Off the dealer lot, the Tacoma is a capable rig for getting you from the pavement to the dirt. However, the undercarriage lacks adequate protection to handle the inherent risks of off-roading. More often than not, it’s the rock, stick, or ledge you don’t see that ends a trail ride early.
If you spend any significant time off-road, armor is non-negotiable. For those of us who also drive the Tacoma daily, the type of armor you choose comes with trade-offs. How much extra weight are you willing to carry every day? What level of protection do you need? What material is best for your use case?
After researching my options, one name kept coming up: Backwoods Adventure Mods (BAM).
While I have a 3rd Gen, this kit works for all 2005-2023 Tacomas.
Find It Online
- Full Aluminum Belly Skids: Check Price
- Optional Aluminum Connector Plate: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Who is Backwoods?
If you’re not fully immersed in the aftermarket armor world, Backwoods might have flown under your radar. They started years ago building heavy duty off-road bumper, and then products in the van market, and finally, BAM expanded into the Toyota space with a refreshing take on modern armor design and other accessories like roof racks and bed racks. The Backwoods team is clearly passionate about these vehicle and the hobby, blending function with clean aesthetics inspired by traditional designs.
While it is not a budget option, BAM utilizes a lot of in-house production/management to reduce costs and shorten lead times. They also provide free powder coating and reasonable shipping on items. Couple this with one of the many sales they run, and you can save some serious cash. I had mine delivered from Arkansas to California within a week of ordering.
What’s Included
The full skid system from Backwoods provides complete protection in all necessary areas, including the engine, transmission, and front differential. Each piece integrates with and shares mounting locations with the previous one, creating a clean, continuous layer of protection.
While the entire package is aluminum, BAM provides a steel crossmember support for extra durability in a critical area: the transfer case. This is a nice peace of mind knowing your truck will likely survive a heavy hit and keep you on the trail.
An optional skid connector is also available, designed to integrate with BAM front bumpers to provide more complete coverage. Check out the Backwoods rear bumper and rock sliders too. They have a pretty complete armor lineup.
Aluminum Vs. Steel
Since the Backwoods full skid set is only available in aluminum, it’s worth taking the time to consider how you plan to use your truck long term. Steel remains the king of armor for durability. It can take a hit and slide over the obstacle. Aluminum, on the other hand, offers significant weight savings while still providing impact protection, but tends to bite on rocks.
I am a steady weekend warrior, hitting the trails as often as possible. However, I also daily drive my truck through stop-and-go traffic, and aluminum was the clear choice for me. If the Rubicon is on your bucket list, this might not be the right fit.
Build Quality
If you’re like me, you search for real-world examples of products being put to the test. Needless to say, I was hesitant to order from BAM given the limited number of reviews on their skid plates compared to the more established options on the market. These sorts of examples carry weight in a major purchase like this.
Out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is the weight (or lack thereof): the entire skid set weighs 77 lbs. The packaging is well thought out, each skid plate is individually wrapped, and the hardware is clearly labeled. Once everything is laid out, the build quality becomes apparent.
The skid plates are 1/4″ thick with gusseting for added strength, something some aluminum options might lack. Bolt heads are protected by an external shielding to prevent shearing on the trail. The weld quality is top-notch, and powder coating provides a clean finish. Drain holes and access points allow you to keep dirt and debris out while still maintaining your vehicle without removing the skids.
Installation
2005+ Toyota Tacoma Full Aluminum Skid Plate System – Install Guide on YouTube
Installation is straightforward and overall a novice job; it is a process, so set aside a few hours to make sure it’s done right. This can be done solo, but it would be nice to have a friend.
The skid system largely follows the factory mounting locations or existing holes, which simplifies the process. However, you’ll need to refer to an installation video, which I was pretty disappointed in. It’s workable, but frustrating, when you are holding a heavy skid under a truck while trying to scan a YouTube video. I’d prefer a piece of paper or PDF for quick reference.
No torque specs are provided, and if you’re anything like me, everything needs one. I kept in line with the OEM torque spec. Be sure to reference your year for the specs. Also, don’t forget that these skids layer on top of each other, so don’t tighten any bolts fully until the end.
BAM provides extra hardware, which is awesome, but there is no mention of it, and completing a project only to find out you need extra hardware makes you second-guess yourself. This is likely done with some margin for error in case you lose some.
Final Thoughts
After several hundred trail miles and a few thousand road miles, the Backwoods Adventure Mods skids delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Reliable trail protection without the added weight of steel. Despite these skids being aluminum, they’ve held up well to trail strikes, showing minimal wear and no significant damage. The added confidence has allowed me to push my daily driver further off-road without worrying about being stranded.
If you plan on taking your rig off the beaten path and back to the 9-to-5, these Backwoods Adventure Mods skids are the perfect addition; lightweight, capable, and thoughtfully designed.
