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Deep Stamped 1/4" Aluminum Armor. 100% Bolt-On. Ultimate Oil Pan Protection.
Engineered for the Modern ExplorerThe RIVAL 4X4 Engine Skid Plate is the definitive upgrade for the 2025-Current Subaru Forester owner who refuses to let a stray rock end their journey. While Subaru's Symmetrical AWD can take you almost anywhere, the factory plastic splash shield is often the "weakest link" when things get technical.
Crafted from 1/4-inch (6mm) thick aluminum alloy, this plate provides heavy-duty protection without the heavy-duty weight of traditional steel. It is laser-cut and deep-stamped to provide a high-strength, precision-fit barrier between the ground and your Forester's vulnerable engine and oil pan.
The Problem & The Solution:The Pain: Modern Subaru engines sit low. A single sharp rock can puncture an oil pan, leading to thousands in engine damage and a ruined weekend.
The RIVAL Solution: A lightweight, 24 lb marine-grade aluminum shield that replaces the flimsy plastic guard with a No-Drill, 100% Bolt-On installation that won't rust.
Key Features: RIVAL Underbody Protection
Heavy-duty 6mm aluminum provides maximum impact resistance while remaining 30% lighter than steel plates.
Marine-grade aluminum won't rust or oxidize, even if the matte metallic silver powder coating gets gouged on rocks.
Direct installation to existing factory mounting ports. Keeps your Forester's resale value high with zero drilling.
Recessed mounting bolts prevent "hang-ups" and head damage when sliding over obstacles on the trail.
Integrated vent slots maintain critical engine airflow, while drainage apertures prevent mud and water buildup.
Stiffening and reinforcing ribs are stamped into the plate to ensure maximum strength without adding excess bulk.
Designed with oil and filter change ports (model dependent) to allow servicing without removing the entire plate.
Laser-cut specifically for the 2025-2026 Forester chassis to ensure a rattle-free, flush mounting experience.
Superior Durability, Zero CompromiseWe don't just fold flat sheets of metal. RIVAL utilizes deep stamping techniques that create complex shapes, significantly increasing the plate's structural integrity. Each plate is coated in a Zinc Primer followed by Matte Metallic Silver Powder Coating for ultimate protection against the elements.
24 lbs Total Weight 1/4" (6mm) Alloy Thickness Matte Silver Premium Finish No-Drill Installation
"I took my 2025 Forester on some rocky forest roads last weekend. Hearing a large stone smack the underside usually makes me wince, but with the RIVAL plate, I just kept going. It's solid, didn't rattle on the highway, and looks way better than the plastic tray Subaru gives you."
- Mark S., Forester Owner & Weekend Adventurer Installation & Maintenance NotesNote: We recommend using a funnel with this skid plate when changing the oil to prevent spills. Important: It is good practice to use a tap on all included hardware to ensure ease of final assembly.
*Repair costs are estimates. Does not include lost adventure time or rental car costs.*
| Feature | RIVAL Aluminum Plate | Factory Plastic Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Material | ✓ 1/4" (6mm) Aluminum | ✗ Thin Composite Plastic |
| Impact Rating | ✓ High (Stiffening Ribs) | ✗ Minimal (Splash Only) |
| Corrosion Resistance | ✓ Excellent (Non-Rusting) | ✓ Neutral |
| Hardware | ✓ Concealed Fittings | ✗ Exposed Plastic Clips |
| Installation | ✓ 100% Bolt-On | ✓ Bolt-On |
Specifically engineered for the latest generation Forester chassis. Fits the following models:
2025- Present Subaru Forester AWDPairs well with: RIVAL Aluminum Transmission Skid Plate (fits 2020-2026 models) for complete underbody coverage.
CA Residents: ⚠️ WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
The RIVAL skid plate is designed with oil drain ports. However, to ensure a clean process and avoid oil collecting on the plate, we recommend using a funnel when draining the oil.
No. Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion. Unlike steel, it will not rust or degrade when exposed to salt and moisture, even if the surface finish is scratched.
The RIVAL plate is deep-stamped to sit as flush as possible to the vehicle's components. You will lose negligible ground clearance compared to the factory plastic shield, while gaining massive protection.
This skid plate is designed to be fitted instead of the factory plastic shield. You will remove the plastic tray and use the RIVAL plate for superior structural protection.
Yes. RIVAL designs their plates to bolt directly into existing factory mounting points on the Forester's frame. No drilling or permanent modification to your Subaru is required.
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
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.
The wait time was more than I anticipated even after seeing the notification of long lead times. I have to give them props for giving some compensation for the excessive wait time. Having slightly larger holes would help with fitment. Had a hard time getting the front drivers side away from the pinch weld. Eventually had to use washers to add space away from the truck. Need to update pictures and instalation video for the new sliders they are now making
All packing and shipment were great, everything was there. I had to contract out the install because of arthritis, it took them two hours and looks perfect. Zero wind noise at any speed 0 to 100.
Absolutely love my new rack and roam cases. Appreciate the Sherpa crew as well for their hospitality while the installation was taking place.
Fit and finish is excellent. Looks great on the Bronco. No whistling noise at all, some additional wind noise over 60mph but not much different than it was without the rack. Assembly was not too difficult. Instructions and videos could be a little better.
The quality and dedication of the team at Sherpa is evident from the very first interaction with them, and is further proven in the product itself. This rack is well engineered, easy to assemble, easy to adjust, and holds up incredibly well with no loosening or rattling or shifting (even after over 200 miles of driving on poorly maintained roads). Currently operating with approximately 180 pounds of gear mounted on the bed rack and no issues at all so far. I expected the vibration to work the bolts loose over time, but every time I check they're all still snug. My only regret is that I didn't pull the trigger and get this rack sooner.
First of all, the team at Sherpa is full of passion for adventure and that passion shows in the quality of their products. This roof rack looks incredible and surprised me with it's sturdiness. No loosening of hardware, even after weeks of driving. Currently holding approximately 80 pounds of gear for everyday driving, plus an additional 110 strapped on top during a camping trip (and I even stood on top of the entire loadout). No warping, bending, twisting, or slipping. The fact that this matches the bed rack perfectly in height is the icing on the cake. Easily serves as a tie off for a tarp, rain fly, hammock, or whatever you need. Perfect for modular campsite setup and quick teardown.
I bought the Sherpa Crestone rack for my 2024 4Runner TRD Pro. Incredibly well-made and excellent design. Spend the extra , to get best roof rack in the market. You won’t regret it.
This is our first roof rack that we are going to use to put a RRT (roof top tent) on for back country trips. Well-built product that came with all the nuts, bolts and washers to complete the installation. Took about 1-1/2 to 2 hours install the rack. You will another person to help place the racks on top of the Jeep for final install. Overall, a great, well-built American product
Install was super easy. The quality was great. Customer service was quick to respond to any issues! I’ve already been getting compliments on it and what brand it is. This will be great for camping this year!
This is on my tundra absolutely solid rack looks fantastic extremely modular, which is why I went this route. I can use the whole rack when traveling and over landing then rock the chase rack only when the rest is not in use, I actually use the recovery traction board mounts for my shower room set up, which works amazingly just relocated the board somewhere shown in picture keep innovating TUWAand I’ll keep purchasing.
Good looking cat shields made of stainless steel with cooling holes. Priced well, easy install, no issues. Would buy again.
Great service from their staff. Robert help me through all the process with a request I had, he responded all emails in a timely manner and provided great help.
We received it within 3 days and installed the same day. Great awning and very well made.
the tent is very nice, comfortable and roomy.
Following the instructions was fairly easy. Its better to have second person to set it up. I really like the tent and the support that from ExtrailAuto. Really recommeded! Thanks
