Rock Crawling Strategy: Part 2 - Rocks

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Ok, thanks, pulled trigger on Factory UTV skid plate/rock sliders.

So rock crawlers, what are your thoughts on the need of X Brace (factory utv) ?

I understand more protection can't hurt, but also want to avoid accessories I don't need to focus budget on those I do.

 

[Tramguage1]

I do not have the X brace. I just try to limit the full send mode when traversing large rocks.

 

[PaulF]

1/2 UHMW is some tough stuff with a little flex to take up a lot of shock so no X Brace for me either but I am not one to "send it".

 

[Hometeam]

I agree with @PaulF on the toughness of the 1/2" UHMW and I do not have a X Brace on mine either. I would say I do send it pretty hard and mine is gtg!! I plan on going with Factory UTV skids on my next Talon!

 

[Many_Gs]

How do you all approach big rock sections?

As a newbie to rock crawling, is it essentially unavoidable to hit your undercarriage and scrape?

I go slow but once the rocks get a certain size it just seems unavoidable.

If going slowly totry to minimize the force of the impacts, can one avoiddamage with a skid plate or is damage also inevitable?

My Tacoma Buddy uses the rock sliders in a big way.
Are they the same effectiveness on a Talon?

I was running into issues with this too. I bought 32" tires and rock sliders/tree kickers and have little to no worries now.

I'm really happy with the rock sliders/tree kickers, best purchase by far! These are from warhead off-road in WV.

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[terratrooper]

Do you guys think there a need or value for rock sliders in addition to the Trail Armor Skid Plate with integral rocker panel sliders?

Saw Trail Armor states the Honda Nerf Bars do t work with their skid plate. Do others or is it unnecessary weight and expense?

cheers,

s

I don't exclusively rock crawl. I'm from PA and we have narrow tree lined trails. I also ride areas of Colorado and South Dakota which have pretty technical rock sections. I have the factory Honda nerf bars. They work excellently here in PA helping slide around trees on tight trails. The one on the right side also saved my doors and probably fenders too once when I rolled onto my side. The buggy was kind of resting on the nerf bar and front wheel and the edge of the roof. We just returned from South Dakota and we rode the Camp 5 trail there which is extremely rocky and technical in some sections. My sliders took a serious beating and have the missing paint to prove it but have not dented or bent. I like that the nerf bars are away from the frame far enough to keep the rocks from grabbing the wheel wells. I will be purchasing a Super ATV or similar plastic skid plate before our trip to Colorado in October.

 

[Many_Gs]

I don't exclusively rock crawl. I'm from PA and we have narrow tree lined trails. I also ride areas of Colorado and South Dakota which have pretty technical rock sections. I have the factory Honda nerf bars. They work excellently here in PA helping slide around trees on tight trails. The one on the right side also saved my doors and probably fenders too once when I rolled onto my side. The buggy was kind of resting on the nerf bar and front wheel and the edge of the roof. We just returned from South Dakota and we rode the Camp 5 trail there which is extremely rocky and technical in some sections. My sliders took a serious beating and have the missing paint to prove it but have not dented or bent. I like that the nerf bars are away from the frame far enough to keep the rocks from grabbing the wheel wells. I will be purchasing a Super ATV or similar plastic skid plate before our trip to Colorado in October.

What part of PA? East?

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[terratrooper]

What part of PA? East?

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Western PA

 

[Many_Gs]

Western PA

Think I chatted with you before, I remember now. You're further north than me iirc.

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