Hey guys, I wanted to pop in with an update on the skid plates! It was great talking with
@CJTEX yesterday and he pointed me towards this thread.
So the previous skid plate design functioned great when installed and was a really interesting part to make! With that said it had some real downsides; installing it kind of sucked, they were extremely time intensive to make, and they involved a lot of vendors and unique processes that just isn't conducive to the logistics issues we've been living with. We never had them in stock and were always built as backorders and it drove me nuts. I started earlier this year on new designs for the Gas and Diesel trucks that were intended to tackle those problems and offer some improvements (even if they weren't needed, if there was an opening for an improvement I went for it). Somewhere around that time we also found that the new 21+ trucks have some scab brackets welded right over one of the original mounting points for who knows what reason. After I started the new designs and found the 21+ years couldn't run the original skids I decided to just stop sales on the original design and stay focused on the new models.
The new models are an entirely new design - this is a generational improvement rather than an adjustment to the original model. With the new designs, the biggest improvements are that installation is now very easy, manufacturability is hugely improved despite the complexity of the mounting design, service is much easier (especially to the transmission), and we now have a Diesel model. With manufacturing so much improved we'll be stocking these new skid plates. The initial launch I'm sure we won't have as much stock as we have demand based on my contact list but we know to plan for that so we can stage production for it.
I can't share pictures or too many specifics yet, but I've seen what some of you do with your trucks so we made these with .250" HRPO Steel and these things are going to be BEEF CAKE. I'll also share that based on the complexity of the new design and our material costs tripling since 12 months ago, pricing isn't finalized but it will be higher than the previous models. The new models are designed to work with the OEM protection elements and the Maple Offroad protection parts just like the original model, should you have or want any of those (Transfer Case guard, 3-bar Power Wagon skid, Maple 3-bar Replacement Skid).
I'm stoked to get these running! Thanks guys!
Marcus Dethloff