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Trusted Gear for Serious Off-Roaders!
Trusted Gear for Serious Off-Roaders!

RCI Offroad Engine Skid Plate For 2019-2024 Subaru Forester

SKU CROSSFOREST-19-ENGINE-ALBK
Save $39.00
Original Price $389.00
Current Price $350.00

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Lightweight & Strong

CNC laser-cut from 3/16-inch 5052 aluminum, providing heavy-duty impact protection at just 16 lbs without sagging your front suspension.

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No-Drill Installation

Engineered for a direct, hassle-free bolt-on installation using existing factory mounting points for a perfect factory-level fit.

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Smart Functional Design

Features integrated oil access ports for easy maintenance and reinforced edges to provide maximum rigidity against heavy impacts.

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Corrosion-Free Finish

Rust-proof aluminum construction with a durable black powder coat ensures long-lasting protection that survives salt, mud, and debris.

Description

RCI Offroad Engine Skid Plate - Subaru Forester (2019-2024)

Heavy-Duty 3/16" Aluminum. Precision CNC Cut. 100% Bolt-On Protection.

Professional Grade Armor for Your Forester

The RCI Offroad Engine Skid Plate for the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester is the ultimate insurance policy for your vehicle's undercarriage. While the Forester is marketed as a rugged adventurer, its factory "protection" consists of a thin plastic splash guard designed more for aerodynamics than actual impact resistance.

Proudly manufactured in Colorado, USA, this skid plate is crafted from 3/16” 5052 aluminum to shield your engine, oil pan, and front cross-members from rocks, stumps, and road debris. It’s a direct replacement for the flimsy OEM unit, offering professional-grade defense without the heavy weight of steel.

The Problem & The Solution:

The Pain: Most Forester owners only realize their factory plastic guard is useless after a rock has already punctured the oil pan, leading to a stranded vehicle and thousands in engine repairs.
The RCI Solution: We provide a Trail-Tested aluminum shield with a smooth, snag-free bottom that allows you to glide over obstacles while keeping your engine's heart safe.

RCI Offroad Engine Skid Plate for Subaru Forester 2019-2024 Underbody
Key Features: RCI Forester Armor

Bolt-On Installation

No drilling or cutting required. Uses existing factory mounting points for a secure and easy DIY setup.

Service-Ready

Built-in oil drain access holes allow you to change your oil without ever having to remove the skid plate.

Recessed Hardware

Bolts are seated in recessed surrounds, protecting the heads from being sheared off by trail impacts.

Structural Rigidity

Reinforced edges between cross-members increase impact resistance and prevent bending under heavy loads.

Turbo Compatible

Designed to fit all 2019-2024 trim levels, including turbocharged variants and the Forester Wilderness.

Cooling Efficiency

Precision-engineered to maintain optimal airflow and ensure your engine components don't overheat on hot trail days.

Black Powder Coat

The durable black epoxy powder coat finish resists corrosion, salt, and mud, ensuring long-lasting aesthetics.

Lightweight Armor

At only 16 lbs, this aluminum plate provides massive protection without sagging your front suspension.

Tested in the Rockies, Built to Last

We don't believe in universal fitments. The RCI Forester Engine Skid Plate is contoured specifically to the Gen 5 Forester chassis. By using 3/16" 5052 aluminum, we provide a rust-proof solution that is significantly stronger than plastic and much more durable than thin-gauge steel alternatives.

16 lbs Total Weight 3/16" Aluminum Thickness 100% Bolt-On Design USA Made in Colorado
Forester Skid Plate Installed View

Forester Wilderness Owner Review ★★★★★

"The factory 'skid' on the Wilderness edition is better than the plastic one, but it's still pretty thin and leaves parts of the cross-member exposed. I swapped it for the RCI plate and it's a night-and-day difference in thickness and coverage. Best of all, I can still change my own oil without dropping the whole plate. Totally worth the investment."

- Greg M., Forester Wilderness Owner

Protection Investment vs. Repair Reality Check

$850+ Oil Pan Replacement $3,500+ Engine Block Damage $300+ Towing & Recovery One-Time RCI Armor Investment

*Estimates based on average dealership repair costs. Don't let a $2 rock end your trip.

Why Upgrade to RCI?

Feature RCI Engine Skid Plate Generic / OEM Splash Guard
Material ✓ 3/16" 5052 Aluminum ✗ Thin Plastic / Brittle Aluminum
Service Access ✓ Built-in Oil Drain Port ✗ Requires Removal
Hardware ✓ Recessed Bolt Heads ✗ Exposed Plastic Clips
Construction ✓ Reinforced Edges Standard Flat Plastic
Origin ✓ Made in USA Imported Mass Plastic
Fitment: 2019-2024 Subaru Forester

Designed specifically for the 5th Generation Forester (SK) chassis. Compatible with the following:

Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, & Touring Wilderness Edition Turbo and Non-Turbo Models

Note: Not compatible with aftermarket sub-frame drop kits. For overseas (non-US) models, please contact us for confirmation.

Subaru Offroad Capability with RCI Armor

Complete Hardware Kit Included

3/16" Aluminum Skid
Black Powder Coated Finish
Mounting Brackets
Precision laser-cut steel
Grade 8.8 Hardware
High-strength bolts and washers
Install Guide
Simple step-by-step instructions

Installation Guide

Subaru 18 Crosstrek Engine Skid Installation Guide R1

CA Residents: ⚠️ WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Will this affect my ground clearance?

The RCI skid plate is designed to fit as tight as possible to the subframe. While you technically lose about 1/4" compared to the paper-thin plastic guard, you gain a smooth sliding surface that effectively makes the vehicle more capable in rough terrain.

+ Do I need to remove the plate for every oil change?

No. The RCI Engine Skid Plate features a precision-cut opening for the oil drain plug, allowing for standard maintenance without the labor of removing the armor.

+ Is the installation easy for one person?

Yes. At only 16 lbs, it is very easy for one person to handle. It is a 100% bolt-on process that can usually be completed in about 30 minutes with basic hand tools.

+ Will the aluminum rust if it gets scratched?

No. Aluminum does not rust like steel. Even if you scratch the powder coat while sliding over a rock, the underlying 5052 aluminum will remain structurally sound and corrosion-resistant.

+ Does this work with the turbocharged XT model?

Yes, the design accounts for the specific underbody layout of turbocharged Forester models, including the necessary airflow for engine cooling.

Prop 65

California Residents

Prop 65 Warning- Product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Proposition 65 is a California law passed in 1986. Its goals are to protect drinking water sources from toxic substances that may cause cancer and birth defects and to reduce or eliminate exposures to those chemicals generally, for example in consumer products, by requiring warnings in advance of those exposures.

The regulation requires the State of California to revise and republish yearly a list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. The current list contains over 900 naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals. This regulation also requires manufacturers to place warnings on products that contain any of the chemicals listed by the State of California. No other states require warnings of this nature, and products with Prop 65 warning language are legal to sell in all states. Detailed information regarding requirements for compliance to the California Prop. 65 is can be found at: www.P65Warning.ca.gov

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ExtrailAuto.

RCI Offroad Engine Skid Plate For 2019-2024 Subaru Forester

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