Rival Skid plate: One Month Review

[Geo8866]

I installed a Rival skid plate about a month ago. Since it appears to be extremely popular (based on being on backorder), I just wanted to give an overview.

PROS:
* I have had skid plates on numerous vehicles and this has to be one of the best made pieces I ever purchased. It is solid, flawless, and a perfect fit (With one exception. See Cons.)
*Installation was a breeze and the instructions were perfect. I'm 62, did it alone, and it took at most 45 minutes.
*Rival's customer service was incredibly. I was accidentally given an obsolete parts package, which was short two bolts. I contacted them by email at 4 pm and the bolts were at my house by 10 am the following day.

CONS:
*So I have a 2025 XLT eco and as stated above, there was one fitment issue. After a 50 mile drive, I went under the vehicle to check my work and noticed that one of the rivet nuts for the oil drain door was rubbing on the oil pan right below the drain plug. (See photos one and two.) It left some minor cosmetic marks. I contacted Rival and again, their excellent customer service advised me to grind down the rivet nut. It now fits fine. (See photos three and four.) Rival did say that they did not experience this issue with other 2025s so it is possible it is specific to my truck.
*Now here's the biggest negative that left me scratching my head asking "Why?". I bought this specifically to make oil changes easier. I do not off-road so damage was not a major concern. As you see in the photos, the oil drain plug is right on the edge of the opening, meaning oil will hit the edge as it drains. Rival suggests using a funnel during oil changes. Why wouldn't they move that opening one inch forward and one inch to the right to make it perfectly located for oil changes? This adjustment would also eliminate the need to grind down a rivet nut.

Due to its construction, I would still give it an 8 out of 10. Since it is so simple to remove and replace, I might completely remove it for oil changes. And one installation tip: The instructions say to remove the front factory cage nuts holding on the felt factory cover. Remove them all because they rattle. When I took the plate off to grind the rivet nut, I corrected this issue.

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[mepot101]

I installed the Rival on my 24 Hybrid, and did not have the issues you had. I imagine the hybrid vs EB makes a difference.
I also installed the Valvo-Max drain plug system, and that will make oil changes easy.
Having to remove the entire plate would negate the advantage of having the plate. Less bolts, but still............

 

[Geo8866]

I installed the Rival on my 24 Hybrid, and did not have the issues you had. I imagine the hybrid vs EB makes a difference.
I also installed the Valvo-Max drain plug system, and that will make oil changes easy.
Having to remove the entire plate would negate the advantage of having the plate. Less bolts, but still............

You are correct about the plate removal. I’m going to look into the valvo-Max system. Thanks

 

[Blue316]

I also installed the Rival plate with Valvo Max drain. No idea yet how it will all work out. Still less than 5k.
But all in all I’m happy with the results at this point.

 

[mshapeer]

I installed the Rival plate with my first oil change. Based on another post, I purchased a small funnel at WalMart - 97 cents for my second oil change

Extended the length of the funnel and cut off the narrow end to increase flow. Part way through oil drain as the steam starts to decrease, lift funnel to oil plug hole.

Rival includes suggestion to use funnel on their web site.

 

[Snox801]

I went to intal mine tonight on my 24
Everything g went as instructed till I got to the back bolts. My front ones were not threaded so I used the included hardware. Went to the back and it calls for the insert nut and m6 bolt. Absolutely zero chance I can get the insert nut into the space. Then noticed my truck is threaded in the back for an m8 bolt.

lol wtf ford. Some are some are not .no big deal I just need to grab another set of m8 bolts and I’m in business.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Try the valvo-Max system

 

[Snox801]

Well edit that last one. After looking it’s common on to have either. Rival says it may be but they did not send me 4 m8 just two.
Well maybe later this week I can get that on. At least they are easy to source

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