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View Full Version : Plastic Cutting Board Skid Plates?



Holaday07 4.7
07-09-2011, 07:52 AM
FourWheeler Magazine used that real durrable plastic that cutting boards are made out of for a front skid on their Lexus. Super cost efective and their report on it was that it was great on the trails too. Might be worth checking into at least.

HueyPilotVN
07-09-2011, 08:34 PM
Those plastic cutting boards are really tough. I use four of them under the hydraulic leveling pads on the Coach and they will withstand amazing amounts of weight. I drill a hole in the corner and attach a cord to retrieve them. They also clean off eaisly.

Sorry to get off topic but I can see how the might be very useful as skid plates

cico7
07-10-2011, 06:29 AM
But a worthy subject. Can you color them? Does paint stick?

HueyPilotVN
07-10-2011, 06:42 AM
I doubt that paint would stick. They might have different colors available that are mixed in with the plastic during manufacture. I have only seen white ones.

Sal-XK
07-10-2011, 07:16 AM
Does anyone have a link or something so I can check these out

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 07:38 AM
I'll look for a link, but they just bought a sheet and cut to size. I soon as I find one Ill post it. Cheap, flexable, and durrable. Godd enough for me.

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 07:46 AM
Here is the only one I have found so far.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbuild/129_0503_lexus_gx470_front_differential_upgrade_pr oblem/index.html

Matt
07-10-2011, 07:58 AM
This idea came up quite a few years ago on another forum i was on.

For mud, water, snow and even sand, its a good idea. But I wouldn't go that route for rocks. Not that the material isn't durable enough, more so that you want something that'll easily "slide" on rocks without galling.

Matt
07-10-2011, 08:00 AM
Though they did use it on rocks per the article... It just doesn't sit well with me.

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 08:58 AM
Yeah but if they stole the idea from Rock Racing, I would think that they would hold up fairly well. I'm trying to get pricing on a sheet now, I think I am going to build a couple of my own skid plates to save money.

Matt
07-10-2011, 09:17 AM
That is true. I wish they went into more detail on the benefits over steel... other than easier cutting and modifying. Maybe it retains its shape better?

Looking forward to seeing your setup. Let us know how pricing works out.

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 09:47 AM
The 16x20
http://www.instawares.com/Cutting-Board-Plastic-20in-x-15in.CBWT-1520.0.7.htm

and the multi color and size
http://www.cuttingboardcompany.com/index.asp


another one
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=20364&Page=1&utm_id=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

dman726749

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 09:47 AM
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255405&highlight=plastic+skid+plate

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286225&highlight=plastic+skid+plate

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243638&highlight=plastic+skid+plate

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=238070&highlight=plastic+skid+plate

Matt
07-10-2011, 09:52 AM
I don't feel like reading a bunch of threads on pirate. Cliff notes?

Holaday07 4.7
07-10-2011, 10:38 AM
Just started in on them, basically some prefer steel, some of the guys really like low cost and east to work with of the plastics. Plus they dont rust, need maitinance, and can be switched out fairly easily. Going to buy a sheet and see where it goes from there

Little Evil
07-10-2011, 11:31 AM
HDPE is an alternative to steel, and from what I can find, looks like it comes in opaque, white, yellow, and black. I would rather have a stainless skid plate, just my thoughts. I know HDPE is used with ATV's but I'm not sure having a 5000 pound vehicle coming down on a plastic skid plate is going to work.

Matt
07-10-2011, 11:43 AM
Are you saying that HDPE is equivalent to steel?? Or by "alternate" do you just mean "another option"?

It's definitely not equivalent, but it does have some high strength applications.

TrialByFire
07-10-2011, 01:19 PM
My biggest concern would be that HDPE is flamable! You would have to be carefull where it is used. Also, it is not bendable like steel (w/o heating it at least). It would have to be at least 4 times as thick as steel to have anywhere near the same strength (3/4" to 1" I suspect) which might cut clearance.

Little Evil
07-10-2011, 05:12 PM
Are you saying that HDPE is equivalent to steel?? Or by "alternate" do you just mean "another option"?

It's definitely not equivalent, but it does have some high strength applications.

HDPE is the type of plastic that was used at a skid plate. I was just saying that it is an option, just not an option I would use. Imagaine one of your front tires slipping off a rock and said plastic skid lands on another rock. Is that going to save your radiator? I would much rather have a metal skid plate.

Holaday07 4.7
07-11-2011, 03:58 AM
Hey I just thought these were cool. [I] think people use them over the top of a metal fram or skid plave to make it slicker. Being that they have no heat rating, I guess I'll see if these can be used or not.

Omelet
08-04-2011, 05:41 PM
I have seen guys have success with using a thin piece (maybe .25") bolted to an aluminum skid. The plastic slides well over rocks which is the only down side of aluminum. So this combo gives you a strong, light weight, and corrosion free skid plate that will still slide over the rocks. I have been thinking of getting one of ASFIR's skids and bolting some plastic under it then wheeling with the intent to punish the combo to truly test it out. Not sure when I will get the chance to do this though so don't wait for me. I can't afford it at this time.

cico7
08-04-2011, 07:26 PM
Hey I just thought these were cool. [I] think people use them over the top of a metal fram or skid plave to make it slicker. Being that they have no heat rating, I guess I'll see if these can be used or not.

How would that work over the gas tank skid?
I want to get a pair of these for my PopUp to support the rear legs, keep from sinking on the dirt.

Holaday07 4.7
08-05-2011, 04:08 AM
How would that work over the gas tank skid?
I want to get a pair of these for my PopUp to support the rear legs, keep from sinking on the dirt.

High Lift makes a base that lets you use it in really soft sand and mud, that would probably work really well for support on a popup camper leg as well. Just an idea, but since its name brand it might be expensive.

cico7
08-05-2011, 04:25 AM
High Lift makes a base that lets you use it in really soft sand and mud, that would probably work really well for support on a popup camper leg as well. Just an idea, but since its name brand it might be expensive.
i saw these at trailswest (http://trailswestonline.com) and they were pricy. $20 each.

Holaday07 4.7
08-05-2011, 05:41 AM
i saw these at trailswest (http://trailswestonline.com) and they were pricy. $20 each.

Gotcha we always used a chunk of 2x6 treated wood.