Alum or steel?

[Java]

If you live in a high corrosion state like Michigan is steel going to be better than aluminum?

 

[swoop1156]

Steel can rust and Aluminum can oxidize. Being from Michigan my whole life, I'd take Aluminum. But, keep it clean in the winter time and free from standing salt and you'll be fine. Never had a problem in my 20+ years of Michigan winters.

 

[IRONMAN]

Steel can rust and Aluminum can oxidize. Being from Michigan my whole life, I'd take Aluminum. But, keep it clean in the winter time and free from standing salt and you'll be fine. Never had a problem in my 20+ years of Michigan winters.

What she said.

 

[swoop1156]

What she said.

Hey, what... It heats up faster and is smoother without the burrs.

 

[HeftyFabworks]

Steel is stronger. Aluminum is lighter.

Steel will take much more abuse and allow the truck to slide off of rocks. Aluminum will take a hit but does not slide easily, it will dig in. Basically our suggestion is that if you are hitting the underside of your Raptor with anything more than sand, dirt and yucca plants steel is a better choice. If you are concerned with the weight of steel and are racing your truck in the desert go with aluminum....

Now to corrosion. Rust can be a concern with steel. Our powder coating option includes a zinc primer coat which will greatly increase its resistance to rust. However, It is still steel and will rust eventually. The skid plates are much thicker than your truck frame and in the same environment should last at least as long if not longer.