Best Skid Plates for the Ford F-150 (2015-2027): Materials and Brands Compared.

The right F-150 skid plate depends on how you drive: aluminum saves weight and won't rust, steel is heavier and needs its coating kept intact, and the more time you spend off pavement, the more of the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank you want covered.

Jump to: Materials · Coverage · Brands · Our plates · What to ask · Care · FAQ

Aluminum vs steel

Most F-150 skid plates are aluminum or steel. Thickness is usually listed in inches for aluminum and in gauge for steel.

What coverage you need

A 2015-2027 F-150 has four areas worth protecting: the engine and oil pan, the transmission and catalytic converters, the transfer case on 4x4 trucks, and the fuel tank. Start where your driving puts the risk.

Some F-150s leave the factory with light plates or shields depending on trim and package. Check what your truck has before ordering; our factory vs aftermarket guide covers the difference.

The main F-150 skid plate brands

Specs below come from each brand's own product listings as of October 2026. Product lines change, so check the brand's site before buying.

All three are established names in truck armor.

Our F-150 plates

Our 2015-2027 plates fit both the 13th and 14th generation, because the two share the mounting points we bolt to. They bolt on with no drilling and ship with Grade 8 steel hardware.

• 2015-2027 F-150 Full Skid Plate Package
• Engine Skid Plate: oil pan, front differential, intercooler and power steering rack. For 2021 and newer trucks, choose the version that keeps the factory active air dam or remove the air dam for more coverage.
• Transmission Skid Plate & Cat Shield: transmission pan and catalytic converters. PowerBoost trucks get an extra plate because the transmission sits further back. The 2027 3.0L EcoBoost isn't covered yet.
• Transfer Case Skid Plate: 4x4 only; not for trucks with a 4" or larger lift.
• Gas Tank Skid Plate: fits the 26 and 36 gallon tanks; does not fit PowerBoost models.

The engine and transmission plates have holes for draining oil without removing them. Raptor owners have a separate 2017-2027 Raptor package, and older trucks have the 2009-2014 package. See every option in our F-150 skid plate collection.

Each plate is cut from 1/4" 5052-H32 aluminum on a CNC plasma table, formed on a press brake, MIG welded where a weld is needed, and powder coated in our Wheat Ridge, Colorado shop. Every plate carries our Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.

Questions to ask any skid plate maker

Once material and coverage are settled, these details decide how a plate lives on your truck:

• Thickness: is it the same across the whole kit?
• Mounting: factory mounting points, brackets, or drilling?
• Service access: can you drain the oil and reach the filter with the plate on? See changing oil with skid plates.
• Fitment: which years, drivetrains, engines and trims? Raptor, Tremor and PowerBoost trucks differ from a standard F-150.
• Hardware: what grade are the included bolts?
• Finish: how does it hold up to road salt?
• Warranty and origin: what are the terms, and where is it made?

Our product pages answer these for each plate; call the shop with anything that isn't covered.

Caring for skid plates

Rinse the underside after winter driving on salted roads, especially around the fasteners. Check bolt tightness after the first few trail runs and after any hard hit. Look the plates over at each oil change for deep gouges or bent edges near mounting points. A scuffed bottom is normal and means the plate did its job.

FAQ

Do 2015-2020 and 2021+ F-150s use the same skid plates?

Ours do. One set fits 2015-2027.

Is 1/4" aluminum strong enough?

It is the thickness we build all our truck armor from, because it balances stiffness and weight.

Can I buy one plate now and add the rest later?

Yes. Each plate is sold on its own, and the package bundles them.

Can I install F-150 skid plates myself?

Yes. They bolt to factory mounting points with the included hardware. Jack stands or a lift and a helper make it easier. Prefer not to? Our Wheat Ridge shop installs them.