budget, then buy quality skids, easier said than done, I know!

 

[MikeG]

I plan on covering my factory ones is 1/8 diamond plate

 

[Smitty335]

I plan on covering my factory ones is 1/8 diamond plate

Why?

 

[MikeG]

Why?

To stiffing them up. I Love in swampland (Louisiana) lots of cypress knees hiding under the water here. Plus I have about 20 sheets of it sitting in my shop.

 

[PolkaJoe]

Ugggg .... I bit the bullet and ordered the TA full skid .... I have 30 days to figure out how to pay for it lol.

When I priced similar materials and added up my time, a bolt on just made more sense for me with my endless work situation.

As always, I REALLY appreciate everyone's input. Thank you.

 

[swsebek]

You will be happy with the trail armor. Just be careful when putting in the bolts not to over tighten them cause the treads on bottom strip easily

 

[alloutdoors]

Ok .. so I mangled up my OEM rear “skid plate” (words used loosely) last night crossing a creek in the dark. The good news is that my new LED front light works great underwater ... bad news is that it didn’t illuminate the boulder lurking below (nor did I expect it to). So my front deflector has a shiny (litterally) new rather large dent and the rear plastic skid plate is kaput. Overall, I was spared any sizable damage.

So, I’m looking for any suggestions and/or recommendations from the club as to what you have replaced yours with and how well it worked out. Honestly, I love the trail armor ... but the budget says otherwise. As much as I like the challenge of contrstrucing something in the shop, I would really prefer a bolt on solution for this right now.

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts on this.

This looks like a reasonably priced bolt on option, 2013-2018 HONDA PIONEER 700 3/16" ALUMINUM SKID PLATE USA MADE | eBay

 

[PolkaJoe]

You will be happy with the trail armor. Just be careful when putting in the bolts not to over tighten them cause the treads on bottom strip easily

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I appreciate the heads up.

 

[PolkaJoe]

Ok TA on and looking to give it a test this weekend.

While putting on the middle plate, I notice a short, small kind of L shaped hose coming from the engine just below the water lines. It was facing downward and I just figured it was a vent. Later today (after I left the machine) I was thinking about it again. Obviously, that's not a vent or it would be located much higher. The only other idea I have is it must be some kind of pressure relief or soft plug? Anyone have any idea what it is?

Disclaimer, LOL, my machine is stored at my shop not my house .... so I can't go outside and look.

Thanks.

 

[PolkaJoe]

Ok, took another look at it. I’m presuming it’s the oil pump because I see 4 hoses, looks like 2 go to the heat exchanger.

It’s a small L shaped rubber hose off of the oil pump I believe, if that helps.

I looked at an exploded parts view and don’t see it listed.

***** New thread started on this in proper forum, since topic has changed *****

 

[PolkaJoe]

Conclusion for anyone possibly in the market for a skid plate; It works awesome, it slid right over rocks like butter. Yes, the Trail Armor is PRICEY ... but it was a real easy install and works super.

Note: They do drain well, but some sediment does start to pile up. After installing these I fully expected that to happen. I let it cool down, parked it front end up about 15-20 degrees, put the hose on semi-fog pattern and slid the hose running right down the upper side of the kit and just about everything washed out easy.

 

[Bluesnipe]

To stiffing them up. I Love in swampland (Louisiana) lots of cypress knees hiding under the water here. Plus I have about 20 sheets of it sitting in my shop.

I am just throwing this in for consideration. I get the idea and that you have lots of spare. But anything solid such as stumps, rocks etc, the diamond plate will grab on to the obstacle and probably will be a hinderance to you.
Unless, of course, you planned to turn slick side down, in which case, disregard this, because my whole reply is meaningless.
Carry on.