P1000 Skid plate research questions

[Kelldog]

Did some research on skid plates here. What is the logic in some people wanting to remove the skid plate for oil changes? No access to the drain or concerned about oil leaking on top of the plate and on the ground? Or what?
Stay away from self tapping screws and superATV skid plate seems to generate alot of common belief.
Is there any concern with lifting the machine front end verticle to install the skid plate as opposed to oil or gas over flow and causing problems?
who is the crowd favorite skid plate manuf.

 

[Scoop]

Don't shy away from a particular skid plate set because of the self-tappers. Just use rivet nuts in place of them (easy on/off).

 

[Hillbillytnt]

I have the tusk 3/8 UHMD. I like it I for my moderate use. I don’t drop it to change fluids. I go through a few old rags doing it but it’s not running out the sides or back of the skid. I just used 4 ramps to install. If your planning on serious rock crawling I’d go 1/2”. You want full coverage

 

[bumperm]

While I haul one end of my -5 into the air for access, I would try draining fluids that way, as the drain holes are designed to work properly with the machine level. I remove the factory aluminum skid plate. Aluminum is better than nothing . . . but "just". UHMW-PE is the preferred material for slickness and impact strength.

 

[JoeyL]

I am happy w my 1/2" factory utv skid. been great so far. i did widen the holes a little bit for easier fluid changes, easy to do w a jigsaw and dremel.

i abuse it regularly on rocks and havent had any issues. UHMW is way better than aluminum in my opinion.

i would not worry about the self tappers. mine have held fine since 2020. I will probably change them out to rivet nuts when i take it off, but i havent done that yet.

lifted the front end of mine up with the winch to install. not vertical, maybe on a 45 deg angle. no problems.

 

[trigger]

UHMW is the way to go and the thicker the better. I don't remove the skid or lift mine to change the oil, it doesn't need to be an all day event. Slide underneath and remove the bolt through the hole. Most of it drains through the hole but you'll get some on top of the skid. Have a few rags handy for clean up and you're good to go. 👍

 

[HondaTech]

I cant remember which brand, but one of them has terrible acces to the oil pan drain.

They make a damm mess. even with stock one. Removing the stock one is easy. take every bolt/washer out except the one in the slotted hole. Loosen it and slide the skid plate off the washer. Just slid it back on the washer when installing and it'll hold itself up to get the rest of the bolts started.