All-Pro Off-Road Gas Tank Skid Plate Install & Review: Protect Your Tacoma’s Fuel Tank Off-Road
When you’re off-roading, rocks, stumps, and ruts don’t care how vital your fuel system is. One bad hit to your gas tank can leave you stranded miles from the nearest road and facing a costly repair bill. The 3rd Gen Tacoma’s stock plastic gas tank guard offers little more than cosmetic coverage, so if you’re serious about trail protection, an upgrade is worth considering. That’s where the All-Pro Off-Road gas tank skid plate comes in, a simple, tough, and quick-to-install piece of armor designed to take the hits your OEM shield can’t.
Tacoma Gas Tank Skid Plate Summary
Fits: Toyota Tacoma (3rd Gen) - direct OEM plastic skid replacement
Material: Heavy-duty steel, raw or black powder coat
Protection: Frame-mounted for maximum impact resistance
Install Time: ~30 minutes (faster and easier with two people)
Why it’s worth it: Prevents costly fuel tank damage on trails.
Where to buy: Check out the All-Pro Off-Road gas tank skid plate for the Tacoma for current pricing and finish options
Why Your Tacoma’s OEM Gas Tank Protection Isn’t Enough
Your gas tank holds the lifeblood of your truck; damage it on the trail and you’re in for a very expensive, trip-ending problem. On the 3rd Gen Tacoma, the OEM “skid plate” is actually thin plastic that offers little real protection against rocks or stumps.
That’s where the All-Pro Off-Road gas tank skid plate comes in. Made from heavy-gauge steel, it’s designed to take hits so your tank doesn’t have to.
Product Overview
The All-Pro skid plate is a direct replacement for the OEM plastic piece. Key upgrades include:
Steel Construction: Available in raw or corrosion-resistant black powder coat.
Frame Mounting: Unlike the OEM plate that bolts to the tank, this mounts directly to the frame for better impact absorption.
Complete Kit: Includes all necessary mounting hardware.
Installation – Step-by-Step
Tools Needed:
Ratchet, 12mm & 14mm sockets, 14mm wrench, breaker bar (optional)
Step 1. Remove OEM Skid Plate
Remove the OEM plastic skid plate using a 12mm socket to remove the four nuts holding it in place. Then, insert the two provided nut plates into the frame cross member (towards the front of the truck).
Once the nut plates are in place, position the front of the All-Pro gas tank skid plate to the front original frame holes and thread the two supplied bolts in (hand-tight only).
Step 2. Install Driver Side L-Bracket
Remove the frame bolt above the gas tank on the driver’s side using a 12mm socket. You may need a breaker bar to get this loose.
Next, install the driver-side L-bracket where you just removed the bolt. The driver-side L-bracket is the shorter of the two in the hardware kit.
Step 3. Attach Skid Plate to Driver Side L-Bracket
Using a supplied bolt and nut, mount the skid plate to the driver-side L-bracket. You can fully tighten this bolt to hold the skid plate in place.
Step 4. Install Passenger Side L-Bracket
Install the longer L-bracket using the empty hole above the gas tank, closer to the passenger side, with a bolt, washer, and nut.
Step 5. Attach Skid Plate to Passenger Side L-Bracket
Similar to the driver-side, attach the skid plate to the L-bracket and fully tighten the bolt. You can also tighten the front mounting bolts that were left-hand tight in Step 1.
Tip: While it can be installed solo, having a friend hold the plate in position makes the job easier.
Real-World Use & Impressions
I’ll admit I wasn’t convinced at first; my truck came with “protection” from the factory. But after seeing the OEM piece side-by-side with the All-Pro, the difference in strength is night and day.
Install: Quick and straightforward
Appearance: Looks factory-tough under the truck
Peace of mind: I no longer cringe when hearing a scrape under the truck
While I haven’t completely smashed the gas tank again rocks yet (and hope I never do), the solid feel and frame-mounted design tell me it could take a serious hit without transferring damage to the tank.
Final Thoughts
If you take your Tacoma off pavement, even occasionally, the All-Pro Off-Road gas tank skid plate is inexpensive insurance. It protects a critical and costly component, installs easily, and will likely pay for itself the first time it saves your tank from a trail obstacle.
FAQ
Q1: Does the All-Pro Off-Road gas tank skid plate fit all Tacoma models?
It’s designed for 3rd Gen Tacomas and directly replaces the OEM gas tank skid plate. Always check fitment for your specific year.
Q2: Can I install the All-Pro skid plate alone?
Yes, I did the install by myself, but having a second person helps position the plate while you bolt it down.
Q3: How much does the skid plate weigh?
All-Pro doesn’t specifically mention the weight of the gas tank skid plate, but it is much heavier than the OEM plastic one. With that being said, it’s still manageable for a single person to handle during installation.
Q4: Is powder coating worth it?
Yes, the black powder coat helps prevent rust, especially if you drive in wet or salty conditions. The skid plate is made from steel, so getting the uncoated version will rust very quickly.
