P500 OEM Skid Plates

[Subs]

Hi Everyone. I going to use my 2017 P500 around my property for utility work that's part of a forestry program (NE Ohio, wooded with some creeks). I have been contemplating skid plates but I'm wondering if I supplement the OEM set up with with some Kydex a-arm protectors front and back if I'll be OK. I might get into a couple of light trail rides during the season but for the most part this will stay on my property.

Any opinions from the guys that stuck with the OEM set up? Will they hold up to my uses of driving over forested areas with brush and logs or should I swap them out for a set of UHMW? I have access to both UHMW plastic, kydex and a cnc router so a DIY project could be fun.

 

[ohanacreek]

UHMW if you do it, takes an impact better than kydex, for this use.

Kydex is easier to mold so might be better for a-arms if your ok with replacing it after it gets broken. Function is more to keep sticks out of the cv boots than anything.

 

[Alan aka Davinci]

I go along with ohanacreek, go with the UHMW you will never regret it.

 

[trigger]

I haven't replaced my skids yet and the OEM ones have held up pretty well. Been stuck in deep mud and have high pointed it a couple of times. Just knew that I broke something one time and was surprised that it held up fine. I'd recommend steel or aluminum for the A arm guards though, JMO.

 

[Alan aka Davinci]

I haven't replaced my skids yet and the OEM ones have held up pretty well. Been stuck in deep mud and have high pointed it a couple of times. Just knew that I broke something one time and was surprised that it held up fine. I'd recommend steel or aluminum for the A arm guards though, JMO.

When I replaced my skids the OEM's were full of rips and tears. I had put on Alum. (I abbreviated Alum. because I can't spell aluminum) arm guards and dented them up pretty good. I then went with with all UHMW and not problems at all. Having said all that keep in mind I do not drive it like a mad man but I do take it in a lot of really rocky places. Could that be the reason it's call the Rocky Mountains?

 

[luckymike]

with your type of riding it might not be necessary but with access to UHMW i'd go for it.next best thing to riding is modding the P5

 

[ncred02]

When I replaced my skids the OEM's were full of rips and tears. I had put on Alum. (I abbreviated Alum. because I can't spell aluminum) arm guards and dented them up pretty good. I then went with with all UHMW and not problems at all. Having said all that keep in mind I do not drive it like a mad man but I do take it in a lot of really rocky places. Could that be the reason it's call the Rocky Mountains?

I had the same set up,,,SSS skids and Alum arm guards. Dam near bullet proof. I just tossed the factory ones in the dumpster at work this week

 

[KYhillbilly]

Let me know what you do and how it works. I am looking at UHMY for the floor boards and keeping the factory everywhere else to prevent sticks from poking through. I had a Honda Rancher that I tore up the floor boards just waiting for the same to happen to my Pioneer. I don't abuse a machine but ride a lot in the woods where sticks can be an issue.

 

[Subs]

I think I'm going to end up going with 1/4" uhmw panels and full coverage. I don't do much around rocks so this is mostly an upgrade to prevent stick damage to the floor boards and the boots. Patterning the plates and cutting with the CNC won't be a big deal but I don't love how the after market options require drilling holes in the OEM frame. Have you any of you DIY guys used different attachment methods for the floor board areas? I was thinking p-clamps.